How Much Do Employment Lawyers Charge?

This video explains contingency fees and hourly rates for lawyers in employment law. California lawyer Branigan Robertson spills the beans on how much lawyers charge. We cover legal advice, severance agreements, defense fees for lawsuits, and contingency fees for employees.
Please subscribe to Branigan's channel! Branigan Robertson is an employment lawyer in Orange County, California. His firm exclusively represents employees in lawsuits against their employers.
Visit his website at: brobertsonlaw.com
#Lawyers #LegalFees #EmploymentLaw

[@westcoastorbust2462]

I sued 2 companies and gave the lawyers about 30% of my winnings. I didn't pay a dime in advance. BUT my documentation was off the hook! I basically did all the work.

[@THE.FAKENEWS]

How much did you win if I may ask??

[@ThePeterDislikeShow]

I'm sorry to hear you ran into problems at two different companies! Any insight on what you may have been able to done better to avoid workplace problems?

[@inele-nv8]

What is the purpose of giving your money to be represented and do most of the work? That's like injury attorneys who $TEAL most of the winnings/settlement while they leave the people with less while they take the biggest percentage. These people think GOD is not watching and will not have to answer to their GREED... Justice might not prevail here on earth but it will when the creator is judging them the same way they do injustice to others.

[@SwimminWitDaFishies]

Lawyers are legal extortionists

[@juniorramsammy4841]

😊

[@BLKDOLPHNDK]

Yes very helpful thank you

[@bertram46]

I absolutely love your videos. It's sad you're in California I won't get into that. LOL your information is extremely factual and useful thank you. You should create a referral surface with people who are the same way you are. I have dealt with low level attorneys and you get what you pay for as well as high end that were effective. However the average person doesn't know who is affected. In my world I review it from past experiences being lucky

[@brap242818]

damn I can see why a company just settles especially at 500k just to do the case....I do hear about how companies don't admit guilt but just still pay.... Great break down Branigan........

[@jodivieira7285]

I love your videos, your character, your honesty and communication skills. Thank you! Keep doing what you are doing, you are amazing!

[@ccmoreno9947]

Do you request a return to work program form at what part of your work comp case after it’s closed or at what point

[@mmortazav]

Question: Recently I was interviewed with a company for a position but I was not offered the job. Later I realized the person who they hired had less than half of my credentials. Do Employment lawyers only work on cases where the client is an employee of a firm or they also accept clients that have not been employed (after a job interview) due to discrimination.

[@aylasmiles3705]

$300 consultation is a lot when your unemployed

[@luischavez9836]

I am obedient, came here to watch your video. You seem a great guy, I just hired one in L.A i am northern California, I was scared to call you.

[@renejacques8288]

I was told a person has 7 days to change their minds after a settlement for age discrimination lawsuits. Does that apply to racial discrimination suits too? Thanks.

[@ghighrolla711]

I need a employment lawyer in Las Vegas for a wrongful termination due to breech of contract, do you know or can recommend anyone? especially one that does a contingency fee? thank you.

[@russellmeyer8893]

Ridiculous. How can working class people even afford this?

[@Justin-wd2vy]

Russell Meyer you don't. The legal system doesn't work for you. The rich are the hammers, you are the nail.

[@LizDaWiz]

LUDICROUS......defeat propagandist infiltration......CLASS ACTION SUIT.....NOTHING ASS (CVS 1ST IN LINE)....IGNORANT, NOTHING ASS CUSTOMERS) . .SURVEY, COMPLAIN, DISRESPECT AS THEY HIRE, TRAIN, DEMAND STAFF..... ALLOW IGNORANT...NOTHING ASS LOW INTELLECT, CUNT'STOMERS AND PROMISE MANAGEMENT POSITIONS...THEY GIVE, EMPLOYEES TRAIN TO "NOTHING" THEY BRING IN....FROM ANYWHERE.....TJE "ASSOCIATES".ARE NOT TO REALIZE...THEY ARE TRAINING TO BE "OVER" ThEM!!!!

[@mementomorgan6721]

Depending on the situation you can get a lawyer pro bono. That’s what I did.

