PA buck_hntr: Most claimant's/plaintiff's attorneys charge a contingent fee - which is free service unless you win. Usually 33 1/3% comes out of the jackpot. Free.Imagine that. If medical condition is in issue, sometimes theclientsmust front the deposition fee for their medical witness and pay for transcripts/records.

For defense/domestics/criminal work, where contingency fees are not permitted (by law), the cost ranges from $50/hr for a small firm junior-levelassociate to $500+/hr for one of the top attorneys in any particular specialty.

Flat-fees for basic wills - the going rate is $100 around here. Happy now. Considering that your average doctor charges $2000/hr for a medical deposition, I'd say those rates are pretty fair, but they can definitely get to be a little excessive on the top end.
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Jeff: All those HCA bows came with 8125 strings on them. I can assure you of that. I know because I asked. I know the whole story, as do a few others.

By the way: That's hilarious that you'd rush to the defense of Exxon-Mobil. LMAO "Record Profits." Do you know what profits are, Jeff? You were defining them for us just a minute ago. That's before tax, and after expenditures. 39.5 Billion in 2007. We represent a chain of local grocery stores - and let me tell ya - they ain't makin' 39.5 Billion dollars. LMAOThat's hysterical.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/01/business/01cnd-exxon.html

Face it,Jeff - this is an argument that you simply cannot win. Everybody here sees it.

And, as you say - the customer has the ultimate right of refusal - that's why we're having this discussion. I'm not shy about pointing out that "right" to my fellow consumers. Personally, I'd swim through a river of broken glass before I ever gaveadollar to any ofthose people. I refuse to contribute to it - and THAT scorches you. LOL