Many people think hiring an employment lawyer will be expensive. However, depending on the nature of your case, you may be able to pursue a claim against your employer with little to no upfront cost.
Here is what you need to know about how Phoenix employment lawyers typically charge for their services.
Common Fee Structures for Employment Lawyers
Employment lawyers often use different billing models based on the case. The way an attorney charges for their services usually depends on the type of claim involved and the likely outcome of the case.
Contingency Fees
Contingency fee arrangements are the most common structure for employment cases involving lost wages, wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
Under this arrangement, you pay nothing up front for legal services. Rather, your attorney takes a percentage of the recovery they obtain for you, typically between 30% and 40%. If you do not win any compensation, you owe no attorney fees.
This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to workers who could not otherwise afford representation against a well-resourced employer.
Hourly Rates
Some employment matters are billed at an hourly rate. This is more common in advisory cases or when the outcome does not involve a monetary recovery. Examples include reviewing an employment contract, negotiating a severance agreement, or advising on a non-compete clause. Phoenix employment attorneys typically charge between $200 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the matter.
In some cases, an attorney may require a retainer to begin representation. A retainer is an upfront deposit drawn down as work is performed at an hourly rate.
Flat Fees
Some attorneys offer flat-fee arrangements for well-defined tasks, such as contract review or demand letter drafting.
When Can You Recover Attorney Fees in an Employment Case?
In some employment cases, the law allows employees to recover attorney fees if their claim is successful. This is known as “fee-shifting” and is common in cases involving workplace discrimination, retaliation, and unpaid wages.
Federal and Arizona laws that may allow attorney fee recovery include those covering:
- Workplace discrimination and harassment
- Disability discrimination
- Age discrimination
- Family and medical leave violations
- Wage and hour disputes
If your case is successful, the employer may be required to pay some or all of your attorney fees. This can make it more affordable to pursue a claim and reduce the financial risk of taking legal action.
What Should You Ask Before Hiring an Employment Lawyer?
Before hiring an employment lawyer, it’s important to understand how fees will apply to your specific case. Different types of claims may be handled under different billing structures, so asking the right questions early can help you avoid surprises.
You may want to ask:
- Whether your case will be handled on a contingency, hourly, or flat-fee basis
- What percentage or hourly rate applies
- Whether you may be responsible for case costs or expenses
- Whether attorney fees could be recovered if your claim is successful
Having clear answers upfront can help you make informed decisions and feel more confident moving forward with your case.
Contact an Experienced Phoenix Employment Lawyer at Houk Employment Attorneys for Help With Your Case
The cost of hiring an employment lawyer often depends on the type of claim you have and the fee structure that applies to your case. In many situations, workers can pursue legal action without significant upfront costs, especially when contingency fees or fee-shifting laws apply.
For more information, please contact the experienced employment attorneys at Houk Employment Attorneys to schedule an initial consultation today.
Our employment law firm is conveniently located near you, with an office in Phoenix, AZ.
Houk Employment Attorneys
631 N 1st Ave Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85003
(480) 569-2377
