Legal fees agreement template (US)

Attorney Engagement Letter and Fee Agreement

State bar rules govern fee agreements. Some states require a written agreement for certain fees, and contingency fees are not allowed in criminal and most family law matters. This letter must comply with the rules of professional conduct of Bar State.

Law Firm Name

Law Firm Address

Date: Letter Date

Client Name

Client Address

Re: Engagement for Matter Description

Dear Client Name:

Thank you for choosing Law Firm Name (the "Firm"). This letter confirms the terms on which we will represent you.

1. Scope

We will represent you in Matter Description (the "Matter"), including Included Services. Our representation does not include Excluded Services, such as Appeals, Collection of a Judgment, or Tax Advice unless we agree in writing. We have made no promise or guarantee about the outcome.

2. Fees

Fee basis (keep the paragraph that applies and delete the others):

Hourly: Our fees are based on time spent, at these rates: Attorney Name, $Attorney Rate per hour; other attorneys, $Associate Rate; paralegals, $Paralegal Rate. We bill in increments of Billing Increment of an hour.

Flat fee: The fee for the services described is $Flat Fee, Earned and Refundable Terms, as State Rules Require.

Contingency: The fee is Contingency Percent% of any recovery, calculated Before or After costs are deducted. If there is no recovery, you owe no fee, but Cost Responsibility.

3. Retainer

You will pay an advance of $Retainer Amount before we begin. It will be held in our client trust account and applied to invoices as they are earned, and any unearned amount will be refunded at the end of the Matter.

4. Costs

You will pay costs such as filing fees, service fees, court reporters, expert fees and copying, at actual cost. We will ask your approval before incurring a single cost over $Cost Approval Threshold.

5. Billing

We will send itemized invoices Billing Frequency. Payment is due within Payment Days days. If invoices are not paid, we may withdraw from the Matter as allowed by the rules of professional conduct and with court permission where required.

6. Communication and Your Duties

We will keep you informed and respond promptly. You agree to be truthful with us, cooperate, keep us informed of changes in your contact information, and make decisions on time.

7. Conflicts

We have checked for conflicts of interest and found none, except: Disclosed Conflicts, or None.

8. Ending the Representation

You may end our representation at any time. We may withdraw as the rules allow. You will pay for services and costs incurred up to that time. Our representation ends when the Matter is completed, and we will then keep your file for File Retention Years years.

9. Fee Disputes

If a fee dispute arises, you may have the right to arbitration through the State or Local Bar Fee Arbitration Program.

Please sign below and return this letter with the retainer to confirm.

Sincerely,

Attorney Signature

Attorney Name, Attorney Title

I have read and agree to these terms, and I have received a copy.

Client signature: Client Signature

Date: Client Signing Date