ATTORNEY-CLIENT REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT
This agreement is made between The Law Offices of Jeffrey N. Golant, P.A. and
____________________ . Throughout the remainder of this document, The Law Offices of
Jeffrey N. Golant, P.A. will be referred to as “Attorney” and ________________________ will
be referred to either singularly or collectively as “Client.” This agreement is a contract, and
shall describe the services that Attorney will provide to Client, the compensation that Attorney
will receive, and each parties’ obligations relating to the performance of this contract. This
agreement is specifically designed for clients who have claims or potential claims arising from
the improper servicing of their mortgage loan.

SECTION I. - EFFECTIVE DATE
This contract shall take effect upon its execution by both parties.

SECTION II. – SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION
The services that Attorney will provide to Client shall take place in three different stages, and
each stage shall involve somewhat different compensation. However, the matter may conclude
before the second or third stage is reached.
Stage One – Free Consultation
In the first stage, Attorney will assist Client in determining whether Client’s mortgage loan
account has been handled improperly by Client’s mortgage servicer. During this stage, Attorney
will evaluate potential legal issues affecting Client’s mortgage loan account, but will not render
any substantive services in connection with either the prosecution or defense of any litigation. It
may take some time to complete this stage. In most cases, as part of an “extended free
consultation” Attorney will send formal correspondence on Client’s behalf to a mortgage
servicer seeking information or notifying the mortgage servicer of an error. There shall be no fee
for these services, however Client agrees to reimburse Attorney for the reasonable and actual
cost incurred, specifically including but not limited to postage, including expenses related to
certified mail, or sending any correspondence sent during this stage.
Stage Two - Pre-Litigation
It is Attorney’s experience that sending a single letter to a mortgage servicer notifying the
mortgage servicer of an error or requesting information is very often not effective because
mortgage servicers frequently do not comply with their obligations to respond to that type
correspondence. If Attorney sends correspondence to Client’s mortgage servicer notifying the
mortgage servicer of an error, or requesting information, and the mortgage servicer fails to
adequately respond, Attorney will prepare the matter for litigation. This will include evaluating
the mortgage servicer’s response, and conducting factual and legal research. Frequently,
Attorney will also send follow up correspondence. During this stage, Attorney will charge a fee
consistent with the rate schedule described below. However, fees will only be incurred in this
stage if Attorney determines that Client’s mortgage servicer failed to appropriately respond to
the request for information of notification of an error that was previously sent on Client’s behalf.
It is anticipated that any fees incurred during this stage will be recoverable as damages a result of
that violation, and these costs shall be recovered through litigation subject to the provisions of
Stage Three described below. Thus it is expected that the attorneys fees incurred in this stage

will be recovered as damages through litigation. Provided that Client reasonably complies with
all of Client’s obligation under this agreement and cooperates in the prosecution of appropriate
claims through litigation, Attorney will defer collection of the fees incurred in this stage until
the conclusion of the litigation. However, the fees incurred in this stage are not contingent.
Nevertheless, provided that Client complies with all obligations under this agreement, Client
shall be obligated to pay no more than $50 per month for fees incurred under this agreement.
Client’s obligation to pay will only commence when the litigation concludes. This obligation
shall only arise of the recovery from the litigation is insufficient to pay the fees incurred at this
stage, or if that litigation is unsuccessful. Client’s maximum liability for fees incurred at this
stage shall be $2000 (two-thousand dollars) and will generally be much less.
Stage Three - Litigation
Attorney shall pursue appropriate claims on Client’s behalf against Client’s past or present
mortgage servicer, or any appropriate any affiliate or subcontractor, likely including but not
necessarily limited to entities in the business of force-placed insurance and/or insurance tracking.
These claims that Attorney pursues on Client’s behalf may arise under the Real Estate Settlement
Procedures Act (RESPA), Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the Fair Credit
Reporting Act (FCRA), the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act (FCCPA), or may include
common law claims such as tort claims or breach of contract. In addition to pursuing claims
against Client’s mortgage servicer, this contract authorizes Attorney to pursue other claims that
Attorney, in Attorney’s professional judgment, determines are appropriate.
In the event that a judgment is entered against Client, or an adverse party takes an appeal of any
ruling or judgment favorable to Client, this contract shall authorize Attorney to represent Client
on that appeal. However, nothing herein shall obligate Attorney to represent Client in any appeal,
and Attorney reserves the right to decline to do so.
It is expressly agreed and understood that while Attorney shall represent Client in connection
with affirmative claims under this contract, this contract does not cover “Loss Mitigation
Services” or the “defense of a mortgage foreclosure.” “Loss Mitigation Services” refers to
assistance with loan modifications, short sales, deeds in lieu of foreclosure, or any other
foreclosure alternatives. The “defense of a mortgage foreclosure” refers to representation of the
borrower in the defense of a mortgage foreclosure lawsuit. While Attorney does offer
foreclosure defense representation in some circumstances, a separate written agreement is
required, and unless and until such agreement is executed, Client should not assume Attorney is,
or will, represent Client in connection with any mortgage foreclosure related litigation. Client is
further advised that Attorney very rarely offers “Loss Mitigation Services”, and generally
encourage borrowers to handle loss mitigation services themselves.
Although “Loss Mitigation Services” are not covered by this contract, Attorney may from time
to time assist Client with the submission of loss mitigation related applications and documents,
particularly where the mortgage servicer solicits loss mitigation related information following
the initiation of a lawsuit. Where Attorney assists with loss mitigation activities, Client
understands and agrees that Attorney does so as a courtesy only, and without additional charge.
However, Attorney will not advise Client regarding the loss mitigation process, or review
Client’s loss mitigation submission. Nor will negotiate any loss mitigation resolution on Client’s
behalf. Client however remains free to negotiate loss mitigation options on Client’s own behalf.

