You need to know, upfront, exactly how your lawyer will charge for representation. In some cases it will be a fixed amount, and in others it may be an hourly rate. In cases where you are suing for monetary damages, the lawyer may represent you for a “contingency fee.” This means the attorney gets paid a portion (typically one-third) of the amount you receive after a successful trial or settlement. Make sure you discuss expenses as well as attorney fees. The lawyer’s expenses include everything from small things like photocopying to big-ticket items like expert witnesses. While your lawyer may not be able to give you a precise quote, you should have a good understanding of the potential price tag.