Connecticut Rules of Professional Conduct (Connecticut Practice Book) 1.5-b: Communicate scope, fee basis and expenses in writing, and any change before higher rates apply

What does 1.5-b require?

Connecticut requires that the client be told in writing, before the work starts or within a reasonable time afterwards, what the representation covers, how the fee will be calculated and which expenses the client will carry; the only exception is a regular client billed on the same basis as before. A change to the fee basis or rate, or to the expenses, must reach the client in writing before anything is billed at the higher figure. Where a limited appearance is agreed, the engagement agreement must also name the proceeding, list the court events the lawyer will attend, and warn the client that a certificate of completion will end the lawyer's duties without any right to object; any change of scope needs informed consent confirmed in writing and a fresh limited appearance. Public defenders and lawyers paid by the court or a state agency are exempt.