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Contingency Lawyers

What is a Contingency Lawyer?

Lawyers and law firms may choose to bill their clients in a few different ways. For instance, they might charge a flat fee for a specific legal matter, apply an hourly rate, or use a contingency fee approach. In general, a contingency lawyer is an attorney who agrees to handle a client’s case and collect a portion of any damages the client obtains at the end of the matter. The percentage of damages varies between cases but typically ranges from five to fifty percent.

This type of billing structure is often more affordable for clients than paying a lawyer’s ongoing hourly rate. Many clients also prefer contingency fee arrangements because they do not have to pay a contingency lawyer until the end of a case. Even then, a client will only have to pay a contingency lawyer if they win their case.

It is also important to note that attorneys usually accept contingency fee matters if they involve a clear fault by the defendant and calculable damages. Common examples include:

  • Bankruptcy cases;
  • Personal injury lawsuits;
  • Various types of class action lawsuits; and
  • Professional malpractice issues (e.g., plaintiff lawsuits filed against doctors, lawyers, surgeons, and so forth).

If you are thinking of filing a lawsuit about a civil dispute and have budget constraints, consider asking the attorney whether they use a contingency fee arrangement.

How Do Contingency Fees Work?

The way a contingency fee works will depend on the arrangement agreed upon between the client and their lawyer. A contingency fee may also be affected by the types of legal issues in a case as well.

For instance, a lawyer cannot use a contingency fee structure if the case involves a family or criminal law matter. A lawyer may also not demand to receive a portion of the client’s damages award that would be deemed to be unreasonable or is against state statutory laws.

When lawyers are permitted to work on contingency, they often base the pay percentage on elements like:

  • The difficulty of the case at hand
  • The contingency attorney’s background and approach
  • The likely demands of time and effort

In some matters, a firm might charge one contingency rate if the case settles prior to trial and a larger percentage if the dispute proceeds in court or on appeal. This reflects the increased workload, court appearances, and preparation required when a matter advances deeper into litigation.

Thus, it is very important to discuss the details of a contingency fee arrangement before hiring a potential lawyer. A client who asks the right questions will often have a clearer picture of their chances of winning a case. During the consultation meeting, a client should also ask about:

  • Costs that are not covered by the fee arrangement;
  • The portion of damages the lawyer intends to take as payment; and
  • The amount of damages the lawyer expects the client to recover if the case is successful.

What Advantages Are There to Working with a Contingency Fee Attorney?

Some notable advantages come with contingency fee arrangements:

  • No Payment if You Lose: If the attorney does not obtain a favorable verdict or settlement, the client generally owes nothing (except possible administrative fees).
  • Attorney Motivation: Because their payment hinges on success, lawyers working on contingency may feel extra incentive to win. While all lawyers must competently serve their clients, this can encourage extra diligence.
  • Fewer Upfront Costs: The lawyer usually shoulders initial legal expenses. The client avoids paying a retainer or monthly bills (as is typical with hourly fees).

One advantage to the attorney, of course, is the possibility of securing a substantial share of a large damages award. This risk-reward tradeoff typically drives strong attorney-client partnerships.

Why Hiring a Lawyer Matters

A lawyer who works on a contingency fee basis helps evaluate all potential claims and weigh settlement offers properly. With a contingency arrangement, they focus on winning without requiring you to risk a fortune. In civil suits, legal counsel can make sure paperwork is filed correctly, key witnesses are interviewed, and settlement negotiations are approached effectively.

Choose the Right Contingency Attorney Through LegalMatch

Even with contingency fees, you shouldn’t settle for just any lawyer. It pays to pick one who has the experience and resources for your case. Through LegalMatch, you can describe your issue and review attorney profiles at no cost. We streamline your search, letting you connect quickly with interested lawyers who fit your budgetary and case requirements.

If you need a cost-friendly solution and you believe your case may yield damages, a contingency-based attorney can help you pursue your claim without upfront fees. That arrangement helps you reduce financial anxiety while focusing on your legal goals. Use LegalMatch today to find the attorney you need at a rate that aligns with your means.

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