1571
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| A client hired a lawyer who was acting as an independent contractor/associate of a law firm. The retention letter required the client to reimburse the law firm on a quantum merit basis if the client chose to terminate the relationship, and also required the client to pay one-third of any settlement amount to the law firm if negotiations had begun before the relationship was terminated. The individual lawyer left the firm and continued to represent the client. The law firm asserted an attorney's lien on any settlement amount, but refused to provide an itemization of services when requested by the client. The Bar held that the law firm's refusal was improper, and raised a substantial question about its lawyer's fitness to practice law and therefore must be reported to the Bar. |