California Client Communications Manual: Sample Letters and Forms

Establish and maintain effective communications with your client—from initial contact and retention to the conclusion of a case. This manual provides you with more than 65 sample letters and essential forms, as well as practice tips and succinct discussion of ethical and other issues you must consider in evaluating and representing clients.

Sample Forms below

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Initiate contact with your client
Represent clients and avoid conflicts of interest
Provide clients with case reports and notices
Terminate representation
Collect fees
Give notice of arbitration
Avoid malpractice

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Overview
Table of Contents
Forms CD Contents
Selected Developments
Authors
OnLAW System Requirements
Specifications
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Sample Forms below

Initiate contact with your client
Represent clients and avoid conflicts of interest
Provide clients with case reports and notices
Terminate representation
Collect fees
Give notice of arbitration
Avoid malpractice

Sample form

Initial Contact With Prospective Client

Micha Star Liberty

I. CONSIDERATIONS AT TIME OF INITIAL CONTACT WITH PROSPECTIVE CLIENT
- A. Importance of Initial Contact With Prospective Client 1.1
- B. Client Screening Before Consultation 1.2
II. FORMS
- A. Form: General Letter Confirming Consultation Appointment 1.3
- B. Form: Letter With Notice Concerning Confidential Information and Requesting Documents 1.4
- C. Form: Letter With Notice Concerning Confidential Information and Requesting Consent to Represent Others or Disclose Information if Attorney Not Hired 1.5
- D. Form: Prospective Client’s Information From Initial Screening 1.6
- E. Checklist: Client Interview—Initial Consultation 1.7
- F. Client Questionnaire—Family and Financial Information 1.8
- G. Form: Attorney’s E-mail Policy 1.9
- H. Form: Attorney’s E-mail Disclaimer 1.10

Nonengagement: Letters Declining Representation

Micha Star Liberty

I. CONSIDERATIONS IN DECLINING REPRESENTATION
- A. Multiple Factors to Consider in Declining Representation 2.1
- B. Drafting the Nonengagement Letter 2.2
II. FORMS
- A. Form: Letter Declining Representation on Basis of Conflict of Interest With Current or Former Client 2.3
- B. Form: Letter Declining Representation Based on Attorney’s Personal Conflict of Interest 2.4
- C. Form: Letter Declining Representation Because Matter Outside Practice Area 2.5
- D. Form: Letter Declining Representation Based on Attorney’s Personal Observations, Discussions, or Other Interactions With Client 2.6
- E. Form: Letter Provisionally Declining Representation Unless Fee Agreement Signed and Returned 2.7
- F. Form: Letter Declining Representation Based on Failure to Pay Retainer Fee Within Specific Time Period 2.8
- G. Form: Letter Declining Representation Based on Limited Evaluation of Case During Initial Consultation Only 2.9

