Legal Retainer Agreement
Legal Retainer Agreement
This Legal Retainer Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of [Month Day, Year], by and between:
Client:
[Your Company Name]
[Your Company Address]
[Your Company Email]
[Your Company Number]
Attorney/Legal Firm:
[Attorney’s Full Name or Law Firm’s Name]
[Attorney’s Address]
[Attorney’s Email Address]
[Attorney’s Phone Number]
1. Purpose of Agreement
This Agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which [Attorney’s Full Name or Law Firm’s Name] (the "Attorney") will provide legal services to [Your Company Name] (the "Client"). The Attorney agrees to provide legal representation and advisory services in connection with [regulatory compliance, and other related legal matters] (the "Services").
2. Retainer Fee
a. Initial Retainer: The Client agrees to pay the Attorney a retainer fee of $[0] (the "Retainer Fee") upon execution of this Agreement. This Retainer Fee will be placed in the Attorney’s trust account and will be used to cover fees and expenses as they accrue.
b. Additional Retainers: If the Retainer Fee is exhausted before the conclusion of the legal matter or if the scope of work changes substantially, the Attorney may request an additional retainer. The Client agrees to provide such additional retainer payments upon receipt of a written request from the Attorney.
3. Billing and Payment
a. Hourly Rate: The Attorney’s standard hourly rate for legal services is $[0]. This rate applies to all time spent on the Client's matter, including but not limited to consultations, research, drafting documents, and communication.
b. Billing Statements: The Attorney will issue detailed monthly invoices to the Client. Each invoice will provide a breakdown of Services performed, the time spent on each task, and any costs incurred on behalf of the Client.
c. Payment Terms: The Client agrees to pay all invoices within [0] days of receipt. Late payments will accrue interest at a rate of [0]% per month or the maximum rate allowed by law, whichever is less. The Attorney reserves the right to suspend or terminate Services if payment is not made in a timely manner.
d. Retainer Drawdown: The Attorney will deduct fees and expenses from the Retainer Fee as they are incurred. The Attorney will notify the Client when the Retainer Fee is reduced to [$0], and the Client agrees to replenish the Retainer Fee to the original amount within [0] days of such notification.
4. Scope of Services
a. Description of Services: The Attorney will perform the following Services: [preparation and review of contracts, legal research, representation in negotiations, and advice on compliance issues]. Any changes to the scope of Services must be agreed upon in writing by both parties.
b. Additional Services: If the Client requires Services beyond those initially agreed upon, such additional Services will be billed at the Attorney’s standard hourly rate. The Attorney will obtain the Client’s prior consent before performing any additional work.
5. Term and Termination
a. Term: This Agreement will begin on [Month Day, Year] and will remain in effect until terminated by either party as outlined below.
b. Termination by Client: The Client may terminate this Agreement at any time by providing [0] days’ written notice to the Attorney. The Client will be liable for all fees and expenses incurred up to the date of termination, and any unused portion of the Retainer Fee will be refunded, less any outstanding charges.
c. Termination by Attorney: The Attorney may terminate this Agreement with [0] days’ written notice if the Client fails to make timely payments, if the Attorney determines that continuing representation would be unethical or impractical, or if the Attorney is otherwise unable to continue providing the Services.
d. Post-Termination: Upon termination, the Attorney will provide the Client with a final invoice for any outstanding fees and costs. Any unearned portion of the Retainer Fee will be refunded to the Client within [0] days. The Attorney will deliver to the Client all documents and materials related to the Client’s matter upon payment of all outstanding fees.
6. Confidentiality
The Attorney agrees to maintain strict confidentiality regarding all information provided by the Client. This obligation extends to all communications and materials exchanged during the course of representation and survives the termination of this Agreement. The Attorney will not disclose such information to third parties without the Client’s prior written consent, except as required by law.
7. Conflict of Interest
The Attorney represents that, to the best of their knowledge, there are no existing conflicts of interest that would prevent them from providing the Services. The Attorney will promptly disclose any potential conflicts of interest that arise during the term of this Agreement and will take appropriate steps to address them.
8. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
a. Governing Law: This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [State].
b. Dispute Resolution: Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved through binding arbitration in [County, State], in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA). The parties agree to share equally in the costs of arbitration.
9. Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, whether written or oral, related to the subject matter of this Agreement.
10. Amendments
Any amendments or modifications to this Agreement must be made in writing and signed by both parties. No verbal changes will be considered valid.
11. Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. The invalid or unenforceable provision will be replaced with a valid provision that closely reflects the original intent.
12. Notices
All notices required or permitted under this Agreement must be in writing and delivered by hand, sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or transmitted by email with confirmation of receipt to the addresses listed above.
13. Indemnification
The Client agrees to indemnify and hold the Attorney harmless from any claims, damages, losses, and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, arising from or related to the Attorney’s representation, except to the extent caused by the Attorney’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.
14. Execution
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be considered an original, and all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. Facsimile and electronic signatures will be deemed equivalent to original signatures.
15. Client Responsibilities
The Client agrees to provide all necessary information and documents required for the Attorney to perform the Services effectively. The Client further agrees to cooperate fully and promptly with the Attorney and to respond to all reasonable requests for information.
16. Limitation of Liability
The Attorney’s liability for any claims arising out of or related to this Agreement will be limited to the amount of fees paid by the Client for the specific Services giving rise to the claim. In no event will the Attorney be liable for any consequential, incidental, or punitive damages.
17. Professional Conduct
The Attorney agrees to perform the Services in accordance with the ethical standards and professional conduct rules set forth by the State Bar of [State] and other applicable legal authorities.
18. Relationship of Parties
Nothing in this Agreement will be construed to create an employer-employee relationship, partnership, or joint venture between the Attorney and the Client. The Attorney is an independent contractor and will not be entitled to any benefits provided by the Client to its employees.
19. Insurance
The Attorney maintains professional liability insurance with coverage limits of $[0] per claim and $[0] in the aggregate. A copy of the insurance policy is available for review upon request.
20. Force Majeure
Neither party will be liable for any delay or failure to perform its obligations under this Agreement due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of war, or government regulations.
21. Waiver
No waiver of any provision of this Agreement will be deemed a waiver of any other provision or of the same provision on a future occasion. A waiver must be made in writing and signed by the party granting the waiver.
22. Miscellaneous
a. Headings: Headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.
b. Interpretation: The parties agree that this Agreement will be interpreted in accordance with its fair meaning and not against the drafter.
Signatures
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Legal Retainer Agreement as of the date first written above.
Client:
[Your Name]
[Month Day, Year]
Attorney/Legal Firm:
[Full Name]
[Month Day, Year]
