Estimatation of hours to review a case?

Hello, preop.

I normally tell my clients it will take approximately 3 - 5 hours to review, depending upon the complexity of the case. And, my contracts include that all "requested" services are agreed before work is begun.

I also will ask if the attorney wishes for me to report to him/her after 'X' amount of time should the complex case require more than the 3 - 5 hours. Several attorneys would ask (when I first began) that I report every "10 hours of work", before continuing.

As for retainer fees, I charge a "flat fee"; again depending upon the complexity.