Like anyone else, I have bills to pay and obligations to my family and to the clients who hire and pay me. In order to honor those obligations, I must strictly limit my work to clients who hire me; otherwise, I could not give the 100% effort my clients have come to expect.
We can agree to flat or fixed fees where the time and effort required are predictable. Where appropriate and ethical, we can agree to a contingent fee. Hourly fees work best for more complex, open-ended work or where contingent fees are barred by ethics rules.
My goal in setting fees is to be fair and affordable without sacrificing my ability to do focus on the job. What another lawyer charges means nothing to me. I pass along the full advantage of my experience and efficiency, and most clients tell me when their cases are over that my services were less expensive than expected.
In over a quarter-century, I have not met the generic client, so except in unusual situations, I cannot quote a fee without meeting you and reviewing your situation. I can, though, commit to dealing with you fairly and honestly, and I trust you to deal fairly and honestly with me.