Lawyers Advise

[tmoe]

Hello everyone,has anyone ever use the Hill & Ponton law firm out of Flordia ? What is the normal fee to hire a lawyer 20% 30%?

Thanks everyone .

[Chuck75]

More or less, 20% by law. There is a reasonable expense clause in the law as well. Most reputable lawyers include this in the 20%.

[tmoe]

Chuck75,thanks a lot but this is what I was told today the 20% is the max amount VA can or will withhold from a decision. All depends on the agreement

you sign between lawyer and you. My agreement call for a 30% of back pay maybe 7 years retro if we win owe nothing if we dont win.Your opions, is this to

much ? sounds ok ? Its worth it to me, just asking. They are in the nova group.

[Capt.]

Hello Tmoe,

First , I believe that by law a veteran can have a certified VA lawyer. One that is approved to practice VA law.

Second by VA law , I do not believe the lawyer can set the amount above what the VA has said they can pay. It is 20% of the retro if not adjudicated in court and 25% if it goes to court. I would encourage other members , elders to join in but I have a NOVA lawyer also and I have the listed percentages , and I did sign a contract also. I still want to encourage you to use a lawyer so as to not allow VA legal abuse and above all NEVER GIVE UP. God Bless, C.C.

[tmoe]

Hello Capt,thanks this is what the attorney told me the 20% in the maxium amount VA will withhold for attorney fees. My contract

does not withhold any funds just a lump sum payment of 30% of the retro to be paid by me & only if we win. I understand it all depends

on the agreement between the lawyer & you. Thanks

[Capt.]

Hello TMO,,,, I am a bit confused as the law is stated by the VA not what a lawyer draws up. They are allowed alittle leeway as to copys and small things but the 20 percent is for non court award. The 25 percent is for an award if you go to court. I do not believe the 30 percent is legal and I would venture to question this as it violates VA law and makes me wonder if the lawyer is not operating withing the law which could jeopardize the outcome and even future decisions for you. I would reasearch our data files under the search and pull up that law on Lawyers fees. I would be very uncomfortable with this lawyer as almost every lawyer that does VA law knows the rules regarding the fees and this does not make much sense to me. Hopefully someone else will sound off on this. I am only bringing this up because I don't want you to have problems now or later on as you have enough to worry about and don't need something biting on your heals later.......As always though,,,,,NEVER GIVE UP. God Bless,.C.C.

[tmoe]

Capt, I check this again today with three other Nova lawyers and they all say this is correct about the fee agreement only 20% if it is deducted,30% is the most they could charge

only to you and you have to pay them your self.VA still has to approve it. I have 6 lawyers on the contract & assign to the case so thats 5% each.Just thought I would let you know

what is what & only if we win the claim they get paid. Thanks & good luck with your claim