[@TheOneTrueAJ]

Become a sovereign. Represent yourself.

[@bobbudweiser1886]

One dirty little fact in employment law completely glossed over during this and pretty much every reference on attorney cost are the income taxes YOU will pay on the attorney fee. Yes, the IRS considers the amount you pay your attorney as having come out of the amount awarded to you whether you pay attorney fees under a percentage contingency in a negotiated settlement or the court awards attorneys fees at trial. To add insult to injury, the lost wages portion of your settlement will also incur payroll taxes as well. A large award, after taxes and attorney fees, isn't very large.

[@Shawn-zg6ok]

Taxes on lost wages are normal if you earned $1000 working you will have fica taxes. Yea it kinda sucks but also I’d imagine lawyers would take that into account. Gross income either way would rightfully be taxed although I don’t know if you’d be forced to pay the employers fica portion or not. As for attorney fees there are a variety of ways in which they may be written off for tax purposes. If you were a sole proprietor (independent contractor) there are broad lawyer related deductions, if the settlement income was not taxable in the first place the part to the lawyer shouldn’t be either (personal injury settlements generally aren’t taxable), and finally from irs pub 529 attorney fees related to unlawful discrimination, a claim against the US government, or claims related to section 1862(b)(3)(A) of the social security act can be deducted if you itemize your returns (note you can’t deduct more than your judgement or settlement amount). Yea it kinda sucks paying taxes but there are many exceptions out there that aim to assist people that really need it. Also this isn’t advice it’s a KZbin comment, but I’d encourage researching all the interesting tax treatments out there! 🙂

[@Anonymousdal11]

I was charged 37.5% contingency fee by my employee lawyer.

[@SwimminWitDaFishies]

Sickening

[@timjoiner8696]

You went a little too fast there at the end. Federal Law states that employers shall pay any court/attorney cost if judgement is for the employee (if it applies). Did you say the attorney keeps that AND the 33-50%?

[@braniganrobertsonlaw]

That depends on your agreement with the lawyer. Usually, attorney's fees are for the attorneys. But employees usually benefit from this law in that 95% of cases settle, and attorney's fees increase your leverage for a higher settlement.

[@sachsunil]

My fee agreement was 40% for attorney fee if the case goes to jury trial-contingency fee. Attorney was paid close to 2 million dollars as we won the trial and Appeal. My attorney quit the case . The case has not settled. How can I do recovery myself?

[@savvyfreelancer4553]

I imagine that costs can really eat into whatever a plaintiff wins. I would worry more about that than the 33 or 45 percent that a lawyer might take.

[@savvyfreelancer4553]

California is certainly the best state in the US to practice Employment Law. In more conservative areas of the country there seem to be way fewer Employment attorneys. Is this because it is harder to make money in Employment Law in those areas?

[@RR-nl2ep]

I was told federal employees cannot do a contingency fee.

[@timferguson1526]

Lawyers and doctors. Paid good no matter their effectiveness

[@SwimminWitDaFishies]

Overpaid regardless of their competency and output

[@renejacques8288]

Do I pay taxes on a settlement for racial discrimination case, how about if I go to court and win? Thanks.

[@braniganrobertsonlaw]

Yes, but you need to talk to a lawyer in your state and a tax professional in your state to get a precise answer. But generally, yes, employment settlements are taxed.

[@sachsunil]

Can an attorney make more than plaintiff

[@Kimberlypellot]

I think that it would be a lot smarter for a lawyer to set about 300,000. aside to start for contingency and know that according to civil rights the law firm is going to always win when it comes to civil rights. But the best cases and best ways to make money is with civil rights for the homeless. A society should have been taught parenting if you are religious that the society should know that you really are not suppose to through out a youngster into the street and he or she should not be able to leave home until they are legally married to some one or more and for ever.

[@lisashapiro4714]

A great attorney is worth every dollar !

