How Much Does a Lemon Law Attorney Cost in California?
Lemon law is one of the few consumer areas where the statute itself is designed to make representation accessible. The fee comes from the manufacturer, not from the consumer’s recovery.
Fee structures you may be offered
| Structure | How it works | Typically used for |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory fee shifting | Song-Beverly allows a prevailing buyer to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer, separate from the vehicle remedy. | Nearly all California lemon law claims. |
| No up-front payment | The consumer typically pays nothing at the outset; the fee claim is pursued against the manufacturer. | Standard practice for consumer-side lemon law work. |
Fees vs. case costs
- Costs include filing fees, vehicle inspection, expert analysis of repair history, and deposition transcripts.
- The vehicle remedy is separate from the fee claim: a repurchase generally covers the purchase price and related charges, less a statutory mileage offset.
- Keep every repair order and warranty communication; the repair history is the evidence the entire claim rests on.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Is my vehicle still within the manufacturer’s warranty period for the defect?
- How many repair attempts have been documented for the same issue?
- Would a repurchase or a replacement vehicle better fit my situation?
- How is the mileage offset calculated in my case?
Common questions
Do I have to pay if the claim does not succeed?
The written agreement controls, but consumer-side lemon law is normally structured so the consumer does not pay attorney fees out of pocket. Confirm how costs are handled before signing.
Does a used car qualify?
A used vehicle can qualify if it was still covered by the manufacturer’s original or certified pre-owned warranty when the defect arose.
What is the mileage offset?
It is a statutory reduction from a repurchase amount reflecting the miles driven before the first repair attempt for the defect. It is calculated by formula, not negotiated.
Ask about fees before you commit
Brandon Aminpour will walk you through the fee agreement line by line during a free case evaluation.
Call (323) 879-9777Related cost guides
Fee structures described here are general information about California practice, not a quote and not legal advice. Your written fee agreement controls. Blackrock Law Group is licensed in California. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.