What is one requirement for contingent fee agreements according to California rules?

In California, one of the key requirements for contingent fee agreements is that the percentage of recovery must be negotiated. This means that the attorney and the client have to come to a mutual agreement about the percentage of any recovery that the attorney will receive as their fee. This negotiation process ensures that both parties understand and agree to the terms of how compensation will be calculated based on the outcome of the case.

Contingent fee agreements are prevalent, especially in personal injury and similar cases, because they allow clients to pursue legal action without the burden of upfront costs. Additionally, negotiating the percentage fosters transparency and helps prevent misunderstandings regarding the attorney's compensation based on the results achieved.

The other options do not align with the specific requirements set by California rules for contingent fee agreements. For example, clients are generally not required to pay upfront fees in such arrangements as the fee is contingent upon the outcome of the case. Attorneys can charge for certain expenses, and there's no requirement for clients to provide a written guarantee of success, as legal outcomes can be inherently uncertain. Understanding these requirements is crucial for both attorneys and clients engaged in a contingent fee relationship.