Lawyers usually charge fees based on an hourly rate.  Those who have five to ten years' experience usually charge at least $300 to $500 per hour.  Taxes and disbursements (photocopies, long distance charges, courier fees etc.) are extra.

There is no rule of thumb as to how much a case will cost, because some employers (or employees) are unreasonable, or vindictive, and may be motivated by concerns other than monetary ones.

Some lawyers will take a case on a contingency fee basis. They will charge 25 per cent to 35 per cent of the settlement amount, depending upon the stage at which the case settles. While this may be helpful if you are short of cash, it often works out to be more expensive than hiring a lawyer on an hourly rate.

If you hire a lawyer on an hourly rate, you can save money by doing some background research.  This saves your lawyer time as she explains the law to you, and lets her concentrate on your case.