This numerical sequence, when combined with the term “attorney fees calculator,” generally refers to a method for determining legal service costs based on a contingency fee arrangement. Under this type of agreement, the attorney’s compensation is a percentage of the monetary recovery secured for the client. The specific numbers, 33 1/3, typically represent the percentage of the recovery the attorney will receive if the case is settled before trial. For instance, if a case settles for $100,000, the attorney would receive $33,333.33 as their fee.
Contingency fee arrangements, including those using a 33 1/3 percentage, offer potential benefits to clients who may not be able to afford hourly attorney rates. This structure allows access to legal representation and aligns the attorney’s interests with the client’s success, as the attorney only gets paid if the client recovers compensation. Historically, such arrangements have been vital in facilitating access to justice for individuals facing financial constraints, enabling them to pursue claims against better-resourced opponents.