I used to be a bookkeeper for a small law firm. The attorney will take "costs" off the top and split the rest with you. Costs can include stupid little things like postage, faxes, parking, and purchasing things like news footage related to the case. When your sister speaks with this attorney, she should find out EXACTLY what is included in costs, and who pays filing fees and court costs especially if he doesn't win. You should also find out how many cases like this he's handled, and you need to know his win/loss record. Check with the bar association in his area to make sure he doesn't have any unresolved complaints.