Then you turn around and advise the appraisers who would be governed by this agreement that “they should stick with something that is actually somewhat fair.”

Later, it seems that you would even advise the AMC or the lender that they “should want to have access to a panel of appraisers who read agreements, care about what they sign…,” etc. In other words, that they should look askance at someone who actually signs one of your agreements.

I am evaluating an agreement with a similar indemnification clause for another type of contractor relationship. I must say, given what I read here, that I would be inclined to look for a different lawyer. I don’t consider it a benefit to have an attorney who would write a contract known to be unfair, a false flag (“If you sign this contract, you’re an idiot, and we won’t hire you”), and in violation of [some] state’s laws.

Face it folks; residential appraising is the “profession” of losers!