Define: Success Billing

Success Billing is a legal term used to describe a billing arrangement where an attorney’s fees are contingent upon the successful outcome of a case or legal matter. In other words, the attorney only gets paid if they win the case or achieve a favorable outcome for their client.

Under a Success Billing arrangement, the attorney and client agree that the attorney’s fees will be a percentage of the amount recovered or saved by the client. If the case is unsuccessful, the attorney does not receive any payment for their services.

Success Billing is commonly used in personal injury cases, medical malpractice cases, and some types of employment law cases. However, it may not be allowed or appropriate in certain types of cases, such as criminal defence or family law matters.

One advantage of Success Billing is that it allows individuals who may not have the financial means to afford an attorney to still have access to legal representation. It also incentivizes the attorney to work diligently on the case, as their payment is directly tied to the outcome.

One potential risk of Success Billing is that the attorney may be motivated to settle the case quickly, even if it may not be in the client’s best interest, in order to secure their payment. It is important for clients to carefully consider the terms of the arrangement and ensure that their attorney is acting in their best interest.

Yes, the percentage of the attorney’s fees is typically negotiable. It is important to have a clear understanding of the agreed-upon percentage before entering into a Success Billing agreement.

In addition to the attorney’s fees, clients may still be responsible for certain costs and expenses related to the case, such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, or other litigation expenses. These additional costs should be discussed and agreed upon in advance.

If the case is unsuccessful, the attorney does not receive any payment for their services. However, clients may still be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred during the course of the case.

Switching from a traditional billing arrangement to Success Billing may be possible, but it would require the agreement of both the attorney and the client. It is important to discuss this option with your attorney and carefully consider the potential implications before making any changes.

To find an attorney who offers Success Billing, you can start by researching law firms or attorneys in your area and inquire about their billing options during initial consultations. Additionally, legal referral services or online directories may provide information on attorneys who specialize in Success Billing arrangements.