What Percentage of a Schedule Award Does Your Firm Take?

This is one of the most common questions federal employees ask when considering legal help with a Schedule Award: “What percentage do you take?”

The short answer: we don’t.

Under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), attorneys are not allowed to take a percentage of your award. Instead, all work must be billed hourly, documented, and reviewed for reasonableness by the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).

So how does that work in practice?

At Shapiro Federal, we keep detailed records of every task performed on your case. You receive an itemized bill showing exactly what was done and how much time it took. That transparency ensures you know what you’re paying for—no surprises, no hidden costs.

How much does it usually come out to?

While every file is different, many of our clients find that the total fee ends up being around 20% or less of their recovery. That’s not a fixed rate—it’s just a common result based on the amount of work most cases require. Some claims need extensive documentation and follow-up; others resolve more quickly.

The main goal: protect your compensation.

We represent hardworking federal employees, and our focus is always on making sure your award isn’t consumed by legal fees. You worked for that benefit—it should remain yours.

In short: no percentages, no guesswork, and no surprises—just fair, documented legal work.

Every Schedule Award case is unique. The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) does not publish fixed timelines or guaranteed amounts. Outcomes 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.