May 7, 2008

Protecting unsophisticated clients dept.: The Massachusetts high court has asked an advisory panel to consider requiring lawyers to obtain a client's written consent "when a contingent fee agreement contains terms that 'materially departs' from the state's model agreement. The court also wants guidance on whether such agreements could allow a lawyer discharged by the client before the legal matter is resolved to collect more than the fair value of the attorney's services and expenses." (NLJ).