If you hire a lawyer on a contingency, it means their fees will be a set percentage of the total money you get if you win your case, plus reimbursement for case-related expenses like depositions, expert witnesses, and filing fees. In a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyer takes on the risk that your case might be unsuccessful.
Many lawyers specialize in certain areas of law, such as family, estate, personal injury, contracts, or civil rights. It’s important to find a lawyer who has relevant experience with the legal area that you need. Take time to search for the right lawyer. Ask family, friends, or co-workers for recommendations.
Before your lawyer starts to work on your case, they may ask you to pay a financial deposit, called a retainer. The lawyer may use the retainer to pay expenses and fees. If you pay a lawyer by the hour, your final cost depends on how long it takes to complete your case. A lawyer’s hourly rate depends on their skill and experience.
If you think your lawyer didn't treat you fairly, didn’t handle your case effectively, or overcharged you, talk with him or her and try to work out an agreement. Depending on the circumstances, you may be free to fire your lawyer, or you may need a judge’s permission.
Many lawyers specialize in certain areas of law, such as family, estate, personal injury, contracts, or civil rights. It’s important to find a lawyer who has relevant experience with the legal area that you need. Take time to search for the right lawyer.
In a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyer takes on the risk that your case might be unsuccessful. If you don’t get any money, your lawyer won’t get attorney’s fees. In some contingency fee arrangements, you might have to reimburse the lawyer for case-related expenses even if you don’t win your case.
If you pay a flat or “fixed” fee, you pay the lawyer a set dollar amount for a service, like writing a will. Many lawyers charge a flat fee for uncomplicated services like drafting incorporation papers, handling an uncontested divorce, or filing a simple bankruptcy.
When you choose a lawyer, you’ll talk about how to pay for their services. Most lawyers charge by the hour, or part of the hour, they spend working on a case. Some lawyers charge a flat fee for a service, like writing a will. Others charge a contingent fee and get a share of the money their client gets in a case. Your lawyer should tell you if ¾ in addition to paying a fee ¾ they’ll charge you for expenses related to your case: for example, copying documents, court filing fees, or depositions.
Before your lawyer starts to work on your case, they may ask you to pay a financial deposit, called a retainer. The lawyer may use the retainer to pay expenses and fees.
Finding the Right Kind of Lawyer 1 Ask family, friends, or co-workers for recommendations. 2 Check with your state and local bar associations. 3 Consult lawyer referral services offered by a union or community group you belong to.
Kenneth Miller has dedicated his practice to representing disabled individuals in Social Security Disability Claims since establishing his law practice in Knoxville in 1978. Mr. Miller is certified as a specialist in Social Security Disability Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Edwin A. Anderson has handled Social Security Disability and SSI claims continuously since 1998. Originally from California, he earned his B.A. in Political Science from UCLA and his J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law in Chicago.