SAMPLE ATTORNEY RETAINER AGREEMENT FORM
A legal retainer agreement is a work for hire contract for legal services by a lawyer/attorney.
WHAT IS A RETAINER FEE?
A retainer fee is a down payment that is to be applied toward the total fee billed by the attorney/advocate.
A retainer can be a recurring monthly payment or a single advance payment for the rendering of legal services. The fee can be paid on a pre-negotiated, fixed rate or on a variable hourly rate
Cost of services are usually deducted from the retainer during the course of legal representation.
A retainer fee has the purpose of ensuring payment for future legal services or work to be rendered by the hired counsel or advocate. The retainer fee is to be refunded if the work is not performed, unless an agreement to the contrary is made.
ATTORNEY RETAINER AGREEMENT
TERMS OF REPRESENTATION
Effective Date ____/____/______
This agreement for legal services and representation is entered into by and between __________________________________ (The ATTORNEY) of _________________________________ (Legal Firm) Located at ______________________________________________________ (Address, City, State, Zip Code)
AND
____________________________________ (The CLIENT) of ___________________________________ (Company Name) Located at ______________________________________________________ (Address, City, State, Zip Code)
The Client hereby retains and employs The Attorney for the performance of the following Legal Services.
Description of Services: (prosecute or adjust a claim, divorce services, immigration services, criminal defense, etc...)
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Retainer Fee
Client shall pay Attorney a retainer fee of $ _________ Dollars that will be applied against Attorney’s fee and any and all expenses incurred by the client or paid by the attorney on behalf of the client.
Monthly Retainer Fee
Legal services rendered by the Attorney shall be billed at $______ Dollars per hour.
Legal services rendered by an Associate Attorney shall be billed at $______ Dollars per hour.
Legal services rendered by a Paralegal shall be billed at $______ Dollars per hour.
In consideration for the above mentioned retainer payment The Attorney agrees to perform to the best of his/her ability with due diligence in the execution of the agreed legal services and take reasonable steps to respond to all Client's inquiries and to keep Client informed of progress of the case.
All of, but not limited to, the following services shall be excluded by the Attorney under this agreement. Attorney will not perform legal services pertaining to:
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Client agrees to pay Attorney's bills on time, provide true information and documentation necessary for the representation and keep Attorney informed of his/her whereabouts and any developments which may come to Client's attention.
This Retainer Agreement will take effect as soon as the Client returns a signed copy of this Agreement. Only then legal service will be provided accordingly, until the case reaches its conclusion.
Client may, at any time, discharge the services of the attorney for any reason by written notice which will become effective upon receipt by Attorney. Client shall remain obligated to pay all attorney’s fees and expense costs owned to Attorney until the time of termination of the contract.
Applicable Law
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of __________ in __________ County and any Federal Law that may apply.
_______________________________________________ Date ____/____/____
Signature of The CLIENT
_______________________________________________ Date ____/____/____
Signature of The ATTORNEY
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