When must a lawyer provide a written fee agreement in Mississippi?

A lawyer in Mississippi is required to provide a written fee agreement in cases involving a contingency fee arrangement or if the client specifically requests a written agreement. This requirement helps ensure transparency and protects both the client's interests and the lawyer's practice. A contingency fee arrangement is particularly significant because it means that the lawyer will only be paid if the case is successful, emphasizing the need for a clear understanding of the terms.

In situations where a lawyer has a contingency fee agreement, delineating the terms in writing helps avoid disputes over the percentage the lawyer will take from the recovery and clarifies any costs that the client might be responsible for. Additionally, having a written agreement can serve as a safeguard for both parties in case of misunderstandings or disagreements later on.

While it might seem beneficial to have written agreements universally, Mississippi's rules state that a written fee agreement is not mandated in every case, which clarifies the context in which such agreements are necessary.