Explaining Hourly Billing Practices
Hourly billing means that, the client pays for services provided by Dickson Davis Law Firm on an hourly rate. The pitfall to this billing practice is that attorneys will bill you anytime for communicating with you, meeting with you, doing legal research and writing, and representing you in court. The attorney fees based on hourly billing are subject to the lowest common denominator: The attorney's efficiency. Sometimes, hourly billing is preferable in given situations for short term needs or for issues that are not overly complex.
Here are a couple of general, professional practices guidelines for hourly billing:
- The USAO's Attorney's Fees Matrix for 2015-2016
- The Laffey Matrix
The issue is whether the value of your case warrants the cost of litigation. You may still very well proceed with your case, but, if the likelihood of the recovery will more than likely only cover the cost of litigation leaving you with very little meaningful recovery, then the discussion between the attorney and the client is whether to pursue your case at all.
No law firm or attorney may guarantee the outcome of any case nor promise you a certain dollar figure amount as your reward under the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct. The decision to proceed with a law suit, unfortunately, is a financial decision based on the client weighing the risks of litigation.
Talk with the Dickson Davis Law Firm to explore your options after a thorough consultation. We are here to help you make a meaningful decision regarding your situation.