How Much Does Morgan & Morgan Take From a Settlement? The Fee Math, Explained
Morgan & Morgan advertises “no fee unless we win.” That is true of the attorney fee - but the percentage and the separate case costs decide what you actually keep. Here is what the firm itself discloses, how it compares to bar rules, and what to ask before signing.
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Reviewed by Leonard Goldberg, Editor · Last updated
The Fee, Per the Firm's Own Disclosures
Morgan & Morgan's fee explainer states the contingency fee is about 33% (one-third) if your case settles before a lawsuit is filed, rising to as much as 40% if suit is filed or the case goes to trial. Case costs - court filing fees, expert witnesses, medical-record retrieval - are separate from the fee and are deducted from the recovery as well; 'no fee unless we win' refers to the attorney fee. Exact terms are in your signed retainer, which controls.
Case Details
The firm describes itself as the largest personal-injury firm in the U.S.: on its site (read August 2026) it cites $35 billion recovered, 1,000-1,100 attorneys, about 140 offices and 700,000+ clients - self-reported figures.
How That Compares to the Rules
Questions to Ask Any Contingency Firm
• Is the percentage taken from the gross recovery or after costs?
• What costs will be advanced, and are they owed if the case is lost?
• When does the percentage step up (answer filed? lawsuit filed? trial)?
• Who negotiates medical liens, and does the fee apply before or after reductions?
• Will my case be handled by this office or referred to co-counsel, and does that change the fee?
What the Reviews Show (Neutral)
Where the Fee Is Set in a Case
- 1
Retainer Signed
Percentage tiers and cost terms fixed in writing - read them.
- 2
Pre-Suit Demand
Settlement here is typically the ~33% tier.
- 3
Lawsuit Filed
Many agreements step to 40% once suit is filed (Florida: after the defendant answers).
- 4
Settlement Statement
Gross recovery, fee, costs, liens, net to you - you are entitled to see it itemized.
- 5
Disbursement
Net paid after liens are resolved; timing depends on lienholders.
Cautions
General to all contingency firms:
'No fee' ≠ 'no costs'
Costs come off the top; ask whether they are owed on a loss.
Not reading the step-up trigger
A filed lawsuit can move you from 33% to 40% - know when and why.
Referral fee opacity
If your case is referred, the total fee to you should not increase - ask.
Morgan & Morgan Fees - FAQ
How much does Morgan & Morgan take from a settlement?
Per the firm's fee page: about 33% if settled pre-suit, up to 40% after a lawsuit is filed or at trial - plus separate case costs. Your retainer controls.
Do I pay anything if I lose?
No attorney fee; whether advanced costs are owed depends on your agreement - ask explicitly.
Is 40% legal?
In Florida, yes - Bar Rule 4-1.5(f)(4)(B) allows 40% of the first $1M after the defendant answers; other states vary.
Is Morgan & Morgan the biggest injury firm?
It says so - 1,000+ attorneys, ~140 offices, $35B recovered (self-reported).
What do the reviews say?
Mixed: 150,000+ five-star reviews claimed by the firm vs. 1.2-1.5/5 on Trustpilot at our check; communication is the common complaint.
Can I negotiate the percentage?
Sometimes, especially on high-value or clear-liability cases - ask before signing.
Are fees taken before or after medical liens?
Commonly on the gross recovery, with liens paid from your share - confirm in your agreement and on the settlement statement.
Separate from this case: were you injured in the last 2 years?
Class-action payouts are fixed amounts through an administrator. A personal injury claim is a different case — and often worth far more. Free estimate, no obligation.