Separate the fee from case expenses
The lawyer’s fee and costs paid to investigate or litigate a matter are different items. Ask whether expenses are deducted before or after the fee is calculated.
- Filing and service costs
- Record and transcript costs
- Expert or investigation expenses
Ask whether the percentage can change
Some agreements use different percentages at different stages. Identify the event that changes a percentage and ask for examples using the same hypothetical recovery.
- Before filing
- After filing
- Trial or appeal stages
Understand other deductions
Medical liens, reimbursement claims, or other obligations may affect a client’s net amount. Ask who identifies, verifies, and addresses them and whether that work is within the representation.
- Known health-plan claims
- Provider balances or liens
- Written closing statement
Read termination and authority terms
The agreement should address how representation ends and what may be owed. Ask the lawyer to explain the applicable rule and agreement language.
- Ending the relationship
- File transfer
- Outstanding expenses
- Settlement decisions