Fees
Clear prices, agreed before any work starts.
No hourly meter running in the background. You’ll get a fixed fee in writing, and if the job changes, I’ll ask before the price does.
Fee estimator
What would it cost me?
Pick your matter and how involved it’s likely to be. The estimate updates as you go.
All fees
The full fee table
No sales tax is added to these fees.
| Matter | Straightforward | Standard | Complex | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severance agreement reviewLeaving a job | $750 | $950 | $1,250–$1,950 | 2–5 business days |
| Layoff checkLeaving a job | $495 | $695 | $1,000–$1,400 | 1–2 weeks |
| Exit negotiationLeaving a job | $1,500 | $2,500–$3,000 | $4,000–$6,500 | 2–6 weeks |
| HR complaint or disciplinary supportProblems at work | $595 | $995 | $1,500–$2,500 | 1–3 weeks |
| Discrimination or harassment adviceProblems at work | $750 | $1,250 | $1,950–$3,500 | Initial advice within a week |
| Wrongful termination or constructive discharge adviceClaims and disputes | $595 | $950 | $1,500–$2,500 | Advice within 5 business days |
| Employment lawsuitClaims and disputes | $7,500–$12,500 | $15,000–$25,000 | $30,000–$50,000 | Often 18–30 months to trial |
| Contract or restrictive covenant reviewStarting a new job | $395 | $595 | $950–$1,400 | 2–3 business days |
| Fixed-fee advice sessionAny employment question | $400 for one hour, plus a written summary | Within a week | ||
A range means the fee is fixed in writing once I know the details. Lawsuits are priced stage by stage, below.
Lawsuits
Priced one stage at a time
Most claims settle before trial. Fixing each stage means you only pay for the stages you actually need.
- 01EEOC or Ohio Civil Rights Commission charge$1,250
- 02Complaint drafted and filed in court$2,500
- 03Early motions and settlement talks$2,500–$5,000
- 04Discovery and depositions$5,000–$12,000
- 05Trial preparationFrom $7,500
Co-counsel’s fee for the trial itself is quoted separately, in advance.
Employer contributions
For severance agreements, some employers will pay toward your advice if you ask, often $500–$1,500. I can invoice them directly for that part.
Interest-free payment plans
Fees from $1,000 can be split into three equal monthly payments. Just ask when we agree the fee.
Prepaid legal plans
Some employers and unions offer a prepaid legal plan that may cover employment questions. I’ll help you check, though plans often use their own panel attorneys.
I don’t work on contingency. I’d rather you know the cost up front. If a contingency arrangement suits you better, I’ll say so and suggest where to look.
Free, no obligation
Not sure where you stand? Let’s talk it through.
A 15-minute call with me, Tessa. You’ll hang up knowing your options, any deadlines to watch and what help would cost.