For these same reasons, lawyers and their clients should have written agreements. Despite the fact that a written agreement is always preferred, many attorneys do not use them with their new clients. The subject may be uncomfortable for the lawyer, and clients often hesitate to bring it up. If your attorney does not suggest a written agreement, you should. The Model Professional Rules of Conduct for the legal profession recommend that new clients be advised, preferably in writing, about the basis or rate of legal fees within a reasonable time after the law firm begins to represent a new client.
Many states have more stringent requirements.
For example, the state of New Jersey requires that the basis or rate of the fee be put in writing and, if the services are for personal, family or household purposes, the agreement be written in plain language. While the Agreement for Legal Services - Hourly Rates can help to make sure that the parties agree on all important items, the most important is the lawyer s fees. The most common complaint against lawyers involves the amount charged for legal services. HOW Finding a good lawyer can be a particularly imposing challenge. After you have selected your lawyer, you need to address the issue of fees.