What are attorneys required to do regarding billing practices at the outset of their relationship with the client?

Attorneys are required to clearly disclose their billing practices at the outset of their relationship with a client to ensure transparency and maintain trust. This means informing the client about how fees will be calculated, the billing rate, any additional costs that may be incurred, and the frequency of billing. This disclosure is crucial because it allows clients to make informed decisions about their financial commitments and establishes clear expectations for the attorney-client relationship.

While a written contract or engagement agreement may contain a description of billing practices, it is the act of disclosure itself that is essential. Providing clear information about billing practices helps avoid misunderstandings and potential disputes later on. Moreover, it aligns with the ethical obligation of attorneys to communicate effectively and maintain a fiduciary relationship with their clients. Clarifying such information at the beginning of the engagement fosters an atmosphere of transparency, thereby upholding professional standards and integrity in legal practice.

The other options may touch on related concepts but do not capture the essential requirement of disclosing billing practices as a foundational element of the attorney-client relationship.