When assessing legal costs on the standard basis, the term “reasonable legal costs” refers to the costs incurred by the winning party that are both justified and proportionate in relation to the work done and the complexity of the case.
It provides a safety net for unexpected expenses and ensures the project stays on track, both in terms of budget and timeline. The recommended percentage for a contingency fund is between 5-10% of the total budget, but this may vary depending on project complexity and past experiences.
Typically, most construction projects use a contingency rate of 5% to 10% from the total project budget. This is typically enough to cover any unexpected costs that may arise throughout the project.
The average contingency rate falls between 20-40%, with most lawyers charging around 33% to 35% of the total amount recovered in a case. The exact percentage can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer's experience, and the stage at which the case is resolved.