Money and Ethics: “Non-refundable” Fees

Bingham McHale partner Kevin McGoff and I recently authored this article on non-refundable fee arrangements for The Indiana Lawyer.  A preview is below.  Visit The Indiana Lawyer web site for the full article. It’s the beginning of a case and your client has agreed in writing to a $10,000 non-refundable retainer. You get to work. The case is messy. There are motions to prepare, witnesses to interview and your client is constantly calling for “updates.” Read the full…

Eliminate Surprises; Use Caution and Care When Changing Fee Agreements

I recently authored this article on changing fee agreements for The Indiana Lawyer. A preview is below. Visit The Indiana Lawyer web site for the full article. It’s a typical case and the potential client and you have agreed to a flat fee of $10,000 for the entire representation. However, as the case trudges through the system, the case requires more work than expected. You should get paid for the extra work, right? You awkwardly approach the client,…

Update: CPSC Issues Stay of Enforcement for Lead Testing

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a stay of enforcement of testing and certification requirements for the total lead content in children’s products until December 31, 2011.  The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act required affected manufacturers to certify, based on testing, that their products (except for metal components of children’s metal jewelry) complied with the applicable safety regulations. The Act also required that the products be certified by an accepted third party conformity assessment body.  Now,…