Generally, engagement letters are not privileged; however, if legal advice or strategy is conveyed in the letter, those portions of the letter may be privileged.
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.
Once a contract or retainer agreement has been signed between both parties, there's no question that privilege applies. Nonetheless, it generally starts before a contract is officially signed, even if you ultimately do not hire the attorney you had a consultation with.
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.
Once a contract or retainer agreement has been signed between both parties, there's no question that privilege applies. Nonetheless, it generally starts before a contract is officially signed, even if you ultimately do not hire the attorney you had a consultation with.
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.
Superior Court of California - County of San Diego.
The goal of a retainer is to provide your clients with ongoing access to your agency's services. Furthermore, with a retainer agreement, agencies can offer their services at discounted prices to improve client retention. Exactly how much depends on the type of retainer you offer—which we will discuss further.