Colorado rules on attorney contingency fees

Colorado's Rules of Professional Conduct govern contingency fee agreements. Under these rules, all contingency fee arrangements must be in writing and must clearly state: the percentage the attorney will receive, how the fee is calculated (before or after expenses are deducted), the client's responsibility for costs if the case is unsuccessful, and how the fee changes if the case settles versus goes to trial. Fees must be "reasonable" based on factors like case complexity, attorney skill, and results obtained. Contingency fees are prohibited in criminal cases and most family law matters. Colorado requires attorneys to provide clients with a detailed closing statement showing how settlement funds are distributed.