In a contingency fee arrangement, what happens if the client does not win?

In a contingency fee arrangement, the attorney agrees to receive a fee only if the client wins the case, often receiving a percentage of the judgment or settlement amount. This structure is designed to allow clients access to legal representation without the burden of upfront legal fees, which can be prohibitive. If the client does not win, they are typically not responsible for paying the attorney's fees but may still be responsible for certain expenses incurred during the legal process, such as court costs or fees for expert witnesses.

This structure incentivizes the attorney to work diligently on the case, knowing that their compensation is contingent upon a favorable outcome. Unlike traditional hourly billing arrangements where clients would pay for the attorney's time regardless of the result, a contingency fee arrangement alleviates the financial risk for the client if the case does not succeed.