[@bored8715]

Im talking to a lawyer and they charge of contingency of 45% after costs. That seems kind of high to me. Any feedback from anyone

[@braniganrobertsonlaw]

45% is pretty standard for good employment lawyers in CA. Personal injury is different, they charge less because those cases are much easier to pursue. And it makes sense because of the amount of risk, time & money the lawyer will have to invest into the case. Yes, 45% is a big chunk, no doubt about that. But really good lawyers can get settlements that are many multiples larger than mediocre lawyers. So, if you are talking to a good lawyer, and you trust him/her, I wouldn't blink at 45%. But that is the top, I wouldn't go above that.

[@bored8715]

@@braniganrobertsonlaw ok thanks for the information. How much are costs generally. Legal cost and court cost. Most likely I don't think it will go to trial. It will just go to mediation. Only reason I ask is because if there are alot of cost then it's more like 50% or 55%. That much of the settlement taken out I mean.

[@bored8715]

Just a ballpark. I didn't see a dollar amount in your video. Just a general range. Doesn't have to be perfect.

[@ayanlegure8]

Every book 📚 14 beige 14 lane my Lucky and lawyer ?

[@Kimberlypellot]

If I am a self employed adult entertainer and escort does this experience fall under employment discrimination.

[@larrylamb3480]

What about lawyers that charge you for hours they didn't work on your case ? Don't tell it doesn't happen because I dated a lawyer for over a year and found out how scrupulous and greedy they can be ! Sorry, just ongoing the readers of what is possible with their lawyer ! Ever see the movie called " The Firm " with Tom Cruise . Enough said !

[@braniganrobertsonlaw]

There are bad people in every profession. Lawyers are no exception. However, the beautiful thing about contingency fees is that we are not charging our clients by the hour, so there is no reason for lawyers using that fee structure to do things like that.

[@luischavez9836]

@@braniganrobertsonlaw it's ashame that lawyers try to take 50% of your settlement when the employee everything already served to them just to do one or two things and they want 50% of your winnings but what can we expect with this crook it politicians.

[@braniganrobertsonlaw]

@@luischavez9836 First, almost zero lawyers charge a contingency fee of 50%. That is extremely rare. Second, good lawyers do much more than "one or two things" in the case. Employment cases typically take 1-3 years. The lawyer is taking a big risk. They spend thousands of dollars on the case, spend thousands of dollars on employee-labor to help work up the case, and then spend hundreds (if not thousands) of hours of their own time on the case. Good lawyers increase the value of the case dramatically. Good lawyers are worth every penny. Bad lawyers, on the other hand, are a shame. And honest employees looking for an attorney should only hire an attorney who earns their trust.

[@luischavez9836]

@@braniganrobertsonlaw well I have the agreement and it said 50% contingency when I saw that, I was speechless, I contacted 3 lawyers and one of them in the agreement said we both have to come to an agreement in the percentage they might charged, and I am in northern California

[@luischavez9836]

@@braniganrobertsonlaw it said they will charged 50% of the winnings, I thought that's a lot 3 lawyers told me I have a case, but it sucks lawyers are not honest, I asked them why they want me to quit my job, no answer given.

[@mspixiedust100]

So this is where the EEOC comes in...

[@artrocksbydahlia3413]

They don't do their work right when the employer is a federal agency. EEOC don't see or hear and don't speak the truth either. EEOC is a joke.

[@Kimberlypellot]

Is it legal for a sugar daddy dating site to discriminate against you if you are a legal adult entertainment escort who i working legally in nj or ny where escorting is completely legal if the date is visiting where you live of if you are homeless escort who is living in that specific hotel or lodging because the all ask if you'd rather date a man or woman who is either single, married or or divorced and the ask you your birthday without verifying it before they allow themselves to research your phone number and is that considered invasion of privacy when they allow affairs. If an escort is self employed can you sue for mental anguish or fraud or false representation... seekingarraingement.com took my money and still disqualified me off the site after charging me twice. after I thought I was going to be rescued and get to live a real cinderella story and received more than a hundred replies the same day I joined. Can I sue them for assuming that I do more than date because it wasn't nun of their business how far I can go or chose to go on a date. I thought that I was never again have to do on a date what doesn't make me feel uncomfortable and that they assumed that I do more wasn't their business either. I think that I should check with the fbi also...? Because that could have been the only spec of hope or could of caught an std and been forced to do more than I am comfortable with. I don't remember reading the terms and conditions clearly by the advertisement on their front page said to get payed to date wealthy men.

