If the courts rule that the subject warrants a retrial or that one must be conducted by an appellate court and the Attorney will gain a contingency payment from any sum paid to the Client as a result, then fill in the percentage defining this expected payment on the fourth blank space of this section. Lawyers who charge by the hour will do what they are paid for charge hours. xb```b``e`e`s`b@ !f da a`Pq```dbg`sw@Kz}{ bl `5 I^09|-)lBs'pr091t7m`|=L g`Me`H37@ =)= Attorney Removal to indicate how much money the Attorney will be paid for every one hour of work on the Clients case should the Client determine the Attorneys services are no longer required. All rights reserved. The second and last signature area can only be satisfied with by the Attorney or a representative of the Law Firm entering this agreement. This Retainer Agreement (Agreement) is made effective as of [DATE], 20[YEAR], by and between: 2. H\@. In the right case, we and our clients can benefit from a contingency fee agreement as our interests align with those of the client. In such a case, the client is not obligated to pay by the hour or other fees. HW]sH}W2U?2Tblh2Xb%n 19N&!Ij"_:_Tg/O^MI/KNl3fm|_D%-lv|%d>bti&?hlbmQG7*R4zSECn#ksMFHC_wgRRKzSVm2/iL(&/1w+cw*nZR_iUUM Mr. Goldberg has been in practice since 1984 and attended the University of California, Los Angeles undergraduate and obtained his law degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. However, this structure transfers much of the risk of the lawsuit to the law firm, which could end up spending hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars of legal time on a case. 7. FindLaw.com Free, trusted legal information for consumers and legal professionals, SuperLawyers.com Directory of U.S. attorneys with the exclusive Super Lawyers rating, Abogado.com The #1 Spanish-language legal website for consumers, LawInfo.com Nationwide attorney directory and legal consumer resources. (1984) 37 Cal.3d 122, 134.) Client agrees to cooperate with Lawyer, assist Lawyer with preparing the case as Lawyer requests. If a dispute arises between us and you regarding our fees, the parties agree to resolve that dispute through the State Bar's Fee Dispute Arbitration Program. I received a copy of the agreement when I signed it. The percentage recovery will be calculated [BEFORE/AFTER] outstanding medical bills, expenses and costs of suit are deducted. It further provided that the fees earned on any recovery up to $1 After meeting with the qualified attorneys they will give their rates for the case based on its chance of winning in court and who is the Defendant. Under this Agreement, the Client shall not be responsible for: a.) A monthly retainer, also known as pay for access, is when a client pays a repeated amount to a service provider in exchange for access to their services. Although, most attorneys have a scaled percentage depending on how much work they have to put into the case. *AOYUM4oaE 3 b(f`Kt2:|q\`83@ 68 endstream endobj 118 0 obj 158 endobj 105 0 obj << /Type /Page /Parent 96 0 R /Resources 106 0 R /Contents 112 0 R /MediaBox [ 0 0 612 792 ] /CropBox [ 0 0 612 792 ] /Rotate 0 >> endobj 106 0 obj << /ProcSet [ /PDF /Text ] /Font << /TT2 108 0 R /TT4 107 0 R >> /ExtGState << /GS1 114 0 R >> /ColorSpace << /Cs6 111 0 R >> >> endobj 107 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /TrueType /FirstChar 32 /LastChar 151 /Widths [ 250 0 555 0 0 0 833 278 333 333 0 0 250 333 250 278 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 333 0 0 0 0 0 0 722 667 722 722 667 611 778 778 389 500 778 667 944 722 778 611 778 722 556 667 722 722 1000 722 722 0 333 0 333 0 500 0 500 556 444 556 444 333 500 556 278 333 556 278 833 556 500 556 556 444 389 333 556 500 722 500 500 444 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 333 500 500 0 0 1000 ] /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding /BaseFont /DBOAND+TimesNewRoman,Bold /FontDescriptor 110 0 R >> endobj 108 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /TrueType /FirstChar 32 /LastChar 167 /Widths [ 250 0 408 0 500 833 778 180 333 333 0 0 250 333 250 278 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 278 278 0 0 0 0 0 722 667 667 722 611 556 722 722 333 389 722 611 889 722 722 556 0 667 556 611 722 722 944 722 722 0 333 0 333 0 500 0 444 500 444 500 444 333 500 500 278 278 500 278 778 500 500 500 500 333 389 278 500 500 722 500 500 444 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 