Legal Adult Retainer Agreement

LEGAL ADULT RETAINER AGREEMENT

This Retainer Agreement (the Agreement) is made and entered into as of by and between Client Name: residing at (Client), and Attorney/Firm Name: with principal office at (Attorney).

Client affirms that Client is at least 18 years of age and is legally competent to enter into this Agreement: I affirm that I am 18 years of age or older.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client seeks legal representation from Attorney to provide legal services as set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Attorney is willing to provide such services subject to the terms and conditions contained herein and applicable rules of professional conduct; and

WHEREAS, Client and Attorney desire to define their respective rights and obligations in connection with Attorney's representation of Client.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows.

1. SCOPE OF ENGAGEMENT

Attorney is retained to provide legal services in connection with:

Attorney shall provide representation consistent with applicable professional standards. Services outside the scope above must be authorized in writing and may require an additional retainer or fee agreement.

2. FEES, BILLING AND PAYMENT

Client agrees to pay Attorney for legal services at the rates and on the terms set forth below. Attorney will bill time in minimum increments consistent with Attorney's billing practices for work performed by attorneys and staff.

Attorney will render periodic statements describing services rendered, time expended, and expenses incurred. Client shall pay billed amounts within the stated payment term. Unpaid balances may accrue interest at the rate specified in the invoice or as allowed by law.

3. RETAINER; TRUST ACCOUNT

Upon execution of this Agreement, Client shall pay a retainer to be deposited into Attorney's client trust account (IOLTA) to be applied against fees and costs as billed. Client acknowledges that the retainer is the property of Client and will be held in trust until earned by Attorney through performance of services.

4. EXPENSES AND DISBURSEMENTS

Client shall reimburse Attorney for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the matter, including filing fees, courier costs, deposition and transcript fees, expert fees, travel, and other necessary expenditures. Such expenses may be billed as incurred or advanced by Attorney and deducted from the trust retainer with Client notification.

5. CLIENT COOPERATION

Client agrees to cooperate fully with Attorney, to provide all information and documents reasonably required, to attend meetings and hearings as needed, and to timely respond to Attorney's communications. Failure to cooperate may be cause for withdrawal or termination under Section 9 below.

6. CONFLICTS AND REPRESENTATIONS

Client represents that Client has disclosed all facts known to Client that reasonably could give rise to a conflict of interest. If a conflict is discovered, Attorney shall notify Client and determine whether Attorney may continue representation consistent with professional ethics; where consent or withdrawal is required, Attorney shall act in accordance with applicable rules.

7. TERMINATION; WITHDRAWAL

Either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the other. Attorney may withdraw if Client fails to comply with the terms of this Agreement, fails to pay fees or expenses, or for any other reason permitted by law. Upon termination, Client shall remain responsible for all fees and expenses incurred through the date of termination.

8. CONFIDENTIALITY AND ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE

Communications between Client and Attorney shall be subject to the attorney-client privilege and applicable confidentiality protections. Attorney will not disclose confidential information without Client's informed consent except as required by law or ethical duties. Client consents to Attorney's use of secure communications and record-keeping customary to Attorney's practice.

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Attorney's liability for claims arising out of or related to this Agreement shall be limited to direct damages and shall not include consequential, incidental, special, or punitive damages to the fullest extent permitted by law. Nothing in this provision shall operate to limit liability that cannot be limited as a matter of law.

10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve disputes arising under this Agreement by negotiation. If negotiation fails, the parties agree to:

Arbitration (binding) Litigation in state court

The selection above governs dispute resolution; where arbitration is selected, the arbitrator's award may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction.

11. NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered by personal delivery, certified mail, or electronic transmission (with confirmation) to the addresses below. Notice is effective upon receipt.

12. GOVERNING LAW; VENUE

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the state specified below, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

14. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

No modification or amendment of this Agreement will be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties. A waiver of any breach shall not constitute a waiver of any other or subsequent breach. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together constitute one and the same instrument.

15. CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Client acknowledges receipt of a copy of this Agreement, has had the opportunity to ask questions, and has been advised of Client's right to seek independent legal counsel prior to execution. Client understands the terms of engagement, fee arrangements, and Client's responsibilities.

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