Step-by-Step Guide to Contingency Fees and Advancing Costs in California EmploymentLaw Cases

If you are considering pursuing a legal claim for an employment law violation in California, you
may be wondering how you will pay for legal representation. One option to consider is hiring an
attorney on a contingency fee basis, which means that the attorney’s fees will be based on a
percentage of any recovery you receive as a result of the case. In this blog post, we’ll outline
the step-by-step process for hiring an attorney on a contingency fee basis and advancing costs
in California employment law cases.

Step 1: Understand the basics of contingency fees.

The first step in understanding contingency fees is to know what they are and how they work. A
contingency fee is a fee that an attorney charges based on a percentage of any recovery you
receive as a result of a case. For example, if you recover $100,000 and your attorney’s
contingency fee is 45%, the attorney will receive $45,000 as their fee. Contingency fees are
commonly used in employment law cases, as they allow clients to pursue legal action without
having to pay upfront legal fees.

Step 2: Review your attorney’s fee agreement.

Before hiring an attorney on a contingency fee basis, it’s important to review the attorney’s fee
agreement carefully. The fee agreement should specify the percentage of any recovery that will
be taken as a fee, as well as any additional fees or costs that may be incurred. Be sure to ask
your attorney any questions you have about the fee agreement and make sure you fully
understand it before signing.

Step 3: Understand the costs of pursuing a case.

In addition to attorney’s fees, there may be other costs associated with pursuing an
employment law case in California. These costs may include filing fees, expert witness fees, and
the cost of obtaining copies of documents or records. It’s important to understand these costs
before pursuing a case, as you may be responsible for paying them.

Step 4: Seek legal advice.

If you have any questions or concerns about contingency fees or advancing costs in California
employment law cases, it’s important to seek legal advice. An experienced employment
attorney can review the specifics of your case and advise you on your rights and options. They
can also help you understand the costs of pursuing a case and negotiate a fee agreement that
works for you.

Hiring an attorney on a contingency fee basis and advancing costs can be an effective way to
pursue a legal claim for an employment law violation in California. By understanding the basics
of contingency fees and the costs of pursuing a case, and by seeking legal advice if necessary,
you can ensure that you have the legal representation you need to protect your rights. Don’t
hesitate to seek legal help if you have any questions or concerns about your rights or the
process of pursuing a legal claim.