General Attorney-Client Fee Agreements

Lawrence E. Leone

I. PLANNING ATTORNEY-CLIENT FEE AGREEMENTS
- A. Purpose and Effect of Agreement 3.1
- B. Requirements for Agreement
  - 1. Contract Law Generally Applies 3.2
  - 2. Importance of Using Written Agreement; Confidentiality
    - a. Importance of Using Written Agreement 3.3
    - b. Confidentiality 3.4
  - 3. When Written Agreement Required
    - a. Contingent Fees 3.5
    - b. Other Types of Fees 3.6
    - c. Effect of Failure to Have Written Agreement 3.7
  - 4. Sufficiency of Oral Agreement 3.8
  - 5. Contents and Form of Written Agreement
    - a. Contents of Written Agreement 3.9
    - b. Form of Written Agreement and Need for Client to Receive Copy 3.10
- C. Limitations on Fees in Attorney-Client Agreements
  - 1. Statutory Limitations on Fees 3.11
  - 2. Fees Subject to Court Approval 3.12
  - 3. Agreements Violating Public Policy or Ethical Standards 3.13
II. FORMS
- A. Form: General Letter Agreement for Representation on Hourly Basis 3.14
- B. Form: Agreement for Representation Based on Contingent Fee 3.15
- C. Form: Agreement for Representation in Noncontingent Matter With Fees Paid by Third Party 3.16
- D. Form: Agreement for Representation With Fees Set by Statute (Probate Matter) 3.17
- E. Form: Agreement for Representation in Unlawful Detainer Matter 3.18
- F. Form: Letter Agreement for Representation on Hourly Basis in Debt Collection Matter 3.19
- G. Form: Letter Agreement for Full Representation in Marital Dissolution 3.20
- H. Form: Agreement for Limited-Scope Representation (Ongoing Consultations) in Family Law Matter 3.21
- I. Form: Agreement for Representation in Criminal Defense Case 3.22
- J. Form: Agreement for Joint Representation in Estate Planning Matter 3.23
- K. Form: Provision for Additional or Replenishing (Evergreen) Deposit for Fees 3.24
- L. Form: Letter Advising Client About Duties re Electronically Stored Information (ESI) 3.24A

Consent to Representation After Disclosing Conflict of Interest

Holly J. Fujie

I. IMPORTANCE OF AVOIDING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
- A. Attorney’s Obligation to Avoid Conflicts of Interest
  - 1. Complying With Rules of Professional Conduct 4.1
  - 2. Importance of Considering Practical Effects of Representing Adverse Interests 4.2
- B. Rationale for Conflict of Interest Rules 4.3
- C. Attorney Withdrawal and Disqualification
  - 1. Withdrawal 4.4
  - 2. Disqualification 4.5
II. REPRESENTATION AFTER DISCLOSING INTEREST CONFLICT AND OBTAINING CLIENT’S CONSENT
- A. Need for Full Disclosure and Written Consent 4.6
- B. Implied Waiver and Consent 4.7
III. FORMS
- A. Consent to Representation When Current Clients Have Adverse Interests
  - 1. Form: New Client’s Consent to Representation Despite Representation on Unrelated Matter of Client Having Adverse Interest 4.8
  - 2. Form: Client’s Consent to Continued Representation Despite Representation on Unrelated Matter of New Client Having Adverse Interest 4.9
- B. Consent to Representation When New and Former Clients Have Adverse Interests
  - 1. Form: New Client’s Consent to Representation Despite Representation on Unrelated Matter of Former Client Having Adverse Interest 4.10
  - 2. Form: Former Client’s Consent to Representation of New Client on Unrelated Matter Despite Clients’ Adverse Interests 4.11
- C. Consent to Representation When Attorney or Third Party Has Personal Interest or Financial Involvement in Case
  - 1. Consent to Representation When Attorney Has Personal Relationship With Witness or Party in Client’s Case 4.12
  - 2. Form: Consent to Representation When Client Grants Security Interest in Real Property to Attorney 4.13
  - 3. Form: Consent to Representation When Third Party Is Paying Client’s Legal Fees 4.14
- D. Consent to Representation of Multiple Individuals Regarding Same Subject Matter
  - 1. Form: Consent to Representation of Co-Parties in Same Case 4.15
  - 2. Form: Consent to Representation of Both Spouses or Domestic Partners in Performing Estate Planning 4.16

Status Reports and Notices About Case to Client

R. Camille King

I. IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR COMMUNICATION WITH CLIENT DURING REPRESENTATION
- A. Benefits of Regular Communication to Both Client and Attorney 5.1
- B. Standard Office Procedures to Facilitate Communication 5.2
II. FORMS
- A. Form: Letter/Communication Advising Client of Case Status—General Form 5.3
- B. Form: Letter/Communication Requesting That Client Contact Attorney for Consultation About Case 5.4
- C. Form: Letter/Communication Advising Client That Attorney Has Filed New Court Action or Motion on Client’s Behalf 5.5
- D. Form: Letter/Communication Advising Client That Attorney Has Filed Answer or Responses on Client’s Behalf to Court Action or Motion 5.6
- E. Form: Letter/Communication Notifying Client of Oral Deposition 5.7
- F. Form: Letter/Communication Notifying Client of Case Management Conference and “Meet and Confer” Requirement 5.8
- G. Form: Letter/Communication Notifying Client to Attend Court Hearing or Trial 5.9

