Before you retain any lawyer to represent you we advise you to do one very important thing. Ask about fees, expenses and any other charges, and make sure you and the lawyer both have a clear understanding as to what the fee will be, or the basis on which the lawyer will be charging you a fee, preferably in writing.
Many clients and many lawyers insist on discussing fees in advance, and setting forth the agreed upon fee – or the basis for determining the fee -- in a written "retainer agreement". In some types of matters, in some states, a written fee agreement is even required.
We recognize that some clients and some lawyers are uncomfortable taking about fees. Also, sometimes there is an emergency that precludes entering into a formal agreement right away. But our advice is to always get a written understanding as to the basis of the fee. It saves a lot of misunderstanding in the long run.
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