Client Carl is reviewing the representation agreement presented to him by his new lawyer, Lulu. Lulu's agreement provides that her hourly rate is $240 and her paralegal's rate is $100. The contract further provides that "these rates may be adjusted from time to time without notice to the client." This clause is
A) illegal because it is an important part of the contract that appears to be in the sole control of the lawyer.
B) legal, normal, and perfectly fine because it is a clause that many law firms use.
C) probably fine so long as Lulu does not abuse it.
D) legal but bad business practice because it may frighten some clients away.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This clause is illegal because it allows the lawyer to unilaterally change an important part of the contract (the fees) without notice to the client, which undermines the client's ability to consent to those changes and could be considered unfair or deceptive.

Client Carl Is Reviewing the Representation Agreement Presented to Him