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Attorney Client Agreement

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Agreement between Attorney and Client to Collect a Judgment

Agreement made on the , between of , referred to herein as Attorney, and , of , referred to herein as Client.

For and in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. Services to be Performed

To collect money Client is owed by pursuant to a Judgment rendered on in the for $.

2. Attorney will use his best efforts to collect the money due Client pursuant to said Judgment. Attorney’s fee will be fifty percent (50%) of all sums collected, Client agrees to advance costs of $ which are anticipated to be out-of-pocket expenses to Attorney in collecting said Judgment. Client shall advance such costs prior to Attorney’s seeking to collect said Judgment. Client has the ultimate authority over settlement and/or compromise of any debt. THERE WILL BE NO FEE OWED TO THE ATTORNEY IF THERE IS NO SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY.

3. Client agrees that Attorney is authorized to initiate Collection by a demand letter. If payment is not made in full or substantially in full within days of said Letter, Client hereby authorizes Attorney to take such steps as he deems best to collect said Judgment including, but not limited to, writ of garnishment and judicial foreclosure.

4. Client authorized Attorney to endorse and negotiate and/or deposit checks collected on Client’s behalf into Attorney’s trust account and withdraw Attorney’s portion (fees and costs) of said funds. Client authorize Attorney as Client’s agent to forward matters to other law firms and or to associate or co-counsel with other firms at no additional costs to client.

5. Client agrees to forward to Attorney all payments received directly from said Judgment Debtor for deposit into Attorney’s trust account; in event same does not occur Client agree to pay Attorney immediately the applicable collection fee on the said payment. The contingent rate is due to Attorney if Client or any one designated by Client receive any funds or other consideration from any source by or on behalf of any person or entity against whom we are retained by you to pursue in this Collection matter.

6. Attorney reserves the right to cease work on collection of this Judgment if Attorney it to substantially “uncollectable" in his own discretion. This determination may include the decision that it is economically unfeasible for Attorney to continue litigation or collection efforts because there are insufficient assets to justify collection. If in our opinion, the case involves an unsecured/ substantially uncollectible claim or bankruptcy, Attorney reserves the right to withdraw representation.

7. If Attorney withdraws or is discharged for any reason, Attorney shall be entitled to receive from Client any and all monies due and owing to us on account of costs advanced.

8. Severability

The invalidity of any portion of this Agreement will not and shall not be deemed to affect the validity of any other provision. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, the parties agree that the remaining provisions shall be deemed to be in full force and effect as if they had been executed by both parties subsequent to the expungement of the invalid provision.

9. No Waiver

The failure of either party to this Agreement to insist upon the performance of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, or the waiver of any breach of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, shall not be construed as subsequently waiving any such terms and conditions, but the same shall continue and remain in full force and effect as if no such forbearance or waiver had occurred.

10. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of .

11. Notices

Unless provided herein to the contrary, any notice provided for or concerning this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficiently given when sent by certified or registered mail if sent to the respective address of each party as set forth at the beginning of this Agreement.

12. Mandatory Arbitration

Any dispute under this Agreement shall be required to be resolved by binding arbitration of the parties hereto. If the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator, each party shall select one arbitrator and both arbitrators shall then select a third. The third arbitrator so selected shall arbitrate said dispute. The arbitration shall be governed by the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in force and effect.

13. Entire Agreement

This Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties and any prior understanding or representation of any kind preceding the date of this Agreement shall not be binding upon either party except to the extent incorporated in this Agreement.

14. Modification of Agreement

Any modification of this Agreement or additional obligation assumed by either party in connection with this Agreement shall be binding only if placed in writing and signed by each party or an authorized representative of each party.

15. Assignment of Rights

The rights of each party under this Agreement are personal to that party and may not be assigned or transferred to any other person, firm, corporation, or other entity without the prior, express, and written consent of the other party.

16. Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

17. Compliance with Laws

In performing under this Agreement, all applicable governmental laws, regulations, orders, and other rules of duly-constituted authority will be followed and complied with in all respects by both parties.

