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.
Suffolk New York Disclosure by Letter from Client to Attorney Regarding Division of Fees between Attorneys is a legal process that involves a comprehensive letter whereby the client discloses important details and seeks transparency regarding the division of fees between multiple attorneys involved in a case. This ensures that clients understand the fee arrangements and helps prevent any potential disputes or misunderstandings. When drafting such a letter, it is important to include specific keywords and details to address different types or scenarios of fee divisions, which may include: 1. Joint Representation: In cases where two or more attorneys have worked jointly on a client's case, the letter should clearly describe how the fees will be divided between the attorneys involved. It may outline the agreed-upon percentage or provide a breakdown based on the specific tasks undertaken by each attorney. 2. Referral Fees: If one attorney referred the client to another attorney, the disclosure letter should address any referral fees or percentages agreed upon as compensation for the referral. This typically occurs when the referring attorney lacks the necessary expertise or resources to handle the case, but still wants to benefit from the referral. 3. Co-Counsel Arrangements: Sometimes, attorneys collaborate on a specific case, with one attorney taking the lead role and the others providing support. The disclosure letter should mention the percentage or share of fees each attorney will receive based on the level of involvement or contribution made by each party. 4. Fee Sharing Agreements: Attorneys may have entered into an existing fee-sharing agreement to distribute fees from clients they mutually represent. In this case, the disclosure letter should reference the pre-existing agreement and outline the agreed-upon division of fees between the attorneys. 5. Division of Costs: Apart from the attorneys' fees, the disclosure letter may also cover the division of case-related costs, such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, or investigation expenses. This is important to ensure that clients understand how these costs will be allocated among attorneys involved in their case. In conclusion, Suffolk New York Disclosure by Letter from Client to Attorney Regarding Division of Fees between Attorneys is a crucial step in promoting transparency and clarifying fee arrangements. By addressing the various types of fee divisions with the appropriate keywords and specific details, clients can have a clear understanding of how fees are distributed among their attorneys.
