Fee Arrangements Flashcards

1
Q

Fee Amount Requirements

[ABA][CALIFORNIA]

A

ABA: An attorney cannot charge an unreasonable fee.

CA: AN attorney cannot charge an unconscionable fee.

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2
Q

Communication of Flat Fees

A

All rate or fee arrangements must be communicated to the client before, or within a reasonable time after, the relationship commences.

Must also include nature of services, responsibilities of parties, and basis for compensation.

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3
Q

Reasonableness of Fees

[ABA]

A

Under the MR, fees must be reasonable based on the circumstances which include factors such as the time, labor, and skill required to perform the work.

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4
Q

Reasonableness of Fees

[CALIFORNIA]

A

In California, fees must not be unconscionable, which is judged by factors including (among others):

1) fraud/overreaching

2) whether the fee is proportionate to the value of services performed, and

3) the relative sophistication of the lawyer and the client.

4) Fails to disclose material facts

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5
Q

Writing Requirement: California Specific Rule

A

California requires that a contract for services be in writing when it is reasonably foreseeable that the total expense to a client, including attorney’s fees, will exceed $1,000.

A copy of the written contract, signed by both parties, must be given to the client or the client’s representative.

[Like with other fees, must also include nature of services, responsibility of parties, and basis for compensation.]

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6
Q

What are the EXCEPTIONS to the California Fee Writing Requirement?

[Think: CHEW]

A

1) Corporations

2) History of similar services provided to client in the past

3) Services are provided in an emergency

4) Client waives in writing the right to a written fee requirement

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7
Q

Does the ABA require fee arrangements [other than contingent fees] to be in writing?

A

No, although it is preferred!

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8
Q

ESSAY TIP

When should you mention California’s Written Fee Requirement?

A

ANYTIME FEES ARE MENTIONED! LITERALLY EVERY SINGLE TIME!

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9
Q

Contingency Fee Agreements

A

Attorneys may charge a fee contingent on the outcome of the case.

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10
Q

What is required for a valid contingency fee agreement?

[ABA] [CALIFORNIA]

A

1) In writing by C (and L, in California)

2) Includes basis/explanation for fee calculation

3) C’s liability for fees and expenses

4) Whether fees will be deducted before or after caluclation

5) [CA only]: Inform C that fee is negotiable

6) [CA only]: Inform C may have to pay for any matters not covered by the fee agreement

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11
Q

When is a contingency fee prohibited?

A

1) Criminal cases

2) Domestic cases that hinge on the total spousal/support award

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12
Q

ESSAY TIP: Even if the facts point to a fee being contingent, should you discuss whether there is a reasonable flat fee?

A

Yes!!!

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13
Q

Advancement of Court Costs

[ABA] [CALIFORNIA]

A

A lawyer may advance litigation costs to the client.

While clint is usually ultimately liable, repayment may be made contingent on the outcome of the case.

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14
Q

Lawyer’s Recovery of Fees in Quantum Meruit

A

When a fee arrangement is fixed or hourly and the lawyer’s services are terminated early, the lawyer can recover in quantum meruit for the reasonable value of services rendered, although a cap on the lawyer’s recovery may apply.

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15
Q

ESSAY TIP: Could an attorney recover in quantum meruit even if they have not incurred any costs yet?

A

Maybe!

Depends on the amount of hours that they spent preparing for the case, and their level of competency.

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16
Q

Fee Splitting with Attorney’s from a Same Firm

A

Generally allowed!

17
Q

Fee Splitting with Attorney’s from a Different Firm

A

Requirements:

1) In writing following disclosure of agreement

2) Total fee amount has not increased

ABA: Fee split is proportional to services performed, unless attorneys agreed to joint responsibility.

CA: Attorney must full disclose all identities to client

18
Q

Fee Splitting with Non-Lawyers

A

Generally, prohibited from splitting fees with a non-lawyer in relation to the practice of law.

19
Q

When is fee-splitting with non-lawyers permissible?

[ABA][CALIFORNIA]

A

1) Paid to attorney’s estate as a death beneficiary

2) Paid to staff through compensation, salary, retirement

3) Court fees when working with a non-profit

4) To attorney’s estate or representative following the sale of practice

5) CA: Lawyer referral service

20
Q

Referral Agreements

A

Occurs when there is an agreement between two of more people (only one of which needs to practice law) in which they refer each other’s services to their clients.

21
Q

What are the requirements for a referral agreement to be allowed?

A

1) Referral agreement may not be exclusive between parties

2) Client must be informed of the relationship

3) Would not interfere with a lawyer’s professional judgement

22
Q

Under the ABA and CA rules, can an attorney provide a gift to a referrer?

A

ABA: No.

CA: Yes.