Hourly rate

I do a lot of small business general counsel work by the piece, for a flat fee for each item.  It is easier that way.

The hourly rates charge by lawyers range widely.  Factors will include location (rent and payroll costs can be major factors), subject area of practice  and  experience.  You can find some "hungrier" lawyers that might  be willing to work for less than $200/hour.   You can also find some lawyers at the largest firms who charge clients $1,800/hour or more.   In addition to hourly cost, you should also look closely at experience.    An inexperienced lawyer who charges $185/hour and takes 20 hours to figure something out for you, is more expensive than a lawyer who is $600/hour and gets you the answer in less than 5 hours.   And that assumes that the less expensive lawyer can find the correct answer.      You should ask about hourly rates, estimated hours to do something and estimated total cost.  For some projects, firms should be able to even give you a flat fee.