Contingency Fee Calculator
Calculate the attorney's contingency fee on a settlement and your net recovery after legal fees and expenses.
🌍 USA · International✔ Attorney Fees
💰 Contingency Fee Calculator
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Pre-litigation: 25–33% | Trial: 40% | Appeal: 45%
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Filing fees, expert witnesses, deposition costs
Your Net Recovery
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After attorney fee and expenses
Attorney Fee
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Case Expenses
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Net Recovery
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Attorney %
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Effective Rate
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How Contingency Fees Work
A contingency fee is a legal fee arrangement where the attorney receives a percentage of the settlement or court award — only if you win. If you lose, you owe no attorney fee (though you may still owe case expenses). This arrangement allows people to pursue claims without upfront legal costs.
Standard Contingency Fee Rates
Rates vary by case stage and jurisdiction, but common benchmarks are: 25–33% for pre-litigation settlement; 33.33% (one-third) for most personal injury cases; 40% if the case goes to trial; 45% on appeal. Some states cap contingency fees by law (e.g., Florida, California).
📐 Net Recovery Formula
Net = Settlement − Attorney Fee − Expenses
Fee= Settlement × Rate (if deducted from gross)
Alt.= (Settlement − Expenses) × Rate (deducted from net)
📝 Example — $100k settlement, 33.33% fee, $5k expenses (gross deduction):
Attorney fee = $100,000 × 33.33% = $33,333
Net before expenses = $100,000 − $33,333 = $66,667
Net to client = $66,667 − $5,000 = $61,667
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common contingency fee is 33.33% (one-third) of the settlement for cases that resolve without going to trial. If trial is needed, fees typically increase to 40%. Some attorneys offer lower rates for straightforward cases or higher rates for complex litigation.
Usually, yes. Most contingency fee agreements require you to reimburse case expenses (court filing fees, expert witness fees, medical record costs, deposition transcripts) from the settlement. This is separate from the attorney fee. Always clarify in your retainer agreement whether expenses are deducted before or after the attorney fee is calculated.
Yes. Contingency fee rates are often negotiable, especially for strong cases with clear liability. You can ask for a lower rate for pre-litigation settlement and a higher rate only if trial is needed. Always have the fee arrangement in writing in a signed retainer agreement.
⚠️ Disclaimer Estimates for informational purposes only. Not legal or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional.