Without an agreement as to the division of fees, attorneys jointly undertaking to represent a client share equally, and this is true even though one attorney employs another attorney to assist in an action for a contingent fee. But where the client's employment of more than one attorney is not joint, or where separate attorneys render separate services, each is entitled only to the reasonable value of each attorney's services.
Sacramento California Disclosure by Letter from Client to Attorney Regarding Division of Fees between Attorneys is an important legal document that outlines the agreement between multiple attorneys who are working on a client's case and wish to divide the fees generated from their services. This document ensures transparency and clarifies the terms of the fee division to protect the interests of all parties involved. In Sacramento, California, there are various types of disclosure letters that can be used to address the division of fees between attorneys. Some common types include: 1. Initial Fee Division Agreement: This type of disclosure letter is utilized when multiple attorneys are initially hired by a client and need to establish the terms of fee division from the outset. It outlines the agreed-upon percentage or monetary split between the attorneys involved. 2. Amendment to Fee Division Agreement: Sometimes, circumstances may change during the course of a case, leading to the need for a revised fee division arrangement. This letter addresses any modifications required to the original agreement, ensuring all attorneys are aware of the new terms. 3. Fee Redistribution Agreement: In certain situations, the original fee distribution may not be fair or appropriate due to factors like changes in workload or unforeseen circumstances. A fee redistribution agreement can be initiated by the client to revise the division of fees between attorneys accordingly. 4. Notice of Intent to Vary Fee Allocation: This type of disclosure letter allows an attorney to inform the client and other involved attorneys of their intent to deviate from the original fee division agreement. It is submitted when an attorney believes that a deviation is necessary due to differences in effort, involvement, or case outcomes. Regardless of the specific type, a Sacramento California Disclosure by Letter from Client to Attorney Regarding Division of Fees between Attorneys should include the following key elements: 1. Details of involved attorneys: The letter should clearly identify all attorneys involved in the case, including their full names, addresses, and contact information. 2. Client information: The letter should address the client's identity, case details, and any relevant client-specific instructions regarding the fee division. 3. Scope of representation: This section outlines the specific tasks and responsibilities assigned to each attorney concerning the case. 4. Fee allocation: The letter should outline the agreed-upon method of dividing fees, which can be either a percentage split or a specific monetary allocation. This section should also address any contingency fee arrangements or special considerations, if applicable. 5. Confidentiality and non-disclosure: It is essential to include a confidentiality clause that ensures the privacy of the client's information and the terms of the fee division between attorneys. 6. Signatures: The letter should be signed by all attorneys involved in the agreement, as well as the client, to demonstrate their understanding and acceptance of the terms. Overall, the Sacramento California Disclosure by Letter from Client to Attorney Regarding Division of Fees between Attorneys is a crucial legal document that facilitates transparency and helps establish a fair and equitable fee division arrangement in multilateral attorney-client engagements.
