Legal Fee Agreement Drafting Guide
==================================

Create a legal fee agreement framework for [practice area] representation.

Representation details:
- Client: [initials]
- Matter: [description]
- Attorney: [name]
- Fee type: [hourly/contingency/flat/retainer]
- Scope: [describe what is included]
- Exclusions: [what is not included]

FEE AGREEMENT FRAMEWORK

1. PARTIES AND MATTER
   - Attorney/firm identification
   - Client identification
   - Matter description
   - Scope of representation
   - What is NOT included

2. FEE STRUCTURE

   IF HOURLY:
   - Attorney rate: [$per hour]
   - Paralegal rate: [$per hour]
   - Law clerk rate: [$per hour]
   - Rate increases: [notice period]

   IF CONTINGENCY:
   - Percentage: [%]
   - When contingency applies: [recovery]
   - Expenses: [deducted before or after fee]
   - If no recovery: [client owes expenses/nothing]
   - Settlement vs trial rate: [if different]

   IF FLAT FEE:
   - Amount: [$]
   - What is included: [list]
   - Additional charges: [if scope expands]
   - Refund policy: [if client terminates]

3. RETAINER
   - Initial retainer: [$]
   - Replenishment trigger: [when balance falls below $]
   - Trust account: [IOLTA]
   - Billing against retainer: [frequency]

4. BILLING AND PAYMENT
   - Invoice frequency: [monthly]
   - Payment due: [days after invoice]
   - Late payment: [interest rate if any]
   - Disputed invoices: [process]

5. EXPENSES
   - What client pays: [filing fees/copies/experts]
   - Advance for expenses: [$]
   - Documentation provided: [receipts]

6. TERMINATION
   - Client right to terminate: [any time]
   - Attorney right to withdraw: [conditions]
   - Files upon termination: [returned]
   - Final accounting: [timing]

Note: Fee agreements must comply with state bar rules — have qualified attorney review

Source: https://promptzyo.com/prompt/legal-fee-agreement-drafting-guide