ContractsCounsel Logo

Legal Document Preparation Fees: Review Pricing Data (2023)

Updated: December 20, 2023
Clients Rate Lawyers on our Platform 4.9/5 Stars
based on 10,584 reviews
No Upfront Payment Required, Pay Only If You Hire.
Home Blog Legal Document Preparation Fees: Review Pricing Data (2023)

Jump to Section

Legal document preparation fees are roughly around $600 per project, charged by lawyers to draft, create, or prepare legal documents.

Types of legal documents include:

Pricing List for Legal Document Preparation Fees

Lawyers typically charge a flat fee or an hourly fee to clients to prepare legal documents. The legal document preparation fee data shown below comes from ContractsCounsel’s marketplace. The table includes 12 popular drafting projects.

Document Type Bid Avg Project Avg
Service Contract $650 $505
Partnership Agreement $875 $625
Single-Member Operating Agreement $525 $450
Multi-Member Operating Agreement $1,100 $950
SaaS Agreement $850 $725
Terms of Service $845 $450
Privacy Policy $500 $450
Employment Contract $650 $500
Consulting Agreement $650 $450
Contractor Agreement $650 $450
Convertible Note $650 $550
Promissory Note $695 $550

All data is flat-fee (not hourly), so the pricing you see below is the total to complete a project. Please note, that pricing for projects can vary based on contract type, number of custom terms, and number of revisions needed. The below pricing table includes averages.

Contract Drafting Costs

Contract drafting services are provided by lawyers on behalf of clients who need to create legal documents to govern transactions. The process involves the lawyer consulting with a client on the best terms to include in a contract that needs to be drafted. Once these terms have been identified, lawyers will create a first version of the document for the client to review and provide feedback.

Typically, contract drafting is an iterative process and may take a couple of rounds of revisions to get the contract to say what the client wants, while also keeping the client protected.

Getting help from a lawyer for contract drafting is highly encouraged since contracts are the backbone of businesses and govern relationships with customers, employees, investors, parties, and other parties.

Based on ContractsCounsel’s marketplace data, the average cost of a project involving contract drafting is approximately $600. However, legal document preparation fees can vary widely from project to project.

Meet some lawyers on our platform

Bryan B.

259 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Jane C.

163 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Damien B.

12 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Scott S.

61 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Pricing Models for Legal Document Preparation Fees

Lawyers who prepare legal documents charge in a variety of ways. Please explore them below:

  • Flat Fee Rate: Flat fee billing structures are a popular way lawyers charge to prepare legal documents. Once a lawyer understands the assignment and terms that need to be included in the document; they will quote the client a flat fee for their services. The flat fee will typically include:
    • Consultation
    • Drafting of Document
    • Certain Number of Revisions

    ContractsCounsel’s marketplace data shows the average flat fee rate for legal document preparation to be $600.

  • Hourly Rate: Many lawyers opt to bill on an hourly basis for projects. Given the uncertainty surrounding how much time a project may require, this is a way to make sure the lawyer and client are paying for the work being completed.

    ContractsCounsel’s marketplace data shows the average hourly rate for a business lawyer ranges from $250 - $350 per hour.

Common Legal Document Preparation Projects

  • Service Contract: Service contracts are legal documents that govern a service provider’s relationship with their clients. Service providers typically want ironclad service contracts to make sure their interests are best protected.
  • Employment Contract: An employment contract is a legal document that manages the relationship between a business and an employee. Employment law is highly litigious, so it is best to have a lawyer create your contract to minimize future disputes.
  • Terms of Service; Privacy Policy: Website agreements, including Terms of Service and Privacy Policies, are becoming a popular drafting project. These documents govern the relationship between a website and its users.
  • Asset Purchase Agreements: Asset purchase agreements are used when a business wants to buy assets from another business. Drafting them is often required in M&A work.
  • Real Estate Contracts: Real estate contracts are typically high-value, and always good to have a lawyer create. There are many free templates online, but that is a big risk for a high-impact transaction.
  • Investment Contracts: Given investment contracts typically include the exchange of a large amount of money, it is wise to have a lawyer draft them so your investors are confident in your ability.

