Posted by Daniel G. Kagan (bio):
 
As governor of the American Association for Justice, I see a steady stream of challenges and criticisms aimed at lawyers and civil justice. It is important to remember how the civil justice system serves the disenfranchised.  The contingent fee system is at the core of that system. It allows those who otherwise could not afford an attorney to stand up for them and their rights to retain the very best lawyers to represent them.   The case cited here ( ContingencyFee 4th Abrams case 5 10 ) out of the United States 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, restates and reinforces the indispensible role of the contingent fee relationship in preserving access to justice for all Americans, not just the wealthy and powerful.