There are various types of attorney fee arrangements such as time based, fixed, or contingent. Time based means a fee that is determined by the amount of time involved, such as so much per hour, day or week. Fixed means a fee that is based on an agreed amount, regardless of the time or effort involved or the result obtained. Contingent means a certain agreed percentage or amount that is payable only upon attaining a recovery, regardless of the time or effort involved.
With a contingent fee arrangement, the lawyer receives no fee unless money is recovered for the client. Upon recovery, the lawyer is paid an agreed-upon percentage, usually ranging from an amount equal to 25 to 50 percent of the amount recovered. A written fee agreement should specify the costs and expenses to be deducted and whether such costs and expenses are to be deducted before or after the contingent fee is calculated. Contingent fee agreements are generally not permitted for criminal cases or domestic relations matters.
Even if there is no recovery, however, the client is still responsible for court costs (filing fees, subpoena fees, etc.) and related expenses, such as telephone charges, investigators' fees, medical reports, and other costs.
This form is a fairly typical contingent fee agreement
An Arizona Contingency Fee Agreement with an Attorney or Law Firm is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions between a client and their chosen attorney or law firm. This agreement stipulates that the attorney or law firm will provide legal representation to the client on a contingency fee basis, meaning that the attorney's fees are contingent upon the successful outcome of the case. The agreement typically details the specific services that the attorney or law firm will perform, such as legal research, case preparation, negotiation, and litigation. It also specifies the percentage of the client's recovery that the attorney or law firm will be entitled to as their fee. This percentage is usually negotiated between the parties and can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the potential risks involved. One of the primary benefits of a contingency fee agreement is that it allows individuals who may not have the financial means to afford upfront legal fees to still pursue their legal rights. This type of agreement enables clients to retain experienced legal representation without incurring any out-of-pocket expenses. Instead, the attorney or law firm will only be compensated if they successfully recover compensation or achieve a favorable outcome for the client. In Arizona, there can be different types of contingency fee agreements with attorneys or law firms, depending on the nature of the legal matter. Some common types include: 1. Personal Injury Contingency Fee Agreement: This type of agreement is frequently used in personal injury cases, such as car accidents or medical malpractice claims. The attorney or law firm agrees to represent the injured party and will only receive payment if they secure a settlement or win a judgment in favor of the client. 2. Employment Law Contingency Fee Agreement: In cases involving employment disputes, such as wrongful termination or workplace discrimination, an attorney or law firm may offer a contingency fee agreement. This arrangement allows employees to pursue legal action against their employer without having to bear the financial burden upfront. 3. Social Security Disability Contingency Fee Agreement: Individuals seeking Social Security Disability benefits may enter into a contingency fee agreement with an attorney or law firm specializing in this area. The attorney or law firm will assist the client with their Social Security Disability claim and will only receive payment if they help the client secure their entitled benefits. It is important for both the client and the attorney or law firm to carefully review and understand the terms and conditions outlined in the Arizona Contingency Fee Agreement before signing it. Consulting with legal professionals and discussing any concerns or queries is recommended to ensure all parties are in agreement and have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.
