by Judy Joyce

Created on: December 30, 2009

Many times clients will be confused about a long list of names assigned to fees, costs, and expenses associated with a legal case. That the client is usually asking when inquiring about attorney’s fees is "what will this whole thing cost me?"

An initial concern for the client must be to distinguish whether they need to be defended against something or if they are the ones making a claim. It is not common for a private practice attorney to finance a case for the client. More common is the Law Firm with the resources to free up an attorney to work without pay. Such financing is not allowed except in a Civil case. In a Criminal case, the court will provide an attorney if the client is indigent.

Starting Point for Attorney’s Fees - Nature of Client’s Role in a Case

After establishing the nature of a clients role in a case, the client must inform the attorney of the nature of the case. For this, an interview with the attorney is necessary. Some original interviews are without charge. More often than not, there will be an initial consultation fee. What that fee will be is based on the economy of the area in which the the attorney practices.

What the Bill Will Include

The next matters that determine what needs to be paid for are the following:

1. Where Case is Filed

2. Admissible Evidence Assessment

2. Fees

3. Costs

4. Expenses

Where the Case is Filed

If the client is a defending party to any case, where the case is filed against the client is a major factor in establishing what the Bill will be. The client must consider whether or not the attorney taking the case must travel to another jurisdiction.

If the client is filing the suit there will be rules about jurisdiction that must be followed that determine where the case will take place. An attorney who practices close to the courthouse can be a plus for the client when it comes to what must be paid. However, a highly skilled attorney handling the matter at hand can cost less if bringing the case to a close is in the hands of the client who is the one who files. A good negotiator can also help to bring a case to a close when the client needs to be defended.

The Most Expensive Part of Any Case - Admissible Evidence Assessment

Clients are often naive when it comes to what is needed in a case. The very most important part of any case is the evidence. Being right in a Civil matter or being innocent in a criminal one does not carry weight in a courtroom. The client withevidence including eye witnesses

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