Requests for Documents From Client

R. Camille King

I. HANDLING DOCUMENT REQUESTS
- A. Identifying Need for Documents From Client 6.1
- B. Document Requests to Facilitate Transactional Matters 6.2
- C. Document Requests to Facilitate Litigation
  - 1. Need for Early Document Review 6.3
  - 2. Requests to Enable Counsel to Initiate or Continue Case 6.4
  - 3. Requests to Comply With Discovery or Disclosure Demands 6.5
II. FORMS
- A. Form: Letter Requesting That Client Provide Documents for Attorney’s Review in Transactional Matter—General Form 6.6
- B. Form: Letter Requesting That Client Provide Documents for Attorney’s Review in Litigation Matter—General Form 6.7
- C. Form: Letter Requesting Documents From Client to Comply With Demand for Production 6.8
- D. Form: Letter Requesting Documents From Client to Facilitate Reply to Interrogatories or Admission Request 6.9
- E. Form: Letter Requesting Documents From Client to Comply With Disclosure Demand in Family Law Case 6.10

Termination Notices to Client

Maria Schopp

I. CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH REPRESENTATION IS TERMINATED
- A. Termination After Initial Evaluation of Case 7.1
- B. Termination on Completion of Agreed-to Representation 7.2
- C. Termination Before Completion of Agreed-to Representation
  - 1. By Client 7.3
  - 2. By Attorney 7.4
II. FORMS
- A. Terminating Representation After Initial Case Evaluation
  - 1. Form: Letter Terminating Representation When Initial Evaluation Reveals Case Lacks Merit 7.5
  - 2. Form: Letter Advising Representation Terminated Pursuant to Limited Scope Representation Agreement 7.6
- B. Form: Letter Advising Completion of Attorney’s Representation After Performing Transactional Work 7.7
- C. Form: Letter Advising Completion of Attorney’s Representation After Litigation 7.8
- D. Form: Letter Notifying Client of Intent to Withdraw as Counsel in Civil Case 7.9
- E. Form: Letter Confirming Attorney’s Discharge by Client in Civil Case 7.10

Retention and Disposition of Client Files

Maria Schopp

I. CONSIDERATIONS IN RETAINING AND DISPOSING OF CLIENT FILES
- A. Client’s Rights Regarding Files Maintained by Attorney 8.1
- B. Establishing and Communicating Office Policy on Retaining and Disposing of Files 8.2
II. FORMS
- A. Form: Letter Advising Client of File Retention Policy When Some or All of Client’s Items Were Previously Returned 8.3
- B. Form: Letter Advising Client of File Retention Policy When None of Client’s Items Were Previously Returned 8.4
- C. Form: Addendum Stating Attorney’s File Retention Policy 8.5

