ATTORNEY FEES AND COSTS
Attorneys are compensated by clients on either on hourly fee basis or a contingency fee. A contingency fee means that the attorney takes a percentage of what you recover by means of judgment or settlement. The attorney's compensation is set forth in a document known as a "retainer agreement" that is signed by the client and the attorney. The document also specifies the scope of the attorney services and a number of other matters. Mr. Pearline's policy is to represent whistleblowers on a contingency fee basis. That means that you will owe Mr. Pearline nothing in attorney fees should your claim not result in a judgment or settlement.
There are other "costs" associated with filing a False Claims Act complaint in Federal or State Court. These costs include filing fee, fee for service of the complaint, fees paid to experts employed to testify, fees paid to court reporters to take depositions, non-expert witness fees, fees for copying documents, etc. Generally, you are responsible for paying these fees. These costs are generally reimbursed by the defendant should you prevail.