18. In this Agreement, any reference to a party includes that party's heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, singular includes plural and masculine includes feminine.

WITNESS our signatures as of the day and date first above stated.

(Signature of Attorney)

(Signature of Client)

State of

County of

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned authority in and for the said County and State, on this , within my jurisdiction, the within-named , who acknowledged that he executed the above and foregoing instrument.

My Commission Expires:

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What an Attorney Client Agreement Is and Why It Matters

An Attorney Client Agreement is a written contract that defines the legal relationship between a lawyer or law firm and a client, describing scope of representation, fees, retainer terms, confidentiality, and termination procedures. It formalizes duties and expectations, clarifies billing arrangements and dispute resolution, and helps preserve attorney-client privilege by documenting the parties and subject matter. While oral agreements can be enforceable in some cases, a written agreement reduces misunderstandings and is standard practice for most engagements.

Why a Clear, Signed Agreement Protects Both Parties

A written Attorney Client Agreement reduces ambiguity about scope, fees, and deadlines, supports ethical obligations, and provides a record for billing and privilege. It benefits clients and lawyers by setting expectations and minimizing billing disputes.

Why a Clear, Signed Agreement Protects Both Parties

Who Typically Completes an Attorney Client Agreement

Law firms, solo practitioners, corporate legal departments and individual clients routinely use these agreements to document engagements and fee arrangements.

  • Law firms and solo attorneys who need to set scope, fee structure, and conflict limits before starting work.
  • Corporate legal departments creating standardized engagement templates for outside counsel and specialty matters.
  • Individual clients or business representatives signing to confirm services, billing terms, and confidentiality obligations.

A clear agreement reduces billing disputes and supports ethical and regulatory compliance for all parties.

Who Signs and Their Typical Roles

Lead Attorney

The attorney or authorized firm representative signs to accept the engagement, confirm fee structure, and acknowledge ethical obligations; the signature binds the firm and documents who will supervise the matter.

Client Representative

The client or an authorized signatory for a corporate client signs to accept scope, fees, and billing terms; accurate identity and authority prevent later challenges to enforceability.

Essential Data Fields to Include

Client Name: Full legal name
Attorney Name: Firm and lead lawyer
Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY
Scope: Concise service description
Fee Terms: Hourly or flat fee
Governing Law: State name

Core Sections to Include in a Professional Agreement

A well-drafted Attorney Client Agreement organizes key legal and practical terms so both parties understand obligations, limits, and remedies. Include discrete sections that can be updated or replaced as needed.

Scope of Work

Describe tasks and exclusions clearly so the parties know what is—and is not—covered under the engagement, limiting disputes over additional services.

Fees and Billing

State rate types (hourly/flat), billing cycle, retainer handling, expense reimbursement, and consequences for late payment to avoid ambiguity.

Confidentiality

Affirm attorney-client privilege and confidentiality obligations, specify permitted disclosures, and note any exceptions for mandatory reporting.

Conflicts of Interest

Confirm client representation after conflicts check and describe steps if a conflict later arises, including withdrawal procedures.

Termination

Explain how either party may end representation, final accounting procedures, handling of client files, and fee reconciliation.

Governing Law

Choose the state law that will govern interpretation and include venue for disputes to reduce forum uncertainty.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete and Execute the Agreement

Follow these steps to prepare, review, and finalize an Attorney Client Agreement so it is clear, signed, and stored correctly.

  • 01
    Draft: Assemble standard clauses and tailor scope and fees to the matter.
  • 02
    Review: Have the attorney and client check for accuracy and omissions.
  • 03
    Sign: Obtain signatures and dated execution from all authorized signers.
  • 04
    Store: Retain the signed agreement in client file and digital archive.

How to Customize the Agreement for Online Completion

Configure your digital workflow so the agreement collects required data, secures signatures, and routes copies to appropriate recipients.

