Truck Accident Law Firm Directory

Fees and consultations when comparing law firms

Last updated . Sources checked

Contents
  1. Read the calculation method
  2. Ask about expenses separately
  3. Related entries
  4. References

A consultation offer and a representation agreement answer different questions. Before retaining a Georgia lawyer, a reader should distinguish the cost of an initial conversation from the fee and expenses for pursuing the matter. Georgia Rule 1.5 addresses the communication of fee terms and requires a contingent fee agreement to be in writing.[1]

Read the calculation method

Under Rule 1.5, a written contingent fee agreement must state how the fee is determined, including the percentages applicable to settlement, trial or appeal. It must also address litigation and other expenses deducted from a recovery and whether those deductions occur before or after the contingent fee is calculated. A short advertising slogan does not supply all of those terms. Ask the proposed lawyer to explain the actual agreement rather than assume every firm uses the same calculation.[1]

Ask about expenses separately

Compare the stated attorney fee with the agreement's treatment of case expenses. Ask what obligations would remain if there were no recovery and which costs require approval. The rule also requires a closing written statement explaining the outcome and, if there is a recovery, the remittance and its calculation. This directory does not publish a standard percentage or promise that representation will be cost-free. The written terms for the proposed engagement, not a directory listing, should guide that discussion.[1]

References

  1. abc Bar Rules/Handbook. State Bar of Georgia. https://www.gabar.org/handbook/?rule=rule55. official. Checked . Source record