Why lawyers cost so much (and when you don't need one)

The average attorney bills $300 to $500 per hour. For a simple dispute, you could spend $5,000 before anything gets resolved.

Why legal fees are so high

Law school debt averages $160,000. Malpractice insurance costs tens of thousands per year. Office overhead, paralegals, research databases. All of this gets passed to clients.

When you actually need a lawyer

Criminal charges. Complex business transactions. High-stakes custody battles. Medical malpractice. If you're facing serious legal consequences or dealing with complicated law, hire an attorney.

When you don't need one

Security deposit disputes. Simple divorce with agreed terms. Contractor disagreements. Insurance claim denials. Consumer complaints. These disputes don't require legal expertise. You need a neutral third party and a fair process.

What to do instead

Use an AI-powered dispute resolution platform. Get a free second opinion instantly. Invite the other party to resolve it together. Most cases settle in under a week. Total cost: $199 if both parties participate, $0 if they don't join. 100% refund if no resolution.