Lawyer Fee Calculator
Estimate your attorney fees and net recovery. Enter your quoted rate and case value to see exactly what you keep after legal fees.
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Fee Breakdown
Estimate only. Attorney fees vary based on your specific fee agreement, jurisdiction, and case complexity. Always get your fee structure in writing before signing a representation agreement.
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Understanding Attorney Fee Structures
Attorney fees are structured in three main ways: contingency, hourly, and flat fee. Understanding which applies to your case — and what it means for your net recovery — is essential before signing any representation agreement.
- Contingency fees align your attorney's interests with yours. Because the attorney only gets paid when you win, they are incentivized to maximize your settlement. The standard range is 33% for pre-trial settlements and 40% for cases that go to trial. Always confirm whether case expenses are deducted before or after the percentage is calculated — this can significantly affect your net recovery.
- Hourly fees create an obligation regardless of outcome. You pay for every hour worked whether you win or lose. Hourly arrangements are common in family law, criminal defense, and business disputes where outcomes are harder to predict. Always ask for a retainer agreement that specifies the hourly rate, billing increments, and how the retainer is applied.
- Case expenses are separate from attorney fees. Filing fees, expert witness costs, medical records, depositions, and investigators are expenses distinct from attorney fees. In contingency cases these are typically advanced by the attorney and repaid from your settlement — clarify whether this repayment happens before or after the contingency percentage is applied.
- Get every fee term in writing. A written fee agreement protects both parties. It should specify the fee structure, rate or percentage, how expenses are handled, what happens if you terminate the relationship, and how billing disputes are resolved. Never begin a representation without a signed agreement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A contingency fee means your attorney only gets paid if you win. The fee is a percentage of your settlement or award — typically 33% if settled before trial and 40% if the case goes to trial. You pay nothing upfront. If you lose, you owe no attorney fee, though you may still owe case expenses such as filing fees and expert costs.
Contingency fees are a percentage of your recovery — common in personal injury, workers comp, and wrongful termination cases. Hourly fees charge for every hour worked regardless of outcome — common in family law, criminal defense, and business litigation. Flat fees charge one fixed amount for a defined scope of work, common for simple contracts or uncontested matters.
Personal injury attorneys typically charge 33% of the settlement if resolved before trial, and 40% if the case proceeds to trial. Some attorneys charge 25% for straightforward cases. The percentage should be agreed in writing before representation begins. Many states have statutory caps on contingency fees in certain case types.
It depends on the case type. Attorney fees for business matters are generally deductible as business expenses. Fees for personal injury cases are generally not deductible since the settlement proceeds are also typically not taxable. Employment discrimination and whistleblower case fees may be deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Case expenses are separate from attorney fees and include court filing fees, expert witness fees, medical record costs, deposition costs, and investigator fees. In contingency cases, these are often advanced by the attorney and reimbursed from the settlement. Always clarify in your fee agreement whether expenses are deducted before or after the contingency percentage is calculated — the difference can be thousands of dollars.