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Contingency Fee Calculator

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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

Results update instantly as you type

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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
$0
Case Expenses
$0
Net Recovery
$0
Attorney %
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Client %
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Effective Rate
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How to Use the Contingency Fee Calculator

1

Enter the gross settlement amount

Input the total settlement offer before any deductions. This is the figure your attorney's percentage applies to.

2

Enter your contingency fee rate

Standard rates are 33.3% for pre-trial settlements and 40% for trial-required cases. Use the exact rate from your signed retainer agreement.

3

Enter case expenses

Add all litigation costs: court filing fees, expert witness fees, medical records, depositions. These are typically deducted from the settlement separately from attorney fees.

4

Review your net recovery

The result shows gross settlement, attorney fee, total expenses, and your actual take-home — the number that determines whether the settlement is worth accepting.

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.
The standard contingency fee for personal injury cases is 33.3% (one-third) if settled before trial, and 40% if the case goes to trial. Complex cases, medical malpractice, or federal cases may go up to 40–45%. Attorney expenses (filing fees, expert witnesses, depositions) are typically deducted from the settlement separately.
Under a pure contingency fee arrangement, you owe no attorney fees if you lose — the lawyer bears that risk. However, you may still owe case expenses (court filing fees, medical records, expert witnesses) even if you lose, unless your fee agreement specifies the attorney absorbs those too. Always read your fee agreement carefully.
⚠️ Disclaimer Estimates for informational purposes only. Not legal or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional.

Sources & Methodology

Calculations are based on the most current publicly available data from authoritative government and industry sources: