Free Retainer Contract Template
Retainer Contract
Table of Contents
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Introduction
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[Your Company Name] Information
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Client Information
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Effective Date
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Terms of Legal Services
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Compensation and Benefits
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Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure
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Termination Conditions
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Dispute Resolution
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Governing Law
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Signatures
1. Introduction
This Retainer Contract ("Contract") is entered into between [Your Name], [Your Company Name] ("Provider"), and [Client's Name] ("Client"), collectively referred to as the "Parties," effective as of [Effective Date].
2. [Your Company Name] Information
Provider:
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Name: [Your Name]
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Company Name: [Your Company Name]
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Address: [Your Company Address]
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Contact: [Your Company Email]
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Legal Representation: [State Bar License Information]
3. Client Information
Client:
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Name: [Client's Name]
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Address: [Client's Address]
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Contact: [Client's Contact Information]
4. Effective Date
This Contract shall be effective as of [Effective Date].
5. Terms of Legal Services
Provider agrees to provide legal services to Client as follows:
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Description of Services: Provider shall provide legal advice and representation in [specific area of law, e.g., family law, business law, etc.]. This includes but is not limited to, drafting legal documents, representing Client in negotiations, and providing legal counsel.
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Scope of Services: The scope of services shall include [list of specific services to be provided, e.g., consultation meetings, document review, court appearances, etc.].
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Responsibilities of Provider: Provider shall diligently perform the agreed-upon services and keep Client informed of all developments in the legal matter. Provider shall also advise Client of any potential conflicts of interest that may arise.
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Responsibilities of Client: Client shall cooperate with Provider and provide all necessary information and documents related to the legal matter. Client shall also promptly respond to any requests for information or action from Provider.
6. Compensation and Benefits
In consideration for the legal services provided, Client agrees to pay Provider a retainer fee of [Amount] per [Time Period]. The retainer fee shall be paid [payment terms, e.g., monthly, quarterly, etc.]. Additional fees for services outside the scope of this Contract will be billed separately at an hourly rate of [Rate]. Provider shall provide Client with detailed invoices for any additional fees incurred, which shall be payable within [number] days of receipt of the invoice.
7. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure
Both Parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of all information shared during the course of this agreement. This includes but is not limited to, client information, case details, and legal strategies. Provider shall not disclose any confidential information to third parties without the prior written consent of Client, except as required by law. Upon termination of this Contract, Provider shall return or destroy all confidential information provided by Client.
8. Termination Conditions
This Contract may be terminated by either Party upon written notice to the other Party. In the event of termination, Client shall be responsible for payment for all services rendered up to the date of termination. Provider shall return any unused portion of the retainer fee to Client within [number] days of termination. Upon termination, both Parties shall cooperate to ensure an orderly transition of legal representation, including the transfer of files and information to a new legal representative designated by Client.
9. Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising out of or in connection with this Contract shall be resolved through mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, the dispute shall be resolved through arbitration in accordance with the laws of [Governing Law]. Each Party shall bear their own costs of mediation and arbitration, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. The decision of the arbitrator(s) shall be final and binding on both Parties.
10. Governing Law
This Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Governing Law]. Any disputes arising under this Contract shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [Jurisdiction].
11. Signatures
This Contract represents the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral. This Contract may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Contract as of the Effective Date.
[Your Name]
[Your Company Name]
Date: [Date Signed]
[Client's Name]
Date: [Date Signed]