How to Pay for a Lawyer: Top 3 Ways

| 5 min read

When you or a loved one need a lawyer, you might find that legal fees can be overwhelming. Your situation is complex and a lot is at stake, so going without the help of a professional is not an option. But what do you do when you don’t have the money to hire a lawyer? These tips for how to pay for a lawyer may help. Before you start a GoFundMe for legal services, please be sure to take a look at our terms & conditions, as restrictions on crowdfunding for legal services do apply.

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How much does a lawyer cost?

The cost of a lawyer depends on a variety of factors:

Hourly rate

How much do lawyers or solicitors cost per hour? The typical hourly rate in Dublin is €400 for a partner and  €300 for an associate solicitor. A junior counsel costs on average €200. They can be higher or lower depending on the factors above and the specifics of your case. The hourly rate is often applied to every aspect of your case—including things like making photocopies or doing legal research.

Common fees

There are several common reasons you might need a solicitor or lawyer in the Ireland. For example, the average fee if you’re the petitioner of the divorce is €1,000 per order if it isn’t contested by both parties. But if it’s a more complex divorce, it could cost you up to €20,000. 

Retainer fee

A retainer fee is an upfront deposit, from which your lawyer will draw funds on an hourly basis as they work on your case. 

Contingency fee

A contingency fee means you will only pay a fee if you achieve a pre-agreed result in your claim. If the result isn’t achieved, you don’t pay the fee. This is common in personal injury cases, for example. 

3 ways for how to pay for a lawyer

After reviewing the various legal fees, there is no question that the cost of a lawyer or solicitor can be steep. However, there are ways to get financial assistance for these expenses. Consider the following resources for how to get help paying for a lawyer.

In Ireland, the Legal Aid Board provides advice and aid to those going through civil cases, providing you meet a certain criteria. You can also apply for legal aid if you’re going through a criminal case. You can read more about it on the Citizen’s Information website here.

Another alternative to finding legal help or a pro bono lawyer is online fundraising for legal fees. You can do this easily using crowdfunding, which can help you quickly raise money for a legal defense. Crowdfunding for legal fees can help relieve some or all of the financial burden of paying for a lawyer.

Before you start a GoFundMe for legal services, please be sure to take a look at our terms & conditions, as restrictions on crowdfunding for legal services do apply.

For those facing any sort of legal challenge, it can be difficult to ask others directly for help. Raising money through crowdfunding provides an alternative that is quick, easy, and avoids those potentially awkward conversations with family and friends. Through sharing your fundraiser on social media, you’re able to expand your network to reach even more people who might be willing to help.

Raise more money with online fundraising

A handful of crowdfunding platforms exist, so it’s important to find one that best fits your needs. Look for a platform that provides customer support and fundraising resources such as GoFundMe. With online fundraising, you’ll be able to put more of the money you raise towards lawyer fees.

Starting a fundraiser for legal fees can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Getting assistance with legal fees means you can stop worrying, and start feeling confident about your future. The following tips will help you create a successful fundraiser on GoFundMe.

  • Write your fundraiser story. Tell a powerful story that connects with your audience. This can mean the difference between someone passively viewing your fundraiser, and someone who makes a donation.
  • Share your fundraiser to increase donations. Maximizing your reach is key to an effective fundraiser. Whether sharing on social media or teaming up with a local business, expanding your network will help you see more donations.
  • Reach your goal with the right fundraising email templates. Email is one of the best ways to raise awareness about your fundraiser. Remove the challenge of asking for help with a compelling email template that inspires others to give to your cause.
  • Take a look at our Terms & Conditions. This is to make sure crowdfunding is a good fit for your particular legal situation.

Lawyers are not required to offer payment plans, though many choose to do so. Make sure to ask about a payment plan option before meeting with a lawyer for the initial consultation. Some payment plans use a sliding scale that is based on your income and financial obligations.

Finding assistance for legal fees can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Crowdfunding through GoFundMe is a quick and easy way to raise the money you need to lift the financial burden of lawyer fees. When you know you can pay for flat, retainer, or contingency fees you will be able to rest a little more. Start your fundraiser today.

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Brittany Chambers

I believe we all have the power to make a difference. Through informative and heartfelt content, I hope to create change and inspire others to give back to those who need it most.