Iowa Client Trust Account Rules (Iowa Court Rules Chapter 45) 45.10: Flat fees paid in advance go into trust and come out only under an agreement that protects the client's refund right

What does 45.10 require?

A flat fee covers all the services the lawyer will perform in a matter, simple or complex. If the client pays a flat fee before the services are performed, the fee goes into the trust account. The lawyer and client may agree on the timing, method and proportions of withdrawals from the advance, but the arrangement has to give reasonable protection to the client's entitlement to a refund of fees not yet earned if the lawyer does not complete the work or the client discharges the lawyer. Unearned fees are never withdrawn.