How Much Does an Employment Lawyer Cost in California?
Fee structures in employment cases follow the statute involved. Fee-shifting provisions are the reason a case with modest damages can still be worth pursuing.
Fee structures you may be offered
| Structure | How it works | Typically used for |
|---|---|---|
| Contingency fee | A share of the recovery, paid only if the case resolves in your favor. Set out in a signed written agreement. | Discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage and hour claims. |
| Statutory fee shifting | Under statutes such as the Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Labor Code, a prevailing employee may recover reasonable attorney fees from the employer, awarded by the court or negotiated into a settlement. | Most employee-side statutory claims. |
| Hourly or flat fee | Paid up front for defined work, independent of outcome. | Severance review, demand letters, and advice on an ongoing employment issue. |
Fees vs. case costs
- Costs in employment cases commonly include filing fees, deposition transcripts, document management, and expert analysis of wage or economic loss.
- Administrative filings with the Civil Rights Department do not require a filing fee.
- A fee-shifting award goes to attorney fees and does not reduce the damages awarded to you, though settlements often allocate a single combined figure.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Which statutes apply to my claim, and do they shift fees?
- Will you handle the administrative complaint and right-to-sue process?
- Is severance review billed separately from a contingency case?
- How are costs handled if the case does not succeed?
Common questions
Do I pay anything to file with the Civil Rights Department?
There is no filing fee for an administrative complaint. Whether an attorney charges for preparing it depends on the fee agreement.
Can I afford a case if my damages are modest?
Fee-shifting statutes exist precisely so that smaller but meritorious claims can be brought. That is part of what an initial evaluation assesses.
Is a severance review worth paying for hourly?
A review is narrow, defined work and is usually quoted as a flat or hourly amount. It is generally cheaper than litigating the effect of a release you already signed.
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.