Compare contingency, hourly, and flat fee arrangements. See exactly what you'll pay and keep under each option.
What do you expect to recover if you win?
Typical: 20-40 hrs (simple), 60-150 hrs (complex)
Standard: 33% pre-litigation, 40% if lawsuit filed
CA average: $250-$500/hr depending on area
For specific tasks like demand letters, contract review, etc.
No win, no fee
You Keep
$0
Pay as you go
You Keep
$0
Fixed price
You Keep
$0
With contingency fees, the attorney only gets paid if you win. The fee is typically a percentage of your recovery:
33% before filing lawsuit, 40% after filing, 45%+ if case goes to trial or appeal
Personal injury, employment discrimination, consumer protection, medical malpractice cases
Costs (filing fees, expert witnesses) may be separate from the contingency percentage
You pay for the attorney's time regardless of outcome. This is common for business disputes, family law, and criminal defense.
A fixed price for defined legal services. Common for:
You can't afford upfront costs, have a strong case with clear damages, and are willing to share the recovery
Your case doesn't involve monetary damages, you have resources to pay, or the matter is complex/uncertain
You need a specific, defined service and want cost certainty