Honest about money.
Because you deserve that.
Most law firm websites hide their fees. That's a choice. Here's ours: contingency percentages for personal injury, published right here. Criminal cases run on a flat-fee retainer paid up front, quoted in full at your free consultation. No surprises, ever.
Pre-suit
33.3%
Before filing
Filed suit
40%
After filing
Appeal
45%
If appealed
Personal injury
Contingency fees, published.
Personal injury cases run on contingency. That means we do not get paid unless you do. If we recover nothing, you owe nothing in attorney fees. Here is exactly how the math works.
Settled before suit
33.3%
Of the gross recovery. Most cases settle before we have to file suit, and this is the standard rate when the insurer pays without litigation.
Suit filed
40%
Of the gross recovery. If negotiations fail and we file suit, the work increases and the percentage reflects that.
Appealed
45%
Of the gross recovery. If the case goes to a contested appeal after trial, this tier applies.
What "costs" actually means
Attorney fees are separate from case costs. Costs are the out-of-pocket expenses required to build and pursue the case. These are deducted from the settlement after the attorney fee, and every cost is itemized and explained before you sign anything.
- Court filing fees and service of process
- Medical records and imaging copies
- Expert witness fees (reconstructionists, treating doctors for depositions)
- Deposition transcripts and court reporter fees
- Postage, copies, and other administrative costs
If we lose
You owe no attorney fees. In most cases, we advance the case costs on your behalf and absorb them if there is no recovery. That is the core promise of contingency.
We explain this in writing at the start of every case, in plain language, before you sign.
Criminal defense
Flat-fee retainer, paid up front.
Criminal cases are handled on a retainer. You pay a flat fee at engagement that covers the scope of work we agree to up front. No hourly billing. No surprise invoices. No bills creeping in mid-case.
Every criminal case is different, so the retainer amount depends on the charge, the complexity, whether trial is likely, and the court location. That is why we don't publish a single flat fee for DWI or any other charge: doing so would either shortchange the client or overcharge them depending on the facts.
What we do commit to: the retainer is discussed openly at your free consultation. You leave the first meeting knowing what the case will cost, what is included, and what happens if the scope changes. You will never be surprised by a bill.
Payment plans on the retainer are available for most matters. We structure them to work with your situation.
Consultations
Always free. Always confidential.
The first conversation is free. There is no obligation to hire us afterward, and anything you tell us is protected by attorney-client confidentiality whether or not you do.
If your case is not a good fit for our practice, we will tell you and often refer you to someone we trust. That matters too.
What clients ask about money.
Why don't you list flat fees for DWI online?
What if I can't afford a lawyer?
Do you charge for phone calls and emails during my case?
Will I owe you money if we lose my PI case?
What does a 'gross recovery' mean?
Can I pay the criminal retainer in installments?
Your free case review
starts with one call.
Tell us what happened. We'll tell you whether you have a case, what it's worth, and what happens next. No pressure, no obligation, no sales pitch.
Available 24/7 for emergencies · Licensed in Missouri and Illinois