Contingency fees and access to justice
Many tenant and injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, which means their fee is a percentage of the money they recover for you, rather than an hourly bill you pay as the case goes. If they do not recover anything, you generally do not owe an attorney's fee.
The idea behind contingency fees is access: they let people pursue valid claims without needing money for a lawyer up front. The attorney takes on the financial risk of the case and is paid from the recovery if the case succeeds. This aligns the lawyer's interest with yours, since they are paid based on results.
Details — like the exact percentage and how costs are handled — vary by firm and case, so it is important to understand the specific terms. Some tenant cases also allow recovery of attorney's fees from the landlord, which can affect the overall picture.
Contingency arrangements are a big reason cost does not have to stand between you and pursuing a strong claim. If you are worried you cannot afford a lawyer, a free, confidential review can explain how fees would work for your situation and what to expect.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.