Field Configuration
Signature Field Require signer name and date; enforce required fields
Authentication Email link or SMS code; add ID check for high-risk matters
Routing Set signer order and automatic distribution to client file
Retention Policy Set automatic archival and backup settings

Typical Execution and Delivery Flow

A standard e-sign workflow moves the agreement from authoring through signature to storage and distribution with an audit trail.

  • Upload: Prepare the document in PDF or DOCX format for field placement.
  • Place Fields: Add signature, date, and required data fields for each party.
  • Send: Email signer link or generate a secure signing URL.
  • Confirm: Capture signed copy and audit trail; distribute to parties.

Technical Considerations for eSigning and Storage

Choose a platform that supports required authentication, audit trails, and secure storage for privileged client material.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX are widely supported for consistent rendering
  • Authentication: Email, SMS codes, or two-factor for sensitive matters
  • Integrations: Connect with document management and billing systems

Ensure your provider supports HIPAA (if applicable), preserves audit logs, and offers export options for firm archival systems.

Common Dates and Timing to Track in the Agreement

Identify time-sensitive items in the agreement and track them consistently to avoid missed deadlines or billing disputes.

Effective Date:

When representation and obligations begin

Retainer Due Date:

Date payment must be received to begin work

Billing Cycle:

Monthly, biweekly, or per-invoice schedule

Notice Periods:

Days required for termination or withdrawal

Document Retention:

When archival or destruction begins

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Agreement

  • Using vague scope language that leaves routine tasks undefined and invites billing disputes or scope creep.
  • Failing to confirm signatory authority for corporate clients, which can lead to enforceability challenges or later repudiation.
  • Omitting fee detail such as billing intervals, expense reimbursement, or handling of third-party costs, causing disagreements.
  • Not retaining a signed copy and audit trail for the required period, which complicates privilege claims and billing audits.

Risks and Consequences of an Incomplete or Incorrect Agreement

Billing Disputes: Client may refuse payment
Ethics Violations: Possible bar inquiry or sanctions
Privilege Loss: Unclear records can weaken privilege claims
Contractual Liability: Unexpected obligations may arise
Regulatory Exposure: HIPAA or consumer law noncompliance
Enforceability Challenges: Questionable signatures or authority

Illustrative Scenarios Where the Agreement Helps

Real-world examples show how a clear Attorney Client Agreement prevents disputes and documents expectations.

Small Business Engagement

A startup needed ongoing counsel for contracts and IP

  • The firm used a monthly retainer with clear scope
  • The signed agreement avoided disputes over out-of-scope hourly work and provided a predictable billing cadence for both parties.

Complex Litigation Matter

A client retained counsel for multi-year litigation

  • The agreement specified hourly rates, cost advances, and settlement authority limits
  • When settlement arose, the agreement’s approval thresholds prevented confusion and ensured timely client instructions.

Supporting Documents and Export Options to Keep on File

Attach or retain related documents alongside the agreement and export signed files in standard formats for long-term access.

Engagement Letter

A concise engagement letter can sit alongside the agreement to summarize key terms for quick reference and client sign-off, reducing time spent locating core provisions.

Retainer Receipt

Record proof of retainer payments and any trust accounting entries; include receipts in the client file to support billing and trust account audits.

Conflict Check Record

Maintain a conflict-check memo documenting searches and results; store it with the engagement file to demonstrate compliance with conflict screening procedures.

Export Formats

Save signed agreements as PDF/A for archival and retain a copy of the platform audit trail (timestamps, IP, authentication method) for evidentiary needs.

How an Attorney Client Agreement Differs from Similar Documents

Compare common engagement documents to clarify when to use an Attorney Client Agreement versus alternatives.

Document Attorney Client Agreement Engagement Letter
Primary Use comprehensive terms summary terms
Formality high low
Scope Detail extensive limited
Billing Terms detailed often summarized

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Executing Attorney Client Agreements

Compare basic pricing and capabilities relevant to signing and storing Attorney Client Agreements; signNow is listed first for comparison purposes.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Frequently Asked Questions About Attorney Client Agreements

Answers to common questions about enforceability, signatures, digital fulfillment, and recordkeeping for Attorney Client Agreements.


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