1. Conditions & Scope of Services

This agreement takes effect upon return of a signed copy. No psychological services will be rendered prior to that time.

As an Evaluating Psychologist, Dr. Klein will conduct a clinical evaluation including psychological testing, collateral interviews, record review, and literature review as appropriate. A formal written report will be provided upon request. Dr. Klein will be available to respond to subpoenas, attend depositions, and testify at trial with reasonable advance notice.

As a Consulting Psychologist, Dr. Klein will review records and literature, critique opposing evaluations, assist with psych-legal strategy, provide referrals, or perform other agreed-upon psych-legal functions. He will be available to provide declarations, attend depositions, and testify at trial with reasonable advance notice.

Regardless of role, if child or elder abuse, or credible threats of harm to self or others, are disclosed during the course of services, Dr. Klein may be required by law to report such information to appropriate authorities. Attorney-client privilege does not extend to Dr. Klein and does not supersede mandatory reporting obligations.

2. Retaining Attorney Duties

By signing this agreement, retaining counsel agrees to:

•       Cooperate with Dr. Klein and keep him informed of relevant case developments

•       Provide all necessary records, documentation, and discovery in a timely manner

•       Understand that new information disclosed during testimony may alter previously formed opinions

•       Prepare Dr. Klein for deposition and trial as needed

•       Remit payment on time in accordance with this agreement

3. Independent Expert Status

Dr. Klein is retained as an independent professional and not as an advocate for either party. Opinions are based solely on the data reviewed and professional judgment, regardless of which party has retained him. Payment of fees is not contingent upon the content of any opinion rendered or the outcome of the case. Dr. Klein will not accept compensation on a contingency-fee basis.

 4. Fee Schedule

• Record & File Review: $525 per hour

• Psychological Testing & Assessment: $525 per hour

• Forensic Clinical Interview: $525 per hour

• Report Writing: $525 per hour

• Attorney Consultation: $525 per hour

• Meetings, Presentations, Material Review: $525 per hour

Court Testimony & Deposition Fees

• Trial Testimony (Full Day): $4,200

• Trial Testimony (Half Day): $2,100

• Deposition (Full Day): $4,200

• Deposition (Half Day): $2,100

• Courtroom Observation & In-Court Consultation: $525 per hour

• Travel Fees

• Local Road Travel: $250 per hour (plus reasonable associated expenses)

• Out-of-Region Travel: $1,000 per day, plus airfare, lodging, and incidentals

 5. Retainer & Payment Policy

Dr. Klein is not considered retained and may accept work with other parties until both this signed agreement and the applicable retainer fee are received.

Standard Retainer (15-Hour Block): A retainer of 15 hours ($7,875) is required to begin work on a standard evaluation or consultation matter. This amount will be drawn down as services are rendered.

Reduced Retainer (10-Hour Block): For matters anticipated to require a more limited scope of services, a reduced retainer of 10 hours ($5,250) may be negotiated at the outset.

Fixed Availability Retainer: To secure Dr. Klein’s availability without fully engaging services at the time of retention, a fixed nonrefundable retainer of $4,200 is available. If fully engaged on the case in the future, this amount will be applied against hours worked.

Monthly invoices will be issued as the retainer is drawn down and are due upon receipt. Any unused retainer balance will be returned as a credit. Failure to maintain current payment will result in suspension of work and cancellation of scheduled appointments until the account is brought current.

For all balances outstanding beyond 30 days, interest will accrue on the outstanding amount at a rate of 15% APR. No work will be accepted on a lien basis.

Scope & Complexity: Forensic psychological evaluations and IMEs are comprehensive and labor-intensive. A standard evaluation—including record review, clinical interview, psychological testing, scoring, and report writing—typically requires a minimum of 12 to 15 hours. More complex matters may require 20 to 30 hours or more. Anticipated scope will be discussed at the outset of engagement.

 6. Testimony Reservation & Cancellation Policy

Reservation Fee: A testimony reservation fee of $2,100 (half day) or $4,200 (full day), plus applicable travel expenses, is due no later than thirty (30) calendar days before the scheduled testimony or deposition date. This fee secures Dr. Klein’s availability. If the Reservation Fee is not received by the deadline, Dr. Klein is not obligated to hold the date and may accept other professional commitments.

Non-Refundable Window: The Reservation Fee becomes fully nonrefundable if testimony is canceled, continued, or rescheduled for any reason within fourteen (14) calendar days of the scheduled date, regardless of the reason—including settlement, continuance, or stipulation.

Cancellation Outside the Non-Refundable Window: If testimony is canceled more than fourteen (14) calendar days before the scheduled date, the Reservation Fee will be refunded at 50%, minus any fees already earned for testimony preparation.

Rescheduling: If testimony is rescheduled (not canceled), the Reservation Fee may, at Dr. Klein’s sole discretion, be applied to the new date, provided the new date falls within sixty (60) calendar days of the original and does not conflict with existing commitments. A new Reservation Fee may be required outside this window.

Evaluation Appointment Cancellation: Cancellations of scheduled forensic interviews or testing appointments must be made no fewer than seven (7) calendar days in advance. Because last-minute cancellations make it impractical to rebook the reserved time, a charge of 4 hours ($2,100) applies to all missed appointments or late cancellations, whether for clinical interviews or psychological testing.

7. Discharge & Withdrawal

Retaining counsel may discharge Dr. Klein at any time. Dr. Klein may withdraw with counsel’s consent or for good cause. Good cause includes breach of this agreement, refusal to cooperate, failure to maintain timely payment, or any circumstance that would render continued services unreasonable, impractical, unethical, or unlawful.

8. Disclaimer of Guarantee

Nothing in this agreement, and nothing in any statements made by Dr. Klein, shall be construed as a promise or guarantee regarding the outcome of any evaluation, consultation, or testimony. Conclusions are offered in an unbiased, ethical, and professional manner utilizing a best practices approach.