The agreement is a two-way street. It will also outline the client’s responsibilities. The most important of these is the duty to be truthful and cooperative. The client must provide the attorney with all relevant information, attend necessary appointments like depositions, and not communicate directly with the opposing party’s insurance company or lawyers.
Critically, the agreement will also state that the client retains the ultimate authority to make major decisions in the case. The attorney can provide advice and recommendations, but the final decision on whether to accept or reject a settlement offer always belongs to the client. This ensures that the client remains in control of their own case.
The specific rules governing contingency fee percentages and the ethical obligations of attorneys are set by the professional conduct rules in the jurisdiction where the lawyer practices. For instance, these rules are established by the state bar association in each state of the U.S.