Contingent Fee Case: What to do if the client suggests that a lawyer should reduce the fee because of legal malpractice

An article on this subject in the Wisconsin Law Journal advises lawyers not to seek a release of malpractice liability from the client when disbursing the settlement if the fee is reduced.

Texas ethics rules are very similar to Wisconsin on this issue. Texas Ethics Opinion 557 addresses the conflicts that may arise when a client suggests malpractice has occurred, and Texas Ethics Opinion 593 outlines considerations in settling malpractice claims with clients.

By Jett Hanna