Question from a reader:
If I hire a lawyer through the Legal Terrace, how much will it cost? I would appreciate it if you could provide specific pricing information.

Costs of Hiring a Lawyer through the Legal Terrace

Hello. Today, I will talk about “the costs of hiring a lawyer through the Legal Terrace.” As someone who works part-time at a judicial
scrivener’s office, this topic is very familiar and interesting to me. When legal issues arise, everyone struggles with the question of “lawyer fees.” I will explain the specific costs based on my experiences and knowledge.

What is the Legal Terrace?

First, let me briefly explain what the Legal Terrace is. The Legal Terrace is an organization that provides legal services for free or at a low cost to people facing legal troubles. It was established mainly to support those in financially difficult situations. For example, even if someone has a low income or cannot afford to hire a lawyer due to family circumstances, they can receive appropriate legal services by using the Legal Terrace. A friend of mine has also consulted a lawyer through the Legal Terrace. He was in a financially tough situation right after losing his job, but thanks to the Legal Terrace, he was able to consult with a lawyer and successfully resolve his issues. When there are such success stories, the importance of the Legal Terrace becomes even more apparent.

Detailed Breakdown of Lawyer Fees

Now, let’s get to the main topic: lawyer fees. The specific costs of hiring a lawyer through the Legal Terrace can vary depending on the situation, but I will provide a rough guideline. 1. Legal Consultation Fee: The Legal Terrace often offers the first legal consultation for free. This is very important for obtaining basic information. 2. Retainer Fee: The initial fee paid to the lawyer to proceed with legal procedures is called the “retainer fee.” When using the Legal Terrace, this amount usually varies depending on the content and complexity of the case, but generally ranges from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand yen. 3. Success Fee: If the lawsuit is successful, a success fee will be incurred. This is a fee paid upon winning the case, typically a certain percentage of the profits obtained. In other words, the fee is only incurred if you win. For example, when a friend hired a lawyer through the Legal Terrace, he was informed that the retainer fee was about 50,000 yen, and the success fee would be 10% of the lawsuit amount if he won. As such, the amounts can vary depending on the specifics of the case, so it is necessary to confirm in advance. 4. Actual Costs: There may also be additional costs such as court fees, transportation costs for witnesses, and other expenses. These will be billed separately, so caution is required.

Procedures and Precautions for Using the Legal Terrace

To use the Legal Terrace, you first need to make an appointment for a legal consultation. After the consultation, you will receive advice from the lawyer and, if necessary, make a specific request. At this time, you will be required to present income verification and identification documents, so be sure to prepare them in advance. Additionally, there are some precautions when using the Legal Terrace. For example, not all lawyers introduced by the Legal Terrace are well-versed in every legal issue. Many lawyers specialize in specific fields, so it is important to choose a lawyer that fits your case. I have also advised friends to pay particular attention to this point when they sought my counsel.

Personal Experience

Here, I would like to share my experience to give you a more concrete image. A few years ago, my family was involved in a real estate dispute. At first, I had no idea what to do and was quite troubled. At that time, I decided to consult a lawyer through the Legal Terrace. The initial consultation was free, and they carefully explained the subsequent procedures. The retainer fee was 150,000 yen, but I was relieved to find that installment payments were possible. Ultimately, we had to go to trial, and the success fee was set at 20% of the lawsuit amount, but since we won, it turned out to be a good result in the end. I believe that without the support of the Legal Terrace, I would have been burdened with a much larger load. Thanks to the lawyer’s expertise and support, I was able to approach the matter with confidence.

Conclusion

When hiring a lawyer through the Legal Terrace, it does not necessarily mean incurring high costs. The initial consultation is free, and there are often subsidies available for retainer fees and success fees based on income. When faced with legal issues, utilizing the Legal Terrace can help alleviate financial burdens and provide appropriate legal support. Finally, if you have any questions or concerns about the Legal Terrace, I recommend directly inquiring for information that suits your situation. The world of law can be complex, but by receiving proper support in a way that fits you, you can arrive at better solutions.