Which of the following situations would NOT qualify for an exception to the fee agreement writing requirement in CA?

The situation involving a client residing outside California does not qualify for an exception to the writing requirement for fee agreements in California. The California Rules of Professional Conduct stipulate that lawyers must provide a written fee agreement for services, particularly in situations where the client does not understand the terms or where the lawyer is providing services that are not straightforward.

Other situations that may qualify as exceptions typically involve immediate circumstances or established relationships with clients. For example, emergencies where a written agreement cannot be obtained allow for verbal agreements because immediate legal assistance is often crucial. If a client is already familiar with the type of service being provided based on a previous similar engagement, this too may allow for less stringent adherence to the writing requirement. Additionally, a verbal waiver of the writing requirement might be acceptable if the client fully understands the implications.

However, simply being outside California does not automatically create an exception. The requirement for a written agreement is primarily concerned with protecting client interests, ensuring clarity and preventing misunderstandings, regardless of the client's location. Hence, the answer is correct in identifying that being outside California does not satisfy the conditions for waiving the writing requirement.