Product Description

Having a solid handle on client engagement–and disengagement at the conclusion of representation–makes a critical foundation for your mutual understanding with clients. 

Client engagement letters not only launch the attorney-client relationship’s logistical terms by setting fees and establishing the scope of representation and attorney of record—they also establish the relationship’s tone. Before agreeing to represent a client, you want to make sure that you’re both on the same page and that you can competently carry out representation. 

If you haven’t looked at your engagement letters or fee agreements lately, there are certain elements which are required. These elements include determining the type of billing agreement (such as hourly fee, flat fee, contingency fee), the basis of rate of the fee and expenses for which the client will be responsible, or the contingency upon which compensation will be paid, a defined scope of engagement, handling of retainers and trust accounts, and fee-splitting, if relevant. 

In addition, there are several clauses that can be helpful down the line. For example, it is now commonplace to have clauses within engagement letters discussing file retention and method, data security, file destruction, options to engage a back-up attorney to examine the file if needed, termination, withdrawal, and dispute resolution. 

Join us as we explore the beginning and ending of representation—from client engagement to conclusion of representation—as well as setting client expectations and establishing methods for client communications.

Agenda & Materials

• 10:00am - 10:05am

  Welcome and Introduction

  Luz A. Carrion, Esq., Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL | MassLOMAP) , Boston
  
• 10:05am - 10:10am

  Purposes of Engagement Agreement and Disengagement and NonEngagement Letters

  Luz A. Carrion, Esq., Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL | MassLOMAP) , Boston
  
• 10:10am - 10:15am

  When a Written Fee Agreement Is Required

  Luz A. Carrion, Esq., Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL | MassLOMAP) , Boston
  
• 10:15am - 10:25am

  Types of Fee Agreements

  Luz A. Carrion, Esq., Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL | MassLOMAP) , Boston
  
• 10:25am - 10:35am

  Mechanics of Drafting Fee Agreements

  Luz A. Carrion, Esq., Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL | MassLOMAP) , Boston
  
• 10:35am - 10:45am

  Sample Clauses

  Luz A. Carrion, Esq., Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL | MassLOMAP) , Boston
  
• 10:45am - 10:55am

  How Client Engagement Fits into Intake

  Luz A. Carrion, Esq., Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL | MassLOMAP) , Boston
  
• 10:55am - 11:00am

  “Ask the Experts” Q&A Session

  Luz A. Carrion, Esq., Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL | MassLOMAP) , Boston
  

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Faculty

Fees

• $130.50 - MCLE Sponsor Member
• $72.50 - New Lawyer
• $72.50 - Pending Admittee
• $72.50 - Law Student
• $72.50 - Paralegal
• $145.00 - All Others

To apply for a need-based scholarship for this program, email scholarships@mcle.org.