Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[missdaredevil]

contingency fee=a payment for professional services, such as those of a lawyer, that is made only if the client receives a satisfactory result.

Is that kind of legal charge common in The US? You wouldn't have to pay unless you win the case?

Thanks

[bud]

In the US, I believe a contingency fee is actually a payment in advance to an attorney. Once he or she spends enough time on your case to bill you that amount, then you will pay another contingency if the attorney thinks the case will last long enough. Once the case is resolved, they will bill for any amount that the contingency didn't cover, or refund any excess... That's how I think it works generally.

Often, but not always, if you are suing someone for money, then the attorney will charge no contigency fee. He/she will collect a fee only if you win the case, and typically they get 33-40% of the damages won.