Do Attorneys Take a Percentage of My Schedule Award?

This is one of the first questions people ask when considering legal help:

“Are you taking a cut of my Schedule Award?”

The answer might surprise you — they’re not allowed to.

Federal law requires hourly billing

Under the federal workers’ compensation system (FECA), attorneys cannot charge a contingency fee or take a percentage of your award. Instead, they are required to bill by the hour for the work they perform.

That’s the rule across the board.

So why do people worry about hourly billing?

Because the next thought is usually:

“If it’s hourly… is there going to be anything left for me?”

That’s a fair concern — and one that different firms handle differently.

How billing often works in practice

At firms like Shapiro Federal:

• There are no upfront costs to get started.

• While billing is hourly, many cases are handled in a way where no bill is sent if no recovery is obtained.

• And importantly, there’s an effort to ensure that legal fees don’t consume the entire award.

The goal is simple: you should still receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

So what’s the real takeaway?

No — attorneys don’t take a percentage of your Schedule Award.

Yes — they bill hourly.

But how that billing is handled can make a big difference in your experience and your outcome.

If you’re considering legal help, it’s worth asking not just how fees are calculated, but how they’re actually applied in real cases.

Every Schedule Award and compensation case is unique. The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) does not publish fixed timelines or guaranteed outcomes. Benefits depend on your medical evidence, impairment rating, and OWCP’s review process. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. For guidance on your specific claim, consult with an experienced federal workers’ compensation attorney.