Lawyer Retainer Agreement, Contingency
____________, 20__
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
Attention:
_________________
Dear __________:
We retain your law
offices to represent us in regard to a claim against _____________________,
related to ______________________.
Your fee shall be
contingent on collection from the responsible parties, and shall be as follows:
_____ per cent for
recovery before suit
_____ per cent for
recovery after suit is instituted
_____ per cent for
recovery if an appeal is required
Out of pocket costs
reasonably expended and with prior approval of us will be deducted from
settlement.
If not funds are
collected, then we are not responsible for any costs, including your firm’s out
of pocket expenses.
If this arrangement is
acceptable, please sign and return a copy of this letter to us.
Best regards,
__________________________________________
Plaintiff
Accepted:
_________________________________
Law Firm
Enc. Extra Copy for Signature and Return
Lawyer Retainer Agreement, Contingency
Review List
This review list is provided to inform you about this
document in question and assist you in its preparation. Contingency law suits benefit both the
plaintiff, by only having them pay if they win, and lawyers, by giving them a
big potential payday should they win. If
you are the Plaintiff, you should negotiate hard to get the lowest percentages
from the lawyer. Instead of just
shopping around for who you like, consider shopping also for the best deal, as
you would for any other purchase.
- Make multiple copies. Have the Lawyer sign one and return it. If you are the lawyer, have the client sign one and return it.
- You may have to negotiate on out of pocket expenses. If so, shop for the best deal and act according to your best judgment with regard to keeping this clause or providing some payment of these expenses.
- Lawyers should think seriously about using this short form agreement so as not to intimidate a potential client. It lacks a lot of the brutality seen in many agreements but it accomplishes most of the same ends. Its reasonableness will also help you retain the good will of the client, always a good thing.
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