Why Lawyer Fee Structures Vary
There’s no single pricing model for attorneys. Instead, most lawyers in San Antonio use one of these approaches:
- Hourly billing
- Flat fees
- Contingency fees
- Retainers or hybrids
The structure usually depends on:
- The complexity of your case
- Whether litigation is involved
- The lawyer’s area of practice
👉 Not sure what kind of legal help you need? Start here: What Type of Lawyer Do I Need?
Hourly Fees
This is the most common model for ongoing legal work, including:
- Divorce or custody cases
- Civil litigation
- Business disputes
You’ll be billed for each hour (or portion of an hour) the attorney works on your case — including phone calls, emails, court appearances, and research.
Average Hourly Rate in San Antonio:
- 💲$150–$400+ depending on experience and specialty
Ask up front:
- What is your hourly rate?
- Do you charge for paralegal time?
- How do you track and invoice billable hours?
Flat Fees
A flat fee is a set amount for a clearly defined legal task. This is common for:
- Simple wills or trusts
- Uncontested divorces
- Traffic tickets
- LLC formation
Flat fees make budgeting easier, but they usually only cover specific services. If your case gets more complicated, additional costs may apply.
📌 Always request a breakdown of what’s included.
Contingency Fees
With a contingency fee, you only pay if your lawyer wins your case. These are common in:
- Personal injury
- Car accident cases
- Wrongful death
- Some employment or civil rights cases
You won’t owe anything up front — instead, the lawyer takes a percentage (usually 30–40%) of your final settlement or award.
This structure aligns your interests with your lawyer’s — but be sure to understand what happens if your case doesn’t settle.
📍 Explore: Personal Injury Lawyers in San Antonio
Retainers & Hybrid Models
Some lawyers require a retainer fee — a lump sum you pay up front, which is then drawn against as work is completed.
Others use hybrid models, such as:
- Flat fee + hourly for extra work
- Hourly for legal advice, contingency for trial
Retainers are common in:
- Criminal defense
- Family law
- Immigration cases
Always ask:
- Is the retainer refundable?
- Will I receive itemized invoices?
Other Potential Legal Costs
In addition to attorney fees, you may be responsible for:
- Court filing fees
- Service of process
- Expert witnesses
- Travel expenses
Ask your lawyer if these are included or billed separately.
What to Ask During Your Consultation
Don’t be shy — understanding costs upfront avoids future tension. Ask:
- What is your fee structure?
- Can I get an estimate of total costs?
- What happens if my case takes longer than expected?
👉 See our full list: What Should I Ask During a Lawyer Consultation?
Need Legal Help but Can’t Afford Full Fees?
If you’re on a limited income, explore:
- Legal Aid & Free Clinics in San Antonio
- Sliding-scale or limited-scope representation
- Public defenders for criminal cases
These options can offer real help — and may be better than navigating the system alone.
Find the Right Lawyer for Your Budget
Our San Antonio Lawyer Directory lets you:
- Search by practice area
- Filter by fee type (e.g., contingency or flat fee)
- Read reviews and client ratings
You deserve to understand what you’re paying for — and why.