The State Bar of California rules on attorney fees are set forth in the California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 4-200, which provides an eleven factor test to determine whether a fee is conscionable. Included are:
- The amount of the fee in proportion to the value of the services performed.
- The relative sophistication of the member and the client.
- The novelty and difficulty of the questions involved and the skill requisite to perform the legal service properly.
- The likelihood, if apparent to the client, that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment by the lawyer.
- The amount involved and the results obtained.
- The time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances.
- The nature and length of the professional relationship with the client.
- The experience, reputation, and ability of the lawyer or lawyers performing the services.
- Whether the fee is fixed or contingent.
- The time and labor required.
- The informed consent of the client to the fee agreement.