Without an agreement as to the division of fees, attorneys jointly undertaking to represent a client share equally, and this is true even though one attorney employs another attorney to assist in an action for a contingent fee. But where the client's employment of more than one attorney is not joint, or where separate attorneys render separate services, each is entitled only to the reasonable value of each attorney's services.
South Dakota Disclosure by Letter from Client to Attorney Regarding Division of Fees between Attorneys is a legal document that enables clients to inform their attorneys about the division of fees between multiple lawyers involved in their case. This letter serves as a formal communication, ensuring transparency and compliance with the South Dakota rules and regulations governing attorney fee arrangements. In South Dakota, there are several types of disclosure letters clients can use when addressing the division of fees between attorneys: 1. Initial Fee Disclosure: This letter is used at the beginning of the attorney-client relationship to inform the client about the division of fees among multiple attorneys who may be working on their case. It outlines the percentage or monetary amount that each attorney will receive from the overall fee. 2. Fee Modification Letter: This type of letter is used when there is a need to adjust the initial fee division arrangement between attorneys during the course of legal representation. It states the reasons for the modification and provides clients with a revised breakdown of how fees will be distributed. 3. Fee Redistribution Request: If a client wishes to change the distribution of fees between attorneys after a settlement or resolution of the case, this letter can be used. It outlines the client's desired fee division and requests the attorneys to consider and agree upon the proposed changes. 4. Fee Dissatisfaction Notice: In situations where the client is dissatisfied with the current fee division arrangement, this letter can be sent to the attorneys. It highlights the concerns and suggests alternative approaches to dividing the fees, aiming for a mutually agreeable resolution. 5. Fee Dispute Resolution Letter: When there is a disagreement or dispute between attorneys regarding the division of fees, this letter can be submitted by the client to initiate a formal resolution process. It can include details of the dispute, proposed solutions, and a request for mediation or arbitration if necessary. When drafting any of these South Dakota disclosure letters, it is essential to include relevant keywords to ensure effectiveness and clarity. Some appropriate keywords may include South Dakota rules of professional conduct, attorney fees, fee division, division of labor, legal representation, attorney-client relationship, confidentiality, transparency, modification, redistribution, client satisfaction, dispute resolution, and agreement.
