Johnston And Nathanson PLC, Iowa City and Cedar Rapids Law Firm

The most common fee arrangements are as follows

Hourly Rate

Hourly rates vary depending on the experience of the Lawyer, the difficulty of the case and whether the Lawyer has a special talent for the matter presented. Some work can be done by paralegals under the direction of the Attorney in charge. In our firm, rates can vary significantly.  You should discuss the rate for your case with the Attorney in charge.

Contingent Fee

Not all cases can be handled on a contingent fee. Ethics and practicality prevent certain types of cases from being handled on a contingent fee. Those cases most generally thought of as contingent fee cases are Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Property Damage, Worker's Compensation and certain Federal cases stemming from Federal Civil Rights claims. Our firm uses the standard Iowa Bar Association contract, which provides generally that after the costs of litigation are paid, the attorney will receive a fee based on a percentage of the settlement or verdict. The percentage may vary based on the nature of the case, the probability of success and the potential amount of the verdict.

Statutory Fees

Some matters, such as Probate, base a fee, at least in part, as a percentage of the estate. Statutory fees are rare.

Fixed or Flat Fee

These fee arrangements are no longer permitted by the Iowa Supreme Court.

You should discuss the fee arrangement fully with the lawyer handling your case and be sure you completely understand the basis upon which you will be expected to pay a fee.