An attorney billable hours invoice is used by a client to purchase time (by the hour) from a licensed attorney. This invoice can also act as a retainer and billed as a downpayment for future costs based on the attorney’s hourly rate.

 

Table of Contents

• What is an Attorney?
• How to Find an Attorney
  • Top 3 Websites
• Salary & Hourly Rate ($/hr)

What is an Attorney?

An attorney, or lawyer, is someone who is licensed by their residing state to practice law. All licensed attorneys have completed law school and passed their state’s bar exam. Being an attorney, they can legally prosecute and defend an individual (or company) in the court of law. To be an attorney, they must have the following credentials:

• Bachelors degree (4 years of undergraduate)
• 3 years of law school
• Passed the Bar Exam (all attornies can be verified online)

How to Find an Attorney

Finding an attorney is much more simple than most people think. Each state has its own “Lawyer Referral Service” program that helps the public connect to verified and trusted attorneys. Most law firms decide to join this service as it’s a great way to connect to new customers. To make it fair and affordable to all, lawyers can’t charge more than a certain amount. Each state differs, but the fee for the first 30-minute consultation costs anywhere between $25-$50 dollars. Any consultation after the first is negotiable.

Top 3 Websites

• Avvo – View rated lawyers and negotiate rates with attorneys.
• Thumbtack – Post a job and select from attorneys with reviews and estimated hourly rates.
• UpCounsel – Post a request for legal services and receive offers from lawyers.

Salary & Hourly Rate ($/hr)

Like any high skilled profession that contains a fast amount of niche categories, it all depends on the level of expertise and the subject.

Salary: $120,910/yr (source: BLS)

Hourly Rate: $58.13/hr (source: BLS)