Bringing in the fees; how lawyers collect payment is as important as setting the price itself
Article Abstract:
ABA Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(a) on the reasonableness of attorney fees is discussed, and the method of collection may affect other ethical responsibilities besides the reasonableness of the fee. Confidentiality issues in fee collection, the acceptability of credit card payment, and the cost of collection are among the factors discussed.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 2001
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Paper trails: tracking fee matters in writing may minimize disputes with clients
Article Abstract:
Lawyers often are paid from client funds they hold, raising the possibility of disputes over the proper amount of payment from these funds. In these cases the lawyer should make a detailed accounting of any distributions, leaving in trust any disputed amounts. Silence from the client does not constitute permission to take any amount even as a partial payment when the total payment is disputed. Even being legally entitled to the disputed client funds is inadequate protection, making unequivocal client agreement necessary.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1996
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Uncivil temptations; lawyers who indulge in hardball tactics could face suspension, fee reduction or other penalties
Article Abstract:
Violating legal ethics, even in response to another lawyer doing the same, could get an attorney disciplined and result in penalties such as suspension and fee reduction. The Hawaii Supreme Court penalized a lawyer's belligerent behavior in court with suspension for six months in Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Breiner. The case used Hawaii Rule of Professional Conduct 3.5(c) to support its ruling.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1999
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- Abstracts: Way over the client limit; out-of-state lawyers who angle for business can face sanctions, loss of fees. Keep an eye on 'em; associates may be getting big bucks, but they still require supervision
- Abstracts: Outbound transfers of domestic stock and the substantiality requirement. Continuity in a split-off - why so strict?
- Abstracts: Trademarks' landscape can be minefield; traditional ways of clearing and minitoring marks may not be sufficient to keep a client from infringing on rights of others
- Abstracts: Cultivating connectedness; lawyers should be able to tap into their firm culture when they're away. Life in question; how five lawyers worked out answers of their own
- Abstracts: Beefing up lawyer ethics, competence is main goal: critics challenge New York proposal to open up discipline process, force arbitration in fee disputes