333 444 444 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 500 ] /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding /BaseFont /DBOAMB+TimesNewRoman /FontDescriptor 109 0 R >> endobj 109 0 obj << /Type /FontDescriptor /Ascent 891 /CapHeight 656 /Descent -216 /Flags 34 /FontBBox [ -568 -307 2028 1007 ] /FontName /DBOAMB+TimesNewRoman /ItalicAngle 0 /StemV 94 /XHeight 0 /FontFile2 113 0 R >> endobj 110 0 obj << /Type /FontDescriptor /Ascent 891 /CapHeight 656 /Descent -216 /Flags 34 /FontBBox [ -558 -307 2034 1026 ] /FontName /DBOAND+TimesNewRoman,Bold /ItalicAngle 0 /StemV 160 /XHeight 0 /FontFile2 115 0 R >> endobj 111 0 obj [ /ICCBased 116 0 R ] endobj 112 0 obj << /Length 2172 /Filter /FlateDecode >> stream The email address cannot be subscribed. PDF qwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqw ertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvb nmqwert Example: A client hires an attorney and pays a retainer to get started on a case. %PDF-1.3 % agreement (hereinafter "the Agreement") was the subject of the underlying action. CONTINGENT FEE AGREEMENT - BASIC (Sample - Modify) I, [Client], retain [Attorney], Attorney at Law, to represent me for recovery of damages arising . 12. For reprint permission, contact the publisher: www.plaintiffmagazine.com, California Jury VerdictsVerdict searchReport your recent verdict, Copyright2023 by Neubauer & Associates, Inc., All Rights Reserved, Hybrid fee agreements for business litigation, Attorney's Fees (see also Contingency Fees). 2022 Electronic Forms LLC. 0000009292 00000 n 0000001197 00000 n 0000205066 00000 n Therefore, we do not accept contingency fee cases when we believe the matter will be so difficult that it will affect our ability to represent other clients or put too much strain on our resources, or if the potential return on investment of time and money does not justify the risk. The fee agreement contract helps both a client and a hired person know exactly how much to expect for the work or service completed. 12. The hybrid fee agreement should state that if the client either resolves the case without the payment of a full cash value, or if the client discharges the attorney before the conclusion of the case, then the reduced rate is converted to the stated customary hourly rate and the balance becomes immediately due and payable. 6. Orange County Bar Association A recurring payment used for an ongoing relationship between the client and the consultant. 18. MCLE Self Study | Current MCLE Article - apps.calbar.ca.gov (4) Unless the claim is subject to the provisions of section 6146 [MICRA], a statement that the fee is not set by law but is negotiable between attorney and client. For more difficult and risky cases, our percentage of contingency fees can reach 45% of the recovery. Non-Contingent Fee AgreementsB&P 6148 Business and Professions Code Section 6148 governs non-contingent fee agreements. Contingency Fee. Several statements with the wording necessary to apply such a percentage payment have been supplied for your use. 13. Lawyer reserves the right to terminate this contract if at any time he/she concludes that the claim is without merit. For example, an experienced trial attorney may command $400 per hour. If the Attorney has devoted a great amount of time to the Clients case this could have severe repercussions on his or her ability to continue operations. If the attorney providing the service is not successful in their obligations then the client is not required to pay the contingency fee or any other payment. Hidden Traps of Referral Fee Agreements | Attorneys Advantage U@\7B].S!*-n:ZoU.);P8~{}q5br0F` vtyr#vDz(E4n!_iU;sI! A contingency fee allows a client to only make a payment for the services if the contingency is met. Accordingly, the Service Provider will not disclose or use, either during or after the term of this Agreement, any proprietary or confidential information of the Client without the Clients prior written permission except to the extent necessary to perform the Services on the Clients behalf. Contingency Fee Agreement: Definition & Sample - ContractsCounsel COMPENSATION. If more room is required, you may add more space, or you may record the full title of an attachment with the appropriate content. Therefore, the Ethics Committee of the State Bar Association has given the green light to hybrid fee agreements, provided that the total amount of fees is reasonable and complies with all applicable