A Washington Letter Confirming Oral Agreement to Employ Attorney on a Contingent Fee Basis is a legal document that outlines the agreement made between a client and an attorney in the state of Washington regarding the terms and conditions of their working relationship. This type of agreement is specifically designed for situations where an attorney will be providing legal services on a contingent fee basis, meaning that they will only receive payment if they successfully recover a financial settlement on behalf of the client. The purpose of this letter is to confirm the oral agreement reached between the client and attorney, ensuring that both parties are aware of and in agreement with the terms of their arrangement. It is essential to have this agreement in writing to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes in the future. The Washington Letter Confirming Oral Agreement to Employ Attorney on a Contingent Fee Basis includes several key details, such as: 1. Identification of the parties involved: The letter will clearly state the names and contact information of both the client and the attorney. It is important to provide accurate and up-to-date information to ensure effective communication. 2. Confirmation of the oral agreement: The letter will explicitly state that both parties reached an oral agreement to employ the attorney on a contingent fee basis. This confirms that both parties are aware of the agreement and agree to its terms. 3. Description of the legal matter: The letter will provide a brief description of the legal matter for which the attorney has been engaged. This could include personal injury claims, medical malpractice, product liability, or any other legal issue the attorney specializes in. 4. Contingency fee percentage: The letter will specify the exact percentage of the settlement that the attorney will be entitled to as payment. In Washington, the maximum contingency fee percentage allowed is typically 33 1/3% for personal injury cases, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney's experience. 5. Expenses and costs: The letter will clarify how the attorney's expenses and costs related to the case will be handled. This may include reimbursement for medical records, expert witness fees, court filing fees, and other necessary expenses directly related to the legal matter. 6. Termination of the agreement: The letter will outline the conditions under which either party can terminate the agreement. This may include non-payment of fees by the client, non-cooperation by either party, or any other valid reasons as agreed upon. Different types or variations of the Washington Letter Confirming Oral Agreement to Employ Attorney on a Contingent Fee Basis may exist, depending on the specific requirements or preferences of the client and attorney. However, the main elements described above are generally present in any such agreement. It is important for both parties to carefully review and understand the terms outlined in this letter before proceeding with the legal representation.