AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES
This agreement is made between _________________________________ hereinafter referred to as “Client,” and the limited liability company of BERT BROCK LAW, LLC hereinafter referred to as “Attorneys.” The undersigned client hereby retains Attorneys to provide legal services for any and all claims against parties responsible for personal injuries and other damages sustained by Client on or about _______________________ (date), in the County of ___________________________, Georgia. Client authorizes Attorneys to perform all services and incur all costs and expenses as Attorneys, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate with regard to this representation.
SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION
It is specifically agreed and understood that Attorneys’ representation is limited to the specific person and/or entity named herein as Client, and that Attorneys are not representing, or expected to represent, any other person(s) or entity(s) not named herein as Client.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Attorneys are hereby granted Power of Attorney by Client so that Attorneys have full authority to prepare, sign, and file all legal instruments, pleadings, drafts, authorizations, and papers as shall be reasonably necessary to commence, conduct and conclude the representation of Client, including but not limited to, reducing to possession any and all checks, monies and/or other things of value due Client as a result of Client’s case and/or cause of action, as fully and completely as Client may do themselves in person. Further, Attorneys are authorized and empowered to act as Client’s negotiator in any and all settlement negotiations and/or proceedings.
ATTORNEYS’ FEES
Client agrees to the following attorneys’ fees, which fees shall be withheld from any recovery obtained:
- 33 1/3 percent of the gross recovery if the case is settled before suit is filed.
IF THERE IS NO RECOVERY, ATTORNEYS WILL RECEIVE NO FEE.
COSTS AND EXPENSES IN ADDITION TO ATTORNEYS’ FEES
Client agrees to reimburse attorneys, directly from any recovery received, all costs and expenses incurred in investigating and pursuing claims under this representation. These expenses may include, but are not limited to:
- Costs of investigation and case development
- Fees for witnesses, consultants, and experts
- Fees for specialized service providers to handle probate matters, trusts, and/or lien resolution matters
- Filing fees
- Computer research costs
- Travel and related expenses
- Deposition expenses
- Mediation and trial preparation and presentation expenses
- Administrative expenses such as copy and scanning charges, administrative fees, postage, and long-distance toll charges
Services may be performed in-house (charged at prevailing market rates) or outsourced to a third-party vendor (charged at cost without markup). Interest is added to the total outstanding balance carried forward each month at a rate of 5% per month. Subject to the termination section below, IF THERE IS NO RECOVERY, CLIENT SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY COSTS AND EXPENSES.
RIGHT TO ASSOCIATE COUNSEL
Client agrees that attorneys may associate other counsel to assist in this representation. If other counsel is associated, client agrees that attorneys may divide the total attorneys’ fees based on the sole judgment of attorneys without further notice to or consent of client, so long as such division of fees is in accord with rules governing the conduct of attorneys.
TERMINATION
This contract is being entered into before this matter can be fully investigated and evaluated. Client agrees that attorneys have the right to withdraw from this representation at any time in the event attorneys determine, in their opinion, the chances for a successful outcome do not justify proceeding further.
This contract for legal services may be terminated at will at any time by either party upon written notification subject to the provisions below. In the event client terminates this contract, all unpaid costs and expenses shall immediately become due and payable. Unpaid balances will continue to accrue interest until paid in full. Additionally, attorneys shall be entitled to payment for services rendered before the date of termination.
If termination occurs with an offer pending, or after settlement or verdict, attorneys shall be entitled to their full percentage of the recovery as provided in the attorneys’ fees section above, with the understanding that those fees were earned. In the alternative, or in the event no offer is pending and there has been no settlement or verdict or award, attorneys may elect to charge a reasonable percentage based upon the amount of work performed or may elect to payment based upon the time devoted to the case at an hourly rate of $350 for attorneys and $95 for support staff. In any event, client grants attorneys a lien and security interest against any proceeds for all unpaid costs, expenses, and fees.
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
- Client agrees to cooperate with attorneys in pursuit of this claim. Client will fully disclose all pertinent facts to attorneys and will keep attorneys apprised in the event the client moves or changes phone numbers.
- Client represents that no other attorney or law firm is presently representing Client in connection with this matter.
- Client understands that attorneys are not tax professionals and cannot give tax advice.
- Client understands that Attorneys cannot warrant or guarantee the outcome of any claim or cause of action and Attorneys have not represented to Client that Client will recover any or all of the funds so desired and/or sought.
- Client hereby agrees to cooperate with Attorneys at all times and to comply with all reasonable requests of Attorneys made in furtherance of the prosecution of Client’s case and/or cause of action.
- Client hereby agrees to inform Attorneys of any current or future bankruptcy and/or Debtor’s Court proceedings in which Client is involved either personally or jointly.
- Client understands and agrees that Attorney shall not settle any claim or claims arising out of the above matter without first having obtained the consent of the Client, and Client agrees not to settle the claim without Attorney’s knowledge.
- Client understands and agrees that 12 months after completion of the case, attorneys may discard file materials related to this representation.
- Client authorizes attorneys to talk to the media for any purpose.
- Client authorizes attorneys to file suit at any point when attorneys, in their sole discretion, determine that is in the best interest of the case.
- Client has read this contract and any questions have been addressed to client’s satisfaction.
