Finding the Right Contingency Attorney

Table of Contents

• Retainer
• Contingency Fees
• Different Types of Fees
• Cost of a Contingency Agreement
• Benefits of a Contingency Agreement
• Considerations When Hiring an Attorney on Contingency
• Questions to Ask When Hiring an Attorney on Contingency

Retainer

A retainer is a fee paid to an attorney up front. This fee is in exchange for the attorney providing legal advice and services for a given amount of time. The retainer can be for a set period of time, such as one month, or for an indefinite period of time, such as when a client needs ongoing advice or representation in a long-term case. The retainer fee is usually nonrefundable.

Contingency Fees

A contingency fee is a fee that is paid to an attorney only if the attorney is successful in obtaining a result for the client. The fee is typically based on a percentage of the amount recovered for the client. The fee can range from 25 to 50 percent, although some lawyers may charge a higher percentage depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of work involved. Contingency fees are common in cases involving personal injury and medical malpractice cases.

Different Types of Fees

Lawyers may also charge an hourly rate or a flat fee, depending on the type of case and the amount of work involved. An hourly rate is a fee that the lawyer charges for each hour of work on the case. A flat fee is a fee that is paid up front, regardless of the amount of time spent on the case. In some cases, a lawyer may be willing to negotiate a fee based on the client’s financial circumstances.

Cost of a Contingency Agreement

The cost of a contingency agreement depends on the type of case, the amount of work involved, and the attorney’s experience and reputation. Most lawyers charge a contingency fee of 25 to 50 percent of the amount recovered. Some lawyers may charge a higher percentage, depending on the complexity of the case.

Benefits of a Contingency Agreement

The primary benefit of a contingency agreement is that the client does not have to pay any money up front for legal services. This makes it more affordable for individuals and businesses who may not have the money to pay an hourly rate or a retainer. Additionally, the client may have more bargaining power with the lawyer because the lawyer has a vested interest in the success of the case.

Considerations When Hiring an Attorney on Contingency

When hiring an attorney on contingency, it is important to consider the attorney’s experience and reputation. It is also important to make sure that the attorney is willing to negotiate a reasonable fee based on the complexity of the case. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the attorney is offering a reasonable percentage of the recovery. Finally, the client should make sure that the attorney is willing to discuss the estimated costs of the case and the estimated time to resolution.

Questions to Ask When Hiring an Attorney on Contingency

• What do most lawyers charge for a contingency fee?
• What is the typical percentage of a contingency fee?
• Why should a contingency fee not be used?
• What is the standard contingency fee for an attorney in California?

Most lawyers charge a contingency fee of 25 to 50 percent of the amount recovered. The amount of the fee may vary depending on the complexity of the case, the amount of work involved