Articles in this category explain when attorneys’ fees and litigation costs can be recovered, how fee-shifting and “prevailing party” rules work, and what courts consider when awarding or reducing fees. It covers retainer agreements and billing disputes, statutory and contractual fee provisions, sanctions and cost awards, and practical steps for requesting or challenging fees in a case.
In California personal injury cases, contingency fees are often around 33⅓% pre‑trial and up to 40% if the case goes to trial, but an unreasonably high fee can be challenged and reduced. California courts and the State Bar require fees to be “unconscionable” or otherwise improper before they will intervene. This article explains how to […]
In Los Angeles, you can challenge an excessive attorney fee lien after a contingency settlement by demanding a written accounting and, if needed, asking the Superior Court to determine the lien’s reasonable value under California law. Fee liens often exceed what the retainer agreement allows or what the attorney actually earned. This article explains the […]
Attorney fee awards in federal cases are typically calculated using the “lodestar” method—reasonable hours worked multiplied by a reasonable hourly rate—then adjusted in limited circumstances. Courts review billing records and market rates and may reduce fees for duplication, inefficiency, or unsuccessful claims. This article breaks down how federal time and fee calculations work, what costs […]
