Q: Does your firm accept contingency cases?

A: Yes. In fact, more than one-half of our cases are accepted on a contingency basis. However, not all cases are suitable.


Q: What type of cases will your firm accept on a contingency basis?

A: The cases must meet the following criteria:

1) The claim must be by a plaintiff suing for money. If you are suing to force the defendant to do something or refrain from doing something, the case is not suitable, because if you prevail, there will be no money from which to pay our fee.

2) The likely judgment amount must be large enough to justify the cost of providing the required legal services when factoring in the risk of prevailing. A legal fees provision in a contract or statute giving the prevailing party the right to their attorney’s fees and costs is an important factor.

3) Any judgment against the defendant must be collectible.


Q: Why do some law firms refuse to accept cases on a contingency basis?

A: Some common reasons are as follows:

1) Some law firms do not have the financial resources to accept contingency cases because payment of legal fees can be delayed for a year or more. During the litigation, salaries, rent, utilities, insurance and other costs must be paid by the firm while it waits for the case to settle or go to trial. Many firms do not have the financial resources to accept the risk of not prevailing.

2) Some firms are just philosophically opposed to working on cases where payment is not received monthly.


Q: Why does your firm choose to accept some cases on a contingency basis given the stated disadvantages?

A: First, we recognize that many people in need of legal services cannot afford to pay for the fees on a monthly basis. Their only source of cash to pay their legal fees is to obtain the money from the defendant who caused their harm. Fortunately, we are in a position to help clients who need a contingency fee law firm, assuming the case satisfies the necessary criteria. Secondly, in most contingency cases, we are able to earn more than our standard hourly billing rate. Of course, this is not certain.


Q: Will your firm advance costs when it accepts a contingency case?

A: Sometimes. After carefully reviewing all of the factors, our firm will often advance some or all of the costs, but not always.


Q: Does your firm ever provide discounted legal services to clients?

A: Yes. In appreciation of their extraordinary service, Michael T. Chulak and Associates is pleased to offer a 20% discount on all hourly legal services provided to the following: