I cannot afford an attorney!
It’s inevitable. You find yourself in a precarious situation - a situation that may only be remedied by hiring an attorney.
As you begin your search, you quickly become aware of how expensive hiring an attorney can be. Nevertheless, you continue your search, but somewhere deep in the back of your mind you wonder why attorneys charge so much. The answer is a double-edged sword.
When an individual makes the decision to attend law school, little do they know just how grueling and expensive the entire process will be. Additionally, unless you are close friends with a licensed attorney, you may not understand the ins and outs of gaining licensure within your state in order to practice law.
That is why our law firm, Gerard Law Firm, takes the time and effort to break questions like these down for you — the public. Our goal is to demystify the questions you may have regarding this topic and to help you understand what it truly takes to become a licensed attorney in the United States.
Why Do Attorneys Charge So Much?
Law school is time-consuming, competitive, and expensive. After graduating, attorneys must prepare for and pass the bar exam — a rigorous licensing examination — before they are permitted to practice law.
Beyond education, attorneys carry:
Licensing fees
Continuing legal education requirements
Office overhead
Insurance
Staff salaries
Court filing systems and research tools
While legal fees can feel overwhelming, they often reflect the significant professional investment required to practice law competently.
Transparency and Fair Billing
Hiring an attorney does not need to be extremely expensive. The right attorney — and an honest attorney — will ensure that you are charged fairly for the work performed.
A reputable attorney will:
Be transparent about billing practices
Clearly explain hourly rates or flat fees
Stay in communication regarding case updates
Provide accurate time accounting
You should never feel confused about how you are being billed.
Your Role in Your Case
In the end, what you want and desire as an outcome for your case will be an important factor in how your case proceeds.
Make no mistake — the court ultimately makes final decisions. However, your direction and input matter. An attorney is hired to argue your best defense, guide you through courtroom procedures, and advocate on your behalf.
We want your case to end successfully.
When You Truly Cannot Afford an Attorney
Many individuals today face financial hardship. Deciding whether to retain legal counsel or prioritize household expenses can be extremely difficult.
If you are required to obtain legal representation but feel you cannot afford it, there are resources available.
Regardless of whether you retain counsel privately, seek pro bono assistance, or utilize state-supported services, we encourage you to make an informed decision.
Gerard Law Firm believes in treating clients as human beings — not case numbers. We understand that one mistake can dramatically impact your future or your family’s future. We are not immune to life’s challenges, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Legal Assistance Resources in Wisconsin
For individuals who need legal assistance but find themselves financially constrained, the following resources may provide help:
Statewide Legal Help
Free Legal Answers – Wisconsin (American Bar Association)
Free for Wisconsin residents. Submit legal questions online.
LIFT Wisconsin Legal Tune-Up
Helps remove eligible eviction or criminal records from WCCA and directs users to legal and employment services.
Modest Means Program (State Bar of Wisconsin)
Assists individuals whose income is too high for free services but too low to afford standard attorney rates.
State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral and Information Service
Call (800) 362-9082 or request a referral online.
Clinics and Legal Projects
Consumer Law Clinic
Family Court Assistance Project
Provides legal information and forms for self-represented litigants in family court matters.
Immigrant Justice Clinic
Neighborhood Law Project
Provides representation in landlord-tenant, public benefits, and wage-related cases.
Legal Action of Wisconsin
Offers civil legal services for low-income Wisconsin residents. Offices in Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, Oshkosh, and Racine.
Wisconsin Judicare
Serves low-income individuals in 33 northern Wisconsin counties.
Civil Rights & Specialized Assistance
American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin
Selects cases impacting civil liberties statewide.
ABC for Health, Inc.
Assists with insurance claim denials and appeals.
Disability Rights Wisconsin
Advocacy for individuals with disabilities facing discrimination or service barriers.
Immigration & Community Assistance
Community Immigration Law Center
(608) 640-4444
Offers brief immigration consultations and assistance with immigration forms.
Milwaukee Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
(414) 274-6768
First half-hour consultation is $20 or less.
Additional Resources
Restorative Justice Project
(608) 262-2240
Provides mediation services between victims and offenders.
Wisconsin Legal Assistance for Military Personnel
Legal help for service members and veterans.
We Are Here to Help
If Gerard Law Firm can assist you, we invite you to contact us. We strive to be transparent, communicative, and committed to your success.
We fight for our clients as we would fight for our own families.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. State and federal laws change frequently. This article reflects Wisconsin law as of the “Published” or “Last Updated” date listed above. Legal outcomes depend on specific facts. Consult a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation.
