At Eberle Legal Services, LLC, Attorney Eberle believes that every client deserves not only skilled legal representation but also clarity and confidence in how their case will be billed. Whether a flat fee, hourly rate, or contingent arrangement best suits your needs, Attorney Eberle will walk you through each option, explain the benefits and potential costs, and ensure the agreement is transparent from day one. With over eight years of experience in family law, business law, criminal defense, and estate planning, Attorney Eberle is committed to delivering exceptional service at a fair and predictable price. Contact Eberle Legal Services, LLC today to discuss your legal matter and find the billing method that works best for you.

A contingent fee means the lawyer’s payment is contingent upon the outcome of your case. Instead of charging by the hour, the lawyer agrees to take a percentage of the money recovered if the case is successful—either through a settlement, award, or judgment. If no recovery is made, you typically do not owe the attorney any legal fee.

This type of arrangement is most common in:

• Personal injury cases
• Wrongful death claims
• Certain breach of contract and business tort cases
• Civil rights lawsuits
• Class actions

It’s less common (and often prohibited) in criminal defense or family law cases due to ethical rules.

How the Fee Percentage Works

The percentage your lawyer charges will be outlined in a written Contingent Fee Agreement, which you’ll sign before representation begins. A common arrangement is 33⅓% (or one-third) of the total recovery if the case settles before trial. If the case proceeds to trial or appeal, the percentage may increase—sometimes to 40%—due to the added time, complexity, and risk involved.

For example:

• If your attorney negotiates a $90,000 settlement before trial and your contingent fee is 33⅓%, the attorney would receive $30,000.
• If your case goes to trial and you recover $100,000 with a 40% trial fee agreement, the attorney would receive $40,000.

What About Case Costs?

It’s important to understand the difference between legal fees and case costs. Case costs include expenses like:

• Filing fees
• Expert witness fees
• Deposition transcripts
• Medical records
• Investigator fees

Most contingent fee agreements clarify whether the attorney will front these costs and deduct them from your share of the recovery, or whether you are responsible for reimbursing them separately. Be sure to ask how these costs are handled before signing.

Why Do Lawyers Offer This?

Contingent billing opens the courthouse doors to people who might not otherwise be able to afford legal representation. But it also comes with risk for the attorney, who may spend months or years working without payment—only to receive nothing if the case is lost. That’s why attorneys carefully evaluate potential claims before accepting them on a contingency basis.

Attorney Brandon M. Eberle understands that legal costs can be stressful. That’s why he offers clear, written contingent fee agreements and maintains transparent communication from day one. If you believe you have a case and want to explore whether a contingent fee arrangement is right for you, contact Eberle Legal Services, LLC today for a free consultation.

Call/Text (412) 204-6282

Schedule a FREE consultation – https://calendly.com/brandon-attorneyeberle/consultation (CLICK HERE)

Email brandon@attorneyeberle.com

A legal retainer is essentially an advance payment that secures a lawyer’s availability to work on your case. Think of it as a deposit that establishes an ongoing relationship between you and your attorney. When you pay a retainer, you’re not just buying a single service; you’re ensuring that your lawyer is committed to working on your behalf as needed. The funds you provide are typically placed in a special account, often referred to as a trust or escrow account, and the lawyer then draws from this fund as work is completed.

In traditional retainer arrangements, the client and lawyer agree on how the retainer will be used. It might cover specific services or be applied against future hourly charges. For instance, if a lawyer charges $300 per hour and you deposit $3,000, you’d have approximately 10 hours of work prepaid. Should the work exceed that amount, the lawyer will ask for additional funds. Conversely, if you don’t use all the funds, some agreements might allow the unused portion to be refunded, though this depends on the terms set out in the contract.

Traditional hourly billing is another common way lawyers charge for their services. Under this model, every minute of work is tracked and billed at a set hourly rate. This rate is determined based on factors such as the lawyer’s experience, expertise, and the complexity of your case. For example, a seasoned attorney might charge a higher hourly rate than someone just starting out in the profession.

With hourly billing, transparency is key. Lawyers typically provide detailed invoices that outline the tasks performed and the time spent on each activity. This can include research, drafting documents, court appearances, and client communications. Clear billing practices help ensure that you understand how your retainer is being applied.

One of the benefits of hourly billing is its fairness; you pay strictly for the work performed. However, this method can sometimes lead to unpredictable costs, especially if your case becomes more complex or requires additional court appearances.

Both legal retainers and hourly billing models have their advantages. Retainers provide a measure of commitment and financial preparedness, while hourly billing offers detailed accountability for the services rendered.

Attorney Brandon M. Eberle stands out not only for his legal expertise but also for his commitment to transparent billing practices and clear communication. He ensures that every client understands how their funds are allocated with detailed invoices and open discussions about potential costs, so there are no surprises along the way. His clear, upfront approach to billing means you always know exactly what you’re paying for, which builds trust and confidence as your case progresses. If you’re seeking legal representation that prioritizes transparency and clarity, reach out to Attorney Brandon M. Eberle today for a consultation and take the first step towards a more pleasant legal process.

Call (412) 204-6282

Text (412) 827-4050

Schedule a FREE consultation – https://calendly.com/brandon-attorneyeberle/consultation (CLICK HERE)

Email brandon@attorneyeberle.com