Educational guide
California Attorney Fees and Costs Checklist
General information for reviewing a lawyer's fee agreement and asking about case expenses, based on State Bar of California consumer guidance. This is not legal advice.
- Ask which fee arrangement applies and what legal services the agreement covers. The State Bar notes that fee agreements generally must be written when anticipated fees and costs total $1,000 or more.
- For a contingency fee, confirm the written agreement states the lawyer's percentage and whether that percentage is calculated before or after costs are deducted.
- Ask which case expenses you may owe even if there is no recovery, such as filing fees, records, depositions, experts, investigators or service of process.
- Ask who else may work on the matter and whether associates, paralegals or other staff are billed separately.
- Request an estimate of expected costs, ask how larger expenses will be approved and confirm whether costs are paid directly or reimbursed to the firm.
- Read the full agreement before signing, ask for clarification or revisions where needed and keep a signed copy with related records.
- If a fee dispute arises, first discuss the specific charge with the lawyer. The State Bar provides information about its informal, confidential Mandatory Fee Arbitration process.
Official resources
This guide provides general information only and is not legal or medical advice. Rules and individual circumstances differ. In an emergency, call 911.