Do lawyers get paid only for every case?

Question

Do layers only get paid if they win a case?Or for every case??

Answer 1

If they got paid by the win most of them would be starving.. :)

They charge by the hour, win or lose.  Beginning rate is normally $150 per hour, up to $800 per hour for a senior partner.

The only exception to that is a personal injury attorney, who will only be paid if you are awarded a settlement or civil judgment, normally they take 40% plus their costs.  Consequently, they will not take a case they think won't pay at least something substantial for their time.

If a PI attorney turns down your accident or injury case, they think it's a loser.  :)

Answer 2

There are many different arrangements.  Prosecutors get paid a salary.  Junior lawyers in a firm get paid a salary.  The owners of a firm get a cut of what the firm makes.  Some charge by the hour.  Some charge by the job.  Some few lawyers, the type that specialize in suing for personal injuries, charge a "contingency" fee in which they take a cut of what they win  Those who defend against those suits charge by the hour.