Fee Collection Letters and Related Lien Matters

Shanon K. Quinley

I. OBSERVING LEGAL AND ETHICAL STANDARDS IN UNDERTAKING FEE COLLECTION
- A. Attorney Must Comply With State and Federal Debt Collection Law 9.1
- B. Attorney Must Withdraw From Representation Before Filing Suit 9.2
- C. Attorney Must Provide Client With Notice of Right to Arbitrate 9.3
II. RELATIONSHIP OF COLLECTION TO UNDERLYING FEE AGREEMENT 9.4
III. POTENTIAL LIEN RIGHTS AND NEED FOR NOTICE TO CLIENT
- A. Retaining Liens Invalid 9.5
- B. Charging Lien Permissible 9.6
- C. Priority of Liens 9.7
- D. Attorney Must Comply With Specific Rules of Professional Conduct in Asserting Charging Lien 9.8
- E. Attorney-Client Disputes Regarding Lien 9.9
IV. NEED FOR RELATED LITIGATION
- A. Suit for Breach of Contract or Declaratory Relief 9.10
- B. Separate Action Required to Establish and Enforce Attorney’s Charging Lien 9.11
V. FORMS
- A. Fee Collection Letters
  - 1. Form: Letter Notifying Client of Need to Replenish Retainer Fee 9.12
  - 2. Form: Letter Notifying Client of Arrearage in Fees and Request to Pay Them 9.13
- B. Letters and Related Notices Concerning Liens
  - 1. Form: Letter Notifying Client That Attorney Will File Lien Unless Fees Paid by Date Certain 9.14
  - 2. Form: Notice to Parties of Attorney’s Charging Lien for Services Rendered 9.15
  - 3. Form: Notice to Client of Recording Abstract of Judgment Against Real Property 9.16
  - 4. Forms: UCC Financing Statement (UCC1) and Addendum (UCC1Ad) Regarding Personal Property 9.17
  - 5. Form: Notice of Judgment Lien (JL1) 9.18
  - 6. Letter Notifying Client of Family Law Attorney’s Real Property Lien 9.19
  - 7. Form: Notice to Opposing Party of Family Law Attorney’s Real Property Lien 9.20
- C. Special Liens and Related Forms
  - 1. Form: Charging Lien Within Attorney-Client Agreement 9.21
  - 2. Form: Family Law Attorney’s Real Property Lien 9.22
- D. Form: Letter Advising Client of Satisfaction of Judgment and Release of Lien 9.23

Fee Arbitration Notices

Shanon K. Quinley

I. CONTRACTUAL VERSUS MANDATORY FEE ARBITRATION AND RELATED NOTICES
- A. Distinguishing Contractual and Mandatory Fee Arbitration 10.1
- B. Mandatory Fee Arbitration
  - 1. When Fee Arbitration Required 10.2
  - 2. Notice to Client Required 10.3
  - 3. Evidence Presented 10.4
  - 4. Arbitrator’s Award 10.5
- C. Initiating Trial After Arbitration 10.6
II. FORMS
- A. Form: Letter Notifying Client of Attorney’s Intention to Arbitrate Fee Claim Under Written Agreement 10.7
- B. Form: Cover Letter for Use With Mandatory Fee Arbitration 10.8
- C. Form: Notice of Client’s Right to Fee Arbitration (State Bar Form) 10.9

CALIFORNIA CLIENT COMMUNICATIONS MANUAL: SAMPLE LETTERS AND FORMS

(1st Edition)

