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. Client pays a set amount each month for a specific set of deliverables. Client pays simply to have access to the freelancer.
If either you or your attorney terminate the relationship before the retainer is exhausted, and if allowed by the agreement and applicable laws, the remaining portion of the retainer may be refundable. Ensure the termination terms in your agreement are clear and consult a legal professional if needed.
A contract can either be written or verbal, and while both can be legally binding, some contracts are required to be written in a designated format to be enforceable. Contract law is complex and differs between jurisdictions.
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.
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.