Home Blog What Is the Cost to Have a Legal Document Drafted?

What Is the Cost to Have a Legal Document Drafted?

This page explains the average cost of drafting a legal document, based on recent projects completed by lawyers on the ContractsCounsel platform.

Jump to Section

How much does it cost to draft a legal document?

So, you need a legal document drafted. If you are like most people, the first question you had once you discovered this need was:

“How much is this going to cost me?” “What are the document preparation fees?”

Given the reputation lawyers have for charging steep prices, this is a reasonable question to ask.

Let’s take a look at the cost of drafting a contract and all of the preparation fees.

How much does it cost to draft an agreement?

Contract drafting and preparation fees can vary depending on a lot of different factors. Some of those factors are:

  • Types of agreement needing to be drafted
  • Years of experience of the lawyer you hired
  • Location of the lawyer you hired
  • How complex the terms of the agreement are
  • How quickly you need the document drafted
  • Size of the transaction the document will be used for

ContractsCounsel’s platform is a marketplace to draft agreements with lawyers, so we collect a lot of cost data for legal fees, many of which are flat fee contract drafting costs. Below are some average price points from across all US states to review to give you a sense of what things costs:

Common Business Agreements:

Common Personal Documents:

The above price points are based on hundreds of matters each and averaged across the US. These rates may vary for you depending on the above factors, but should serve as a general guide for flat fee contract drafting fees and what lawyers charge.

Factors That Determine the Cost of Drafting a Contract

Below, we go into further detail about the factors that determine the cost to drafting a contract or legal document:

  • Consultation Fee: Many lawyers will charge for the consultation. In some cases, this is their standard hourly rate, while others may set a special flat fee. Others still offer consults for free.
  • Years of Experience: The more experience a contract lawyer has, the better they are at their job. But those years don’t come for free. More experienced lawyers generally charge higher fees.
  • Complexity: If your document is something simple and straightforward, you can expect the costs to be lower than if it is highly complex and difficult to draft.
  • Communication: If your contract lawyer must go back and forth with you to clarify elements and get your feedback, you can expect this to increase the cost.
  • Revision: If you get the document and decide there are changes you would like to have made, this will likely increase the overall cost of the document.
  • Location: Contract lawyers in major metropolitan areas tend to charge more than those in rural and suburban settings. Even the building they are in can impact cost.
  • Firm: If the lawyer works for a firm, that will impact the bottom line. Firms often set prices based on their collective experience, overhead, and prestige.
  • Turnaround Time: If you’re on a tight timeframe, a lawyer may charge a premium so prioritize your work over another clients.
  • Size of Transaction: Given lawyers carry insurance policies, they will often adjust their rates to reflect the size of the transaction. They are absorbing liability by handling your matter, so the total bill may be reflective of how much liability they are taking on.

Keeping Costs Down

Hearing all of this, it might sound like you should expect having a legal document drafted to break the bank. But that isn’t necessarily the case.

There are some things you can do to keep preparation fees down. These include:

  • Looking for contract lawyers that offer free consultations.
  • Outlining the document in advance, so it is clear to the preparer what you are looking for, reducing the back and forth.
  • Selecting a lawyer offering flat fee contract drafting rather than an hourly rate.
  • Looking outside of big cities for a contract attorney.
  • Choosing a lawyer who isn’t with a firm and is a solo practitioner. They will not have the same overhead a firm lawyer will have.
  • Negotiate the number of revisions you will get before starting work. This will minimize additional costs.
  • When providing feedback, make sure to do a thorough job and to not send peace mill. Limiting the back and forth between you and the lawyer will reduce costs.
  • Get competitive quotes. Use an online marketplace like ContractsCounsel to get competitive quotes from lawyers for you to compare. Some lawyers may not be busy at the time and be willing to provide a competitive rate to win your work.

Keep Preparation Fees Low with ContractsCounsel

Make the search easier by connecting with a contract lawyer near you through ContractsCounsel.

As a boutique marketplace, we vet all lawyers on our platform before their profiles go live.

Get free quotes from multiple attorneys, then work with the one who is the best fit for you.


ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


Meet some of our Lawyers

Odini G. on ContractsCounsel
View Odini
5.0 (8)
Member Since:
August 7, 2024

Odini G.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Aspen
19 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CO, GA, NY
Emory University School of Law

I am an accomplished attorney with more than 19 years of experience and extensive expertise in business negotiations, commercial contracts, and technology transactions. With a proven track record of providing strategic legal advice and delivering exceptional results, I have successfully assisted numerous clients in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating various business arrangements. My experience encompasses a wide range of areas, including intellectual property, data privacy and security, SaaS agreements, and software licenses. I co-founded a reputable general corporate law firm with three offices in Aspen, Atlanta, and New York. As a partner and attorney, I represented diverse clients, including start-ups, public corporations, investors, financial institutions, educational institutions, and non-profit entities. With a focus on delivering comprehensive legal solutions, I provided general counsel, expert dispute resolution, efficient litigation management, and skillful contract drafting and negotiations for businesses across industries.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Supremely responsive and works surprisingly quickly. Strongly recommend!"

