No Win No Fee Rules Across the UK Nations

A lawyer agrees that some or all professional fees become payable only if the case succeeds. The definition of success, the fee calculation and responsibility for expenses must be stated in the written agreement.

• Ask what counts as a win
• Separate fees from case expenses
• Check whether the percentage changes at filing, trial or appeal
• Ask who bears an opponent's costs

A US contingency fee is normally a percentage of the gross or net recovery. State professional-conduct rules govern the agreement, and some practice areas have statutory fee schedules or approval requirements.

• Confirm whether expenses are deducted before or after the fee
• Check state-specific caps and court-approval rules
• Do not assume every claim may legally use a contingency fee

A CFA makes the solicitor's base costs conditional on success and may add a success fee. Personal-injury deductions are subject to a statutory cap calculated by reference to specified categories of damages, while disbursements, insurance and adverse costs are separate questions.

• Check the success-fee percentage
• Ask how QOCS and Part 36 affect risk
• Check ATE insurance and cancellation terms

Compare the amount you keep after every fee, expense, lien, benefit repayment, tax issue and insurance premium—not just the headline percentage. Ask for a worked example using the same hypothetical recovery from each provider.