Set Your Client Relationship Up For Success By Re-evaluating Your Fee Agreements [LGE 47]
Release Date: 02/05/2019
Lawyers Gone Ethical
As 2020 comes to a close, focus on your wellness and what happens next.
info_outlineLawyers Gone Ethical
Thousands of California online bar exam takers were flagged for review, and an untold number of them have received Chapter 6 notices. A Chapter 6 notice essentially accuses the applicant of cheating on the exam. Megan has put together resources to help applicants respond.
info_outlineLawyers Gone Ethical
George Psiharis joins Megan to talk about the Clio Legal Trends report for 2020, the ongoing release of new information, and how Covid has impacted this important project.
info_outlineLawyers Gone Ethical
Continuing with more from Megan's recent talk at Vanderbilt Law School, this episode highlights how legal ethics relate to the business of lawyering
info_outlineLawyers Gone Ethical
Megan recently spoke at Vanderbilt Law School, and here are some of the highlights from her talk.
info_outlineLawyers Gone Ethical
We all spend way too much time on screens, but how does that impact our mental health? Quite terribly, it turns out. Tune in for more on why it's harmful and what we can do about it - for kids and adults.
info_outlineLawyers Gone Ethical
It is easy once you're admitted to dismiss the mental health questions asked on admissions applications, but this Kentucky woman's story highlights why all lawyers should be concerned by the process.
info_outlineLawyers Gone Ethical
Lawyers sometimes get more work than we need, want, or can handle. What's the best way to handle this situation ethically?
info_outlineLawyers Gone Ethical
A niche, or narrow, law practice might sound risky, but it's actually a fantastic way to build a rewarding practice. Lyndosha Jamison has created a niche for herself that is exciting professionally and financially successful. Join Megan as she interviews Lyndosha to learn how.
info_outlineLawyers Gone Ethical
Florida heard my episode, and how do you disclose criminal past on a character and fitness application?
info_outlineWe’ve all heard tales of the horror stories from attorney-client relationships that have gone horribly wrong. Regardless of who is right and who is wrong, both parties suffer when this happens. With a few simple guidelines and a few hours of your time, you can implement a process that will help you and your clients have a successful relationship!
Today’s topic will focus on how a couple hours each year, you should reevaluate your fee agreements, which are also known as client engagement letters and retainer agreements. The fee agreement is fundamental to establishing the relationship. Listen today and discover how this document can get your attorney-client relationship started the right way!
What We Discuss in this Episode:
- Why a fee agreement is so important and is a foundational document
- What a fee agreement is for
- Key points on client engagement letters:
-
- 1. Identify who the client is, as it is a critical question
- 2. What have you agreed to do for them, the scope of the engagement written very clearly
- 3. Terms of payment are clear
- 4. What should happen if you disagree with a client – Fee Arbitrations, Dispute resolutions, and mediation clause
- Mediation between the parties that can help with communication
- Strongly suggest starting with sample agreements put out by your state
- Other important clauses, like the Cooperation clause
- Document retention policy – and two things:
-
- 1. How long a client can expect you to have a copy of everything
- 2. What’s going to happen with the original documents
- Modes of communication
- Social media release and if it can be in the fee agreement
- Feedback and reviews in the fee agreement
Thank you for listening!
Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.
If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tunein and be sure to share this podcast with a friend.
Be sure to connect with me and reach out with any questions/concerns:
Email me at megan[at]zaviehlaw[dot]com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.