Attendees will learn how to onboard a new client by creating the appropriate fee agreement, make the proper entries onto the client ledger and trust account in the case of an advance fee, track the earning mechanism established in the fee agreement and make proper entries in the firm’s operating or business account.

A variety of fee agreements will be examined with the focus on the scope of representation, managing the fee, expenses and the earning mechanism established for the advance fee.  In examples established by the fee agreement, an advance fee will be collected and deposited into the firm’s trust account.  As time passes and work is performed, funds will be transferred from the trust account to the firm’s operating or business account as a fee is earned.  Ledger entries will be demonstrated for all transactions.  TrustBooks.com will be used to demonstrate fund management and the creation of client and account ledgers.

The following client transactions will be explored:

• Agreement for Initial Consultation
• Advance Flat Fee Representation for Client Charged with A Felony Criminal Offense
• Advance Flat Fee Representation for an Immigration Client
• Advance Hourly Fee Representation for a Civil Litigation Client
• Advance Flat Fee Representation for an Estate Planning Client
• A Contingency Fee Representation for an Injury Case
• An Availability Representation (Classic Engagement Retainer)

Presented by Daniel Schumack, Esq. of the Schumack Law Firm PLLC, Daniel M. Mills, Esq. and Kaitlin Forster, Esq., Practice Management Advisors, DC Bar 

Three hours CLE credit (with 3.0 ethics hours) will be offered for the surrounding MCLE states.