Calculate an attorney contingency fee from the recovery
Enter the gross settlement or recovery, the contingency percentage from the fee agreement, case costs, liens and any other deductions. Choose whether the fee is calculated on the gross recovery or after entered case costs. The calculator then shows the fee base, attorney fee and estimated amount remaining for the client.
Why the fee calculation basis matters
The same percentage can produce a different dollar fee depending on whether costs are deducted before or after the percentage is applied. This calculator lets you model both structures without assuming which one governs. The written fee agreement and applicable rules control the actual calculation.
From contingency fee to settlement distribution
After calculating the fee, use the Settlement Distribution Calculator when you need a broader worksheet for fees, costs, multiple lien categories, client advances, other deductions and credits. If a lien payoff is still being negotiated, compare scenarios with the Lien Reduction Calculator.
Useful for settlement review and client-net estimates
The tool can help compare proposed settlement amounts, explain how a fee percentage affects the net recovery, and check the arithmetic in a draft disbursement statement. It does not decide whether a particular percentage, fee base or cost treatment is permitted for a matter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a contingency fee calculator?
It calculates a percentage-based attorney fee from an entered settlement, verdict or other recovery and estimates the amount remaining after the entered costs, liens and other deductions.
What does fee calculated on gross recovery mean?
It means the contingency percentage is applied to the full entered recovery before the entered case costs are subtracted.
What does fee calculated after costs mean?
It means the entered case costs are subtracted first and the contingency percentage is then applied to the remaining fee base.
Why can the client net change even when the contingency percentage stays the same?
Changing the fee base changes the dollar amount to which the percentage is applied. When costs are substantial, that difference can materially change both the attorney fee and the estimated client net.
Does this calculator determine the correct contingency percentage?
No. Enter the percentage and calculation method that apply under the actual fee agreement and governing rules.
Are liens automatically reduced by this calculator?
No. Enter the lien amount expected to be paid. If you want to compare an original lien with a negotiated reduction, use the separate Lien Reduction Calculator first.