March 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

File Name	Book Section	Title
CH01	Chapter 1	Initial Contact With Prospective Client
01-003	§1.3	General Letter Confirming Consultation Appointment
01-004	§1.4	Letter With Notice Concerning Confidential Information and Requesting Documents
01-005	§1.5	Letter With Notice Concerning Confidential Information and Requesting Consent to Represent Others or Disclose Information if Attorney Not Hired
01-006	§1.6	Prospective Client’s Information From Initial Screening
01-007	§1.7	Checklist: Client Interview—Initial Consultation
01-008	§1.8	Client Questionnaire—Family and Financial Information
01-009	§1.9	Attorney’s E-mail Policy
01-010	§1.10	Attorney’s E-mail Disclaimer
CH02	Chapter 2	Nonengagement: Letters Declining Representation
02-003	§2.3	Letter Declining Representation on Basis of Conflict of Interest With Current or Former Client
02-004	§2.4	Letter Declining Representation Based on Attorney’s Personal Conflict of Interest
02-005	§2.5	Letter Declining Representation Because Matter Outside Practice Area
02-006	§2.6	Letter Declining Representation Based on Attorney’s Personal Observations, Discussions, or Other Interactions With Client
02-007	§2.7	Letter Provisionally Declining Representation Unless Fee Agreement Signed and Returned
02-008	§2.8	Letter Declining Representation Based on Failure to Pay Retainer Fee Within Specific Time Period
02-009	§2.9	Letter Declining Representation Based on Limited Evaluation of Case During Initial Consultation Only
CH03	Chapter 3	General Attorney-Client Fee Agreements
03-014	§3.14	General Letter Agreement for Representation on Hourly Basis
03-015	§3.15	Agreement for Representation Based on Contingent Fee
03-016	§3.16	Agreement for Representation in Noncontingent Matter With Fees Paid by Third Party
03-017	§3.17	Agreement for Representation With Fees Set by Statute (Probate Matter)
03-018	§3.18	Agreement for Representation in Unlawful Detainer Matter
03-019	§3.19	Letter Agreement for Representation on Hourly Basis in Debt Collection Matter
03-020	§3.20	Letter Agreement for Full Representation in Marital Dissolution
03-021	§3.21	Agreement for Limited-Scope Representation (Ongoing Consultations) in Family Law Matter
03-022	§3.22	Agreement for Representation in Criminal Defense Case
03-023	§3.23	Agreement for Joint Representation in Estate Planning Matter
03-024	§3.24	Provision for Additional or Replenishing (Evergreen) Deposit for Fees
03-024A	§3.24A	Letter Advising Client About Duties re Electronically Stored Information (ESI)
CH04	Chapter 4	Consent to Representation After Disclosing Conflict of Interest
04-008	§4.8	New Client’s Consent to Representation Despite Representation on Unrelated Matter of Client Having Adverse Interest
04-009	§4.9	Client’s Consent to Continued Representation Despite Representation on Unrelated Matter of New Client Having Adverse Interest
04-010	§4.10	New Client’s Consent to Representation Despite Representation on Unrelated Matter of Former Client Having Adverse Interest
04-011	§4.11	Former Client’s Consent to Representation of New Client on Unrelated Matter Despite Clients’ Adverse Interests
04-012	§4.12	Consent to Representation When Attorney Has Personal Relationship With Witness or Party in Client’s Case
04-013	§4.13	Consent to Representation When Client Grants Security Interest in Real Property to Attorney
04-014	§4.14	Consent to Representation When Third Party Is Paying Client’s Legal Fees
04-015	§4.15	Consent to Representation of Co-Parties in Same Case
04-016	§4.16	Consent to Representation of Both Spouses or Domestic Partners in Performing Estate Planning
CH05	Chapter 5	Status Reports and Notices About Case to Client
05-003	§5.3	Letter/Communication Advising Client of Case Status—General Form
05-004	§5.4	Letter/Communication Requesting That Client Contact Attorney for Consultation About Case
05-005	§5.5	Letter/Communication Advising Client That Attorney Has Filed New Court Action or Motion on Client’s Behalf
05-006	§5.6	Letter/Communication Advising Client That Attorney Has Filed Answer or Responses on Client’s Behalf to Court Action or Motion
05-007	§5.7	Letter/Communication Notifying Client of Oral Deposition
05-008	§5.8	Letter/Communication Notifying Client of Case Management Conference and “Meet and Confer” Requirement
05-009	§5.9	Letter/Communication Notifying Client to Attend Court Hearing or Trial
CH06	Chapter 6	Requests for Documents From Client
06-006	§6.6	Letter Requesting That Client Provide Documents for Attorney’s Review in Transactional Matter—General Form
06-007	§6.7	Letter Requesting That Client Provide Documents for Attorney’s Review in Litigation Matter—General Form
06-008	§6.8	Letter Requesting Documents From Client to Comply With Demand for Production
06-009	§6.9	Letter Requesting Documents From Client to Facilitate Reply to Interrogatories or Admission Request
06-010	§6.10	Letter Requesting Documents From Client to Comply With Disclosure Demand in Family Law Case
CH07	Chapter 7	Termination Notices to Client
07-005	§7.5	Letter Terminating Representation When Initial Evaluation Reveals Case Lacks Merit
07-006	§7.6	Letter Advising Representation Terminated Pursuant to Limited Scope Representation Agreement
07-007	§7.7	Letter Advising Completion of Attorney’s Representation After Performing Transactional Work
07-008	§7.8	Letter Advising Completion of Attorney’s Representation After Litigation
07-009	§7.9	Letter Notifying Client of Intent to Withdraw as Counsel in Civil Case
07-010	§7.10	Letter Confirming Attorney’s Discharge by Client in Civil Case
CH08	Chapter 8	Retention and Disposition of Client Files
08-003	§8.3	Letter Advising Client of File Retention Policy When Some or All of Client’s Items Were Previously Returned
08-004	§8.4	Letter Advising Client of File Retention Policy When None of Client’s Items Were Previously Returned
08-005	§8.5	Addendum Stating Attorney’s File Retention Policy
CH09	Chapter 9	Fee Collection Letters and Related Lien Matters
09-012	§9.12	Letter Notifying Client of Need to Replenish Retainer Fee
09-013	§9.13	Letter Notifying Client of Arrearage in Fees and Request to Pay Them
09-014	§9.14	Letter Notifying Client That Attorney Will File Lien Unless Fees Paid by Date Certain
09-015	§9.15	Notice to Parties of Attorney’s Charging Lien for Services Rendered
09-016	§9.16	Notice to Client of Recording Abstract of Judgment Against Real Property
09-019	§9.19	Letter Notifying Client of Family Law Attorney’s Real Property Lien
09-020	§9.20	Notice to Opposing Party of Family Law Attorney’s Real Property Lien
09-021	§9.21	Charging Lien Within Attorney-Client Agreement
09-022	§9.22	Family Law Attorney’s Real Property Lien
09-023	§9.23	Letter Advising Client of Satisfaction of Judgment and Release of Lien
CH10	Chapter 10	Fee Arbitration Notices
10-007	§10.7	Letter Notifying Client of Attorney’s Intention to Arbitrate Fee Claim Under Written Agreement
10-008	§10.8	Cover Letter for Use With Mandatory Fee Arbitration

