The lawyer and the client should discuss the cost of the legal services at the initial meeting since the initial meeting is FREE. The lawyer may not be able to forecast the exact amount of the time and effort required, but should be able to give the client an estimate based upon the information the client provides and the lawyer’s past experience. The client should not hesitate to raise the issue of legal fees at any time with his or her attorney. The client has a right to a detailed billing showing the lawyer’s time and efforts in those instances where the fee is based upon an hourly rate.
