AL SB169

Legal service contracts become voidable if procured through conduct violating Alabama state law or the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct regarding case solicitation by attorneys or other persons.

Clients who prevail in actions to void contracts may recover all fees and expenses paid, actual damages, and attorney fees incurred pursuing the action.

Attorneys may recover quantum meruit fees if the voided contract was not procured through their own case solicitation and they had no knowledge of improper solicitation by others, provided they reported the misconduct as required.

Case solicitation violations include soliciting employment from prospective clients with no familial or prior professional relationship through in-person contact, telephone, email, facsimile, or written communication.

The law becomes effective January 1, 2014, and does not apply to prohibited conduct occurring before that date.