Ohio Contingent Fee Contract to Employ Attorney with Retainer and Hourly Fee in Case Representation is Terminated A contingent fee contract with an attorney is a commonly used legal agreement in Ohio where the attorney's fees are contingent upon the successful outcome of the case. This type of contract allows clients to pursue legal actions without the upfront financial burden of paying the attorney's fees. In Ohio, there are different variations of contingent fee contracts that may include a retainer and hourly fee structure. These variations provide flexibility to both clients and attorneys depending on their specific needs and circumstances. 1. Standard Contingent Fee Contract: This is the most common type of agreement where the attorney's fee is only payable if the client wins the case or reaches a favorable settlement. If the case results in a monetary award, the attorney is usually entitled to a percentage of the total recovery as their fee. 2. Contingent Fee Contract with Retainer: In some cases, attorneys may require a retainer to cover certain expenses related to the case, such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, or investigation costs. The retainer acts as an upfront payment and is typically deducted from the client's financial recovery if the case is successful. 3. Hybrid Contingent Fee Contract with Hourly Fees: This type of agreement combines a contingency fee structure with an hourly fee arrangement. The attorney may charge an hourly fee for specific tasks or services, such as research, document drafting, or court appearances, while still entitling them to a contingent fee if the case is successful. 4. Contingent Fee Contract with Termination Provision: Sometimes, a client may decide to terminate the attorney's representation before the case is resolved. In such cases, the agreement may include a provision that addresses the attorney's entitlement to compensation for work done until the termination. This provision clarifies the attorney's right to receive some compensation for the time and effort invested in the case, even if representation is ended prematurely. It is essential for clients in Ohio to carefully review and understand the terms and conditions of their contingent fee contract before entering into any agreement with an attorney. It's advisable to consult with the attorney to determine the best fee structure and ensure complete transparency regarding the potential fees involved in the legal representation. By having a clear and detailed contract that addresses contingencies, retainers, hourly fees, and termination provisions, both the client and attorney can establish a solid foundation for a professional attorney-client relationship and navigate the legal process more effectively.