Contingency Fee (Percentage of Settlement)
Hourly Rate Billing
Cost Breakdown
Understanding Attorney Fee Structures
Hiring legal representation involves understanding how attorneys bill for their services. Most legal fees fall into two primary categories: Contingency Fees and Hourly Fees. This calculator helps you estimate your final take-home amount or total expenditure based on these common models.
1. Contingency Fees
Common in personal injury, worker's compensation, and medical malpractice cases, a contingency fee means the attorney is only paid if you win or settle the case. The fee is typically a percentage of the total recovery.
Standard Rate: Usually ranges between 33.3% and 40%.
Risk: The attorney takes on the risk of the case; if no money is recovered, you generally do not owe an attorney fee (though you may still owe court costs).
2. Hourly Rates
In family law, criminal defense, and corporate litigation, attorneys bill for every hour (or fraction of an hour) spent on your case. This includes phone calls, emails, research, and court appearances.
Variability: Total costs depend entirely on the complexity of the case and the time required to resolve it.
Retainers: Many hourly attorneys require an upfront deposit known as a retainer.
3. Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Regardless of the fee structure, cases often incur external costs. These include:
Court Filing Fees: Charges by the court to initiate a lawsuit.
Expert Witnesses: Fees for professionals who testify or provide technical analysis.
Administrative Costs: Postage, photocopying, and travel expenses.
Example Calculation
Scenario: A Personal Injury Settlement of $100,000.