13 What additional out-of-pocket costs will I have to pay?

The lawyer will charge you for the costs of your
case as well as the fees. You will be responsible for
paying these costs even if your case is not success-
ful. Costs can add up quickly. It is a good idea to
ask the lawyer for a written estimate of what the
costs will be. You can tell your lawyer that costs
over a certain amount have to be approved by
you in advance.
Here are some typical costs:
• Certified shorthand reporters’ charges for
taking down testimony at depositions and trials and
for providing written transcripts of that testimony.
• Copying and facsimile (fax) costs. These are
usually charged on a per page basis. Lawyers also
may charge for secretarial time spent on these
tasks and telephone charges.• Experts and consultants’ charges. These
costs generally relate to any time spent evaluating
the case and testifying in court.
• Filing fees, which are required by courts
before they will accept legal papers.
• Investigators’ bills. Investigators may help
gather facts related to the case. They usually
charge by the hour and may bill for expenses
such as mileage, meals and lodging as well.
• Jury fees and mileage costs. These are paid to
jurors in civil cases in amounts set by law. The party
requesting the jury must pay such expenses in
advance.
• Postage, courier and messenger costs for
mailing, shipping or personally delivering docu-
ments to you or others involved in your case.
• Service of process fees charged by individu-
als who locate parties and witnesses and deliver
legal papers to them.
• Staff time for secretarial services, including
overtime, word-processing time.
• Telephone bills for long distance calls.
• Travel expenses for the lawyer when he or
she travels on the client’s behalf. These charges can
include gasoline, mileage, parking fees, meals, air-
fare and lodging.
• Witness fees and mileage charges. The
individuals who testify at depositions and trials
receive fees in amounts set by law. You also may
need to pay travel expenses if a witness must be
brought in from far away.
Your lawyer may charge you for other costs
as well. Make sure you understand all of the
costs for which you will be responsible. Ask the
lawyer if you will have to pay such costs directly
or if you will be reimbursing the lawyer for such
costs paid on your behalf.