What are fees that may be established based on the outcome of a case called?

Fees that are established based on the outcome of a case are known as contingency fees. This type of fee arrangement allows a legal professional to charge a fee that is contingent upon the successful outcome of the case, meaning that the client only pays if the lawyer wins or achieves a favorable settlement on their behalf. This arrangement is often used in personal injury cases and other civil cases where the client may not be able to afford upfront legal costs.

In contrast, hourly fees are charged based on the amount of time the lawyer spends working on a case, regardless of the outcome. Retainer fees involve the client paying a set amount upfront for the attorney's services, which may be used as an advance payment that covers future work. Fixed fees are predetermined amounts paid for specific services, regardless of the outcome. Contingency fees are particularly advantageous for clients who may lack the financial resources to pay legal fees upfront, as it allows access to legal representation with the understanding that payment is only made if the case is won.