A contingent fee contract to employ an attorney with a retainer and hourly fee in case representation is terminated is a legal agreement commonly used in North Carolina. It outlines the terms and conditions under which a client engages an attorney for legal representation in a specific case with the potential for a contingent fee. In this type of contract, the attorney's fees are contingent upon the outcome of the case, meaning they will receive a percentage of any monetary award or settlement recovered on behalf of the client. The North Carolina contingent fee contract typically includes provisions for a retainer fee, which is an upfront payment made by the client to secure the services of the attorney. This retainer fee is often separate from the contingent fee and is used to cover the attorney's hourly rates, expenses, and other costs incurred during the case. It is important to note that the retainer fee is generally non-refundable and serves as a form of compensation for the attorney's initial work. If representation is terminated before the case concludes, there can be different types of North Carolina contingent fee contracts with specific arrangements regarding the attorney's fees. These variations may include: 1. Full contingency fee contract: Under this type of agreement, the attorney only receives compensation if they successfully recover a monetary award or settlement for the client. In the event the representation is terminated early, the attorney may not be entitled to any fees other than the expenses incurred up to that point. 2. Partial contingency fee contract: In a partial contingency fee contract, the attorney charges a reduced or fixed hourly rate if the representation is terminated before the case's conclusion. This allows the client to retain the services of the attorney, intending to pay for the hours worked regardless of the outcome of the case. 3. Hybrid fee contract: A hybrid fee contract combines elements of both a retainer and a contingent fee. It involves an upfront retainer fee paid to the attorney for their services, which may or may not be refundable. In addition, the attorney may charge an hourly fee for their work, and if the case results in a favorable outcome, they could also receive a contingent fee based on a pre-negotiated percentage. The specific type of North Carolina contingent fee contract entered into will depend on the agreement reached between the client and the attorney. It is crucial for both parties to carefully review and understand the terms outlined within the agreement before signing to ensure that their rights and responsibilities are protected throughout the representation process.