judicial regulations. The Service Provider acknowledges that disclosure to a third (3rd) party or misuse of this proprietary or confidential information would irreparably harm the Client. Depending on the type of arrangement made, a retainer payment may be requested to get working on the matter. All these cashless solutions create problems for the prosecutor to actually be paid. This Agreement shall remain in effect in the event a section or provision is unenforceable or invalid. The hybrid has several advantages. There are two types of retainer agreements: A one-time payment used as an advance payment for future services. It all starts with your retainer agreement - get it right! Setting up a retainer agreement begins with a client seeking the services of someone else in exchange for payment. No. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the dates written hereunder. Client Fee Agreements and Letters of Representation - LegalFuel On the one hand, not all cases present the same risk or offer the same reward to the client and the lawyer. Depending on the nature of the case, the amount of the dispute, and the terms of an arbitration agreement, these arbitration bodies will charge one or both parties a filing fee to initiate the arbitration. l0R$E.Z}3U3WH#3TDs;f\vU/2KUoVkWQC7;gTjy8j2,uzW8@Ap-5M tn/`F($"2F8-.!jG^icz^k:n7siy5)j!A$3r` c=8op#s6F(X`LiPc -~6j#3S}O"9D(1w$Fb"#_2L}!2R:I9OMh6-JKhZvJ;]]/C8Sl2s+/tEt+(3fe\#Yt*dvT@=^adqwQ*D?i]@\DxaY.WS^-n_4^!6PT"S=L~V*~fZqFk}+bRoQ1=KtAAtNz#Bf!NDbI|Dk," Xx[Wrm6LD4^w6#\+-6bZJcY?R{/YsX!^#oV#5*[uY'jx8~w$0iIuoQ HU%%ccva VYb=;Un Step 9 The Attorney And Contingency Client Must Combine Signatures, This paperwork can only hold the entities we have identified earlier obligated to its terms if both provide a valid signature after reading and approving the articles it contains. In practice, such a confirmation can be inserted in the contract, as well as a place where the client can communicate that he has read and understood his right to consult another lawyer while accepting the privilege. CONFIDENTIALITY. trailer << /Size 119 /Info 101 0 R /Root 104 0 R /Prev 155941 /ID[<069dc092c2840efcf0d3ae96dd43f24a>] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 104 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Pages 97 0 R /Metadata 102 0 R /PageLabels 95 0 R >> endobj 117 0 obj << /S 188 /L 238 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 118 0 R >> stream In addition, because many business cases potentially involve the award of attorney fees, how those awards will be handled are of critical importance. Client agrees not to do any act that impairs the value of the case. ^ yu.Sd/^X}4/qOA%nm+.l%Njz1Q23axIw3,5Xy~'_} A =ez &ZY zlE4S!^D:0):b!+Q 0000006693 00000 n H\@>E-jA!,d14=0$GMwa~wn>p].Wo{m$mi.pqOvg'\m6f\Ke/.K\)b)]MMfg$afNgYbw;= 9B{s@.KdadeVdc6dYg rYp\Wp\Wp\Wp\Wp#Ga?~(Qz*2,2,2{';7tnn8=VX[dyo3^8sLN?U& US0 16. A 'hybrid' fee arrangement involves both (1) a fee based on a fixed rate of payment and (2) a fee based on a stated percentage of a favorable outcome. Sample Contingency Fee and Retainer Agreement Forms . Step 8 Address The Topic Of Termination. 14. Therefore, it is recommended that the fee agreement set forth specifically the attorneys regular customary hourly rate for cases of like complexity and that such rate is being reduced in favor of a contingency. In addition, looking up recent cases to see who is currently active in the industry is a great option. The second article designated as II. is for information only andmustnot be relied on in any way. As noted in the contingency fee section above, rates double the lawyer's normal hourly rate are considered not unreasonable in a pure contingency fee context and a similar factor would likely be appropriate under a hybrid fee arrangement if the lawyer was being paid a base hourly rate substantially below his or her normal hourly rate. %%EOF Per Job. 0000009888 00000 n A contingency fee is an amount of money that is only paid if certain parameters are met. The blank lines placed below this phrase expect the legal name and business address of the Law Firm or the Attorney entering this contract. The Court concluded that the statutory requirements on contingency fee contracts in Business and Professions Code 6147 apply to hybrid agreements. 0000008662 00000 n If Client decides to terminate the case after Lawyer has provided substantial legal services, Client must pay Lawyer a sum equal to the probable fee, to be determined by a panel of the American Arbitration Association. 