Fees & Packages

At The Legal Nook, PLLC, I don’t believe every legal question should come with an unpredictable bill. Not every issue takes the same amount of time, and everyday legal help shouldn’t cost a fortune. In addition to hourly work, I offer flat-fee services and customized seasonal business packages—often with the option of a low monthly retainer for ongoing questions—so you can plan ahead, stay protected, and feel comfortable reaching out when something comes up.

Hourly Services

Some matters are open-ended or complex enough that hourly billing makes the most sense.

Hourly work may be appropriate for:

  • Ongoing negotiations

  • More involved landlord–tenant disputes

  • Complex contract revisions or structures

  • Matters where the scope may change as new information comes to light

Before any hourly work begins, we will:

  • Discuss your goals

  • Clarify the scope as much as possible

  • Review my current hourly rate and how time is tracked

  • Set expectations about communication and updates

You will always know how my time is being billed, and you will not receive a surprise invoice for work we haven’t discussed.

Flat-Fee Services

For many defined tasks, a flat fee is more predictable and less stressful than hourly billing. When the scope is clear, we can often agree on a set price so you know exactly what you’ll pay from the outset.

Examples of services that may be available on a flat-fee basis include:

  • Review and consultation on a residential lease

  • Review of a property management agreement or vendor contract

  • Traffic ticket review and advice

  • A simple will with basic accompanying documents (such as a health care proxy and power of attorney)

  • Review of a single business contract or agreement

If a flat fee is appropriate, I’ll let you know after we discuss the details of your matter. If it isn’t, I’ll explain why and suggest an hourly or package option instead.

Seasonal Business Packages

Seasonal businesses on the East End run on tight timelines and specific cycles. Legal needs often cluster in the pre-season, peak season, and wind-down—so it doesn’t always make sense to treat everything as separate hourly projects.

That’s where seasonal business packages come in.

These packages are customized to your business but may include:

  • Review and drafting or updating of seasonal lease or license agreements

  • Preparation or revision of operating agreements and partner arrangements

  • Employment contracts and offer letters for seasonal staff

  • Wage and salary guidance for seasonal and part-time employees

  • Assistance with town, building, and event permits

  • Review of vendor contracts (for services like catering, events, maintenance, etc.)

  • A set number of check-in calls or email consultations during the season

We begin by talking through what your business does, what you’ve struggled with in previous seasons, and what you’d like to feel more confident about going into the next one. From there, we shape a package that fits your needs and your budget.

Monthly Retainer for Ongoing Questions

In addition to seasonal packages, some businesses and individuals prefer a modest monthly retainer that allows them to reach out with quick questions or smaller issues without worrying about starting the clock every time.

A monthly retainer can be helpful if you:

  • Regularly need to run documents or ideas by someone

  • Want guidance on recurring staffing or policy questions

  • Prefer the peace of mind of knowing you have a lawyer you can contact as issues arise

Monthly retainers are tailored based on anticipated needs and clearly defined in an engagement letter. If a retainer doesn’t make sense for your situation, I’ll say so.

How We’ll Decide What Fits

Choosing between hourly, flat-fee, or a package isn’t something you have to figure out on your own. During our initial conversation, we will:

  1. Clarify your goals and time frame

  2. Identify the type and scope of the work

  3. Discuss which fee structure is most practical and predictable for you

  4. Agree on how we’re moving forward before any work begins

No matter which structure we choose, the focus stays the same: practical legal help, delivered in a way that feels manageable and fair.

Questions About Cost?

It’s completely normal to have questions about fees, especially if you’ve had less-than-great experiences in the past—or have never worked with a lawyer before.

You are always welcome to ask:

  • Whether a flat-fee option exists for your type of matter

  • What might fall within a seasonal business package

  • Whether a monthly retainer would be useful in your situation

Call to Action

If you’re unsure what your issue might cost, let’s talk it through. We’ll find a structure that makes sense before you commit.

Ask About Fees