Client intake with conflict-of-interest screening, engagement letter with fee schedule, case-document checklist, matter status updates, and closing letter with file retention notice for small and mid-sized general-practice law firms
Get started with PocperThis 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.
Client (full legal name):
Responsible attorney assigned:
Matter reference / file number:
Effective date:
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):
Fee arrangement (select one):
Hourly — billed in increments of 0.1 hour
Flat fee — fixed amount for the defined scope above
Contingency — percentage of any recovery; no fee if no recovery
Hybrid — reduced hourly plus contingency bonus on recovery
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.
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.
Invoices are issued monthly and due within 30 days of receipt.
Overdue balances accrue interest at 1.0% per month.
The firm may suspend or withdraw from representation for non-payment, subject to applicable rules.
Client may dispute any charge in writing within 30 days of the invoice.
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.
Client agrees to:
Provide truthful, complete, and timely information and documents.
Notify the firm promptly of any change in contact information, circumstances, or the matter.
Respond to firm requests for instructions, approvals, or documents in a timely manner.
Preserve all records, correspondence, and electronically stored information relevant to the matter.
Firm agrees to:
Provide competent legal services consistent with applicable rules of professional conduct.
Keep Client reasonably informed of material developments.
Obtain Client consent before settling or taking any other step requiring Client authority.
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.
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.
I consent to receive legal documents and communications by email.
I agree that electronic signatures on this agreement have the same legal effect as handwritten ones.
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:
Signed date:
Signer — printed name:
Signed date:
The Engagement Letter & Retainer Agreement template is a ready-to-use form from Pocper's Law Firm pack. Customize the fields to match your workflow, then share a link so clients can complete it and upload documents in real time.