A conditional fee agreement (CFA) is a legal contract that outlines the terms of a fee arrangement between a lawyer and a client. It is typically used in civil cases where the lawyer’s fees are contingent upon the outcome of the case. If the client wins the case, the lawyer receives a percentage of the award or settlement. If the client loses, the lawyer receives only a limited or no fee.
Key Elements of a CFA
Free Contingency Fee Agreement Template PDF & Word
A well-crafted CFA should include the following essential elements:
Client Information
Full Name: The client’s full name and contact information.
Occupation: The client’s occupation or profession.
Address: The client’s residential or business address.
Contact Information: The client’s phone number, email address, and other relevant contact details.
Lawyer Information
Full Name: The lawyer’s full name and contact information.
Law Firm: The name of the law firm the lawyer represents.
Bar Admission: The jurisdiction in which the lawyer is admitted to practice law.
Contact Information: The lawyer’s phone number, email address, and other relevant contact details.
Scope of Representation
Case Summary: A brief overview of the case, including the nature of the dispute and the legal claims involved.
Specific Tasks: A detailed list of the specific tasks or services that the lawyer will undertake on behalf of the client.
Timeframe: The estimated timeframe for completing the legal representation.
Fee Structure
Contingency Fee: The percentage of the award or settlement that the lawyer will receive if the client wins the case.
Base Fee: Any base fee or retainer that the client is required to pay upfront.
Expenses: A list of the expenses that the client will be responsible for, such as court costs, expert witness fees, and other related expenses.
Fee Disputes: A mechanism for resolving any fee disputes that may arise between the lawyer and the client.
Client’s Rights
Right to Consult: The client’s right to consult with the lawyer at any time during the case.
Right to Settlement: The client’s right to accept or reject any settlement offers.
Right to Independent Counsel: The client’s right to obtain independent legal advice before entering into the CFA.
Termination of Agreement
Termination Grounds: The circumstances under which either party can terminate the agreement.
Return of Files: The procedures for returning the client’s files upon termination of the agreement.
Governing Law
Applicable Law: The jurisdiction whose laws will govern the CFA.
Signature
Signatures: The signatures of both the client and the lawyer, along with the date of signing.
Design Elements for Professionalism and Trust
To create a professional and trustworthy CFA template, consider the following design elements:
Clear and Concise Language: Use clear and concise language that is easy for the client to understand.
Consistent Formatting: Use consistent formatting throughout the document, including font, font size, and spacing.
Professional Layout: Use a professional layout that is easy to read and navigate.
White Space: Use white space effectively to create a visually appealing document.
Branding: Incorporate your law firm’s branding elements, such as your logo and color scheme.
By carefully considering these elements, you can create a CFA template that is both professional and effective. A well-crafted CFA can help to build trust between the lawyer and the client and ensure a successful legal outcome.
