Can You Negotiate Lawyer Fees After Settlement?

So you’ve finally settled your case. You’re expecting a check, you’ve been through enough stress, and now the final numbers hit you. And suddenly you’re looking at your lawyer’s fee thinking:

“Wait… this seems like a lot.” First thought: can I negotiate this? 

The short answer is yes, it’s possible. 

But there’s a little more to it than just asking for a discount.

In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about negotiating lawyer fees after settlements.

How Attorney Fees Usually Work

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee. 

That just means they only get paid if you win. No win, no fee. 

If you do settle or win, they take a percentage of the money you get. That percentage is usually around 33% if your case settles without going to trial, and it can go higher (sometimes up to 40%) if it goes all the way to court.

Also Read: How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Make Per Case?

This fee agreement is usually something you sign early on, way before the case gets going. It’s part of the paperwork, and it’s legally binding.

Can You Negotiate Lawyer Fees After Settlement?

Yes, you can ask. But it’s not something lawyers are obligated to agree to. Once the case is over and the fee is based on a contract, it’s usually set in stone. 

That said, some attorneys may be open to working with you, especially if something feels off or if the numbers just don’t make sense for your situation.

Lawyers want happy clients. If you’re upset or confused about how much you’re taking home, a good attorney will at least hear you out. 

Some will even reduce their fee a bit just to make things right, especially if the final payout is lower than expected.

So no, it’s not rude or crazy to ask your lawyer to reduce their fee. 

But it does depend on the lawyer, the case, and how you bring it up.

When It Makes Sense To Ask

There are a few specific situations where asking for a lower fee isn’t just understandable, it’s totally fair. Let’s go over a few:

#1 You’re Walking Away With Very Little

This is probably the most common reason people ask about lowering attorney fees. 

Your case settled for a decent amount, but after fees, costs, and medical bills, you’re barely getting anything. That stings. 

Also Read: Lawyer Lied About Settlement Amount

It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially if you’ve been waiting months (or longer) for this money. 

In these cases, some lawyers are willing to adjust their fee a bit just to help even things out and make sure you’re not left feeling shortchanged.

#2 Your Case Was Resolved With Minimal Effort

Let’s say your case settled fast. Maybe there wasn’t a drawn-out investigation, no depositions, no trial – just a few phone calls, some emails, it’s done. 

If it wrapped up early and easily, you might wonder why the full contingency fee still applies. 

Some people feel like paying a third or more of their settlement for what seemed like a few weeks of work is kind of lopsided. 

This is a good moment to speak up and ask your lawyer if they’d be willing to negotiate.

#3 There Were Unexpected Deductions

Fees for copying, postage, filing, expert consultations, or other case-related expenses are taken out of your settlement too, and might suddenly reduce your payout even more. 

If these weren’t discussed upfront or clearly explained along the way, it can feel a little shady – even if it’s all technically allowed. 

In this situation, you can ask your lawyer to walk you through everything.

And once you understand the costs, you can respectfully ask if they’d consider lowering their fee to help balance it all out.

#4 You Feel The Fee Doesn’t Reflect The Actual Work Done

If you feel the fee doesn’t match the effort or complexity of the case, it’s okay to speak up.  

You’re not accusing them of doing nothing; you’re just trying to make sense of the numbers. 

A good lawyer will understand that and either explain why the fee is justified or maybe agree to cut it down a bit to help you walk away feeling better about the whole thing.

How To Negotiate (Without Burning Bridges)

So, how do you bring this up without making things weird?

Start by asking for a clear breakdown of your settlement. You want to see where every dollar is going. Sometimes that alone clears things up. 

But if you still feel uneasy about the fee, just talk to your lawyer directly.

Here’s a casual way to start the conversation:

“Hey, I’ve been going over the final numbers, and I’m a little concerned about how much I’m left with. I totally respect the work you’ve done, but is there any flexibility on the fee?”

Keep it respectful. Don’t come in hot or accusatory. You’re asking for a favor, not demanding a refund.

Also Read: Can I Fire My Lawyer Before Settlement?

A lot of lawyers are willing to work with you if the request feels fair and you’re being open and decent about it.

Also, timing matters. Don’t wait too long after the settlement has been finalized. Try to bring it up before everything is completely closed out.

What If They Say No?

Sometimes the answer is no. And that’s okay.

If you signed a contingency agreement and your lawyer did the work, they’re within their rights to stick to it. It’s not personal. They have overhead, staff, and time invested in your case.

That said, if something about the bill feels shady or confusing, like fees you didn’t approve or weird charges, you can ask for clarification. 

And if it still doesn’t sit right, you can contact your state’s bar association to get advice or file a complaint if you think something’s truly off.

But in most cases, if your lawyer explains things clearly and the math adds up, it’s probably not worth burning the bridge. 

Even if they can’t lower the fee, they should at least help you understand how they got there.

Bottom Line

Yes, you can try to negotiate your lawyer’s fee after a settlement. 

It’s not super common, but it’s not off the table either. Just keep in mind that you did agree to a fee upfront, and most lawyers are sticking to what was signed. 

Still, if something feels unfair or you’re walking away with way less than expected, it’s totally okay to ask.

Stay calm, be honest, and approach it with the idea of having a conversation and not a confrontation. You might be surprised at how willing some attorneys are to work with you if you just speak up.

And hey, the worst they can say is no.