A more thorough explanation:

Attorney's Fees/Attorneys' Fees refer to the amount of money a client pays to their lawyer for legal services provided. These fees can be charged hourly, on a contingency basis, as a flat fee, or a combination of these methods. Some states prohibit nonrefundable fees.

According to the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, attorney fees must be reasonable. This means that if the fee falls within the range of what other attorneys charge for similar services, and the client had a free and informed choice before agreeing to the fee, then it is considered reasonable. If the fee is not within the range of what other attorneys charge, the attorney must prove that it is reasonable based on factors such as the nature of the case, local custom, and the attorney's reputation.

Attorneys must keep client funds and attorney fees separate, except for bank service charges. If the attorney receives a special retainer, which is a deposit against future services, they must put the money into a trust account and transfer funds to their personal account only as the fees are earned. If the attorney receives an engagement or general retainer, which is a fee for their availability, they can put the money directly into their personal account.

Attorneys from different firms can share fees if they each assume joint responsibility for the representation as a whole. This means that they agree to be fully liable for any malpractice, professional discipline, or court sanctions. The client must agree in writing to the fee division, and the total fee must be reasonable.

• An attorney charges a client $300 per hour for legal services. The client agrees to this fee and signs a contract. This fee is considered reasonable because it falls within the range of what other attorneys charge for similar services.
• An attorney charges a client a nonrefundable fee of $5,000. This fee is prohibited in some states because it is not refundable, even if the attorney does not provide any legal services.
• An attorney receives a special retainer of $10,000 from a client. The attorney puts this money into a trust account and transfers funds to their personal account only as the fees are earned.
• Two attorneys from different firms work together on a case and agree to share fees. They each assume joint responsibility for the representation as a whole and agree to be fully liable for any malpractice, professional discipline, or court sanctions. The client agrees in writing to the fee division, and the total fee is reasonable.

These examples illustrate how attorney's fees work and how they must be reasonable and properly managed to protect the client's interests.