Most retainer agreements stay active for 6-12 months but can be renewed based on ongoing legal needs. Understanding your retainer agreement's timeline is crucial for maintaining continuous legal representation and managing your legal expenses effectively.
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.
Agreement periods usually run up to five years, but initial retainer agreements are often reviewed and renewed annually—usually at the end of the financial year. Retainer hours are usually spent on recurring tasks that aren't major projects but are important to the client.
A retainer agreement is a work-for-hire contract. It falls between a one-off contract and permanent employment, which may be full-time or part-time. Its distinguishing feature is that the client or customer pays in advance for professional work to be specified later.
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.
Here's my advice: Pitch only to existing clients or clients you know well. Never pitch a retainer agreement to someone you've never worked with before. Present the retainer as a way to get “front of the line” status. Highlight the benefit of predictable budgeting. Include a small discount (maybe)
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.
Here are a few things to include in your retainer pitch: The challenges involved in working this role on contingency. The benefits of going with a retainer over contingency. A clear plan on how you will deliver a shortlist and to what timescale.