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Fixed Fee vs Hourly Rate

Definition

Fixed fee is a set price agreed upfront for legal work regardless of time spent, while hourly rate charges clients based on actual hours worked by solicitors.

Understanding these pricing models is crucial when choosing legal services for will writing, as the choice affects cost predictability, budgeting, and overall consumer satisfaction.

What Does Fixed Fee vs Hourly Rate Mean?

Fixed fee means you agree on a total price before work starts—whether your solicitor spends 3 hours or 8 hours, you pay the same amount. Most online will services and solicitors offer fixed fees for simple wills, typically £99.99 online or £300-£650 with traditional solicitors. Under this model, the solicitor assumes the risk that work might take longer than anticipated.

Hourly rate means you pay for every hour (or fraction of an hour) your solicitor works on your case, traditionally billed in 6-minute units (0.1 hour increments). UK solicitor hourly rates range from £150 for junior solicitors to £546+ for senior partners in London, depending on seniority, location, and expertise. The final bill depends on how long the work takes, which can vary significantly. If complications arise or you need multiple revisions, costs can escalate beyond initial estimates. Under this model, the client assumes the price risk.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Transparency Rules, updated in September 2024, require all regulated law firms to publish clear pricing information and keep clients informed throughout the matter. The Legal Ombudsman's "An Ombudsman's View of Good Costs Service" (November 2023) emphasizes that clients should never be surprised by their bill—solicitors must explain costs clearly from the start.

For will writing, fixed fees dominate because the scope is straightforward and predictable. Sarah, 32, a teacher from Bristol, used WUHLD's £99.99 fixed fee service to create a simple will leaving everything to her spouse with guardianship provisions for her two children. She completed it in 15 minutes, knowing the exact cost upfront—no risk of the bill increasing if she revised beneficiary details. This cost certainty is why 54% of UK law firms are shifting to fixed-fee billing, and 71% of clients prefer fixed fees for entire cases, according to Clio's 2025 Legal Trends Report.

However, hourly rates remain appropriate for complex, unpredictable work. James, 68, a retired business owner from London, has a complex estate worth £2.4 million involving multiple properties, children from two marriages, and discretionary trust structures. His specialist solicitor charges £350 per hour. After 18 hours of work over three months—including meetings, complex drafting, tax calculations, and family negotiations—James received a bill for £6,300. While expensive, the hourly rate was appropriate because the scope was unpredictable and evolved significantly as planning progressed. A solicitor couldn't have offered a meaningful fixed fee given such uncertainty.

Common Questions

"Which is better for will writing—fixed fee or hourly rate?"

Fixed fee is usually better for will writing because you know the total cost upfront (typically £99.99 for online services or £300-£650 with solicitors). Hourly rates create uncertainty about the final bill, especially if complications arise. Research shows 87% of UK consumers paying fixed fees report higher satisfaction compared to 73% on hourly rates, primarily due to cost certainty and transparency.

"What are the main advantages of fixed fee pricing for legal services?"

Fixed fees provide complete cost certainty—you pay an agreed amount regardless of time spent. This offers transparency, makes budgeting easier, and removes the anxiety of watching the clock during consultations. For straightforward matters like simple wills, fixed fees typically offer better value and higher consumer satisfaction than hourly billing. You can also preview your will before paying, as with WUHLD's service.

"When do solicitors charge hourly rates instead of fixed fees?"

Solicitors typically charge hourly rates for complex, unpredictable work where the scope is unclear—such as contested probate cases, will disputes, or complex estate planning involving multiple trusts and tax structures. The 2024 Guideline Hourly Rates range from £150 for junior solicitors to £546+ for senior partners, depending on location and expertise. Some solicitors offer hybrid approaches, like capped hourly rates (hourly billing up to a maximum fixed amount), combining certainty with flexibility.

Common Misconceptions

Myth: Hourly rates mean better service because solicitors spend more time on your case.

Reality: More time doesn't necessarily mean better quality. Fixed fees incentivize efficiency and streamlined processes, which can actually improve service for straightforward matters. The key is choosing the right model for your needs—fixed fees work well when the scope is clear and predictable (like simple will writing), while hourly rates suit complex, unpredictable cases. The Law Society notes that fixed fees allow solicitors to leverage expertise and systems for efficiency without compromising quality.

Myth: Fixed fees always work out cheaper than hourly rates.

Reality: Not necessarily. For very simple matters, fixed fees usually offer better value. But if your case is more complex than the solicitor anticipated, you might get excellent value (they absorb the extra time). The key advantage of fixed fees is certainty, not always being cheaper. Law Society guidance notes that solicitors price fixed fees to reflect the risk they assume, so there's inherently a premium for certainty built in. What you gain is transparency and peace of mind about your budget.

  • Solicitor: Legal professionals who offer both fixed fee and hourly rate pricing models, regulated by SRA Transparency Rules requiring clear upfront cost information.
  • Legal Fees: The broader category encompassing all costs of legal services, including solicitor pricing models and additional disbursements like probate registry fees.
  • Will Cost: The specific application of these pricing models in will writing, where fixed fees (£99.99-£650) typically dominate due to predictable scope.
  • Online Will Service: Digital platforms like WUHLD that almost exclusively use fixed fee pricing (£99.99) due to scalable, predictable technology-driven processes.
  • Professional Services: The broader category of expert services using various pricing models, providing context for how solicitors' structures compare to other professionals.

Need Help with Your Will?

Understanding pricing models helps you make informed decisions about will creation. WUHLD's transparent £99.99 fixed fee eliminates cost uncertainty, letting you focus on protecting your family rather than worrying about escalating legal bills.

Create your will with confidence using WUHLD's guided platform. For just £99.99, you'll get your complete, legally binding will plus three expert guides. Preview your will free before paying anything—no credit card required.

Legal Disclaimer:

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. WUHLD is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Laws and guidance change and their application depends on your circumstances. For advice about your situation, consult a qualified solicitor or regulated professional. Unless stated otherwise, information relates to England and Wales.