What is the going rate to pay a lawyer and does the customer have any say so about how the money is paid? -

There is no, quot;going ratequot;. Variables include: 1) How much time it will take; 2) Will working for you affect his getting other work--this can mean getting more, or less; 3) Does the problem require special knowledge, such as tax work, patent work; 4) How do you and he get along--some people don t like each other, but may work together if it s worthwhile; 5) Does your problem involve getting the lawyer into a field that interests the lawyer. The customer has every right to propose any payment method which is legal, and the lawyer has the right to accept or decline any payment offered. I suggest that you talk to the lawyer and if you feel good about working with him or her, start talking about pay. If you don t feel good, not hypnotized, but good--say thank you and go elsewhere.

Well, there might be research and discovery to review which takes time and attention to intricate details depending on the case. If you don t like the lawyer s rates, you can fire him/her and get a new one. Did you sign a fee agreement? EDIT: $175/hour is a very reasonable rate. If you live in a big city where cost of living is higher or have a high profile case (such as a serious felony or large corporate case), it can easily cost more.