| Service | Flat Fee | Hourly Rate | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple NDA or freelance contract | $200–$600 | $200–$350/hr | 1-3 days |
| Partnership / operating agreement | $800–$2,500 | $250–$450/hr | 1-2 weeks |
| Commercial lease review | $500–$2,000 | $250–$450/hr | 3-7 days |
| Employment contract | $500–$1,500 | $250–$400/hr | 3-7 days |
| IP / licensing agreement | $1,500–$5,000 | $300–$550/hr | 1-3 weeks |
| Contract dispute / litigation | $3,000–$10,000+ retainer | $300–$600/hr | 3-12 months |
You need a contract lawyer when: the deal involves $10,000+ in value, you're signing a multi-year commitment, intellectual property is involved, you're entering a business partnership, or the other party has their own lawyer. For contracts under $5,000 in value with standard terms, a template or online legal service is usually sufficient. The general rule: if a mistake in the contract could cost you more than 10x the lawyer's fee, hire the lawyer.
Contract review ($200-$600) means a lawyer reads a contract someone else drafted and flags risks, missing protections, and unfavorable terms. Contract drafting ($500-$2,500+) means a lawyer creates a new contract from scratch to protect your interests. Review is almost always worth it for any contract over $5,000 in value — lawyers routinely catch clauses that would cost clients $10,000-$100,000+. Drafting is important when you're the one proposing terms and want maximum protection.
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