Hybrid Contingency Fee Agreement Template for India

The Hybrid Contingency Fee Agreement serves as a crucial document in the Indian legal services landscape, particularly where clients seek flexible fee arrangements that balance regular payments with performance-based compensation. This agreement type is commonly used in commercial litigation, corporate disputes, and complex legal matters where the outcome may have significant financial implications. The document carefully structures the fee arrangement to comply with Indian legal requirements while providing clarity on both the fixed fee component and the success-based element. It includes comprehensive terms covering service scope, payment schedules, success criteria, and risk allocation, ensuring alignment with the Advocates Act, 1961, and Bar Council of India regulations. The hybrid nature of this fee arrangement makes it particularly suitable for cases where clients want to maintain some cost predictability while still incentivizing optimal outcomes through the success fee component.

1. Parties: Identification of the law firm/advocate and the client, including full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Context of the legal matter and purpose of the agreement

3. Definitions: Key terms used in the agreement, including 'Success Fee', 'Fixed Fee', 'Claim Value', etc.

4. Scope of Services: Detailed description of legal services to be provided and the specific matter being handled

5. Fee Structure: Breakdown of the hybrid fee arrangement, including fixed fee components and contingency fee percentages

6. Payment Terms: Timing and method of payments for both fixed and contingency portions

7. Expenses and Disbursements: Handling of case-related expenses and third-party costs

8. Success Criteria: Clear definition of what constitutes success for contingency fee purposes

9. Client Obligations: Client's responsibilities including providing information and cooperation

10. Termination: Circumstances and process for ending the agreement, including fee implications

11. Confidentiality: Obligations regarding confidential information

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: Specification of Indian law application and jurisdiction