Which term describes an arrangement where the attorney's fee is paid only if money is recovered for the client?

Which term describes an arrangement where the attorney's fee is paid only if money is recovered for the client?

• A. Contingency fee
• B. Legal malpractice
• C. Reprimand or censure
• D. Disbarment

Answer: (A)

Contingency fee describes an arrangement where the attorney’s fee is paid only if money is recovered for the client. In this setup, the lawyer takes on the risk of not getting paid if the case fails, so the fee is typically a percentage of the client’s recovery from a settlement or judgment. This structure is common in civil cases like personal injury, because it helps clients who can’t afford hourly legal costs. Often, the agreement must be in writing and spell out the percentage and how expenses are handled, to avoid surprises. The other terms relate to issues of misconduct or discipline (legal malpractice, reprimand or censure, disbarment) and are not fee arrangements.

Contingency fee describes an arrangement where the attorney’s fee is paid only if money is recovered for the client. In this setup, the lawyer takes on the risk of not getting paid if the case fails, so the fee is typically a percentage of the client’s recovery from a settlement or judgment. This structure is common in civil cases like personal injury, because it helps clients who can’t afford hourly legal costs. Often, the agreement must be in writing and spell out the percentage and how expenses are handled, to avoid surprises. The other terms relate to issues of misconduct or discipline (legal malpractice, reprimand or censure, disbarment) and are not fee arrangements.