Question: Is it possible to have the other party pay for my attorney's fees?

Answer: In some cases, yes. A common exception to the rule that each party pays its own attorney's fees is recovery of fees for the prevailing party in some consumer protection actions.

The general rule in Colorado and Wyoming is that each party is responsible for paying its own attorney's fees. If you sue someone, you are expected to pay for your own attorney's fees in the lawsuit. Sometimes attorneys will take a case pro bono (for free) or on a contingency basis such as a personal injury action. The client does not pay in those types of matters. But those are not the only exceptions.

Some state and federal statutes provide that a consumer can recover attorney fees from the other side if the consumer is successful. These include federal laws such as the Truth in Lending Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. It also includes the Colorado Consumer Protection Act, and the Wyoming Consumer Protection Act in class action lawsuits and in cases on behalf of elderly and disabled victims of consumer fraud.

Harmony Law takes advantage of these opportunities for its clients. Where available in a consumer rights case, Harmony Law will take the case on a contingency basis where the client does not pay for the fees and costs. Fees in such cases are based on a blended hourly and contingent basis.