788, 799 We reject the argument that a retainer agreement violates Rule 4200 solely because it provides that an attorney may receive both a contingent fee and a statutory fee) In such event, the attorney may be entitled to both the contract percentage fee and the fee awarded by the court. Sometimes this agreement is useful when the customer can afford to pay some, but not all, hourly fees, and the case has a possibility (but not such a high probability) of recovery at the end of the case. 2. (Hall v. Orloff (1920) 49 Cal.App 745.) $'$CFE"=*0"hhLUP)y;vwq,T\vqt?PezOD Qd(ygH*;'D v;dT8 On a weekly monthly quarterly basis beginning on [DATE], 20[YEAR]. We can also work with other law firms to spread the risk and reward. Under the Rules of the Profession, Rule 4-200(a), a lawyer cannot enter into or collect an agreement on illegal or unscrupulous fees. For larger matters, however, the standard 33-1/3/% fee earns more money for the lawyer. J| HA W x%.r3vh2"Q The total fees charged at any point in time shall not exceed 30% of the amount recovered on the Clients Case to that point in time. Lawyer will bear the cost of the arbitration. PDF Engagement Letters and Fee Agreements - Osb Plf Then, once an arbitrator or arbitrator has been appointed to hear the case, those arbitrators will be paid by the parties to the arbitration. )*6'-s;m7\k }>c{ With a few exceptions, negotiating a fee agreement is a transaction on market terms. (See Ramirez v. Strurdevant (1994) 21 Cal.App.4th 904, 913, citing Seltzer v. Robinson (1962) 57 Cal.2d 213, 217.) Contingent Fee AgreementsB&P 6147 Business and Professions Code Section 6147 governs contingent fee agreements. The term unscrupulous is unique in California law and has been defined in terms of attorneys` fees as so exorbitant and completely disproportionate to the services provided they shock the conscience. (See Bushman v., State Bar of Cal. A contingency fee agreement is a legal document that governs the relationship between an attorney and client where the attorney's fees are based on a percentage of the amount recovered. Below is a sample of how that agreement might look. 523 (2009) including court-awarded attorney fees in total recovery for purpose of percentage fee calculation does not violate CRPC 1320(A) prohibition on fee-splitting with nonlawyer); (c) The fee agreement may provide that any court-awarded attorney fees belong to the attorney, not the client. 21. 0000000671 00000 n Our SFAs have included pure contingent fee and partial contingent fee litigation matters, xed fees in litigated and non-litigated matters, "hold backs" or any combination of risk/reward structures negotiated on a case-by-case basis with the client. The attorney will have to judge the hours needed on the case, the chance of winning, and the total amount that can be feasibly collected before agreeing to work with the client. (2) A statement as to how disbursements and costs incurred in connection with the prosecution or settlement of the claim will affect the contingency fee and the clients recovery. In addition, some attorney-client relationships work better than others, therefore be sure that you and the attorney are on the same page when it comes to the strategy against the Defendant. 2. <]>> Related Legal Agreements. 6. 15. Moreover, many business litigation cases simply stall as the pre-trial hourly attorney fees escalate beyond the clients ability to pay. 0000004080 00000 n 1. 17. Fee Agreement Template | Create in a Few licks - Lawrina 10. PDF Alternative Fee Arrangements and Litigation Finance - Kirkland & Ellis This Agreement supersedes any prior agreements, promises, conditions, or understandings between the Client and Service Provider. (1974) 11 Cal.3d 558, 563; see, also, Tarver v. State Bar of Cal. Of great importance is that an attorneys lien against a clients future recovery to secure hourly legal fees is considered a charging lien. Fee agreements by which the attorney obtains an ownership, possessory, security or other pecuniary interest adverse to the client must comply with California Rules of Professional Conduct, rule 3-300. Fee Agreements: What Are Your Options? - Ogborn Mihm LLP 0000005329 00000 n A retainer acts as a non-refundable deposit for future service from an attorney, accountant, or other professional. The agreement will detail compensation, hours, contingencies, and any other terms for the