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.
A retainer agreement is an arrangement where clients make an upfront payment to secure legal services, regardless of the case's outcome. In contrast to contingency fees, where the lawyer takes on financial risk, clients in retainer agreements are responsible for associated costs, including the initial upfront payment.
This is a legal contract between the law firm and the client setting forth the terms of the legal services to be provided and how the client will be charged for the services.
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)