Contingency Fee Agreement Template

## What's Included

This Contingency Fee Agreement Template provides a comprehensive framework for outlining the terms under which legal services are rendered on a contingency basis. Key clauses include the scope of representation, detailed fee structure specifying the percentage of recovery, and conditions under which fees are earned and payable. The template also addresses client responsibilities, expenses and costs allocation, and the procedure for the resolution of disputes, including arbitration or mediation provisions. Additionally, it contains confidentiality terms, termination rights, and representations and warranties to protect both attorney and client interests.

The agreement is structured into clearly defined sections such as Engagement and Scope of Services, Fee Calculation and Payment Terms, Client Cooperation, Case Costs and Expenses, and Termination of Representation. It also includes provisions related to conflicts of interest, withdrawal of counsel, and indemnification. This template is designed to ensure compliance with applicable ethical rules governing contingency fee arrangements, providing a legally enforceable contract that minimizes ambiguity and potential disputes.

## Who This Template Is For

This template is intended for attorneys, law firms, and legal professionals who represent clients on a contingency fee basis, particularly in personal injury, employment law, or commercial litigation cases. It is also suitable for solo practitioners and small law offices seeking to formalize their fee arrangements with clients to ensure clarity and compliance with state bar regulations. Additionally, legal consultants advising on fee agreements or contract administrators within law firms will find this template useful.

## How to Use

Begin by reviewing the template thoroughly to ensure all standard clauses align with your jurisdiction’s ethical rules and your firm’s policies. Customize the scope of services section to reflect the specific nature of the legal matter you will handle. Adjust the contingency fee percentage and clearly define how recoveries are calculated, including whether fees apply before or after deducting expenses. Insert any client-specific terms or additional clauses relevant to your practice, such as limits on liability or alternative dispute resolution procedures.

Next, include details about how expenses will be handled, specifying which costs the client is responsible for and how they will be reimbursed. Confirm that the termination clause matches your intended withdrawal process. Finally, have the agreement reviewed by a legal compliance specialist or your firm’s ethics committee before execution. Once finalized, present the document to the client for signature and retain a copy in your case file.

## Customize with LexDraft

Leverage LexDraft’s AI-powered drafting tool to generate a tailored Contingency Fee Agreement directly within Microsoft Word. By answering a series of guided questions about your jurisdiction, fee structure, and case specifics, LexDraft produces a fully customized, ethically compliant document that saves time and reduces drafting errors. This integration allows legal professionals to efficiently create, edit, and finalize contingency fee agreements without leaving their familiar Word environment, streamlining the contract preparation process while ensuring precision and adherence to professional standards.