What must be done regarding fee arrangements?

The requirement regarding fee arrangements emphasizes the importance of clear communication between the lawyer and client. It is crucial that fee arrangements are communicated before or after representation begins to ensure that the client understands the costs involved with the legal services they are receiving. This helps establish transparency and builds trust in the attorney-client relationship.

By articulating the fee structure up front, clients are better informed about what to expect financially, which can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes down the line. Furthermore, many jurisdictions impose ethical obligations on attorneys to provide fee information in a timely manner, reinforcing this best practice.

The other options do not meet the ethical standards. For example, delaying communication about fees until after representation begins could leave the client confused about their financial obligations. Similarly, the notion of communicating fee arrangements only if specifically requested by the client undermines the attorney's responsibility to proactively provide important information. Lastly, assuming fees are unspoken goes against the principle of informed consent and efficient practice, as it may lead to significant misunderstandings regarding billing practices and expectations.