Opinion ID: 1945777
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: taking criminal cases on a contingency fee basis

Text: The Commissioner found Nader guilty of eight violations of DR2-106(C) [6] which provides: A lawyer shall not enter into an arrangement for, charge, or collect a contingent fee for representing a defendant in a criminal case. In five of the cases Nader agreed to refund a fee in a criminal case if he was not able to obtain a promised result. For example, in one case Nader signed an agreement that he would have a client released from jail by December 27, 1982 or he would refund the money. In three instances, he guaranteed a given result but did not specify the sanction for his failure to do so. Nader wrote a client a letter which stated that for an additional $300.00, you will not serve time. A guarantee relative to the outcome of the case coincident with receipt of a fee, carries with it the implied promise to refund the fee if the promised outcome is not achieved. It is thus clearly a contingent fee arrangement. Such practice in criminal matters is expressly prohibited by the foregoing Disciplinary Rule. The Commissioner's findings were correct. The actions of respondent constitute a clear violation of DR2-106(C). The Commissioner was also correct in finding these actions were violations of DR1-102(A)(4) (engaging in conduct involving misrepresentation), since no lawyer can guarantee the result of any judicial proceeding; and DR1-102(A)(5) (engaging in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice). The attorney, by accepting a criminal case on a contingency fee basis makes it appear to the client that he is using personal influence, or something worse, to manipulate the judicial system in order to obtain the promised result. This may lead the client to conclude that the judicial system is susceptible to manipulation. Fostering such beliefs is prejudicial to the administration of justice.