Asylum Contract Agreement

ASYLUM CONTRACT AGREEMENT

This Asylum Contract Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into on this between Client Name: , Date of Birth: , Country of Origin: , and Address: (hereinafter "Client"), and Representative/Firm Name: , Attorney Name: , Bar Number: , Address: (hereinafter "Attorney").

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client seeks legal representation in connection with an application for asylum and related immigration relief before administrative bodies and immigration courts; and

WHEREAS, Attorney represents that Attorney is duly authorized to practice law, has experience in immigration and asylum matters, and is willing to provide legal services to Client in accordance with the terms set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, Client desires to engage Attorney to provide representation and Attorney agrees to provide such representation under the terms of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises set forth herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1 "Services" means legal services provided by Attorney to Client in connection with asylum, withholding of removal, protection under the Convention Against Torture, related motions, appeals, and any ancillary proceedings, including preparation of forms, declarations, supporting documentation, representation at interviews and hearings, and correspondence with governmental bodies.

1.2 "Retainer" means the initial payment described in Section 3 by Client to secure Attorney's availability and commencement of work.

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

2.1 Attorney will perform Services with reasonable skill, diligence and in accordance with applicable rules of professional conduct. Services include: (a) factual investigation and counseling; (b) preparation and filing of asylum application and supporting documents; (c) preparation of declarations and corroborating evidence; (d) representation at interviews and hearings; and (e) communications and pleadings reasonably necessary to pursue the asylum claim.

2.2 Attorney does not guarantee any particular result, and Client acknowledges that immigration outcomes are subject to discretion of adjudicators and courts.

3. FEES, RETAINER AND BILLING

3.1 Retainer: Client shall pay a non-refundable retainer in the amount of upon execution of this Agreement, which will be applied to fees and costs as billed.

3.2 Fee Arrangement (select all that apply below):

Fixed flat fee for representation:

Hourly billing at an hourly rate of per hour. Attorney will provide periodic invoices showing time and description of work.

3.3 Billing and Payment Terms: Client shall pay invoices within thirty (30) days of receipt. Past due balances may incur interest at the maximum rate permitted by law. In the event Client fails to pay fees or costs when due, Attorney may suspend representation as permitted by law after reasonable notice to Client.

4. COSTS AND EXPENSES

4.1 Client is responsible for all out-of-pocket costs and expenses necessary for representation, including but not limited to filing fees, translation and interpretation services, document preparation, travel expenses, expert fees, and copying and mailing costs.

Estimated costs at the outset: . Actual costs may vary and will be invoiced as incurred.

5. CLIENT COOPERATION; REPRESENTATIONS

5.1 Client shall cooperate fully with Attorney, provide truthful and complete information, produce documents as requested, attend meetings and hearings, and promptly notify Attorney of any change of address, phone number, or circumstances that may affect the representation.

5.2 Client represents that all information provided to Attorney will be true and accurate to the best of Client’s knowledge. Any material misrepresentation may be grounds for termination and may subject Client to legal penalties.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY AND ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE

6.1 All communications between Attorney and Client related to legal advice are confidential and protected by the attorney-client privilege and/or work-product doctrine, subject to applicable exceptions and mandatory disclosure duties imposed by law.

7. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

7.1 Attorney has made reasonable efforts to determine whether any conflicts exist. Client must disclose any potential conflicts or prior representations that might reasonably give rise to a conflict. If a conflict arises, Attorney may withdraw if required by applicable rules of professional conduct.

8. TERMINATION

8.1 Either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the other party. Termination by Client does not discharge Client's obligation to pay for services performed and costs incurred prior to termination.

8.2 Upon termination, Attorney shall take reasonable steps to the extent practicable to protect Client's interests, including providing Client with reasonable access to the file and transferring necessary documents subject to payment of outstanding fees and costs.

9. FILES AND RETENTION

9.1 Client authorizes Attorney to maintain copies of Client's file in electronic or physical form. Attorney may retain copies of the file for archival purposes and may destroy files after a reasonable retention period consistent with Attorney's retention policies and applicable law.

10. NOTICES

10.1 Notices shall be sent to the addresses provided above and shall be deemed given when received in person, by nationally recognized overnight courier, or three (3) business days after deposit in the mail if sent by first-class mail.

11. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER

11.1 This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both parties. No failure or delay by either party in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of that right.

12. GOVERNING LAW; VENUE

12.1 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. Venue for disputes arising under this Agreement shall lie in the appropriate state or federal court located in such state.

13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

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

13.2 If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect and the invalid or unenforceable provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

14. COUNTERPARTS AND ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES

14.1 This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one instrument. Signatures transmitted by electronic means, including facsimile or by scanned image, shall be binding as originals.

ADDITIONAL TERMS

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