How Much Does a Workplace Discrimination Lawyer Cost in Minnesota? Fees and Settlements Explained
Most discrimination lawyers in Minnesota work on a contingency fee, taking 33% to 40% of your settlement. Importantly, the Minnesota Human Rights Act allows judges to order the employer to pay your attorney fees if you win the case.
The Cost of Seeking Justice
If you have just been wrongfully terminated or forced to quit due to a hostile work environment, your biggest worry is likely your financial survival. The thought of paying a law firm hundreds of dollars an hour is terrifying. Fortunately, the legal system in Minnesota is designed to help everyday workers fight back against massive corporate employers without going bankrupt in the process. Understanding how employment lawyers charge can give you the confidence to seek the legal help you deserve.
How Discrimination Lawyers Charge in Minnesota
Employment law is complex, and preparing a case for the Ramsey County District Court, St. Paul or the Olmsted County District Court, Rochester takes hundreds of hours. Lawyers generally use one of two billing methods.
Contingency Fee Agreements
The vast majority of workplace discrimination lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means you do not pay any hourly rates upfront. Instead, the lawyer agrees to take your case in exchange for a percentage of the final settlement or court verdict. If you lose the case, the lawyer does not get paid for their time. In Minnesota, a standard contingency fee ranges from 33.3% to 40%, depending on whether the case settles early or has to go all the way to a full jury trial.
Retainer Agreements and Hourly Rates
Sometimes, an attorney might require a hybrid model or charge an hourly rate if you are only seeking a severance negotiation rather than a full lawsuit. If a lawyer charges hourly, rates in the Twin Cities typically range from $300 to $600 per hour. They will require a retainer (a lump sum deposit, often between $2,000 and $5,000) that they bill against as they do the work.
Making the Employer Pay: Fee-Shifting Under the MHRA
One of the most powerful tools available to Minnesota workers is the fee-shifting provision. Under Minn. Stat. § 363A.33, the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) dictates that if a judge or jury rules in your favor, the court may order the employer to pay your reasonable attorney's fees and litigation costs on top of the damages they owe you. This rule is designed to punish discriminatory companies and encourage lawyers to take on civil rights cases. This principle has been firmly upheld in the state through precedents like Anderson v. Hunter, Keith, Marshall & Co., 417 N.W.2d 619 (MN Supreme Court 1988).
Upfront Costs and Hidden Legal Expenses
Even with a contingency fee, lawsuits generate out-of-pocket expenses known as 'costs.' While your lawyer handles the legal time, courts and third parties charge for administrative actions. Many law firms will front these costs for you and deduct them at the end of the case, but you should always clarify this in your contract.
How Much Does it Cost in Minnesota?
If your case goes to litigation, you can expect the following typical court and administrative costs in the state.
| Type of Legal Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | Approximately $320 (varies by county). |
| Process Server Fees | $50 to $100 to officially serve the employer. |
| Deposition Transcripts | $500 to $1,500+ per witness interviewed. |
| Expert Witness Fees | $3,000 to $10,000+ (e.g., forensic economists). |
To ensure your financial risks are minimized, we highly suggest browsing our US Lawyers directory to find an employment attorney who offers free initial consultations and favorable contingency terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if we lose the case? Do I owe the lawyer money?
Under a strict contingency agreement, you will not owe the attorney for their hourly labor if you lose. However, you may still be responsible for the hard costs (like filing fees and deposition transcripts) depending on the exact wording of your retainer contract.
Can the employer be forced to pay my fees if we settle out of court?
In a private settlement, the employer is not legally forced by a judge to pay your fees. However, your lawyer will typically negotiate a larger total settlement amount to ensure your legal fees are covered within the lump sum.
Will my lawyer take their percentage before or after court costs are deducted?
This depends entirely on your specific contract. Most attorneys calculate their percentage based on the gross settlement amount, and then deduct the out-of-pocket court costs from your remaining share.
Should I just handle the claim myself to save money?
It is highly unadvisable. Corporate employers have aggressive defense teams. A lawyer understands how to properly value the case, gather evidence, and prevent you from accidentally signing away your rights in a lowball settlement.
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