Legal services fees are assessed and determined based on evaluating the case complexity, level of effort, and duration of the litigation. The severity of the charges and the individual circumstances are also considered. In most cases, a flat fee plus expenses will be charged. Representation for other administrative matters (corrections of military records, medical boards, and appeals) is more appropriately charged on an hourly fee-plus-expenses basis; a reasonable retainer is required at the time the contract is signed.