How much are class action lawsuit lawyer fees?
How much are class action lawsuit lawyer fees?
20% – 35% contingency fee
Average class action lawsuit lawyer fees
Class action lawsuit lawyer fees are often set by courts and paid as a percentage of the total settlement, with most attorneys working on contingency. These fees range from 20% to 35% of the award, although they can be higher for highly complex cases or lower for straightforward ones.
| Fee method | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Contingency fee | 20% – 35% |
| Hourly rate | $100 – $500 |
| Flat fee | $10,000 – $400,000+ |
Contingency fee
Most class action attorneys work on contingency, meaning their fee comes out of whatever amount the judge awards you or a settlement fund created for all of the plaintiffs. These fees range from 20% to 35%, depending on the case type and how complex the case is or how long it takes.
For example, a settlement amount of $1,000,000 would result in a contingency fee of $200,000 to $350,000.
Flat or hourly fee
While most class action suits use contingency fees, some attorneys charge hourly rates of $100 to $500 per hour or flat rates, depending on the client's preference or for unusual cases. Total costs are unpredictable and sometimes much higher than a simple percentage.
In a class action lawsuit, the court must approve the amount of attorney fees before they're paid out. This helps prevent attorneys from charging unreasonable prices or percentages.
What is a class action lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit allows many people harmed by the same defendant to join together and have their claims heard in one case. This structure helps plaintiffs pursue cases that may be too costly for individuals on their own. Examples of class action cases include:
Product liability
Consumer fraud
Data breach
Defective drug
Employment law violations
Class action attorney's fees by case type
Class action lawsuit attorney fees vary based on the type of case. Lawyers tend to charge more for suing a consumer business or corporation. Many judges use a standard of 25% but adjust it higher or lower based on the circumstances.
| Case type or location | Average contingency fee |
|---|---|
| Federal court | 20% – 25% |
| State court | 25% – 30% |
| Securities class action | 20% – 35% |
| Consumer class action | 25% – 35% |
Federal court
Federal court judges tend to award contingency fees of 20% to 25% of the settlement. Larger settlements often push the percentage lower due to judicial scrutiny and scale effects, directing more funds to plaintiffs and less to lawyers.
State court
State courts set contingency fees in class actions within a 25% to 30% window. This higher range reflects less stringent oversight and more willingness to reward attorneys for risk, effort, and upfront costs, especially in smaller or local cases.
Securities
Securities class action lawyer fees range from 20% to 35% as these cases regularly see multimillion- or even billion-dollar settlements. Statutory and institutional oversight push rates lower, with federal courts reducing percentages as recovery amounts increase.
Consumer
Consumer class action lawsuits have contingency fees in the 25% to 35% range due to the complexity, lengthy process, and volume of individual claims joined in one suit. These percentages match national norms for personal injury and consumer protection cases.
Factors that affect class action legal fees
Choosing a class action versus an individual lawsuit affects legal costs. Several major factors influence class action lawyer fees:
Case complexity: The amount of legal research, expert involvement, and unique facts impact the fee size.
Number of claimants: More plaintiffs mean more administrative and coordination work for lawyers.
Risk taken by attorneys: Lawyers often front thousands in expenses and work unpaid for years, raising their requested fee.
Settlement amount: Higher damages often lead to higher percentages or absolute fee requests.
Court jurisdiction: Judges have the freedom to approve, reduce, or deny fees; rules vary by state and federal court.
Type of relief sought: Injunctive or declaratory cases may trigger special rules for fee payment, especially if the defendant is ordered to pay.
Class action attorney FAQs
How can I start a class action lawsuit?
To start a class action, contact an attorney with class action experience. The attorney evaluates whether enough people were affected and if the lawsuit fits class certification rules. Lead plaintiffs are chosen, and the court must approve the class action status.
Are class action settlements taxable?
Most class action settlements are taxable, especially for financial damages. Certain damages, such as those for physical injury, might be excluded. Consult a tax professional for guidance.
How many people are needed for a class action lawsuit?
Courts do not set a minimum, but most class action lawsuits involve dozens, hundreds, or thousands of claimants. The case must demonstrate that joining claims in a class is more efficient than proceeding individually.
How long does a class action lawsuit take?
Class actions take months, years, or occasionally decades to resolve. The timeline depends on the number of parties, steps in the court certification process, case complexity, and willingness of defendants to settle.
What to look for in a class action lawyer
Follow these simple guidelines when searching for a class action lawyer near you:
Request a detailed breakdown of fee structure and expenses before committing.
Review client testimonials on Lawful and Google.
Ask attorneys for a written estimate of cost ranges, including out-of-pocket expenses.
Confirm whether fees are court-approved or agreed in advance.
Questions to ask class action lawyers
Before hiring a class action lawyer, ask the following questions for clarity:
What percentage of the settlement do you expect to request?
Will I need to pay any costs before the case concludes?
How are expenses like expert witnesses or court fees handled?
How much involvement will I have as a class member or lead plaintiff?
What is the estimated case timeline and risk of non-recovery?
How will I know when the court approves the fee, and can I object if it's too high?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.