Need a way to pay Attorney Fee's

[Smithbocaraton]

I am working with an attorney in Illinois to help me fight a case against my employer. I have spent weeks interviewing lawyers and fee models where all similar. I selected a lawyer and started with an hourly rate with a demand letter, a few calls another letter and the employer is not wanting to cooperate or talk. We need to take this to court but even on a contingent fee, I need to come up with a significant amount of money that I do not have at this time. My questions are what are other ways to pay for lawyer services in Illinois. For example, can my lawyer place a lien against my property? I have equity on my property but since I do not have a job I cannot get a loan.

I am seeking advice in Illinois on options to offer my lawyer an assurance on their money while we fight this case.

 

[PayrollHRGuy]

Without knowing what sort of case it is makes it hard to know your options.

 

[Zigner]

I am working with an attorney in Illinois to help me fight a case against my employer. I have spent weeks interviewing lawyers and fee models where all similar. I selected a lawyer and started with an hourly rate with a demand letter, a few calls another letter and the employer is not wanting to cooperate or talk. We need to take this to court but even on a contingent fee, I need to come up with a significant amount of money that I do not have at this time. My questions are what are other ways to pay for lawyer services in Illinois. For example, can my lawyer place a lien against my property? I have equity on my property but since I do not have a job I cannot get a loan.

I am seeking advice in Illinois on options to offer my lawyer an assurance on their money while we fight this case.

This is a great question to ask your attorney, since s/he's the one you're negotiating with.

 

[Smithbocaraton]

I was wrongfully accused of sexual harassment and terminated.

 

[PayrollHRGuy]

Being terminated isn't necessarily a cause of action that has much chance of success unless the employer violated the terms of some contract they had with you. But I agree that you should discuss the payment of fees with the attorney.

 

[quincy]

I am working with an attorney in Illinois to help me fight a case against my employer. I have spent weeks interviewing lawyers and fee models where all similar. I selected a lawyer and started with an hourly rate with a demand letter, a few calls another letter and the employer is not wanting to cooperate or talk. We need to take this to court but even on a contingent fee, I need to come up with a significant amount of money that I do not have at this time. My questions are what are other ways to pay for lawyer services in Illinois. For example, can my lawyer place a lien against my property? I have equity on my property but since I do not have a job I cannot get a loan.

I am seeking advice in Illinois on options to offer my lawyer an assurance on their money while we fight this case.

To pay an attorney who will not negotiate a payment arrangement to fit your budget, you can borrow money from family or friends, or sell some of your assets.

Or you can try to handle this on your own, which is not an easy task.

 

[Litigator22]

I am working with an attorney in Illinois to help me fight a case against my employer. I have spent weeks interviewing lawyers and fee models where all similar. I selected a lawyer and started with an hourly rate with a demand letter, a few calls another letter and the employer is not wanting to cooperate or talk. We need to take this to court but even on a contingent fee, I need to come up with a significant amount of money that I do not have at this time. My questions are what are other ways to pay for lawyer services in Illinois. For example, can my lawyer place a lien against my property? I have equity on my property but since I do not have a job I cannot get a loan.

I am seeking advice in Illinois on options to offer my lawyer an assurance on their money while we fight this case.

Attorney liens only apply to property of the client that is the subject matter "upon which suit was or action has been instituted" ( See: See Illinois Attorney Lien Act 770 ILCS 5/1)

However, as you may well know any creditor that reduces their claim to a judgment can effect a lien upon the judgment debtor's real property.

 

[PayrollHRGuy]

I think the OP wants a lawyer to put a lien on their property as collateral instead of paying money up front.

 

[quincy]

I think the OP wants a lawyer to put a lien on their property as collateral instead of paying money up front.

I think that was what Litigator was addressing.

A judgment must be obtained by the attorney to record a lien on the house (i.e., the attorney would have to sue to recover unpaid fees).

Here is a link to the Attorney Lien Act that Litigator referenced:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2242&ChapterID=63

 

[Ohiogal]

If you have equity, get a home equity loan to pay the attorney.

 

[quincy]

If you have equity, get a home equity loan to pay the attorney.

Smithbocaraton said he is unemployed and cannot get an equity loan.

 

[PayrollHRGuy]

I think that was what Litigator was addressing.

A judgment must be obtained by the attorney to record a lien on the house (i.e., the attorney would have to sue to recover unpaid fees).

Here is a link to the Attorney Lien Act that Litigator referenced:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2242&ChapterID=63

I get that. What I think the OP was asking is if a lawyer will allow him to use his home as collateral and do the suit on credit. Just because he used the word lien doesn't mean he really meant that.

 

[quincy]

I get that. What I think the OP was asking is if a lawyer will allow him to use his home as collateral and do the suit on credit. Just because he used the word lien doesn't mean he really meant that.

Oh. I see what you're saying.

I can't see any attorney doing that.

 

[TigerD]

If no lawyer will take your case on a contingency basis, that is the first sign.
If your lawyer is requiring pre-payment of all expected expenses, that is the second sign.
It may be that you do not have a good case.

 

[quincy]

If no lawyer will take your case on a contingency basis, that is the first sign.
If your lawyer is requiring pre-payment of all expected expenses, that is the second sign.
It may be that you do not have a good case.

I agree with your second point but not (necessarily) with your first. Many attorneys will not work on contingency, period. It really depends on the area of law.