The Essential Guide to Hiring an Attorney: What You Need to Know About Legal Fees and Contracts

Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a licensed attorney for specific legal inquiries.

To contact Craig, go to www.craigsteger.com

Welcome to my YouTube Channel! In today's live stream, Craig dives deep into the topic of lawyer fee agreements. If you've ever been confused about how lawyers get paid or what different types of fee agreements mean, this episode is for you!

What You'll Learn:

The importance of understanding lawyer fees and fee agreements.
Common types of fee agreements, including:

Contingency Fee Agreements: How they work and when they apply.
Hourly Fee Agreements: The traditional billing method.
Retainer Agreements: What they entail and their common usage.
Flat Fee Agreements: A growing trend in legal services.
Key considerations when hiring an attorney, including the importance of written agreements and understanding case expenses.
Ethical rules surrounding attorney fees and what you should know to protect yourself.

Craig also shares practical tips on hiring a lawyer, including questions to ask and what to look for in a fee agreement. Whether you're considering hiring an attorney for the first time or just want to understand the legal billing process better, this episode provides valuable insights.

Join the Conversation:

Feel free to leave your questions or comments in the chat during the live stream, or reach out to Craig directly through his website at www.craigstager.com. Don't forget to subscribe for more informative content!

Tune in every weekday at 4:30 PM Central Time for more live discussions!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Beginning
00:00:30 - Introduction and Overview
00:02:25 - Disclaimer and Legal Advice
00:02:36 - Understanding Lawyer Fee Agreements
00:03:57 - Initial Consultations and Charges
00:04:02 - Written Fee Agreements
00:06:08 - Referral Fees Explained
00:08:10 - Trust Accounts for Client Funds
00:09:37 - Ethical Rules and Fair Fees
00:11:03 - Types of Fee Agreements
00:12:50 - Contingency Fee Agreements
00:15:13 - Case Expenses in Contingency Fees
00:17:43 - Retainer Agreements
00:23:30 - Hourly Fee Agreements
00:25:06 - Advanced Fee Agreements
00:26:28 - Flat Fee Agreements
00:29:13 - Tips for Hiring an Attorney
00:31:02 - Conclusion and Q&A Invitation