AOS Retainer Agreement

AOS RETAINER AGREEMENT

This AOS Retainer Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of by and between Client Name: with mailing address: ("Client") and Counsel Name / Law Firm: with office address: ("Counsel").

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client seeks legal representation with respect to an application for adjustment of status and related immigration matters (the "Matter"); and

WHEREAS, Counsel is duly authorized to provide immigration legal services and has agreed to represent Client in the Matter subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth the scope of representation, fee arrangement and other terms governing the attorney-client relationship;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. SCOPE OF ENGAGEMENT

Counsel shall provide legal services limited to the Matter described above, including counsel's review of Client eligibility, preparation and filing of adjustment of status application documents, communication with adjudicating authorities and representation at scheduled interviews directly related to the adjustment of status application. Counsel will not provide services outside the described Matter unless the parties agree in writing.

Additional services such as appeals, motions to reopen or reconsider, removal defense, or representation in separate immigration proceedings are not included unless expressly identified below:

2. FEES AND RETAINER

Client agrees to pay Counsel a retainer in the amount of which shall be applied against fees and costs as set forth below. Counsel's standard hourly rate is per hour for attorney time and per hour for paralegal time, unless the parties agree to a flat fee in writing.

3. COSTS AND EXPENSES

Client shall be responsible for costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Matter, including but not limited to filing fees, translation costs, courier and postage charges, expert fees, travel expenses, and other out-of-pocket disbursements. Counsel may require an advance deposit for anticipated costs. Counsel will seek Client's approval for any single out-of-pocket expense expected to exceed .

4. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Client shall provide truthful, complete and timely information and documents necessary for Counsel's representation. Client must inform Counsel promptly of any change in address, telephone number, employment, or any fact relevant to the Matter. Counsel may rely on Client's statements and documents and is not responsible for verifying all facts outside Counsel's direct control.

5. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Counsel represents no party in this Matter other than Client unless disclosed in writing. If Counsel discovers a potential conflict of interest that would materially impair representation, Counsel will notify Client and take such action as required by applicable professional responsibility rules. If a conflict requires withdrawal, Counsel will take reasonable steps to protect Client's interests.

6. TERM AND TERMINATION

Either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the other. Client is responsible for fees and costs incurred through the date of termination. If Counsel withdraws for good cause, Client remains responsible for payment of all earned fees and unreimbursed costs. Any unearned portion of an advance retainer will be refunded to Client in accordance with applicable ethical obligations.

7. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVILEGE

Communications between Client and Counsel are protected by the attorney-client privilege and will be kept confidential to the fullest extent permitted by law. Counsel may disclose confidences where disclosure is required by law, to prevent a crime, or to comply with professional conduct obligations.

8. RECORDS AND FILE RETENTION

Counsel will retain Client's file in accordance with Counsel's record retention policies. Upon termination or conclusion of the Matter, Counsel may dispose of Client files after a reasonable retention period unless Client requests delivery of original documents and provides written instructions and a forwarding address.

9. NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth below or to such other address as either party may designate in writing. Notice shall be effective upon personal delivery, confirmed electronic delivery, or three days after deposit with domestic first-class mail.

10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Except as otherwise required by mandatory rules of professional responsibility, any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved by binding arbitration or litigation as elected by Counsel in Counsel's sole discretion. If arbitration is chosen, the arbitration shall be final and binding and judgment may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

11. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of , without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning its subject matter and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, representations and communications, whether written or oral.

13. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect, and the parties shall negotiate in good faith to replace the invalid or unenforceable provision with a valid and enforceable provision that achieves, to the extent possible, the original intent of the parties.

14. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

Any amendment or modification of this Agreement must be in writing signed by both parties. No waiver by either party of any breach shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and delivered by electronic transmission, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

15. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Client acknowledges that Client has read and understands this Agreement, has had an opportunity to ask questions, and has received a copy of this Agreement. Client further acknowledges that Counsel has made no guarantees regarding the outcome of the Matter.

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