In re the Disciplinary Proceeding Against Van Camp

¶1 This attorney discipline case focuses on an ambiguous written fee agreement, the representation provided in the litigation, and the attorney’s conduct during the grievance investigation. Attorney W. Russell Van Camp required a $25,000 initial “retainer” fee to represent a client in an injunction suit, but he did not explain to the client whether it was a nonrefundable flat fee, an hourly fee, or something else. Nor did the fee agreement Van Camp prepared. When the client expressed confusion about the fee, Van Camp asserted it was a flat fee and made no effort to renegotiate in accordance…