Steps to Write Your Own Contract

Writing your own legal document is acceptable since you can still create a legally binding document. However, it is not encouraged given the nuances involved in legal language and the law. If a transaction you are involved in is high value or high impact, it is best to hire a lawyer to draft a contract. However, if you do want to write your own contract, below are some tips and steps to keep in mind:

  1. Write with the Recipient in Mind. It is best to know your audience and write language in a way that is easy for them to understand.
  2. Use Straightforward Language. Murky language in contracts doesn’t do anyone good. Be as objective and straightforward as possible to make sure there is no gray area involved in certain clauses.
  3. Avoid Templates if Possible. Templates are all over the internet. It is best to avoid them as they may be outdated, or even worse, created by a non-lawyer that doesn’t understand the law.
  4. Conduct Legal Research. There are many resources online that can help you research the project you want to complete. It is always best to reference resources while handling your project.
  5. Structure the Document Appropriately. Make sure to review samples of your document type to make sure you structure your document well and include similar clauses.

Final Thoughts on Legal Document Preparation Fees

If you are looking to get free pricing proposals from vetted lawyers that are 60% less than typical law firms, you can Click here to get started. By comparing multiple proposals for free, you can save time and stress of finding a quality lawyer for your business needs.

How ContractsCounsel Works
Hiring a lawyer on ContractsCounsel is easy, transparent and affordable.
1. Post a Free Project
Complete our 4-step process to provide info on what you need done.
2. Get Bids to Review
Receive flat-fee bids from lawyers in our marketplace to compare.
3. Start Your Project
Securely pay to start working with the lawyer you select.

Meet some of our Lawyers

Jeff C. on ContractsCounsel
View Jeff
5.0 (8)
Member Since:
July 31, 2020

Jeff C.

Outside General Counsel / Business Attorney
Free Consultation
Colorado
37 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CO, OR
University of Oregon

Experienced and broad based corporate/business attorney and Outside General Counsel (OGC), for start-ups, small businesses and growing companies of all sizes, advising and assisting clients with corporate and LLC formation, contracts and agreements, internet and terms of use/service agreements, trademarks and intellectual property protection, the purchase and sale of businesses (M&A), labor and employment matters, compliance and risk management, corporate governance, and commercial leasing matters. See other reviews on my website at www.ogcservices.net/reviews

Paul S. on ContractsCounsel
View Paul
5.0 (14)
Member Since:
August 4, 2020

Paul S.

CEO
Free Consultation
Cincinnati, OH
38 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA, OH
Boston University

I focus my practice on startups and small to mid-size businesses, because they have unique needs that mid-size and large law firms aren't well-equipped to service. In addition to practicing law, I have started and run other businesses, and have an MBA in marketing from Indiana University. I combine my business experience with my legal expertise, to provide practical advice to my clients. I am licensed in Ohio and California, and I leverage the latest in technology to provide top quality legal services to a nationwide client-base. This enables me to serve my clients in a cost-effective manner that doesn't skimp on personal service.

Davis S. on ContractsCounsel
View Davis
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
August 16, 2020

Davis S.

Founder
Free Consultation
Minneapolis, MN
21 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN
Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Davis founded DLO in 2010 after nearly a decade of practicing in the corporate department of a larger law firm. Armed with this experience and knowledge of legal solutions used by large entities, Davis set out to bring the same level of service to smaller organizations and individuals. The mission was three-fold: provide top-notch legal work, charge fair prices for it, and never stop evolving to meet the changing needs of clients. Ten years and more than 1000 clients later, Davis is proud of the assistance DLO provides for companies large and small, and the expanding service they now offer for individuals and families.

Terence B. on ContractsCounsel
View Terence
5.0 (45)
Member Since:
August 23, 2020

Terence B.

