It depends on the type of payment option you choose. If you decide to pay the firm hourly or a fixed fee, you will pay a retainer prior to the commencement of services. A retainer is like a security deposit for a rental property. The retainer is deposited in the attorney’s trust account and held as financial security. At the completion of your matter, any unused retainer will be returned to you. If you choose to hire us on contingency, you do not pay a retainer.