House Bill No. 439 aims to regulate attorney contingency fees in delictual actions by establishing a cap on the fees that can be charged. Specifically, the bill stipulates that attorneys may not charge more than ten percent for the first $15,000 of recovery in such cases. Additionally, it mandates that the contingency fee percentage is discoverable, meaning that clients have the right to know this information. Any nondisclosure agreements that attempt to prevent the disclosure of the contingency fee percentage will be deemed null and unenforceable.

The bill also includes provisions for enforcement, allowing officers of the court to file complaints against attorneys who violate these regulations with the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board. However, an amendment removed the requirement for officers of the court to file such complaints, simplifying the enforcement process. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance transparency and fairness in attorney fees related to contingency arrangements.