Since the early 1970's and usually as a plaintiff, the companies that Steve Markoff chaired were involved in considerable litigation and many unpleasant experiences with their own lawyers.

Finally, in early 1991, Mr. Markoff wrote an agreement for the companies he ran and the lawyers they hired. The essence of that agreement was to spell out in common sense how his companies expected to be treated by their lawyers.

Later that year, the national magazine The American Lawyer came across a copy of the agreement, and finding it unusual, published it in their December 1991 issue.

• See the introduction to the agreement from The American Lawyer.

• Read the entire Legal Services/Engagement Agreement.

Send Mr. Markoff your comments or suggestions about the agreement.