Engagement Letter
Defines scope, responsibilities, and limiting clauses; sets expectations for deliverables and communication frequency and forms the primary contractual basis.
A documented Legal Client Representation Process reduces disputes about scope, billing, and authority, and helps preserve confidentiality and evidentiary records. Electronic execution and reliable retention support enforceability under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA (1999) when state law applies.
Primary users include law firms, in-house counsel, solo practitioners, and clients who must establish formal authority and consent for legal work.
Each signer’s role should be documented explicitly to avoid later challenges over who had authority to act or consent.
Defines scope, responsibilities, and limiting clauses; sets expectations for deliverables and communication frequency and forms the primary contractual basis.
Specifies retainer amounts, hourly or flat fees, billing cycle, expense reimbursement, and consequences for nonpayment or late payment, including whether trust accounts are used.
Records full legal name, government ID details, contact information, and corporate authority (if an entity) to prevent identity or authorization disputes.
Lists permitted actions, jurisdictions covered, exclusions, and any deadlines or conditions that terminate or suspend representation.
Designates who signs, whether signatures require notarization or witnesses, and whether electronic signatures are acceptable under ESIGN/UETA.
Describes steps for withdrawal or revocation, required notices, client obligations on termination, and file retention or transfer procedures.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Authentication | Email + SMS code or stronger (KBA or MFA) where required |
| Templates | Prebuilt engagement and fee templates for consistency |
| Conditional fields | Show finance fields only when fee arrangements apply |
| Notifications | Auto-notify when signed or when retainer paid |
Confirm the eSignature platform supports required authentication, retention, and integrations before use.
Ensure the platform meets compliance needs (HIPAA, 21 CFR Part 11) and preserves a tamper-evident audit trail for each executed document.
Date engagement begins; determines duties and billing start
Often due on execution or before work starts
Follow local rules for notice and filing dates
Revocation takes effect per agreement and applicable rules
Varies by claim and jurisdiction; track case-specific dates
| 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 free 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 |