If there is no settlement or court award, the lawyer collects no fee. The contingency fee arrangement allows people who could not otherwise afford legal representation to hire an experienced and highly competent attorney. Lawyers who represent defendants in lawsuits often charge by the hour. In some types of cases, where the amount of work the attorney must perform is predictable, a flat fee might be charged. Retainers are more commonly paid by corporate clients than by individuals.
Juries are the foundation of the American justice system.
Being called to jury duty does not necessarily mean you'll actually serve on a jury. You may serve on a jury pool but not be called to serve as a juror in a trial. While some citizens view jury duty as a burden, many of those who have actually served speak highly of the experience. Historically, because of their need in the community, certain groups such as police and doctors were exempt from service. However, in 1995 the law was changed to eliminate all occupational exemptions.