Read Electronic Signature Retainer Agreement Template For Free

A retainer agreement is a contract between a client and a professional who requires an upfront payment applied to future work. A retainer can be set up as a one-time payment or for a recurring period. The agreement will detail compensation, hours, contingencies, and any other terms for the services provided.

Primary tabs. Retainers are a type of compensation agreement with lawyers either for reserving their employment or as compensation for future services. General retainers are the traditional type of retainers where a lawyer agrees to handle a case or future issues that arise for a client.

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.

A retainer agreement offers several advantages: The agency guarantees they will be available to you for set hours each month for specific services. You can budget your monthly expenses based on the agreement. Strategies can be developed that span a longer time frame.

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.

However, there is a basic structure followed in all retainer agreements. One party, like a contractor, agrees to provide certain number of hours each month to the client. In exchange for locking in those hours, the client pays a certain amount of fee, called the retainer fee, in advance to the contractor.

Let's look at 9 key points for making it work for you and your clients. Build a business case for a retainer. Get to know the client(s) Sell the client on a retainer. Structure the agreement. Establish a contract. Ensure you get paid. Budget your time. Report on benefits.