how much is a lawyer retainer fee in the united states 
retainer fees vary by specialty ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on what they are retained for can retainer fees be refunded lawyers are ethically bound to return any unused portion of a client s retainer fees 2 if you are unsure if your retainer is exhausted you can ask your lawyer for an itemized invoice listing all of the work that they have performed each state has different rules for handling unused retainers so if you suspect you are owed a refund you should consult your local bar association to determine the correct procedures the bottom linea retainer fee is a down payment on a professional s services to ensure you have priority retainer fees are usually charged by lawyers accountants and consultants to maintain their continued services 