Legal Charging Form

LEGAL CHARGING FORM

This Legal Charging Form (the "Agreement") is entered into as of Effective Date: by and between Client Name: with mailing address: , and Attorney/Firm Name: with principal place of business at: .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client has retained Attorney to provide legal services as described in this Agreement and Attorney has agreed to provide such services subject to the terms set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, Client acknowledges an obligation to pay for legal services, costs, and expenses and agrees to authorize certain charging and security rights to secure payment of such obligations; and

WHEREAS, the parties intend by this Agreement to set forth the scope of the engagement, the method and timing of charges for legal services and expenses, and the Attorney's remedies, including a charging lien or other security interest in recoveries obtained on behalf of Client.

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

1. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions apply: "Charges" means all fees, costs, and expenses billed by Attorney in connection with the representation; "Retainer" means funds deposited to Attorney's trust account to be applied to Charges; "Recoveries" means any monetary recovery, settlement, judgment, award, or proceeds obtained on behalf of Client, whether by litigation, arbitration, settlement, or otherwise.

2. SCOPE OF ENGAGEMENT

Attorney shall provide legal services as described in the engagement summary below. The scope may be amended in writing by the parties. Client authorizes Attorney to take all reasonable actions necessary to perform the services, including retaining experts and incurring expenses on Client's behalf.

3. FEES AND BILLING

Attorney's compensation shall be billed as set forth below. Billing statements shall itemize time billed, tasks performed, the identity of the professional, and expenses incurred. Client shall pay billed amounts in accordance with the payment provisions of this Agreement.

4. RETAINER; TRUST FUNDS

Client shall deliver a Retainer in the amount specified below. Retainer funds shall be held in Attorney's trust account and applied against billed Charges in accordance with professional rules. Attorney may require replenishment of the Retainer upon notice if the Retainer is diminished.

5. AUTHORIZATION TO CHARGE

Client expressly authorizes Attorney to charge Fees and Costs as set forth in this Agreement to the payment methods selected below and to apply Retainer funds to outstanding Charges. This authorization remains effective until revoked in writing by Client, provided that revocation shall not affect Attorney's rights to collect outstanding Charges for work performed prior to the effective date of revocation.

6. ATTORNEY'S CHARGING LIEN AND SECURITY INTEREST

To secure payment of all Charges, Client grants Attorney a charging lien and, to the extent permissible by law, a security interest in any Recoveries obtained on Client's behalf. Attorney may assert and enforce any lien, charging order, or security interest available under applicable law, and may withhold distribution of recoveries pending resolution of disputed Charges. Client agrees to execute any documents reasonably necessary to perfect such security interest.

7. EXPENSES; INTEREST; COLLECTIONS

Client shall reimburse Attorney for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the representation. Unpaid balances shall accrue interest at the annual rate specified below. Client shall be responsible for collection costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred in enforcing payment of Charges.

8. CONFIDENTIALITY; PRIVILEGE

Attorney shall maintain the confidentiality of Client communications subject to applicable law and the attorney-client privilege. Notwithstanding confidentiality obligations, Attorney's assertion of a charging lien or similar remedy may require disclosure of limited information to courts or third parties, and Client consents to such disclosures as reasonably necessary to enforce Attorney's rights under this Agreement.

9. TERMINATION

Either party may terminate the engagement upon written notice. Termination shall not relieve Client of the obligation to pay Charges incurred through the date of termination, and Attorney may apply Retainer funds to outstanding Charges in accordance with professional obligations.

10. NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth in the opening paragraph or to such other address as a party may specify by written notice to the other party.

11. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

No amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties. Failure or delay by either party to enforce any provision shall not be deemed a waiver. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and by electronic signature, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

12. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction specified below without regard to conflict of laws principles. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior understandings. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

13. MISCELLANEOUS

The parties represent that they have the legal authority to enter into this Agreement. Any provision requiring performance within a specified time shall be subject to reasonable extension for causes beyond a party's control. Headings are for convenience and do not affect interpretation.

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