My Simple Client Fee Agreement
One question that comes up a lot for attorneys is: What to put in the client fee agreement?
I’ve worked hard to make mine simple, not intimidating, and in plain English. I know it doesn’t cover every imaginable possibility, but it’s worked great so far in my practice. It has evolved a bit over time, and I hope to continue improving it.
Here’s what I use:
Client Plan
John Doe
This is our agreement that outlines the work I will do for you, the costs involved, and our relationship together. In order to hire me as your attorney, you need to complete two steps as soon as possible, but no later than December 8th:
A. Read and sign this Client Plan. Follow the directions in your web browser to easily e-sign.
B. Pay your fee deposit. After you sign this Client Plan, I will email an invoice to you. You can pay it online with a credit card or mail a check to my office (as long as we receive payment on time).
Project. You are hiring me to represent you in the following case: reckless driving charge in Spotsylvania on December 15, 2010.
Fees. I will handle this case for a flat fee of $xxxx. You must deposit the fee with me before I begin work for you, no later than December 8, 2010. If the court requires you to pay any money, that is separate from this legal fee.
Appeal. Your Client Plan only includes representing you for the original trial listed above.
Termination. If at any time you become dissatisfied with my work, please tell me so we can resolve the situation. You may terminate my representation at any time. In the event of termination, you will be responsible for paying any fees earned and expenses incurred. I may terminate this agreement only when required or permitted by laws and regulations. Failure to pay fees or expenses or make deposits when due will be cause for such termination.
Outcome. I will use my best effort in representing you in this matter, but you acknowledge that I cannot guarantee the final outcome.
–e-signatures go here–
That’s it. The entire agreement (including signatures) is less than a page. For Virginia clients, there is a second page that authorizes me to get their driving record. It’s a whole sentence long! 🙂
Simple works.
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8 Responses to “My Simple Client Fee Agreement”
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About Andrew Flusche
Lawyer, bicyclist, husband.
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December 12th, 2010
good information.
thanks.
December 15th, 2010
Such a great article giving some great information genuinely explaining some of the key things which you need to be aware of in particular about the part relating to getting some couseling prior to getting life insurance, so many people don’t even consider it.
January 5th, 2011
My Simple Client Fee Agreement « Legal Andrew…
One question that comes up a lot for attorneys is: What to put in the client fee agreement? I’ve worked hard to make mine simple, not intimidating, and in plain English. I know it doesn’t cover every imaginable possibility, but it’s worked great so …
January 6th, 2011
Very nice Client Fee Agreement. Can’t go wrong with simple. I’m actually awaiting a contract to be sent to me for some freelance work I plan on doing, so this is good to see so I know what to generally look for.
January 12th, 2011
I like the sounds of tis, thank you for the information, I will be writing one up today
January 20th, 2011
Perfect Idea, client satisfaction is a key element to success in the law industry and you can’t go wrong by being transparent and having them understand what you’re talking about.
January 21st, 2011
This is awesome.
Thanks for sharing!
January 30th, 2011
Simple enough. You just need to cover your basics with any client agreement.