Will a lawyer answer questions for free?
Asked by: Vance Walter | Last update: October 29, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (16 votes)
Will a Lawyer Answer Questions for Free? Generally speaking, yes. Personal injury lawyers, employment lawyers, family law lawyers and others often work on a contingency basis, and also offer free consultations.
Does asking a lawyer a question cost money?
Initial consultation fees vary. Some lawyers charge their usual hourly rate for an initial consultation, some charge a reduced rate, and some offer them for free. Be sure to ask about this fee when you make an appointment.
When a lawyer does something for free?
Pro Bono. Pro bono programs match low-income clients with volunteer lawyers, who agree to take their cases for free.
Do you have to pay to talk to a lawyer?
Some law firms may charge for an initial consultation, but it depends on the law firm. Always make sure to ask if they charge for consultations, and how much one will cost if so, before asking to speak with a lawyer.
Are lawyers allowed to give free advice?
It is not against the law for an attorney to give free legal advice and help but in most instances, unless the work is pro bono for a specific situation, giving legal advice for free is not a favorable idea.
10 Signs You Should Become A Lawyer
Can I chat with a lawyer for free?
In California, as in other states, free legal advice is available by simple calling 1-800-THE-LAW2 and getting connected to one of the attorneys in our network. In fact, we've been serving Californians and the local community since the 1980s.
Why would a lawyer work for free?
"Lawyers have a license to practice law, a monopoly on certain services. But for that privilege and status, lawyers have an obligation to provide legal services to those without the wherewithal to pay, to respond to needs outside themselves, to help repair tears in their communities."
Do lawyers answer questions for free?
Website: https://ca.freelegalanswers.org/
Free Legal Answers is a virtual legal advice clinic. Qualifying users post their civil legal question to their state's website. Lawyers provide information and basic legal advice without any expectation of long-term representation.
Does it cost money to call a lawyer?
Lawyers may charge a baseline fee at a specific hourly rate. That fixed number will be assessed for any work the attorney performs on your behalf, including responding to emails and phone calls. Those fees do sometimes increase for a trial appearance.
What is a reasonable attorney fee?
COURT AWARDED ATTORNEY'S FEES - WHAT IS 'REASONABLE'?
THE DISCRETION OF THE COURTS IN DETERMINING THE PROPER AMOUNT OF A FEE AWARD IS FOUND NOT TO BE UNLIMITED IN EITHER CONTEXT. IN BOTH CONTEXTS, A REASONABLE FEE IS ONE THAT AWARDS THE ATTORNEY THE MARKET VALUE OF THE TIME AND EFFORT JUSTIFIABLY EXPENDED.
When you can't pay for a lawyer?
If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid may be able to help you. There are legal aid offices (also called legal services) throughout the United States. Legal aid offices are not-for-profit agencies that provide free legal help to people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer.
Do you have to pay upfront for a lawyer?
In some instances, a lawyer may ask you to pay a certain amount before they begin to work on your case. The attorney then bills his expenses and time against the retainer fee as your case progresses.
Do lawyers give free quotes?
Many attorneys offer free consultations. During these sessions, you typically have the opportunity to speak briefly with the attorney.
At what point should you ask for a lawyer?
The best time to talk with a lawyer is before an arrest happens. If you think trouble is starting, such as the police investigating you or talking to your friends, family, and workplace, you need to act. It is a good idea to have an attorney already selected and ready to serve on your behalf.
Do lawyers charge for everything?
Hourly rate and flat fees
Lawyers typically charge an hourly rate for their services that can be charged in 6-minute intervals (by the 10th of the hour). Some firms may also charge a paralegal fee for backend work that helps your case run smoothly.
What do you say when asking for a lawyer?
“[I]f you want to ask me questions I'll do my best to answer them, but if it gets too close I have to shut down. I have to get an attorney.” “I would prefer a lawyer but I want to talk to you now.” “Can I have a public defender?”
How do you call a lawyer who works for free?
What is a pro bono program? Pro bono programs help low-income people find volunteer lawyers who are willing to handle their cases for free. These programs usually are sponsored by state or local bar associations. See our directory of pro bono programs to find one in your state.
Do lawyers charge you every time you call them?
Billing by the hour (or fraction of the hour) is still the most common way lawyers charge for their services. Basically, the "clock" is running whenever the attorney works on your behalf. (That usually includes phone calls with you; every time you call you will be billed.)
Can I speak with a lawyer for free?
If you are being charged with a crime and you cannot afford a lawyer, you may qualify for free help from your local public defender's office. Usually, the court will refer you to a public defender.
Do you have to pay to talk to an attorney?
How Much Does It Cost to Talk to a Lawyer? It costs nothing to talk to or hire a personal injury lawyer. Personal injury law firms generally offer free consultations, where you can discuss whether you have a strong case, how the law firm will help you, and ask any questions you have.
Do you need a lawyer for questioning?
The best way to avoid falling into interrogation traps and giving police evidence to use against you is not to speak to the police without first consulting with a lawyer. Contact us for more information. Eisner Gorin LLP is based in Los Angeles, CA.
What happens if you can't afford a lawyer?
Find a Pro Bono Attorney
In some cases, the lawyer may work entirely for free and not receive payment at all, but in other cases, their legal fees may be paid by a non-profit or legal aid society. Many legal clinics also provide pro bono legal help, including advice, help filling out legal documents, and more.
How to ask for pro bono?
It probably is best to wait until after you receive an offer to press the issue but you can raise it at an EIP interview, or during callback visits. It often is useful to call or e-mail the people who coordinate the firms' pro bono program and ask to meet with them and with associates and a partner who do pro bono.
Why you should always get a lawyer?
A lawyer knows the court etiquette.
An attorney knows what to address and when to address it in Court. This is extremely important and can be overlooked when trying to save money. A detailed understanding of how evidence works and the rules of evidence is critical to a case.