A contingent fee is when an attorney charges dependent upon a successful outcome in the case. It is often agreed to be a percentage of the total recovery to the client. Such fee arrangements are often used in negligence cases and other civil actions but not for criminal defense or divorce actions.
Hemet is a city in Riverside County, located in the San Jacinto Valley and it covers a total area of 27.1 square miles (70 km), or about half of the valley, which it shares with its neighbor to the north, the city of San Jacinto. In 2007 the city's population was estimated to be 74,185 according to the California Department of Finance. Hemet was founded in 1887, predating the formation of Riverside County, and was incorporated on January 20, 1910. The formation of Lake Hemet helped the city prosper, and allowed further agricultural growth in the area, as well as population growth. The city is probably best known for being the home of "Ramona", California's official and one of the longest running outdoor plays, having been started in 1923. Hemet has also been named a Tree City USA for 20 years by the Arbor Day Foundation for its dedication to the local forest. The city is also home to the Hemet Valley Medical Center, a 320 bed general hospital.