Jim B. on ContractsCounsel
View Jim
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
September 4, 2024

Jim B.

Managing Partner, Business Lawyer
Free Consultation
Portland, Oregon
24 Yrs Experience
Licensed in OR
Southern Illinois University

Since 2002, when I first received my law license and began practicing in criminal litigation, I have dedicated myself to providing competent and impassioned legal representation to my clients. Transitioning into business and intellectual property law and serving the Oregon community under the banner of INTELLEQUITY since 2016, I embarked on a mission to offer an unparalleled level of personalized legal guidance that empowers my clients through understanding, support, and legal mastery. As a seasoned attorney, I recognize that behind every case is a person with a distinct set of emotions, aspirations, and challenges. This is why my approach to legal services is not just about cases and statutes; it's about people and their lives. Whether it's navigating the intricacies of business law or safeguarding your intellectual property, I'm here to provide more than just professional counsel—I offer a compassionate, personalized approach to every case. This means keeping you well-informed at every step, empowering you with in-depth understanding, and steering you towards decisions that are legally sound and, more importantly, right for you.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Great person to work with. He helped gain a better understanding of my own business."

Dolan W. on ContractsCounsel
View Dolan
5.0 (483)
Member Since:
September 8, 2024

Dolan W.

Attorney
Free Consultation
San Diego, California
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
Purdue Law School

You need a lawyer who's more than just knowledgeable – you need someone who's on your side. That's where I come in. I'll be there every step of the way, offering clear communication and proactive solutions. Whether you're starting a business or navigating a complex legal matter, I'll help you make informed decisions and achieve your goals. I also have drafted many templates to save you money. Just use this link - https://www.contractscounsel.com/client/lawyer-profile/3764#Templates Why Choose Me? I put you first I'm proactive I'm efficient I'm accessible

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Excellent review and analysis in the quick timeline I needed. Highly recommended!"

Ana C. on ContractsCounsel
View Ana
Member Since:
August 7, 2024

Ana C.

Managing Member
Free Consultation
Washington, DC
20 Yrs Experience
Licensed in DC
Columbia Law School

Fractional General Counsel for growing companies, mainly in the financial sector, including companies operating in Mexico or Latin America. My niche includes companies who need day to day legal services, but are not ready to hire an in-house lawyer, and companies whose in-house legal team needs additional support. I am admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia and Mexico. With a bicultural legal education and background, and an extensive network of contacts in both jurisdictions, I’m able to provide efficient and high-quality services to my clients. With more than 18 years of legal experience, I have: - Led the Legal Department of a financial institution held by a public company - Led the Legal Department of a family office holding investments in diverse sectors - Participated on several M&A transactions - Participated on an IPO process - Participated in the purchase of a banking institution in the U.S. by a foreign group of investors - Worked at law firms with international presence Legal experience mainly in Corporate Governance, Securities Regulations, M&A, Corporate Development, Contracts, Corporate Law, Compensation, Policy Development, Investor Relations, among others. Non-for-profit Board and pro-bono experience.

Michael L. on ContractsCounsel
View Michael
Member Since:
August 19, 2024

Michael L.

Managing Attorney
Free Consultation
Glastonbury, CT
29 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
New England Law/Boston

Solo practitioner, licensed in New York State 27+ years. Areas of practice: Small Business Law, Commercial Contracts, Commercial Litigation, Employment Law & Litigation, Estate Planning, Business Succession Planning.

Richard H. on ContractsCounsel
View Richard
Member Since:
September 3, 2024

Richard H.

Solo practice
Free Consultation
Dallas, Texas
45 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TX
Sum Svhool of Law

After 30 years of practice I large, publicly traded companies, I went out on my own. I engaged in general practice for 10 years before retiring. I continue to do work on a contract basis.

Dennis S. on ContractsCounsel
View Dennis
Member Since:
September 3, 2024

Dennis S.

