Attorneys generally charge their clients in one of three ways: (1) an agreed hourly rate, times the number of hours the attorney spends on the matter; (2) a contingent fee, in which the attorney receives a percentage of the amount recovered or received by the client in the matter; or (3) a fixed-fee in which the attorney charges an agreed amount (often with some or all of the fee paid before work begins). If the attorney is charging on an hourly basis, he may require a fee deposit (sometimes called a retainer) to secure payment of the hourly fees. The client may be required to replenish this fee deposit. The attorney must hold the unearned fee deposit in her trust account until she does the work and is entitled to some or all of the payment. If there is a fee dispute between the attorney and client, and the attorney and client are unable to resolve the dispute, many state bar associations offer optional (and sometimes mandatory) fee dispute resolution procedures.

In Colorado, attorneys may charge clients using one of three common methods: hourly rates, contingent fees, or fixed fees. Hourly rates involve billing the client for each hour the attorney works on their case. A retainer, which is a fee deposit, may be required upfront to secure the attorney's services, and clients might need to replenish this deposit over time. Contingent fees mean the attorney receives a percentage of the client's recovery or settlement, incentivizing the attorney to obtain the best possible outcome. Fixed fees are set amounts agreed upon before the attorney begins work, and these are often paid in part or full upfront. Unearned fees held as a retainer must be kept in the attorney's trust account until the work is performed and the attorney is entitled to payment. In the event of a fee dispute, the Colorado Bar Association provides fee dispute resolution services to help resolve issues between attorneys and clients. These services can be optional or mandatory, depending on the circumstances of the dispute.