Basic Unbundling Agreement
The best resource for help in learning about the unbundling of legal services is Unbundling.Org
This free resource contains some examples of unbundling agreements, and this one, from Maryland legal services, really keeps it simple. It stands to reason that any agreement with a consumer should be readable and easily understandable. However, it must contain the essentials in order to be specific enough to protect the lawyer from designing individuals who mess up their own case, and blame the lawyer. One of the first things I learned as a lawyer was that no good deed goes unpunished. My most ungrateful, hateful clients were always the ones I was helping pro bono . In any event, I am going to expand upon this agreement for use with Small Claims clients whose matters don’t justify a lawyer’s participation. For instance, I might have an initial consultation to explain the Landlord Tenant law, but disclaim liability for pleadings, or court appearances. Or, I might assist with drafting of pleadings, and do an explanation of the law consultation, but not go to court with the client. You get the idea. In this way, the client gets the help she needs, at an affordable price. Of course, most of the sob stories I hear end up in full representation, pro bono. I have GOT to learn to say NO (or partly NO?).
