Consultation Policy
We’re happy to consult with you on any legal matter within our areas of practice. However, we do not offer free consultations. Our consultation fee is $150, which helps ensure that appointments are reserved for serious inquiries and discourages no-shows.
Consultation Options (2025)
- In-office consultation: $150 for up to 1 hour
- Virtual consultation: $150 for up to 1 hour
At Arnold A. Arpino & Associates, P.C., we believe transparency builds trust. That’s why we publish our current rates below — so you know exactly what to expect before hiring our firm.
Alternative Fee Arrangements
While we have moved away from traditional hourly billing for most cases, some matters — such as court-appointed work or specific litigation types — still require hourly billing.
Standard Hourly Rates (2025)
- David Arpino, Esq. – $250/hour
- Arnold Arpino, Esq. – $350/hour
- Paralegal and administrative staff – $95/hour
When possible, we work with clients to create alternative fee arrangements that provide greater flexibility and cost certainty. These may include flat fees, capped fees, payment plans, or sliding scale arrangements.
Financing Legal Fees
Arnold A. Arpino & Associates, P.C. is proud to offer ClientCredit, powered by Affirm, giving clients a new way to pay for legal services over time — with no hidden fees, no late charges, and no surprises.
Simply select the “Pay Later” option on our payment page to apply through Affirm. You’ll enter basic information and receive a real-time financing decision.
Learn more about ClientCredit and Affirm’s lending partners at affirm.com/lenders.
Note: ClientCredit is an additional payment option — you’re free to use any method you prefer.
Flat Fees
Flat fees allow clients to pay a predetermined amount for a specific legal service. This model works especially well for traffic ticket defense and criminal cases where the scope of work is predictable.
Flat fees provide cost certainty and eliminate surprises — no hourly tracking, no unexpected invoices, and no disputes about time billed.
Capped Fees
Capped fees combine the structure of hourly billing with the predictability of a maximum total cost.
For example, David Arpino’s rate is $300 per hour, but under a capped fee agreement, both parties may agree that the total amount billed will not exceed $10,000 for a particular matter.
This model gives clients peace of mind knowing their total exposure upfront, while still benefiting from hourly billing flexibility.
Payment Plans
We understand that not every client can pay a full fee upfront. That’s why we offer payment plans for most types of legal matters.
For instance, if we agree on a flat fee of $5,000, we can structure an installment plan to make payments manageable. This approach allows clients to secure representation while balancing their financial circumstances — a win-win for both client and firm.
Sliding Scale Fees
We recognize the access-to-justice gap that affordability creates. Our sliding scale fee program allows qualifying clients to pay reduced rates based on their household income, family size, and available resources.
For example, while David Arpino’s standard hourly rate is $300, a client demonstrating financial hardship may qualify for a reduced rate — such as $100 per hour — ensuring that quality legal representation remains accessible.
Subscriptions
Our subscription-based fee model offers clients ongoing legal access for a set monthly fee, similar to a gym or streaming service. This option is particularly popular among clients facing criminal matters, providing steady support and predictable monthly costs.