[@schoolofjustice6202]

I have used a lawyer twice her name Pam she was excellent honestly I did not care about we percentage because she deserves and if at any point in life I got filthy rich I’m buying her a house at beach 🏖

[@carmiebenz8771]

Iam tied of Dignity health bugging old employee's preying on them for old stuff we don't work for you leave us alone. We could dig a lot of stuff to do. You act like you own everyone .slaving people around come on.

[@Kimberlypellot]

And on this site it was allowed for one to answer another with a video was that false advertising and and to not be able to see who disliked your video and if thats ok than you should subscribe to who didn't subscribe to you nore allow it.

[@davemashinter5218]

I believe i paid 8 or 9% to the lawyer to whatever he gained-''net'' on my case in 2006,Ontario Canada.Unlawfull dismissal case.Lawyers taking 30%? of the gross amount gained? Crooks.No way,don't pay them,offer 10% tops for their services-on the ''net'' that is gained after taxes and any deductions.If it settles quickly,less % is owed.

[@AB7N.C]

Lawyers and used car sales people.. Are alike..

[@wealthyblackman2655]

BS... One defending Attorney calls the other attorney and then a bribery fee is negotiated...

[@Kimberlypellot]

First of all, people should have more respect for themselves, and their before marriage because that should be illegal practice because it isn't fair to people who practice sexology the you'd be able to practice sex before marriage unless it where your job to teach sex and every other form affection nor to go all the way before marriage is wrong and marriage under grounds for divorce is an act of fraud and act of perjury misrepresentation of consciousness. And this is why our present day societies are entrapped in only delusions of what would make them happy but its not happening for real or if it doesn't feel right. A states deserve the right to clean slaight because though we got it hell a wrong it seems like we never give up trying so for now I would say that settlements are what is truly fair until we recover from ground zero because it was too much and still you should exchange your health for any price. as cruel as this life may sound I'd say that it seems bizarre that to have to act as if we enjoy such challenges. The worse scenario is that you weren't taught the basics like rv living until you save for a house should have been an education up grade. You have to realize that your government failed and it's difficult to forgive because even a lot of rich people fear donating. It's kind of corny but a few good friends and minimum wage seems good enough; plus its all that we deserve for the way in which we treat each other is very poor and way to proud in America. A boss is stupid now a days and takes back having hired you and never should have. Plus it's uncivil for a person to fire you because it would have been them who made the mistake not you no matter your performance it's their fault always if you did't perform your job right or could't show up to work. To force belief and responsibilities and a race or society isn't civil unless we were all physic and had known what was going to happen every day before waking..

[@kmartin1550]

American Greed!!

[@inele-nv8]

Do you represent people in Las Vegas?

[@braniganrobertsonlaw]

Nope, I only have a license to practice law in CA.

[@inele-nv8]

@@braniganrobertsonlaw Too bad b/c the lawyers in NV are GREEDY and DISHONE$T.

[@inele-nv8]

Consultant fees are bad because they already know whether they'll represent you or not. Consultation fees are nothing but play money for attorneys...I know this for a fact- like a TIP from all the desperate people they take advantage of. Like mechanics who charge "diagnostic fees" which are nothing but extra charges in their pockets. HOW are you then any different from a politician or robber? PROFESSIONAL if you need all this money to give simple advice to people who ask for HELP? Funny how these "professionals" take an oath to represent and stand for truth and justice when they themselves do a great INJUSTICE ripping people off. I feel consultant fees should be FREE and take it from there. But today the almighty greed and dollar rule. No matter what in the end all will have to answer to their sins to the one and only TRUE judge-GOD. Because JUSTICE isn't free on this earth.

[@kennykrylov4513]

Mechanic who doesn't charge diagnostic fees is called a "part changer"

[@timferguson1526]

Lawyers and doctors. Paid good no matter their effectiveness

[@braniganrobertsonlaw]

Not true. Watch the part about "contingency fees" my friend. Lawyers like me only get paid when we're effective.