Why does nobody mention the hidden fees in tenant lawyer consultations?

I went to a lawyer over on LaSalle Street last month about my landlord situation. The ad said $100 for a initial consultation which I thought was fair. But when I got the bill they tacked on a $35 document processing fee and a $20 admin charge. Nobody warned me about these extras before I walked in. The lawyer themselves was helpful but I felt tricked by the price bait and switch. Has anyone else run into surprise costs when meeting with Chicago tenant lawyers?

3 comments

3 Comments

lily_cooper4d ago

Hold up, I actually see it a little different. A $35 doc fee and $20 admin charge are pretty standard in a lot of professional offices, not just lawyers. Dentists do it, my accountant does it, even my mechanic tacks on a shop fee. Thats $55 total on top of a $100 consult, which is still way cheaper than most lawyers downtown who charge $250+ just to talk to you. The ad said "initial consultation" which normally just covers the lawyer sitting and talking with you, not the paper filing or copying. Maybe next time just ask upfront "what fees besides the $100 are on the bill?" so you're not surprised.

shanec614d ago

Charge me a doc fee for wiping my nose too, I guess that's standard now.

mileslane4d ago

Gotta love the hidden costs, I walked out with a $45 surprise fee from my guy last winter.