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Contingency Fee Calculator | Net Settlement Estimator
Estimate net client recovery from any settlement after attorney contingency fees, advanced case costs, and medical liens.
Estimated Net Client Recovery
--Updates as you change inputs. Estimate only, not legal advice.
This contingency fee calculator estimates how a personal injury or civil settlement is divided between the attorney, case costs, and the client. Enter the gross settlement amount, the agreed contingency percentage, and any advanced case expenses to see the net amount the client takes home.
Most US plaintiff firms charge between 33.33% (pre-litigation) and 40% (post-filing or post-appeal). Case costs such as filing fees, expert witnesses, deposition transcripts, and medical record retrieval are typically reimbursed to the firm off the top or after the fee is calculated, depending on the retainer.
Use this tool to model both methods and to give clients a realistic picture of their expected recovery before they sign the engagement letter.
Why use itBuilt for the way law firms actually work
Two Fee Methods
Models both gross-fee and net-fee structures so clients see the difference before signing.
Lien and Cost Aware
Subtracts advanced costs and medical subrogation to show a realistic take-home figure.
Tiered Percentage Presets
Includes 25%, 33.33%, 40%, and 45% tiers matching common plaintiff-side retainers.
Instant Results
Calculations update the moment you change an input, no page reload required.
100% Free
No signup, no email gate, no usage limits for attorneys or prospective clients.
Client-Friendly Output
Designed to share with clients during the intake meeting to set realistic expectations.
ProcessHow it works
- 01 Enter Gross Settlement Amount
Input the total settlement or judgment figure before any fees or deductions are applied.
- 02 Select Contingency Percentage
Choose the agreed fee tier, typically 33.33% pre-litigation or 40% after filing suit.
- 03 Add Costs and Liens
Enter advanced case expenses and any known medical liens or subrogation claims.
- 04 Choose Calculation Method
Toggle whether costs come off the top before the fee or after the fee is calculated.
- 05 Review Net Recovery
See the estimated client take-home amount and adjust inputs to model scenarios.
CoverageWhat's included
- Gross-fee and net-fee calculation methods
- Standard contingency tiers from 25% to 45%
- Advanced case cost deduction
- Medical lien and subrogation handling
- Real-time recalculation on input change
- Mobile-friendly interface for client meetings
- No data stored or transmitted
ContextWhy this matters
Contingency fees are how most US personal injury, employment, and consumer protection cases are funded. ABA Model Rule 1.5(c) requires these fees to be in writing and to clearly state the method by which the fee is determined, including whether expenses are deducted before or after the fee is calculated. That single distinction can move the client's net recovery by thousands of dollars.
A 2023 Martindale-Avvo study found that consumer dissatisfaction with plaintiff firms is driven less by case outcome and more by surprise at the size of deductions from the gross settlement. Walking a client through a calculator during intake reduces fee disputes, bar complaints, and post-settlement renegotiation requests.
For solo attorneys and small plaintiff firms, this tool also doubles as a quick case-selection filter. If the projected net recovery is too small to justify advancing costs, that is a signal to decline the matter or restructure the engagement before signing.
Q&AFrequently asked
- A contingency fee is an attorney fee paid only if the client recovers money, calculated as a percentage of the settlement or judgment. If there is no recovery, the client owes no attorney fee, though they may still owe advanced costs depending on the engagement letter.
- Yes. The calculator is completely free, requires no signup, and has no usage limits. It is intended for both attorneys preparing client intake materials and individuals evaluating a potential settlement.
- The most common rate is 33.33% (one-third) for cases that settle before a lawsuit is filed. Many retainers escalate to 40% once suit is filed and 45% if the case goes through appeal. Some states cap rates in specific case types like medical malpractice.
- Both methods are permitted under ABA Model Rule 1.5, but the retainer must specify which applies. Deducting costs before the fee benefits the client; deducting after benefits the firm. The difference can be significant on larger settlements.
- Yes. You can enter known medical liens and subrogation amounts, and they are subtracted from the client's share. Note that lien amounts are often negotiable, so the final net recovery may be higher than the initial estimate.
- No. This tool provides an estimate for planning purposes only. Actual recoveries depend on the specific terms of your fee agreement, applicable state law, court-approved fee caps, and final lien negotiations. Consult a licensed attorney for advice on a specific matter.
- No. ABA Model Rule 1.5(d) prohibits contingency fees in most domestic relations matters and in criminal defense. Many states also impose statutory caps in medical malpractice and workers' compensation cases.
- Pair the estimate with a written contingency fee agreement that complies with your state's rules. You can use our contingency fee agreement template as a starting point and review it against your jurisdiction's bar guidance.