How Fees Are Structured
Legal fees at Hammond Legal are structured based on the nature of the matter, its likely complexity, and the practice area involved. There is no single fee model that fits every case, and Hammond Legal does not pretend otherwise. The right structure is discussed openly during the consultation, and the agreed arrangement is set out clearly in a written engagement agreement before representation begins.
All engagements require a written fee agreement. No representation begins without one.
Fee Arrangements by Practice Area
Criminal Defense
Flat fee or retainerFelony defense, drug offense defense, and misdemeanor matters are commonly handled on a flat-fee basis for defined phases of representation (through resolution, or through trial separately), or on a retainer arrangement for complex or lengthy matters. The fee reflects the severity of the charges, the court, and the likely scope of work.
Family Law
Retainer or hybridDivorce, custody, and modification matters are typically handled on a retainer basis because the scope and duration of family law cases are difficult to predict. Uncontested matters or limited-scope work may be available on a flat-fee basis. The consultation will clarify which structure fits your situation.
CHINS Defense
Retainer or flat fee by phaseCHINS cases can be long and procedurally complex. Fee arrangements typically account for the initial phase (through fact-finding) and address ongoing representation through permanency separately. For clients who qualify, court-appointed representation through the Marion County Public Defender Agency or another public defender office may be available — this is a separate process that Hammond Legal can help you understand.
Post-Conviction Relief & Appeals
Flat fee or phase-basedPCR and appellate matters are structured in two stages: a flat-fee case review to examine the record and identify what issues are available, followed by a representation fee determined by what the review found. This means you get a clear picture of your case before committing to full representation — and the fee for that work reflects the actual complexity involved, not a one-size estimate.
Employment Law
Retainer, flat fee, or contingencyEmployment matters vary considerably. Employer-side representation is typically on a retainer or flat-fee basis. Employee-side representation for certain claims — particularly EEOC charges and discrimination matters — may be available on a contingency or hybrid basis depending on the strength of the claim and the likely recovery. This is discussed during the consultation.
Insurance Defense
Hourly or panel rateInsurance defense matters are typically billed hourly in accordance with carrier guidelines and billing reporting requirements. Panel arrangements and standard reporting cadences are accommodated. Contact Hammond Legal directly to discuss defense file handling and billing practices.
Expungement
Flat feeExpungement petitions under Indiana's Second Chance Law are handled on a flat-fee basis. The fee covers the eligibility review, petition drafting, filing, service on the prosecutor, and the hearing if required. Court filing fees are separate and are the client's responsibility.
What You Will Never See
Hammond Legal does not charge for:
- Consultations where it is determined we cannot help you
- Administrative tasks that are part of normal case management
- Rounding up time in ways that inflate the bill
And Hammond Legal will not:
- Begin representation without a signed engagement agreement
- Change the fee arrangement after the fact without a written amendment
- Add fees or costs that were not disclosed upfront
Court Costs and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Attorney fees and case expenses are separate. Court filing fees, service fees, transcript costs, expert witness fees, and similar out-of-pocket expenses are the client's responsibility and are not included in attorney fees unless the engagement agreement specifically states otherwise. These costs will be communicated to you as they arise.
A Note on "Free Consultations"
Hammond Legal does not advertise free consultations because the phrase is often misleading. A meaningful consultation — one where your matter is actually assessed and you leave with useful information — takes time and professional judgment. Whether a consultation fee applies and what it covers is discussed when you call to schedule, so there are no surprises before you walk in.
Common Questions About Fees
How does Hammond Legal structure its fees?
Fees are structured based on the nature and complexity of the matter — flat fee, retainer, or hybrid depending on the practice area and scope of work. The arrangement is discussed during the consultation and set out in the written engagement agreement before representation begins.
What is a retainer?
A retainer is an advance payment held in a client trust account and applied against fees as work is performed. The engagement agreement specifies the retainer amount, billing rate, how the retainer is applied, and when it needs to be replenished for ongoing matters.
Does Hammond Legal handle cases on contingency?
Contingency arrangements are not available for criminal defense, family law, or post-conviction matters. Certain employee-side employment claims may be handled on a contingency or hybrid basis depending on the circumstances — this is discussed during the consultation.
Will I know the total cost upfront?
For flat-fee matters, the total is fixed and stated in the engagement agreement. For retainer-based matters, the total depends on how the case develops — which cannot always be predicted. Hammond Legal communicates proactively if a matter is evolving in a way that affects fees, so there are no surprises at the end.
Are court costs included in the attorney fee?
No. Court filing fees, service fees, transcript costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses are separate from attorney fees and are the client's responsibility unless the engagement agreement states otherwise. These costs are communicated as they arise.