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Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.

Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.

Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.

If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.

We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
A retainer need not be in writing, although it is in both your and the lawyer's interests if the essential terms are in writing. This may be part of a costs agreement. Under a retainer, the lawyer agrees to use all the relevant information to further your interests.
Does a contract have to be in writing? No, a contract usually does not have to be in writing to be legally enforced, and you can enforce a verbal agreement if both parties intended to be bound by it.
The details of the agreement should be communicated to the client, in writing, when the lawyer has not regularly represented the client. These details include the scope of the representation and the expenses for which the client is responsible. Otherwise, having communication in written form is merely “preferable.”
To summarize what is a retainer agreement, it can be structured in several different ways: Client pays a set amount each month to access a certain amount of time. Be sure to spell our what happens if the time is not used – is it “lost,” or does it carry over into the next month.
Retainer agreements (also referred to as representation agreements) are a type of compensation agreement with lawyers either for reserving their employment or as compensation for future services. Also inside the agreement are details on the scope and procedure for the representation.
Generally, yes, retainer agreements are protected by the lawyer-client privilege, UNLESS you waived that privilege, which might have happened by your referencing the contents, for example.
Long-term Retainers Retainer DurationTypical Use Cases 1-3 Months Short-term legal advice or litigation 3-6 Months Mid-term projects, legal research 6-12 Months Long-term legal support, complex cases
General retainers are fees for a specific period of time, not a specific project. Generally, this period is six to 12 months, though it can vary. You are basically paying the attorney to be available for discussions and questions about legal matters during this time.
Some retainers allow for a carry forward of all or some unused time from one month to another. Others don't. Some retainers contracts are continuing until someone gives notice – and others are for a specified period – often of six months or a year.