The fees charged by the firm for a given engagement are set out in a written contract that we enter into with each client. What follows is a general description of our pricing practices Sommers & Schwartz LLP offers billing policies ranging from hourly to full contingency, and a variety of hybrids as well. Those hybrids include clients receiving a reduced hourly rate in return for a contingent fee percentage that is lower than the standard structure, or clients only paying all costs.

Our current hourly rate for partners is $400 - $450, with associates and paralegals being billed at rates that reflect their experience. We generally charge a retainer for all cases that are not full contingency. Those retainers range from $5,000 - $50,000, depending on the case and the client. One half of each bill is charged against the retainer, with the client being responsible for paying the remainder and replenishing the retainer monthly.

The standard contingency structure involves clients paying the costs, and 33% of the gross recovery if settlement occurs before the last month prior to trial, 40% from thirty days before trial through trial, and 50% if any post-trial motions or work is performed.

Particular matters may have circumstances that call for unique fee structures. We are always ready to discuss individual situations with our current and potential clients. Sommers & Schwartz LLP has been very successful in crafting workable mixed hourly and contingency fee arrangements that have allowed small to medium-sized businesses and prominent individuals to defend themselves and recover significant awards.