Is it customary to give your lawyer a bonus? -

I have a great lawyer that has been working hard on a workman s comp case for me. I know that he gets 10 percent of what I get in the lawsuit. I feel like he has worked harder then that. Is it normal for them to receive a bonus from their clients?

I ve been practicing law for 20 years and no one has EVER given me a tip. If they did, I don t even know if I could ethically accept it; I have an engagement letter with my clients that says what I get paid, and I don t believe I could accept more than that. You can, however, give your lawyer a very nice gift and write him a note telling him how much you appreciate his hard work. We lawyers treasure that sort of thing, believe me!

I really don t think so. He s getting his cut of the cash. He works hard because he s getting paid. You give your hairstylist a tip, or your nail tech, but not your lawyer. Even if you did, what would be a significant amount for a lawyer. You can t just throw him or her a twenty, and think it suffices.

It s not customary, and in some states it may actually be against the ethics rules for lawyers to accept compensation outside the previously signed fee agreement.

Never heard of giving your lawyer a bonus. You can offer one to him but he may turn it down. Then you know he s really honest.