services provided. Download: Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word (.docx), Open Document Text (.odt). Two of the largest arbitration tribunals are the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and JAMS. 0000078472 00000 n Where the contract is silent on the handling of attorney fee awards, the award probably will go directly to the client and would not be considered a recovery out of which the attorney thought he would be receiving a percentage. ___________________ ("Client") requests and authorizes _______________________ ("Lawyer") to represent him/her in all matters arising out of the accident occurring on [DATE OF ACCIDENT], at [TIME] a.m./p.m., against [THE DEFENDANT(S)]. What to Expect Regarding Fees and Billing. It is common in a retainer agreement for a clause to read: No work may begin until the retainer has been paid in-full by the client. 8. But that`s exactly what he has to do according to the 3-300 rule. 0000000016 00000 n This is a sum released to the Attorney in advance and will be deducted from the final (contingency) payment. Service Provider shall be paid, in accordance with section IV: (check one). 404-444-4444 . Accordingly, the centerpiece of any hybrid fee agreement should be an enforceable lien and an upward readjustment of the attorneys hourly rate to compensate for the loss of the contingency. 0000046097 00000 n Learn more about your case and your rights by reaching out to anattorney near youtoday. Most attorneys will offer free consultation on the first (1st) meeting to discuss your case and decide whether or not it makes for them to take it on. Moreover, it is not uncommon in the business context for litigation to be used as a bargaining tool for the next deal; i.e., a lease extension, a more favorable new contract or a million other legitimate reasons. At Kirkland, At first glance, the client may perceive this hybrid structure as a better option than a traditional hourly agreement, as the reduced rate should theoretically lead to a reduction in expenses and the law firm should theoretically be motivated to maximize recovery to increase its emergency payment. Business aspects of lawyer-client fee agreements, Hybrid fee agreements between lawyers and plaintiffs, Bonus billing by lawyer must be expressly agreed to by client, Conclusion and summary of benefits of hybrid fee agreements between lawyer and client . Client agrees that Lawyer cannot promise or guarantee a particular result. As long as the hybrid arrangement does not constitute a double fee, it should be permissible. Contingency Fee Agreement - For legal work that is paid only if a judgment is received by the client. The agreement should state that the attorney will be retroactively paid his customary hourly rate should the client pull the plug on the case. Standard (Average) Contingency Fee Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument. By using the website, you agree to our use of cookies to analyze website traffic and improve your experience on our website. Hybrid Fee Agreements: Okay or No-kay? - New York Legal Ethics For some analysis on ethical issues related to hybrid fee agreements, see Bar Association of San Francisco Formal Ethics Opn. See RULE 4-1.5 FEES AND COSTS FOR LEGAL SERVICES, Authority to Represent and Contingency Fee Agreement, Conflict Waiver Joint Representation of Multiple Clients, Fee Contract Clause Consent to Arbitration*, Follow up Representation Letter to Initial Interview, Non-Engagement Letter Certified Mail with Return Receipt, Non-Engagement Letter Declining Case After Research or Investigation, Non-Engagement Letter Due to Conflict of Interest, Statement of Clients Rights and Responsibilities, Statement of Clients Rights for Contingency Fees. 3. Required to pay a Retainer in the amount of $[#] to the Service Provider as an advance on future Services to be provided (Retainer). PDF GUIDEBOOK TO PRACTICE FORMS AND LETTERS Fee Agreements It is cost-effective for the client and provides the attorney with a regular cash flow in order to prosecute the case. 148 0 obj <> endobj 9. At FindLaw.com, we pride ourselves on being the number one source of free legal information and resources on the web. Contact a qualified personal injury attorney to make sure your rights are protected. @Jb 1997) 3 Cal. PDF Sample Contingent Fee Agreement - State Bar of Nevada ASSIGNMENT AND DELEGATION. 