What do Legal Fees refer to in a litigation context?

In a litigation context, legal fees primarily refer to the fees agreed upon between a litigant and their lawyer. This agreement outlines the compensation structure for the legal services provided, which may include hourly rates, flat fees, or contingency fees depending on the nature of the case and the arrangement made between the lawyer and the client.

This understanding is foundational as it emphasizes the contractual relationship established between the attorney and the client, which governs how and when payments for legal representation will be made. The attorney’s expertise, time commitment, and the complexity of the legal issues involved often influence these fees.

The other options discuss related costs but do not define legal fees as they pertain to the agreement between the client and the attorney. For example, costs set by the court for legal services are typically not determined by the litigants themselves. Payments made to the court by an unsuccessful party refer to court costs or costs awards, which are separate from the legal fees agreed upon by the client and lawyer. Lastly, expenses incurred for court filing represent administrative costs associated with the litigation process, again distinct from the legal fees that pay for the lawyer’s professional services.