Principal
Free Consultation
Las Vegas, Nevada
31 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA, NV
Brigham Young University

Dennis Sponer co-founded ScripNet, a uniquely designed Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) company in 1997. After serving as In-House Counsel for one of Las Vegas’ largest healthcare conglomerates, Dennis devised a payor based technological solution to the challenge of pharmaceutical payment and remittance. As one of the first workers’ compensation specific Pharmacy Benefit Managers in the industry, Dennis pushed the boundaries of what a PBM can do. ScripNet was a three-time winner of the Inc. 500 and was named to the Inc. 5000 numerous times thereafter. Clients of ScripNet included some of the largest carriers, governmental entities, and self-insured employers in the nation, including FedEx, Starbucks, Lockheed Martin, the Cities of Dallas, Atlanta and Philadelphia as well as the State of Texas and the State of Nevada. After fifteen years of exceptional growth and class leading industry recognition, ScripNet was acquired in 2012 by Optum Healthcare Solutions. After selling ScripNet, Dennis served as Executive Vice President for the acquiring company and was successful in integrating ScripNet into the larger entity. His latest venture, HSARx, was a consumer facing Pharmacy Benefit Manager focused on the owners of health savings accounts. He sold HSARx to SwiftScript in October of 2023. Dennis obtained his Juris Doctorate from Brigham Young University where he served as Note and Comment Editor of the Law Review. He then obtained his Master of Laws in Taxation (L.L.M.) from the University of San Diego. After selling ScripNet, Dennis returned to school to earn his TRIUM MBA, the program jointly administered by New York University's Stern School of Business, the London School of Economics and HEC Paris. Dennis is a member of the 1999 Leadership Las Vegas graduating class, was named by InBusiness Las Vegas to its annual Top 40 Under 40 list, is a graduate of MIT's prestigious Birthing of Giants program and holds a certificate in full stack development from MIT. Dennis is licensed as an attorney in California and Nevada and is a past President of the Las Vegas Chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization. He serves on the Southern Utah University School of Business National Advisory Board, the SUU Entrepreneur Leadership Council and the UNLV College of Liberal Arts Board. Through his consultancy, SRX Advisors, Dennis serves as an advisor and legal counsel to various startups, health care technology and artificial intelligence firms.

Jonathan W. on ContractsCounsel
View Jonathan
Member Since:
September 4, 2024

Jonathan W.

Partner
Free Consultation
San Francisco, California
33 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA, WA
Columbia University School of Law

Jonathan Wright offers 30+ years of legal and business expertise to clients seeking a trusted advisor. His experience as a CEO and General Counsel for tech, healthcare, and biotech companies enables him to provide seasoned guidance on complex contracts, strategic agreements, and business transactions. Whether you're starting a company, navigating financings, or handling day-to-day corporate legal needs, Jonathan offers valuable insights and support.

Antonio P. on ContractsCounsel
View Antonio
Member Since:
September 10, 2024

Antonio P.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Fort Wayne, Indiana
4 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IN
Atlanta's John Marshall Law School

At Pishvai Law, Tony's attention to detail and deep community roots define his practice. A lifelong Fort Wayne native, Tony returned home after attending law school in Atlanta, Georgia, emphasizing his commitment to serving his community firsthand. As a solo practitioner, Tony offers a level of personalized service and dedication unmatched by larger firms. With a focus on tailored solutions and individualized attention, Tony ensures that each client receives the care they deserve. Whether you're facing a complex legal matter or seeking guidance, Tony is dedicated to providing the support and expertise you need to navigate your case with confidence.

Andrew G. on ContractsCounsel
View Andrew
Member Since:
September 19, 2024

Andrew G.

Principal Attorney
Free Consultation
Cleveland, Ohio
11 Yrs Experience
Licensed in OH
Harvard Law School

Mr. Goodwin is an experienced transactional attorney, with experience working both for a large law firm and as in-house counsel for a leading global healthcare system.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a legal contract?

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

CONTRACT LAWYERS BY TOP CITIES
See All Business Lawyers

Contracts Counsel was incredibly helpful and easy to use. I submitted a project for a lawyer's help within a day I had received over 6 proposals from qualified lawyers. I submitted a bid that works best for my business and we went forward with the project.

View Trustpilot Review

I never knew how difficult it was to obtain representation or a lawyer, and ContractsCounsel was EXACTLY the type of service I was hoping for when I was in a pinch. Working with their service was efficient, effective and made me feel in control. Thank you so much and should I ever need attorney services down the road, I'll certainly be a repeat customer.

View Trustpilot Review

I got 5 bids within 24h of posting my project. I choose the person who provided the most detailed and relevant intro letter, highlighting their experience relevant to my project. I am very satisfied with the outcome and quality of the two agreements that were produced, they actually far exceed my expectations.

View Trustpilot Review

How It Works

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city