Engagement letters — they're more important than ever thanks to the new RPC

Legal ethicists and practice-management advisors have long preached the value of engagement letters, where you spell out for clients the scope of your representation, how you'll determine fees, and the like. Engagement letters avoid confusion and -- let's be honest -- provide valuable CYA. But if they were important before, they're even more important now that the new Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct have taken effect. For example, the new rules require that expenses, not just fees, be "reasonable." And there are new requirements that information about fees be reduced to writing. In an article in the latest ISBA Trusts and Estates newsletter, Darrell E. Dies describes the relevant rule changes and persuasively makes the case that the day of handshake agreements with clients are over. Or certainly should be. Lots of good info and advice here from Darrell, whatever your practice setting.