FullCalculator

Legal Retainer Calculator

Legal Retainer

Estimate how long a legal retainer will last based on expected hours and billing rate.

Formula

Months Lasting = Retainer Amount / (Attorney Hours x Rate + Paralegal Hours x Rate)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a legal retainer?
A retainer is an upfront fee paid to an attorney to secure their services. The attorney bills against the retainer as work is performed.
Is a retainer fee refundable?
If the retainer is not fully used, most states require attorneys to refund the unused portion. Earned retainers are non-refundable.
How much is a typical retainer?
Retainers vary widely from $2,000 to $25,000 or more depending on case type, complexity, and the attorney's experience.

You may also need