1025
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| A collection lawyer whose client does not always take steps to collect on judgments obtained (which include a 25% attorneys' fee provision) may not charge a "flat rate" with the client retaining all amounts that may later be collected, but may arrange to receive 25% of whatever collections the client ultimately makes, and may also arrange for judgments to be entered without the 25% attorneys' fee component (with arrangements to be made later for any enforcement work the lawyer might undertake). [ This LEO was further explained in LEO 1161.] [This Legal Ethics Opinion was overruled to the extent its holding is inconsistent with LEO 1783 which permitted a lawyer representing a lender in collecting on a note containing a provision for the award of 25% attorney's fees of the principal balance due to give the client/lender whatever portion of the 25% was not actually spent on attorney's fees.] |