Parties
Clear legal names and contact details for the client and the representative, including mailing and email addresses for notices.
A clear Legal Claims Representation documents authority, reduces disputes about scope, and creates a record that supports enforceability and ethical compliance under ESIGN and applicable state law.
Use this document whenever formal, written authority is needed to act on another party’s behalf in a legal claim or dispute.
An attorney or designated firm partner who accepts representation and agrees to the terms, scope, and fee arrangement; signs to confirm ethical and procedural obligations.
The individual or entity granting authority; signs to confirm consent, disclosure receipt, and acknowledgement of representation terms including limitations and fee arrangements.
Clear legal names and contact details for the client and the representative, including mailing and email addresses for notices.
A detailed description of permitted actions (file suit, settle, negotiate, access files) and any expressly excluded powers.
Start and end dates or triggering events that determine when the representation begins and terminates.
Fee arrangement (hourly, contingency, flat), expense reimbursement rules, and billing frequency.
Terms governing protected information, data sharing permissions, and requirements for HIPAA or other protections if health data is involved.
Procedures for revoking authority, notice requirements, and obligations on wind-down or file transfer.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Set client first, representative second |
| Authentication | Email + SMS code or stronger for sensitive cases |
| Mandatory Fields | Make scope, fee, and signature required |
| Audit Trail | Enable IP, timestamp, and action logging |
Ensure the chosen platform supports ESIGN and UETA compliance, secure storage (AES-256), and a retrievable audit trail for evidentiary needs.
Varies by claim; check state law
Insurance notice often 30–90 days
Court filing rules set dates
Preserve records per retention policy
Set internal response SLA (e.g., 5 business days)
Execute representation and record effective date
Provide or file required notices within set windows
Preserve and collect documents and communications
Negotiate settlement or file formal claim
Dan Rotelli, CEO of BIS, emphasized compliance as a primary criterion when selecting a signing solution.
John Butler, founder of Fertility Centers of Illinois, prioritized secure APIs and responsiveness.
| Criteria | Representation Agreement | Power of Attorney |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | authorize legal action | grant broad legal authority |
| Duration | case-specific | potentially long-term |
| Notarization Often Required | sometimes | often |
| Typical Use | claims, litigation tasks | financial and property management |
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |