According to Mississippi law, what are "earned" fees?

In Mississippi law, "earned" fees refer specifically to compensation that is regarded as payment for services that have been completed and provided to the client. This concept underscores the principle that a lawyer or professional should only be compensated for the work that has actually been performed.

When a fee is termed "earned," it indicates that the service has been delivered to the client in accordance with the agreed-upon terms, and therefore, the professional is justified in receiving payment for that service. This distinction is crucial in maintaining ethical practices within legal and professional contexts, as it aligns with the expectations of transparency and accountability to clients.

The other options do not accurately reflect the meaning of "earned" fees. For example, fees that are received before services are performed would be considered unearned, while the suggestion that fees are not subject to client approval contradicts the ethical obligation to obtain consent and provide transparency to the client regarding fees. Additionally, fees charged for extra consultations could be earned, but the nature of the payment itself would depend on whether those consultations were completed services according to the terms agreed with the client. Therefore, the understanding of "earned" fees is squarely linked to the completion and delivery of the service rendered.