SECTION III. – ATTORNEY’S COMPENSATION
Attorney strives to make quality representation available to consumers who may be unable to pay
for legal services, and Attorney’s services are generally offered and no direct cost, or very little
direct cost, to Attorney’s client. Nevertheless, with the exception of stage one, the services
provided under this agreement are not provided on a pro-bono basis.
Services rendered under Stage One describe above shall be rendered without cost. Services
rendered under Stage Two shall be charged at the rate schedule described below, subject to the
limitations described above. Services under Stage Three shall be contingent and will be charged
a the larger of
1. The total amount of time spent plus the appropriate hourly rates under the rate schedule
describe below.
2. 40% of the entire recovery (or 45% in the event of an appeal), less deduction for all third
party costs advanced by attorney. This calculation shall include any amounts awarded as
shifted attorneys’ fees, but shall exclude any amounts awarded as costs. However, the
amount of costs shall be applied to reimburse any third party costs advanced.
3. The amount of shifted fees awarded by a Court pursuant any applicable fee shifting law.
Rate Schedule
$400 per hour - Jeffrey Golant or any attorney affiliated with The Law Offices of Jeffrey N.
Golant, P.A. with 10 or more years experience as an attorney licensed to practice in any United
States jurisdiction.
$325 per hour - Any attorney affiliated with The Law Offices of Jeffrey N. Golant, P.A. with
more than 3 but less than 10 years experience
$250 per hour - Any attorney affiliated with The Law Offices of Jeffrey N. Golant, P.A. with
less than 3 years experience.
$100 per hour - Any time spent by non-attorney professionals or para-professionals associated
with The Law Offices of Jeffrey N. Golant, P.A.

SECTION IV. - COSTS AND EXPENSES
While Attorney may advance costs for postage (including certified mail or express delivery
services such as Federal Express) associated with sending correspondence, Client understands
that those costs are Client’s responsibility and agrees to reimburse Attorney upon demand.
If this matter results in litigation, it is anticipated that Attorney will advance the costs associated
with litigation that Attorney, in Attorney’s sole professional judgment and discretion, believes is

reasonably necessary in bringing the matter to a successful conclusion. If there is no recovery,
Client shall not be obligated to reimburse those costs. Similarly, if the recovery is insufficient to
reimburse those costs, Client shall not have any obligation beyond the amount recovered.

SECTION V. - ATTORNEY'S LIEN
Client grants Attorney a lien on all claims in which Attorney represents Client under this
agreement The lien shall cover any costs advances, and any fees due to Attorney, including
contingent fees, shifted fees, or fees based upon the doctrine of quantum meruit. This lien will
attach to any money or property recovered by Client arising from Attorney’s services described
herein. Attorney shall also have a lien on Client's records, money, or property in Attorney’s
possession for any sums due and owing to Attorney at the termination of Attorney's services.
Client shall pay all reasonable charges, in advance, for any and all copies of records requested
by, or on behalf of client.

SECTION VI. – GOOD FAITH COOPERATION
Client recognizes that a successful outcome in this matter is only possible with significant
participation from Client. From time to time, Attorney will need information and/or documents
from Client. Client will also likely be required to attend at least one deposition, appear in person
at mediation, provide written answers to questions served by the opposing party (interrogatories),
(normally) prepared with Attorney’s assistance, and produce documents requested by the
opposing party. Client may also be required to attend court proceedings. Client agrees to
cooperate in all litigation related responsibilities, and to be reasonably accessible when Attorney
needs to communicate with Client. Client shall keep attorney informed regarding Client’s phone
number, mailing address, and email address. The failure to comply with this provision shall
constitute a breach of this contract.
The primary purpose of this representation is to obtain a monetary recovery for Client due to the
opposing party’s violation of the law, and for Attorney to receive the agreed upon compensation.
On occasion, mortgage servicers will offer non-monetary settlements in exchange for the
dismissal of claims asserted by consumers. These offers will often include loan modifications or
debt forgiveness. Many of these offers result in a situation where there is no recovery that can be
used to pay Attorney. In some cases, mortgage servicers make such offers with the specific goal
of undermining Attorney’s practice in an effort to make it financially difficult or impossible for
Attorney to continue to represent similarly situated clients with claims against the mortgage
servicer. Client understands that accepting any non-monetary settlement shall constitute a
breach of this agreement, and that as a result Client shall be responsible for paying Attorney
pursuant to the rate schedule described above for all time spent on Client’s behalf in either Stage
Two or Stage Three.
Client further acknowledges that attempting to re-negotiate the terms of this agreement after it is
executed, and withholding cooperation in accomplishing the objectives of this agreement, shall
constitute a breach of this contract.