Partner
Free Consultation
Orlando, FL and New York, NY
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL, NY
Georgetown University Law Center

Terry Brennan is an experienced corporate, intellectual property and emerging company transactions attorney who has been a partner at two national Wall Street law firms and a trusted corporate counsel. He focuses on providing practical, cost-efficient and creative legal advice to entrepreneurs, established enterprises and investors for business, corporate finance, intellectual property and technology transactions. As a partner at prominent law firms, Terry's work centered around financing, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, securities transactions, outsourcing and structuring of business entities to protect, license, finance and commercialize technology, manufacturing, digital media, intellectual property, entertainment and financial assets. As the General Counsel of IBAX Healthcare Systems, Terry was responsible for all legal and related business matters including health information systems licensing agreements, merger and acquisitions, product development and regulatory issues, contract administration, and litigation. Terry is a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center, where he was an Editor of the law review. He is active in a number of economic development, entrepreneurial accelerators, veterans and civic organizations in Florida and New York.

Matthew S. on ContractsCounsel
View Matthew
4.9 (11)
Member Since:
August 5, 2020

Matthew S.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Flemington, NJ
40 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NJ, NY
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (Yeshiva University)

I am a 1984 graduate of the Benjamin N Cardozo School of Law (Yeshiva University) and have been licensed in New Jersey for over 35 years. I have extensive experience in negotiating real estate, business contracts, and loan agreements. Depending on your needs I can work remotely or face-to-face. I offer prompt and courteous service and can tailor a contract and process to meet your needs.

Tim E. on ContractsCounsel
View Tim
4.9 (45)
Member Since:
August 12, 2020

Tim E.

Founding Member/Attorney
Free Consultation
Cleveland, OH
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in OH
Cleveland State University College of Law

Tim advises small businesses, entrepreneurs, and start-ups on a wide range of legal matters. He has experience with company formation and restructuring, capital and equity planning, tax planning and tax controversy, contract drafting, and employment law issues. His clients range from side gig sole proprietors to companies recognized by Inc. magazine.

Christopher J. on ContractsCounsel
View Christopher
Member Since:
August 4, 2020

Christopher J.

Attorney and Counselor at Law
Free Consultation
Ann Arbor, MI
25 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MI
Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University

Experienced attorney focusing on estate planning, probate administration, business formation and counseling, and consumer bankruptcy.

Curt L. on ContractsCounsel
View Curt
Member Since:
August 13, 2020

Curt L.

Business Attorney
Free Consultation
Houston, TX
34 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TX
South Texas College of Law Houston

For over thirty (33) years, Mr. Langley has developed a diverse general business and commercial litigation practice advising clients on day-to-day business and legal matters, as well as handling lawsuits and arbitrations across Texas and in various other states across the country. Mr. Langley has handled commercial matters including employment law, commercial collections, real estate matters, energy litigation, construction, general litigation, arbitrations, defamation actions, misappropriation of trade secrets, usury, consumer credit, commercial credit, lender liability, accounting malpractice, legal malpractice, and appellate practice in state and federal courts. (Online bio at www.curtmlangley.com).

Braden P. on ContractsCounsel
View Braden
Member Since:
August 18, 2020

Braden P.

Partner
Free Consultation
Kansas City, MO
22 Yrs Experience
Licensed in KS, MO
University of Kansas School of Law

Braden Perry is a corporate governance, regulatory and government investigations attorney with Kennyhertz Perry, LLC. Mr. Perry has the unique tripartite experience of a white-collar criminal defense and government compliance, investigations, and litigation attorney at a national law firm; a senior enforcement attorney at a federal regulatory agency; and the Chief Compliance Officer/Chief Regulatory Attorney of a global financial institution. Mr. Perry has extensive experience advising clients in federal inquiries and investigations, particularly in enforcement matters involving technological issues. He couples his technical knowledge and experience defending clients in front of federal agencies with a broad-based understanding of compliance from an institutional and regulatory perspective.

William F. on ContractsCounsel
View William
Member Since:
August 18, 2020

William F.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Denver, CO
18 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CO
University of Wyoming

William L Foster has been practicing law since 2006 as an attorney associate for a large litigation firm in Denver, Colorado. His experience includes drafting business contracts, organizational filings, and settlement agreements.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Need help with a legal contract?

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

CONTRACT LAWYERS BY TOP CITIES
See All Contracts Lawyers
Learn About Contracts
other helpful articles

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

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