What to charge for court appearance?

[David Mescon]

My testimony and deposition fees have been the same since the 80s: $250 per hour, with a four hour, one time minimum. That way, if I need to testify for more than one day, or be deposed again, the client doesn't have to pay anything beyond the hourly rate after the first four hours have been used up. I also used to charge $175 per hour for pre-trial conference and meeting time, but would probably raise that up to $250 now too. Most of the appraisers I know who do much courtroom work these days are charging between $250 and $400 per hour for testimony or depo. time.

I've known brokers who will testify for $100 to $200 per hour, but not any appraisers.

 

[carnutte]

I must be on the high side. In the Chicago land area I've charged as much as $200/hour from the time I start my car till the time I'm back in my office.

 

[AnonApprsr]

Never gone to court, but in work that could goto court my engagement letter quotes 100 dollar as a minimum for court time.

 

[JamesRockford]

I HOPE I don't have to be cross examined.

Then you'd better stay out of court. :mellow:

 

[Thomas Fiehler]

It just depends on your qualifications and experience. My fee is $125 per hour from the time I leave my door until the time I return with a 4 hour minimum. A local MAI who I referred to an attorney friend to appraise a marina charged $7500 for the appraisal (which was OK) and $350 per hour since it was going to court. They balked at the hourly rate.

 

[JSmith43]

$100/Hr sounds pretty cheap for someone that is good in a courtroom setting. The 4 hour minimum helps, if your average testimony is 1 hour

I had an experience testifying as an expert witness 30 years ago when I still had before I sold my contracting company. The first two hours on the stand finally came to an end, when the judge told the bulldog attorney, "Look, you are not going to be able to demonstrate that Mr (Mentor) is not an expert" (& therefore disqualified).

The judge was kicking himself for putting up with the many different plans of attack offered. My client's attorney referred to the other attorney as a bulldog

Two more hours the next day. That's what I got for bidding on and completing a job that another contractor hosed & got kicked off the job.

I was an advocate for my company's work. The client's interests were parallel. We won conclusively. Did I mention, this was a jury trial. I got most of them to laugh with me a couple of times-couldn't help myself. I believe it had something to do with creatively illustrating a point or two.

I got paid a pretty good hourly fee by the client, a well to do individual that didn't put up with getting crossed by the other contractor's mickey mouse work product.

 

[PropertyEconomics]

I've never done it but I've heard that $75 to $100 per hour is the norm. Some people have charged minimums in the realm of 2+ hours, some charge for other various expenses (meals, parking, mileage, etc).

While a bit off subject, I have also heard that it is best to become VERY familiar with this assignment as there is nothing worse than an expert witness showing they are something less than that when, and if, cross examined.

Not Hardly!!!

The question is how much experience do you have in court?

My fee for research / court prep is $100 per hour with an hourly fee for depositions or court of $175 per hour. The last case I handled I was called to court three days in a row, did not testify the first two days, and billed the client for the seven hours per day at $3,675 plus an additional six hours of prep time at $600 for a total fee of $4,275. My original fee for the appraisal was $3,000.

I personally do not believe in minimums. I believe in charging for the actual amount of time you are engaged in the litigation activity whether it be preparation, waiting to testify, or testifying. I also do not charge travel time .. but thats just me. I believe in getting paid for what I do and not charging a dime more. Others will disagree and that is their perogative ... I just believe in being paid for actual time worked.

I believe any appraiser that can prepare a very good appraisal, handle themselves in court and not fall prey to cross examination is well worth what they charge. I know other appraisers that charge $250 per hour. I have just always thought that excessive in our market but I certainly admire them for having the huevos to bill and receive those fees. They are also very good litigation appraisers.

 

[PropertyEconomics]

I HOPE I don't have to be cross examined.

All of the fun is in the cross examination ... if you fear that ... court work is definately not for you. Not being mean, Im just saying, 9 times out of 10 you will absolutely be cross examined and you should also be prepared to answer questions directly from the judge ... that happens to me in about 75% of the cases I testify in.

 

[Pittsburgh Pete]

Our lowest pay for testimony is with the State of PA--they limit our fee to $140/hour--same rate for prep and testimony. The upside to that is that they tend to need extensive trial prep and the hours accumulate. Works for me!

 

[Fritz in NY]

To have to sweat it out with unknown questions and educate the court as to what you do and do not do, is a lot more stress than doing an appraisal. $ 125. door to door with a 2 hour minimum, parking & lunch, and I don't wear a tie.