Quick answer
Private Engagement is a fee structure for cases that are worth pursuing but don't fit a pure contingency fee, such as a hard liability case, a malpractice claim, or a matter that needs significant work up front. The client pays a retainer over time, and on some cases that retainer is credited against a contingency fee if there's a recovery.
Private Engagement: How a Hard Case Gets Funded
Most injury cases are handled on contingency. The lawyer is paid a percentage of the recovery, and if there's no recovery, there's no fee.
Las Vegas Trial Attorney — Licensed in NV, WA & UT — CA with co-counsel
Why don't some cases fit contingency?
A contingency lawyer is betting time and case costs on the result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the retainer refundable?
That depends on the written agreement and the state's rules on earned and unearned fees. Ask, and get the answer in writing before you sign.
About the author
Frank Stucki, Esq., MBAFrank is a trial attorney licensed in Nevada, Washington, and Utah, handling personal injury, institutional abuse, and catastrophic injury cases. California and other states are handled with local co-counsel.
Talk to Frank — 702.702.BORN
If other lawyers have turned your case down, it may still be worth a conversation. A free call with Frank takes 15 minutes.
New clients can also get a free simple will through our sister firm, Signature Law.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.