Parties
Identify the clinic, supervising attorney, and client by full legal name and capacity; include contact details and representative information.
A clear Legal Clinic Agreement reduces misunderstandings, protects client confidentiality, documents informed consent, and creates a record of the limited scope of services. It also helps clinics meet ethical rules and funding requirements without replacing formal retainer agreements when needed.
Legal clinics, pro bono programs, and law school clinics use these agreements to document limited-scope representation and protect both the clinic and the client.
Use a clinic agreement whenever legal assistance begins — especially when representation is limited, conditional, or time-bound to avoid later disputes.
Identify the clinic, supervising attorney, and client by full legal name and capacity; include contact details and representative information.
Define the discrete tasks, goals, and exclusions (e.g., advice only, document preparation, court appearance) and note any services not covered.
Specify effective date, anticipated end date or milestone completion, and procedures for early termination by either party.
Describe confidentiality limits, record retention policy, and circumstances requiring disclosure (e.g., court order, mandatory reporting).
State whether representation is free, subsidized, or fee-based; list payment terms and who pays court or filing costs.
Explain conflict screening, what happens on identified conflicts, and referral or transfer procedures to external counsel.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Required Fields | Full name, scope, effective date, signature |
| Signer Order | Clinic signs after client signs |
| Authentication | Email + optional SMS verification |
| Audit Trail | Enable IP, timestamp, and completion certificate |
Choose a platform that supports your security, compliance, and integration requirements for handling client data.
Ensure the platform you select supports HIPAA workflows if you handle protected health information and provides an auditable certificate of completion.
| 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 | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Check vendor | Check vendor | Check vendor | Check vendor |
A tenant seeks help for a single eviction defense matter and the clinic agrees to limited representation for one hearing only
A client requests advice about filing an initial benefit petition and the clinic provides advisory assistance only
| Criteria | Clinic Agreement | Engagement Letter |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | limited, discrete tasks | broader ongoing representation |
| Fee Terms | often pro bono or subsidized | typically fee-based and detailed |
| Supervision | includes student supervision notes | standard attorney-client terms |
| Eligibility | may include income or case-type limits | no eligibility screening |
Client and clinic should set and sign an effective date in MM/DD/YYYY format
List a target completion date or milestone for the limited services
Specify required notice period (e.g., 7 or 14 days) for early termination
If applicable, state payment due date and acceptable payment methods
Define when executed documents will be delivered to client and added to the file
Client eligibility verified and intake form saved
Supervising attorney approves scope and signs
Clinic performs the agreed tasks or attends scheduled hearings
Final letter sent and file archived per retention policy