04-09-07 Item 7G, Consultant Relating to the Prep of TCAAP Transfer

Home Browse Search

SPENCER FANE B R I T T ~ B ROW N E LLf ATTORNEYS.. COUN.SELOkS AT LAW tailored to the needs of a particular clicnt, In all such situations, the flat-fee arrangement will be expressed in a letter setting forth both the amount of the fee and the scope of the services to be provided. Out-of-Pocket Expenses Although substantial expenses incurred on a client's behalf will be sent to the client for direct payment, we often incur and pay on behalf of our clients a variety of smaller out-of-pocket costs arising in connection with legal services. These include charges made by government agencies and service vendors. Some typical costs are long-distance telephone charges; express delivery charges; telefax and telex charges; printing and reproduction costs; filing fees; and travel expenses. We incur outside costs as agents for OUf clients and incur internal expenses on behalf of our clients, who agree that these costs will be paid on a regular basis. Retainer and Trust Devosits New clients of the firm are often asked to deposit a retainer with the firm. A retainer is a deposit. Unless otherwise agreed, this retainer deposit will be credited toward your unpaid invoices, as those invoices are generated, or at the conclusion of our legal representation. At such time as the retainer is unnecessary or is appropriately reduced, the remaining balance or an appropriate part of it will be returned to you, On occasion, you may be asked to make additional deposits to the retainer, or to increase the amount held in deposit. Deposits which are received to cover specific items will be disbursed as providcd in our agreement with you, and you will be notified from time to time of the amounts applied or withdrawn, Any amount remaining after disbursement will be returned to you. All trust deposits we receive from you will be placed in a trust account for your benefit. Unless special arrangements are made, interest earned on the trust account is paid to a charitable foundation established in accordance with court ru les. Revised September 2006 Termination YOll may terminate our representation at any time, with or without cause, by notifYing us. Your termination of our services will not affect your responsibility for payment of legal services rendered and out-of-pocket costs incurred before termination and in connection with an orderly transition of the matter. We are subject to the codes of professional conduct for the jurisdictions in which we practice, which list several types of conduct or circumstances that require or allow us to withdraw from representing a client, including for example: conflict of interest with another client, misrepresentation or failure to disclose material facts, action contrary to our advice, and nonpayment of fees or costs, We try to identifY in advance and discuss with our client any situation which may lead to our withdrawal and, if withdrawal ever becomes necessary, we shall provide the client written notice of our withdrawal. Billinl! Arranl!ements and Terms ofPavment We will bill you on a regular basis, normally monthly or quarterly, for both fees and disbursements. You agree to make payment within thirty days of receiving our statement. We will give you prompt notice if your account becomes delinquent. If the delinquency continues and YOll do not arrange satisfactory payment terms, we may withdraw from the representation and may pursue collection of your account. Client Satisfaction Our desire is to serve you and meet your legal needs. Client satisfaction is of utmost importance. You should feel free to discuss any aspect of our representation with the principal artomey. We welcome your input to ensure that aUf legal services meet your needs. We appreciate having the opportunity to be of service to you. Page 20f2