Selected Developments

March 2019 Update

Summarized below are the more important developments included in this update. All amendments, repeals, and additions to California statutes and rules were integrated into the text. Relevant case law was added to the book as appropriate.

The new Rules of Professional Conduct (effective November 1, 2018) were approved by the California Supreme Court on May 10, 2018, by Supreme Court Administrative Order 2018-05-09. See §1.1 for information about the new rules. The text and example forms have been updated to reflect the requirements of the changes.

Issues relating to attorney disqualification were the subject of two recent cases: One of which addressed automatic disqualification, and the other addressed the limited stay while a disqualification order is appealed. See §4.5 for discussion of California Self-Insurers’ Sec. Fund v Superior Court (2018) 19 CA5th 1065 and URS Corp. v Atkinson/Walsh Joint Venture (2017) 15 CA5th 872.

About the Authors

Holly J. Fujie, Esq., is a litigation shareholder of Buchalter Nemer, PLC, in Los Angeles. She specializes in complex civil cases, with an emphasis on insurance and surety industry related litigation. She served as president of the California State Bar from 2008–2009, after a 3-year tenure on the State Bar’s Board of Governors (now known as the Board of Trustees). She was the 2010–2011 president of the Boalt Hall Alumni Association, and is a member of numerous boards of other professional associations. Ms. Fujie speaks frequently on diversity, litigation, and work-life balance issues. She is a contributing author of Effective Introduction of Evidence in California (2d ed Cal CEB 2000) and Jefferson’s California Evidence Benchbook (4th ed CJA-CEB 2009). Ms. Fujie earned her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law.

