Attorney Retainer Agreement
Overview of this form
The Attorney Retainer Agreement is a legal document used to establish a formal relationship between a client and an attorney. This agreement outlines the retainer fee, which is an upfront payment ensuring the attorney's availability for legal services. Unlike other legal forms, this agreement specifically addresses the client's obligations related to payment and the attorney's rights regarding billing and costs incurred during representation.
What’s included in this form
- Identification of the client and law firm.
- Details on the retainer fee and billing practices.
- Cost responsibilities for legal services and associated expenses.
- Provision for communication and updates during representation.
- Terms regarding the return of client documents after conclusion of the matter.
- Disclosure of the attorney's duty and billing rates for services rendered.
When to use this document
This form is needed when a client seeks to hire an attorney for legal representation. It is applicable in various situations, such as engaging a lawyer for a civil lawsuit, family law issues, estate planning, or business matters. The retainer agreement ensures both parties are clear about the financial arrangements and responsibilities before any legal work begins.
Who should use this form
- Individuals seeking legal representation.
- Businesses needing ongoing legal counsel.
- Parties involved in litigation requiring an attorneyâs services.
How to prepare this document
- Identify and enter the full names of the client and law firm.
- Specify the legal action for which the attorney has been retained.
- Fill in the retainer fee amount and outline expected hourly rates for services.
- Include details about billing practices and any additional costs incurred.
- Sign and date the agreement to validate the contract.
Is notarization required?
This form usually doesn’t need to be notarized. However, local laws or specific transactions may require it. Our online notarization service, powered by Notarize, lets you complete it remotely through a secure video session, available 24/7.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Failing to clearly define the services to be provided.
- Not specifying the retainer fee amount accurately.
- Overlooking the inclusion of additional costs that may be incurred.
Benefits of completing this form online
- Convenient access from any device at any time.
- Easy customization to address specific legal needs.
- Downloadable in multiple formats for flexibility in use.
Legal use & context
- Establishes a legal relationship between the client and attorney, ensuring mutual understanding.
- Legally binding once signed by both parties, subject to the laws governing the jurisdiction.
Main things to remember
- The Attorney Retainer Agreement specifies payment and representation details.
- Clear communication of fees and expectations is crucial for both parties.
- Understanding local laws is essential when utilizing this form.
Form popularity
FAQ
The amount you're to receive each month. The date you're to be paid by. Any invoicing procedures you're expected to follow. Exactly how much work and what type of work you expect to do. When your client needs to let you know about the month's work by.
The retainer is placed in the attorney's trust account and then used to pay for legal fees earned by the attorney and expenses related to the client's matter.The retainer still belongs to the client until it is earned by the attorney or used for legitimate expenses, and must be returned if unused.
A retainer is a fee paid to a person (usually a lawyer) before any services have been performed.This document typically includes the type of work the attorney is doing for the client, all associated fees, and the general rights of both parties entering into the agreement.
As such, a retainer agreement is a formal document outlining the relationship between an attorney and client. It details the different obligations and expectations involved, which can include ethical work principles, retainer fees, modes of communication, and professional ground rules.
The amount you're to receive each month. The date you're to be paid by. Any invoicing procedures you're expected to follow. Exactly how much work and what type of work you expect to do. When your client needs to let you know about the month's work by.
Accounting for a Retainer Fee If the firm is using the accrual basis of accounting, retainers are recognized as a liability upon receipt of the cash, and are recognized as revenue only after the associated work has been performed.
1The amount you're to receive each month.2The date you're to be paid by.3Any invoicing procedures you're expected to follow.4Exactly how much work and what type of work you expect to do.5When your client needs to let you know about the month's work by.How to Set Up a Retainer Agreement: Earn More From Your Best\nwww.bidsketch.com > blog > sales > freelance-retainer-agreement