0000003842 00000 n The fee agreement can designate at least three alternative arrangements for handling court-awarded fees: (a) The fee agreement may provide that the percentage of the contingent fee will be reduced by the amount of any court awarded fee. THE PARTIES. A contingency fee is an amount of money that is only paid if certain parameters are met. keys to navigate, use enter to select, Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life. 0000001047 00000 n SERVICE PROVIDER: [NAME] with a street address of [ADDRESS], City of [CITY], State of [STATE], (Service Provider). There are additional requirements for . 10. In Arnall, supra, the court found that the term contingency fee contract is ordinarily understood to encompass any arrangement that ties the attorneys fee to successful performance, including those which incorporate a non-contingent fee based upon the rate of payment. Most personal injury cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, meaning that if you recover any money from the person that injured you, the attorney will receive a percentage of that recovery as payment for his services. 0000004643 00000 n endstream endobj startxref Client agrees not to speak to others or consult other lawyers about the case. What Not to Include in Fee Agreements Responsible for all expenses. The client and service provider will meet and discuss the full scope of the service. . Upon request by the Client, the Service Provider may have to show receipt(s) or proof(s) of purchase for said expense. Types of AFAs include contingent fee agreements, hybrid fee agreements, flat or fixed fees agreements, do-not-exceed agreements, reverse contingent fee agreements, success fees, and numerous variations on the above. Litigation costs are the costs incurred in a legal dispute, with the exception of attorneys` fees. The type of contingency fee agreement requires us to carefully select contingency fee cases. ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30000-0000 . trailer "kpJ#3-!-U6y8R_&LP*QYy,Eok#2&'B! |lLtTH[Da! 5. HVOA~|K"^4=F0w0w+W;;o=qaHKpfLrt INDEMNIFICATION. 0000002804 00000 n This Agreement may be modified or amended if the amendment is made in writing and is signed by both parties. ,c.%6n iN]y;uRc/o$a'S1MBFyj-M}TR]%x]QcA=!ZVfa(vKvg 5&u3yB/m00=./DFM[G"BfQ[xB>4P===Wjg`Pg4Q5AYGnOQ Client agrees to pay costs of investigation, out-of-pocket costs and expenses [ON A MONTHLY BASIS]/[AS THEY ARE BILLED]/[BY REMITTING $_________ PER MONTH]/[OTHER ARRANGEMENT]. 2005-15 Fee Agreements: Contingent Fees Paid in Installments, 2005-69 Fee Agreements: Dividing Court-Awarded Fees with Nonlawyer, and 0000008057 00000 n 11. Download: Adobe PDF. GOVERNING LAW. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. @q% e =2&*+`=`)\g7$K94ydTD`d Similarly, lawyers who are paid on the basis of a contingency will try to achieve recovery as efficient as possible, because that is why they are paid. In California, retainer agreements in personal-injury or wrongful-death matters must comply with Business and Professions Code section 6147. Reimbursed for ONLY the following expenses: [EXPENSES]. Please try again. }AF`^={t.k:vhl5)65%pfPkjjmupW.R~2z&gy&3H@B[ dMd{u5p=h Where the maximum compensation is limited by a maximum hourly rate the client should expect that rate to be higher than the lawyers normal hourly rate, particularly where the base hourly rate is substantially below the lawyers normally hourly rate i.e. Sample #2. This is common with companies that seek constant advice from accountants, attorneys, or other professionals whose services are needed on a continued basis. The best way to find an attorney is to speak with colleagues, friends, and family and ask who is the best lawyer for your needs. 0,2j K,Sj-hI171,Y`XQY0sgG1nkFc3z#D3Yy=xO7>xN9"F8ojR _@zxgL;J "n. Los Angeles, California 90067 (323) 403-5900. Not required to pay for any expense in connection with the Services provided. In such circumstances, we may represent the client on a traditional hourly fee basis, a hybrid basis of contingency fees and hourly fees or with other AFAs. 0000000766 00000 n PDF ATTORNEY/CLIENT CONTINGENT FEE RETAINER AGREEMENT - Jackson & Wilson, Inc. This rule generally sets forth the following requirements for fee splitting agreements between lawyers who are not in the same firm: (1) the client must be informed that the lawyers will be splitting the fee; (2) the client must consent to the arrangement; (3) the total fee must be reasonable; and (4) the division of fees must be in proportion to