Free Lawyer Quote Template
Lawyers quote before starting because legal work rarely fits neatly within an initial estimate. A matter that looks like a two-hour contract review can expand when the counterparty's terms are heavily negotiated. A quote sets expectations on billing and provides a cost ceiling the client can hold you to.
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What should a lawyer put on a quote?
A legal quote sets out the planned work and the fee before it starts, such as drafting a commercial agreement, a review, or an opinion letter. List each piece of work and whether the fee is fixed, hourly, or capped, and note what could extend it. The figure is an estimate until the client accepts the scope.
Typical line items
- Contract drafting (commercial services agreement)
- Legal review and advisory
- Legal opinion letter
- Negotiation and amendments
- Research and due diligence
- Hourly or fixed fee basis
- Court or filing fees (estimated, separate)
- Estimated hours for variable work
How the work is charged
Lawyers usually quote a fixed fee for defined work like a contract or opinion, and an hourly rate or capped estimate for matters with an uncertain shape. Court and filing fees are passed through.
Payment terms and deposits
A quote commonly proposes a payment on account, with the balance on completion or monthly billing for ongoing matters. The fee holds for a stated period and remains an estimate until accepted.
Tax and compliance
If you are registered for sales tax or VAT, show it as a separate line with your registration number. What may be charged and how fees are disclosed differ by jurisdiction, so confirm what applies to you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a lawyer charge per hour?
Solicitors and lawyers in Europe charge €150 to €500 per hour depending on seniority and specialisation. City law firm partners charge €400 to €800 per hour. A commercial contract review costs €500 to €2,000. Employment law advisory for a settlement agreement typically runs €800 to €2,500.
Should lawyers quote a fixed fee or use a billing estimate?
Fixed fees suit defined, well-scoped work: a standard terms and conditions document, a simple will, a property conveyance. Hourly billing with a cap suits complex matters with uncertain scope. Providing an estimate with a not-to-exceed ceiling builds trust and helps clients budget.
What are disbursements and how should they appear in a legal quote?
Disbursements are third-party costs the lawyer incurs on the client's behalf: court filing fees, barrister fees, search fees. These are passed through at cost and should appear separately in the quote. Clients often receive a bill with disbursements they didn't know to expect. Listing likely disbursements upfront avoids surprises.
Related quote templates
Read the complete quoting guide to see how to price a job and turn an accepted quote into an invoice.
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