Retainer Agreement for the United States

Retainer Agreement Template for United States

A Retainer Agreement is a legally binding contract between a legal service provider and a client that establishes the terms of ongoing legal representation. Under U.S. law, this document outlines the scope of services, fee arrangements, billing procedures, and the rights and obligations of both parties. It serves as the foundational document for the attorney-client relationship and must comply with state-specific bar association rules and professional conduct requirements.

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What is a Retainer Agreement?

A Retainer Agreement is essential when establishing an ongoing attorney-client relationship in the United States. This document is typically used when a client requires regular legal services over an extended period, rather than for a single matter. The agreement details the terms under which the attorney or law firm will provide legal services, including the scope of representation, fee structure, and payment terms. It must comply with state-specific legal requirements and bar association rules. A well-drafted Retainer Agreement protects both parties by clearly defining expectations, responsibilities, and the parameters of the professional relationship. This document is particularly important for establishing trust accounts, billing procedures, and communication protocols between the attorney and client.

What sections should be included in a Retainer Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification of the attorney/firm and client with full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Context of the engagement and relationship between parties

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement including billing rates, retainer, and services

4. Scope of Services: Detailed description of legal services to be provided and any excluded services

5. Fee Structure: Retainer amount, billing rates, payment terms, and trust account management

6. Billing and Payment Terms: Detailed billing procedures, payment schedules, and late payment consequences

7. Term and Termination: Duration of agreement, termination rights, and procedures for both parties

8. Confidentiality: Attorney-client privilege and confidentiality obligations

9. Professional Standards: Commitment to professional conduct rules and ethical standards

What sections are optional to include in a Retainer Agreement?

1. Conflict Resolution: Procedures for resolving disputes between attorney and client, including mediation or arbitration provisions

2. Insurance: Professional liability insurance details and coverage information

3. Outside Counsel: Terms and conditions for engaging additional counsel or specialists

4. File Retention: Policies regarding maintenance and disposal of client files after engagement

5. Technology and Communications: Protocols for electronic communications and data security measures

What schedules should be included in a Retainer Agreement?

1. Schedule A - Fee Schedule: Detailed breakdown of hourly rates, flat fees, and other charges

2. Schedule B - Billing Guidelines: Specific billing procedures, acceptable expenses, and client-specific requirements

3. Schedule C - Team Structure: List of attorneys and staff assigned to the matter with their roles and rates

4. Schedule D - Excluded Services: Specific list of services not covered under the retainer agreement

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

United States

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Agreement Contract

Cost

Free to use
Clauses
Industries

State-Specific Laws: Core state-level regulations including state bar association rules, state-specific contract laws, consumer protection laws, and specific requirements for retainer agreements in the jurisdiction

Professional Conduct Rules: American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct, state-specific rules of professional conduct, and relevant ethics opinions and guidelines

Fee-Related Regulations: Rules governing reasonable fees, trust account management requirements, regulations distinguishing between non-refundable retainers and advance payments, and fee dispute resolution procedures

Contract Law Fundamentals: Essential contract law principles including Uniform Commercial Code provisions, common law contract principles, and Statute of Frauds requirements

Consumer Protection Laws: Federal Trade Commission regulations, state consumer protection statutes, and truth in lending regulations for payment plans

Documentation Requirements: Mandatory record-keeping requirements, regulated billing practices, and necessary disclosure requirements for legal services

Termination Provisions: Rules governing withdrawal from representation, requirements for termination notices, and obligations regarding refunds

Privacy Laws: Requirements related to attorney-client privilege, confidentiality obligations, and data protection regulations

Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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