R. Camille King, Esq., began practicing law in Alameda County in 2001 and currently practices with the civil law firm of Lovko and King in Berkeley, focusing on family law matters. She is a member of the State Bar Family Law Section and was an original contributing author of Dissolution Strategies: From Intake to Judgment (Cal CEB Annual). Ms. King earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and her J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Lawrence E. Leone, Esq., is a Certified Family Law Specialist who maintains a solo law and mediation practice in Los Angeles. A former partner in the Los Angeles law firm of Trope and Trope, Mr. Leone has played prominent roles with the family law sections of the Los Angeles County and the Beverly Hills bar associations. He has written extensively for the annual Los Angeles County Bar Association Family Law Symposium and is an ongoing editorial consultant for the California Family Law Monthly. Mr. Leone has also served as a judge pro tem in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, as well as a family law mediator. He is a contributing author to the following publications: California Child Custody Litigation and Practice (Cal CEB 2006), Dividing Pensions and Other Employee Benefits in California Divorces (Cal CEB 2006), and Family Law Financial Discovery (Cal CEB 2008). Mr. Leone earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his J.D. from Loyola Law School Los Angeles.

Micha Star Liberty, Esq., maintains a law practice in Oakland, specializing in litigating serious injury, civil rights, sexual abuse, and employment matters in both individual and class actions. She also is a certified mediator who performs mediation for the Contra Costa County Superior Court. A frequent lecturer and published author, Ms. Liberty focuses much of her public speaking on trial practice, discovery techniques, the importance of mentoring, and the best practices for opening a law office and law office management. She served on the California State Bar’s Board of Governors from 2008–2010, as well as being the Board of Governors representative of the California Young Lawyers Association. She currently serves on numerous other boards of professional associations. Ms. Liberty earned her J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Shanon K. Quinley, Esq., maintains a solo law practice in Pasadena, with an emphasis on family law. She is an active member of the family law sections of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the State Bar, as well as a member of the Pasadena Bar Association. Ms. Quinley also has been a member of CEB’s Family Law Advisory Committee and consulted on the needs of newer attorneys. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and her J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law. She is a contributing author of the following publications: Family Law Financial Discovery (Cal CEB 2008) and California Child and Spousal Support: Establishing, Modifying, and Enforcing (Cal CEB 2010).

Maria Schopp, Esq., maintains a solo law practice in Walnut Creek, handling both family and criminal law matters. Her practice includes mediation and collaborative negotiation, in addition to traditional litigation. She is a past chair of the Family Law Section of the Barristers Club of the Bar Association of San Francisco as well as a former president of the San Francisco Queen’s Bench Bar Association. Ms. Schopp was an original contributing author of Dissolution Strategies: From Intake to Judgment (Cal CEB Annual) and has been a member of CEB’s Family Law Advisory Committee. She received her J.D. from City University of New York School of Law.

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Products specifications

PRACTICE AREA	Law Practice Skills
PRODUCT GROUP	Publication
PRACTICE AREA	Civil Litigation & Torts

Products specifications

PRACTICE AREA	Law Practice Skills
PRODUCT GROUP	Publication
PRACTICE AREA	Civil Litigation & Torts

California Client Communications Manual: Sample Letters and Forms

Initial Contact With Prospective Client

Nonengagement: Letters Declining Representation

General Attorney-Client Fee Agreements

Consent to Representation After Disclosing Conflict of Interest

Status Reports and Notices About Case to Client

Requests for Documents From Client

Termination Notices to Client

Retention and Disposition of Client Files

Fee Collection Letters and Related Lien Matters

Fee Arbitration Notices

Selected Developments

About the Authors

Contact Info

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Customer info

Help

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California Client Communications Manual: Sample Letters and Forms

Selected Developments

About the Authors

California Basic Practice Handbook

Litigation Library

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Customer info

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Customer Service