A contingent fee contract is a legal agreement between a client and an attorney that enables the attorney to receive a percentage of the client's settlement or award as payment for their services. This type of agreement is commonly used in personal injury cases or other legal matters where there is a possibility of monetary compensation. In Oregon, contingent fee contracts to employ an attorney generally involve a combination of a retainer fee and an hourly fee structure. The retainer fee is an upfront payment made by the client to secure the attorney's services and cover initial expenses. It acts as a deposit and may be non-refundable or partially refundable depending on the specific terms of the agreement. Under this type of contract, the attorney may also charge an hourly fee for the time spent working on the case. The hourly rate is typically outlined in the agreement and may vary based on factors such as the attorney's experience, the complexity of the case, and the prevailing market rates. However, if the representation is terminated before the case concludes, there may be different variations of contingent fee contracts in Oregon. These variations may include: 1. Pure Contingent Fee Contract: This type of contract allows the attorney to receive payment only if they successfully obtain a settlement or verdict on behalf of the client. If the representation is terminated, the attorney is not entitled to any fees. 2. Partial Contingency Fee Contract: In this agreement, the attorney receives a reduced percentage of the settlement or award if the representation is terminated before completion. This enables the attorney to receive some compensation for the work done, despite not reaching a final resolution. 3. Hybrid Contingency Fee Contract: A hybrid contract combines elements of both a contingent fee and an hourly fee structure. If the representation is terminated, the attorney may be entitled to an hourly fee for the work performed up until that point, while the remaining fees may be contingent on the successful resolution of the case. When entering into a contingent fee contract in Oregon, it is essential for both the client and the attorney to carefully review and understand the terms and conditions of the agreement. Consulting with legal professionals and negotiating the specific terms can help ensure a fair and transparent arrangement that protects the interests of all parties involved.