Client-Lawyer Relationship Flashcards
Lawyer/Client Relationship Formax
- Person indicates intent that lawyer provide legal services.
- Assent
Implied Assent (L/C Relax)
- L fails to the clearly decline representation.
- Prospective client reasonably relies on the representation
Implied Assent (L/C Relax)
- L fails to the clearly decline representation.
- Prospective client reasonably relies on the representation
L Duty to Reject Cases (5)
- seize motive is to embarrass delay or burden a third-party.
- Factually or legally frivolous
- L is incompetent or too busy
- L‘s personal feelings may impair effective representation.
- L’s mental or physical condition will materially impair representation.
L Duty to Prospective C (3)
- protect person’s confidential info
- Protect person’s property
- Use reasonable care in giving any legal advice.
Reasonable Fee Factors
Time and labor
Novelty and difficulty
Skill required
Ls ability to take on other work
What other Ls charge
Amount at stake and results obtained
Time limitations
Experience, Rep and ability of L
Whether fee is fixed or contingent
Ways to Collect Fees (4)
Advance payment
Property for service
Credit arrangements and security
Contingent
Contingent Fee Reqs (2) > (5)
- Reasonable
- Written agreement (5)
- signed
- how fee is calculated
- litigation and other expenses to be deducted from recovery
- whether deductions for expenses will be made before or after fee is calculated
- expenses client must pay
Contingent fees prohibitions
Domestic Relations
Criminal
Fee Splitting - Same Firm (3)
- Partners and Associates
- Non lawyer compensation and benefits
- Payments under a separation/retirement agreement to a former partner/associate
Fee Splitting - Different Firm (3)
- Reasonable few
- C agrees in writing
- Split is in proportion to services performed OR another proportion if Ls assume joint responsibility
Limiting Scope of Representation
Permitted if
1. Limitation is reasonable under the circumstances
2. Client gives informed consent
Assisting C with Crime/Fraud (3)
- L must not advise/assist client to commit crime/fraud
- L may discuss legal consequences of proposed course of action
- L may also counsel C to make a good faith effort to determine validity/scope/meaning/application of law
Client Decisions (5)
C makes all decisions affecting Cs substantial legal rights, eg
1. Settlement offer
2. Plea
3. Waive jury trial
4. Testify in criminal case
5. Appeal
Ls Authority to Bind C
L will bind C where L has actual or apparent authority