Engagement Letter & Retainer Agreement
This agreement sets out the terms on which our firm will represent you. Please read it carefully. The attorney-client relationship begins only when you and an authorized attorney of the firm have BOTH signed this document and the firm has received any required initial deposit.
Section 1 — Parties & Engagement
Client (full legal name):
Responsible attorney assigned:
Matter reference / file number:
Section 2 — Scope of Representation
The firm agrees to represent the Client in the following matter:
Matters specifically NOT included in this engagement (e.g., appeals, counterclaims, tax advice, unrelated disputes):
Matters specifically NOT included in this engagement (e.g., appeals, counterclaims, tax advice, unrelated disputes):
[Firm lists the excluded matters at creation]
Section 3 — Fee Structure
Fee arrangement (select one):
Lead attorney hourly rate (USD):
Associate attorney hourly rate (USD):
Paralegal hourly rate (USD):
Flat fee amount, if applicable (USD):
Contingency percentage, if applicable:
Costs and disbursements (filing fees, expert witnesses, travel, deposition costs, courier, copying) are billed separately from fees and are payable by the Client whether or not the matter is successful.
Section 4 — Retainer Deposit & Trust Account
Initial retainer deposit required (USD):
Minimum trust account balance to be maintained (USD):
The retainer will be held in the firm's IOLTA client trust account and drawn against as invoices are issued. Client agrees to replenish the retainer to the minimum balance on request. Any unearned portion will be refunded at the conclusion of the engagement.
Section 5 — Billing & Payment Terms
Section 6 — Attorney-Client Privilege & Confidentiality
All communications between Client and the firm made for the purpose of seeking legal advice are protected by the attorney-client privilege and will be kept strictly confidential. Client agrees NOT to share privileged communications with third parties, as doing so may waive the privilege. The firm will not disclose Client information except (a) as authorized by Client, (b) as required by law or court order, or (c) as necessary to defend the firm in a fee or malpractice claim.
Section 7 — Responsibilities of the Parties
Client may terminate this engagement at any time by written notice. The firm may withdraw for any reason permitted under applicable rules of professional conduct, including non-payment, loss of client cooperation, or conflict of interest. Upon termination, Client remains obligated to pay for services rendered and costs advanced through the termination date.
Section 9 — No Guarantee of Outcome
The firm has made no promise or guarantee regarding the outcome of this matter. Any statements about potential results are based on professional judgment of the facts currently known and are not warranties.
Section 10 — Electronic Communications & Signatures
By signing below, Client confirms having read, understood, and agreed to each section of this agreement, and has had the opportunity to ask questions.
Please upload any supporting documents:
Thank you for entrusting your matter to our firm. We look forward to working with you.
Authorized representative — printed name:
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