How Legal Fees & Contingencies Work At My Firm
No surprises, no hidden costs, and no monthly bills you didn't see coming. Whether you need a trial lawyer for an injury claim or property litigation, here is exactly how I am paid.
Personal Injury Cases
The No-Fee Guarantee. For injury claims (car accidents, wrongful death, slips and falls), I work entirely on a contingency fee. You pay absolutely nothing out of pocket, and I do not get paid unless we win a recovery.
- 29% Fee if your case resolves before a formal lawsuit is filed.
- 33⅓% Fee if a lawsuit must be filed to force a fair outcome.
- $0 Owed if we don't successfully recover money for your claim.
Civil & Property Litigation
Real Estate, Probate, & Business Disputes. Because commercial, land boundary, and estate disputes cannot be predictably structured like injury cases, these matters are billed at an honest, competitive hourly rate.
- Clear, Detailed Billing: You will know exactly what work was performed down to the tenth of an hour.
- Retainer Required: An upfront deposit is held in a trust account, based entirely on the scope of your dispute.
- No Strings Attached: Open transparency about what it will take to fight your case from day one.
Our Straightforward 3-Step Process
The Direct Phone Call
When you call, you speak with me—not a screening assistant or case manager. We'll spend 15 to 30 minutes discussing what happened. I'll give you a completely honest read on your options. Cost: Nothing.
The Strategy Meeting
If we agree there's a path forward, we'll meet in person at my Nevada City office (or via Zoom/phone if it's more convenient). We map out a specific timeline, review documentation, and establish our goals. Cost: Still Nothing.
Trial-Ready Action
Once you choose to hire me, I take the wheel completely. I handle the adjusters, investigate boundaries, or file the necessary motions. I prepare the case for a jury from day one, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fees
What exactly does a contingency fee mean for personal injury cases?
It means you pay absolutely zero out-of-pocket costs to get your case started. My legal fee is calculated as a straight percentage of the money we successfully recover for you (29% if settled pre-suit, 33⅓% if a lawsuit must be filed). If we don't win a financial recovery, you do not owe me an attorney fee.
How much is the upfront retainer for real estate, probate, or business litigation?
Because property and commercial disputes are highly variable, hourly cases require an upfront retainer deposit held in a secure trust account. The exact amount depends entirely on the complexity and scope of your specific dispute—such as a contested easement or a partition action. We will discuss a clear estimate during our strategy meeting.
Who covers court costs, filing fees, and case expenses?
For personal injury claims, my firm typically advances all upfront case expenses (like court filing fees, medical record fees, and expert analysis), which are reimbursed out of the final settlement. For hourly civil litigation matters, court costs and case-related expenses are generally billed to the client directly as they occur.
Is the initial consultation truly free, even for complex civil lawsuits?
Yes. Your first 15-to-30 minute conversation over the phone is completely free and strictly confidential, regardless of whether your situation involves a car accident, an estate fight, or a boundary dispute. I will listen to the facts of your case and give you my direct, honest assessment with zero obligation.