Discussing costs with a Lawyer

Always discuss the costs including disbursements and the billing options.

Do not be embarrassed or be 'put-off' on this subject. It is far better to discuss this at the start than after a dispute over costs has arisen.
Billing options will be either upon task completion, interim billing or through an advance payment. 
A fixed price for the completion of a task is probably the best option, but it is not always available. An example might be the application for a Trade Mark. 
Work completed to a set cost level is the best option where it is not reasonable to estimate a final cost. For example, applications for Resource Consents can sometimes be difficult. Once the set cost limit is reached, the obligation is with the lawyer to contact you and seek your instructions. 
A quoted hourly rate is the more difficult for you, the client. The lawyer will have their own hourly rates, as will their staff. These rates may vary.
Read the terms of trade on a firm's website. Various levels of experience can exist within a firm. For example, Firm Partner, Associate Partner, Lawyer or Consultant Lawyer. A consultant lawyer is generally a semi retired partner. Each of these individuals will have different fee structures.
Solicitor is another name for a Lawyer. Only a Lawyer can engage a Barrister on your behalf.