Understanding Consultation Fees: What's Reasonable in 2026

Legal consultation fees in India vary wildly because two advocates with the same Bar registration may have radically different experience, specialisations, and overhead. A junior advocate building a practice may charge ?300?500 per consultation; a senior partner at a tier-1 firm could charge ?10,000+. Both can be the right choice depending on your matter.

Three factors usually drive the rate: experience (years actively practising in the relevant area), specialisation depth (boutique IP litigators command more than generalists), and reputation in their forum (a senior counsel who regularly appears before the High Court signals certain credibility). Geography also matters ? Mumbai and Delhi rates tend to be 30?50% higher than smaller cities.

When comparing, look at total expected cost ? not just per-hour rate. A senior may resolve your matter in one consultation; a junior may need three. Ask each advocate how many sessions they typically need for a matter like yours.

Also remember: a consultation fee is for advice, not for representation. If the advocate then takes on the case (drafting, court appearances, follow-ups), they'll quote a separate engagement fee. Always clarify what's included in the consultation and what isn't.

KanunSetu shows hourly rates upfront on every profile. The platform also adds a small fixed booking fee (currently ?50) per session ? visible at checkout ? and pays out the consultation fee minus a 15% commission to the advocate after the consultation completes.

This article is general information, not legal advice.