Fill and Sign the Contract to Employ Law Firmhourly Feewith Retainer Form

Contract to Employ Law Firm - Hourly Fee - with Retainer Agreement made on the ___________________________ (date), between ____________________________ (Name of Client), a not for profit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state of __________________, with its principal office located at ____________________________________________________________________________ ______________ (street address, city, county, state, zip code), referred to herein as Client and __________________________________________ (Name of Law Firm), a professional limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the state of ______________, with its principal office located at __________________________________________________ ______________________________ (street address, city, county, state, zip code) , referred to herein as the Firm.I. Purpose of EmploymentClient employs Firm to represent Client in (describe purpose of representation such as representing Client in mortgage matters before the Department of Housing and Community Development) _____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________.II.Initial RetainerThe Firm acknowledges receipt of $____________ as an initial retainer in this matter and, in consideration of that payment, agrees to provide legal service in connection with this matter. The initial retainer paid shall be applied against actual legal services performed for the Client and for costs and expenses incurred.III. Hourly RatesThe Client and the Firm agree that services shall be charged at the following standard hourly rates:A. Members: $____________ to $____________.B. Associates: $____________ to $____________.C. Paralegals: $____________ to $____________.IV. Final BillThe Client and the Firm agree that the final bill to be rendered by the Firm in connection with this matter shall, in addition to reflecting the time expended, take into account any factors prescribed by the State Bar of _________________________ (name of state) to be considered as guides when determining the reasonableness of fees for legal services, such as the following:A. The time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved and the skill requisite to perform the legal service properly.B. The fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services.C. The amount involved and the results obtained. D. The time limitations imposed by the Client or by the circumstances.E. The nature and length of the professional relationship with the Client.F. The experience, reputation, and ability of the lawyer or lawyers performing the services.4. Interim BillingsInterim billings may be submitted to the Client from time to time in the event the time charges of the Firm exceed the initial retainer. All interim billings shall be due and payable on receipt unless otherwise stated. Failure to pay interim billings promptly will permit the Firm after notice to the Client to terminate its representation of the Client. It is understood that the hourly time charges include but are not limited to: court appearances; telephone conferences; office conferences; legal research; depositions; review of file materials and documents sent or received; preparation for trials, hearings, and conferences; drafting of pleadings or instruments; and office memoranda and correspondence.5. Out-of Pocket DisbursementsThe Client agrees to assume and pay for all out-of-pocket disbursements incurred in connection with this matter. These shall include filing fees, witness fees, travel, sheriff's and constable's fees, expenses of depositions, investigative expenses, and other incidental expenses. The Firm agrees to obtain the Client's prior approval before incurring any disbursement in excess of $____________.6. Refund to ClientIf, upon either the completion of the matter or the termination of the Firm's representation of the Client , the total cost of the legal services performed by the Firm shall be less than the amount of any retainer paid by the Client, the balance shall be refunded to the Client by the Firm.WITNESS our signatures as of the day and date first above stated._______________________________ ___________________________________ (Name of Client) (Name of Firm) By: _________________________________ By: ______________________________ _________________________________ ______________________________ (Printed name & Office in Corporation) (Printed Name & Office in LLC) _________________________________ ______________________________(Signature of Officer) (Signature of Member)