My Fee Schedule
My basic hourly rate is $400, but I try to work as much as possible on a “flat fee” basis so you know exactly where you stand. Whenever I have to charge an hourly rate (normally, anything that involves extensive drafting or negotiation, such as the acquisition or sale of a small business or franchise), I will always give an estimate up front and in writing. If anything happens to cause me to increase my estimate, I will always let you know and get your approval BEFORE running up any additional time.
Please note that a minimum fee of $400 will be charged for preparing or reviewing any contract, correspondence, or other legal document. If the minimum fee applies to you, I will let you know before agreeing to undertake any legal matter.
Here are some fee estimates and "flat fees" for typical small business matters:
- negotiating a lease of retail or office space: $1,200 to $2,000
- drafting or reviewing a simple consulting or employment agreement: $400 to $600
- forming a LLC (one member or related members): $600 plus filing fees*
- forming a LLC (two or more unrelated members): $800 plus filing fees*
- forming a LLC (managed by managers): $1,200 plus filing fees
- forming a corporation: $800 plus filing fees*
- forming a Delaware corporation and qualifying it in another state: $1,200 plus filing fees*
- drafting a stockholder, shareholder or “buy-sell” agreement for a corporation: $1,200 to $2,000
- merging two or more LLCs or corporations: $1,200 plus filing fees*
- dissolving a corporation or LLC: $400 plus filing fees*
- drafting documents to purchase or sell a business or website: $4,000 to $6,000
- reviewing FDD, franchise agreements and other franchise documents: $2,000*
* — these are “flat fees” and include FedEx/UPS charges and out-of-pocket expenses other than filing fees.
You will not incur fees until we both sign a written retainer agreement that spells out clearly (1) the services I will perform and (2) the fees I will charge. Flat fees are payable in advance and in full, and an advance retainer will normally be requested when I work on an hourly rate basis. However, if your change your mind and decide not to go through with a transaction before my work is completed, I don’t just “glom” the fee or retainer — instead, I total up the number of hours I have actually worked at $400 an hour, and rebate any excess to you promptly upon your request.
