Wyoming State Bar
News

Though written fee agreements are required only in contingent fee cases, most lawyers have incorporated letter agreements into their practices as a matter of course.  What is often missed in the grind of taking on a new client, obtaining the client’s signature on a standard engagement letter and filing the letter away, is the opportunity the agreement provides to serve as a blueprint for the representation.

My client’s mother put up the $1,000 retainer I required to take the case.  The client has now terminated me and wants me to pay him the unearned portion of the retainer, about $500.  May I do that?

There is a common misconception regarding a lawyer’s obligations when contacted by a represented party who is unhappy with her lawyer. 

“I have a potential client who does not have the cash to pay my retainer right now.  He wants to give me the deed to some property as security for my fee.  I don’t think I can do this, but I thought I would check on it.  I would like to help this guy if I can do it ethically.”