contingent fee

A contingent fee, also known as a contingency fee, is a payment structure used in law where a lawyer's fee is dependent on the successful outcome of the case. This fee is typically calculated as a percentage of the client's gain. This arrangement is widely used in the United States, particularly in negligence cases, and is considered ethical by the legal profession. The justification for contingent fees is that they make legal services accessible to individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford to pursue their claims. However, contingent fees are generally prohibited in countries other than the United States and are not permitted in criminal or divorce cases.12