Legal Question in Employment Law in California

I can no longer afford to pay attorney's fees. I asked my attorney to please continue my case on a contingency basis and he will only agree to part hourly/part contingency which is no help when I have an outstanding balance of $21,000 and no money to pay it.

I just spoke to a lawyer that works only on contingency and he will take my case but he wants $9,000 upfront, 40 percent of any gross recovery and, I will be responsible for a lot of other charges and expenses. i.e. court filing fees, court reporter's fees, deposition costs, legal research and investigation fees, etc. etc. Is this the standard?


Asked on 5/21/14, 6:15 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Why have these attorneys refused to take your case on pure contingency? Have you asked them that question?

Attorney fees are set by the agreement between the attorney and client, so there is not one "standard" that all attorneys use. However, if you are a plaintiff in an employment dispute and your case has merit, you should be able to find an attorney to take your case on pure contingency.

At this point, though, even if you do find an attorney to take your case on pure contingency, your original lawyer will likely have a lien on your case for the outstanding fees you owe him under your agreement with him.

I wish I had better news/advice. Good luck to you.

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Answered on 5/21/14, 7:48 am


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