Estimatation of hours to review a case?

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Specializes in Preop, Med-Surg, Education, Limited Peds.

If an attorney wants you to estimate the time it will take you to review a case, what is the average amount of hours spent? I know this can vary a lot, but what would an average be? Since this will be my first case, I have no idea of how long to tell him or scare him away if I say too long.

Also, what percentage of the estimated total do you collect as a retainer?

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Specializes in Preop, Med-Surg, Education, Limited Peds.
If an attorney wants you to estimate the time it will take you to review a case, what is the average amount of hours spent? I know this can vary a lot, but what would an average be? Since this will be my first case, I have no idea of how long to tell him or scare him away if I say too long.

Also, what percentage of the estimated total do you collect as a retainer?

Sorry, I meant estimation!

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

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.

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