2007-10-16 07:09:47 · 8 answers · asked by Missa 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
They can get paid only for the work they put into the case and any out of pocket expenses. They will not get the full 1/3 of the settlement.
2007-10-16 07:14:38 · answer #1 · answered by Heather Mac 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When the case settles or you get a verdit, you still will pay only 1/3 as the legal fee. The former attorney is entitled to get paid for his proportionate share of the work out of that 1/3. He is also entitled to get his costs reimbursed. This, however, will be a fight between the old attorney and the new attorney; you don't need to worry about it.
Of course, if you fired your lawyer on the eve of settlement just so you don't have to pay his fee, then you have a problem.
2007-10-16 07:18:50 · answer #2 · answered by Rеdisca 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My sister is a paralegal and I asked her this question. She said that you will have to pay the fired lawyer for the time he put in on the case out of your own pocket. He has the right to demand that even before you receive your settlement because there is no guarantee that you will win. If he had any expenses that required money out of his pockets, you will have to pay for that as well. She also said to make sure you get an itemized copy of everything he is charging you for and he must explain the reasons for these charges. Good luck
2007-10-16 07:20:13 · answer #3 · answered by Memere RN/BA 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The lawyer is entitled to his hourly rate for the work that he has done but the portion of your settlement will go to your new attorney. You will end up putting a lot more out on lawyers fees since you will in effect be paying two lawyers. Your first lawyer is due his fees now and the second one will still get his portion of the settlement even though he did less work. See if you can negotiate a lower % with the new attorney since some of the work has already been done.
2007-10-16 07:19:31 · answer #4 · answered by Diane M 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It will depend on what kind of agreement you signed when you hired the lawyer. At the very least you will be billed for their time and expenses. Believe me they will charge you for every phone call and every photo copy the have made on your behalf.
2007-10-16 07:20:24 · answer #5 · answered by Deb W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what you agreed to in your contract for services with them. If it says you can terminate the contract before a certain act has happened (usually taking the case to trial or settling it out of court) without paying them, then you can. Just go back and read what the contract says.
2007-10-16 07:28:24 · answer #6 · answered by Hillary 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You more than likely would have signed a contingency agreement which would provide, in part, that if you fire them prior to settling the matter you would pay them their fees and disbursements to date.
2007-10-16 07:17:50 · answer #7 · answered by elysialaw 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Heather is spot on. They are only going to get their time.
2007-10-16 07:17:11 · answer #8 · answered by Mr. Cellophane 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