How We Get Paid

Generally, we take cases on a contingency basis–meaning that the client does not pay us attorneys’ fees unless we obtain a settlement or judgment for the client. We also generally advance the reasonable out-of-pocket costs of the litigation, as we understand the financial difficulties that those subjected to unlawful discrimination, retaliation or termination can bring. The percentages we charge vary depending on the particular circumstances, but our percentages are well within the ranges regularly charged by contingency-fee attorneys in this area of law.

After deciding to take the case, we will enter into an “engagement agreement” with the client, which sets forth the terms and scope of our representation. As mentioned above, this agreement will generally state that the client will not have to pay us unless we obtain a settlement or verdict on the client’s behalf.

There are many attorneys who charge up-front fees upon taking your case. If we take your case, it is because we believe we can obtain a remedy for you and we expect that we will eventually get paid. This should show you that we do, in fact, believe that your case should obtain a monetary damage award. If a lawyer wants your money up front, perhaps the lawyer is not so sure about your case. This is not to say that all lawyers who charge up-front fees do not believe in their clients’ cases, but only to suggest that this may be the situation with some lawyers. Out-of-pocket costs are different than “fees,” as they are actual dollars spent by attorneys on your case, such as for court reporters, filing fees, etc. So if a lawyer wants to charge you for these, it is certainly understandable. However, we advance reasonable costs and ultimately take them out of any recovery. For various reasons, though, our clients remain responsible for out-of-pocket costs even though we advance reasonable costs on their behalf.