What Does a Business Lawyer Do in Florida? Key Roles and Services When choosing a lawyer, it is important to consider fees. Some lawyers charge hourly rates while others take a percentage of the final settlement. Regardless of which type of fee arrangement is chosen, the amount that the lawyer charges should be fair and reasonable. Ideally, the attorney will be willing to negotiate the fee and explain how it is calculated. In addition, the client should be clear about any additional expenses that will need to be covered.