SECTION VII. - TERMINATION AND WITHDRAWAL
Either party may terminate this agreement at any time. Upon the termination of Attorney’s
services, whether or not it is terminated by Client or by Attorney, all unpaid costs that Attorney
advanced shall immediately become due and payable to Attorney. However, if this agreement is
terminated by Attorney, and such termination is not for cause, Client shall have no obligation to
immediately reimburse third party costs, although those costs shall be paid from any settlement
as outline above. Attorney will be entitled to recover any shifted or contingent fees available at
the end of the case that are attributable to Attorney’s services rendered prior to withdrawal
pursuant to the doctrine of quantum meruit. Attorney will likewise, subject to the terms of
Section V above, deliver to Client all records of the case and all property of client in Attorney's
possession, except those subject to any lien.
Client is similarly free to terminate attorney at any time, provided that if Client terminates
Attorney, Client shall retains substitute counsel and make a diligent effort to pursue the case.
Any failure to do so will constitute a breach of the contract, and Client shall be obligated to pay
attorney the amounts required under the rate schedule described above.

SECTION VIII. - DISCLAIMER OF GUARANTEE
Attorney will use its best efforts in representing Client, but makes no promises or guarantees
regarding the outcome of Client's case. Attorney’s comments regarding the outcome of the case
are mere expressions of opinion. Neither does Attorney guarantee any time frame within which
Client's case will be resolved.

SECTION IX. – DISCLOSURE OF RISKS INHERENT IN LITIGATION
Client has been advised that litigation is inherently risky, unpredictable, and expensive. While
Attorney will use best efforts and reasonable professional judgment, it remains possible that this
matter could be resolved against Client simply because a judge or jury disagrees with Client and
or Attorney regarding the merits of the case.
Generally, the prevailing party is responsible for the opposing party’s costs, but not attorney’s
fees. Thus, if Client does not prevail in this action, Client recognizes that Client will likely be
required to pay the opposing party’s costs. While difficult to predict, it is unlikely that the costs
would exceed the sum of $3,000. This number however is only an estimate, and Attorney does
not guarantee or warrant it.
In some limited circumstances, it may be possible that Client could be held responsible for the
opposing party’s attorneys’ fees. Unless a claim is asserted under a “double fee shifting”
statute, those circumstances generally do not arise at the outset of litigation. Attorney does not
currently intend to pursue any claims under a “double fee shifting statute” and will not do so
unless authorized in writing by Client. Attorney will use Attorney’s best efforts to timely advise
Client should those circumstances arise here. Client is hereby warned that, should Client become
unavailable or inaccessible for an extended period of time, one consequence of such
unavailability could be exposure to shifted fees.

Despite the contingent nature of this agreement, in no event shall Attorney be liable for any
prevailing party attorneys’ fees or costs incurred by Client.

X. CO-COUNSEL RELATIONSHIPS
Client have consulted or retained another attorney, and may be simultaneously represented by
another law firm in addition to Attorney in connection with this matter. Attorney has
relationships with other law firms and Legal Aid or Legal Services organizations. This contract
shall not replace any agreement that Client may have with any other related attorneys. Often
where there are more than one law firm or organization of attorneys involved, the contingent fee
may be shared pursuant to a separate co-counsel agreement.
XI- CLIENT CONTACT INFORMATION
Client’s address, phone number and email address is below. Attorney may communicate with
Client using any of these. If Client’s address, phone number, or email address changes, Client
agrees to immediately notify attorney.

SECTION XII – DISBURSMENT STATEMENT
Whenever any funds are recovered from any adverse party, those funds will be held in escrow
and disbursed pursuant to the terms of this agreement. Prior to disbursement, Attorney shall
provide Client with a written statement explaining the total amount recovered, the total amount
of third party costs, the total amount of attorneys fees, and the amount to be paid to each
attorney. No funds will be disbursed until Client executes the disbursement statement. If Client
refuses to execute the disbursement statement, or is unavailable to do so for a prolonged period
of time, Attorney will commence an interpleader action. In the event that Client’s acts or
omissions make an interpleader action necessary, Client agrees that any time spent by Attorney
in connection with the interpleader action shall be reimbursed at the amounts set forth in the
above rate schedule and any third party, shall be reimbursed entirely from the recovered funds
that would otherwise be payable to Client.

SECTION XIII. - CLIENT'S RIGHTS
The undersigned Client has, before signing this contract, received and read the statement of
client rights and understands each of the rights set forth therein. The undersigned Client has
signed the statement of client rights and received a signed copy to refer to while being
represented by Attorney.

Signatures Below:

Client signature : ______________________
(Client)
Date: _____________________
Client signature : ______________________
(Client)
Date: _____________________
Accepted by:
______________________________________
Jeffrey N. Golant Esq.:
For The Law Offices Of Jeffrey N. Golant, P.A.
Date: _____________________