What is a key feature of contingency fees?

A key feature of contingency fees is that they are dependent on success. This means that the lawyer only gets paid if they successfully obtain a favorable outcome for their client, such as a settlement or a court verdict in the client's favor. If the case is unsuccessful, the client typically does not owe any legal fees for the lawyer's time and services. This arrangement encourages lawyers to work diligently on behalf of their clients since their compensation is directly linked to the results achieved.

This feature also aligns with the interests of clients who may be hesitant to incur legal costs without any guarantee of winning their case. As a result, contingency fees can make legal representation more accessible to individuals who might not otherwise afford to pay hourly legal fees. In contrast, options that suggest fees are paid regardless of the outcome, always a flat percentage, or pre-negotiated fixed rates do not accurately reflect the conditional nature of contingency fees.