Bill
HB 1546
Georgia bill requiring local governments to follow specific standards when paying lawyers on contingent fee basis rather than hourly rates, protecting public funds and preventing fee conflicts.
HB 1546 establishes requirements and standards for Georgia local government authorities (cities, counties, etc.) when they hire lawyers on a contingent fee basis—meaning the attorney is only paid if they win the case or recover money. The bill aims to regulate how local governments can structure these legal arrangements and what conditions must be met.
Local governments frequently use contingent fee agreements for litigation expected to recover funds (like debt collection or civil suits), as it conserves limited public budgets by shifting payment risk to lawyers. However, without clear rules, these arrangements can create conflicts of interest, lead to excessive legal fees, or result in poor settlement decisions that benefit attorneys more than taxpayers. This bill addresses those concerns by setting guardrails.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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