Connecticut Rules of Professional Conduct (Connecticut Practice Book) 1.5-a-d-e: Reasonable fees and expenses, prohibited contingencies and fee division between firms

What does 1.5-a-d-e require?

A lawyer may not agree to, charge or collect a fee, or an amount of expenses, that is unreasonable; reasonableness is judged on eight factors (the time, labour, novelty, difficulty and skill involved; whether the engagement, if known, would shut out other work; the local going rate; the sum at stake and the result; time pressure; the length and nature of the relationship; the lawyer's experience, reputation and ability; and whether the fee is fixed or contingent). Contingent fees are forbidden in domestic relations matters where the fee depends on obtaining a dissolution of marriage or civil union, or on the amount of alimony, support or a property settlement in lieu, and for defending a criminal case. Lawyers in different firms may split a fee only where the client has been told in writing about the sharing arrangement and every lawyer involved and has not objected, and the total fee is reasonable.