Legal Complaint Agreement

LEGAL COMPLAINT AGREEMENT

This Legal Complaint Agreement (the Agreement) is made and entered into as of by and between Client Name: and Attorney/Firm Name: .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client seeks legal representation to investigate and, if appropriate, prepare and file a civil complaint asserting claims arising from the facts described in Section 2 below; and

WHEREAS, Attorney has represented to Client that Attorney is duly licensed, experienced in the relevant area of law, and willing to undertake representation under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth their respective duties, fee arrangements, authorities, and the process for authorization to commence litigation and to resolve disputes.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1 "Complaint" means the initial pleading filed by Attorney on behalf of Client to commence a civil action asserting the claims described in Section 2.

1.2 "Costs" means all out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the prosecution of the matter, including but not limited to filing fees, service of process, expert fees, deposition costs, travel, photocopying, courier and long-distance charges.

2. SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION

2.1 Client retains Attorney to investigate and prosecute civil claims arising from the facts identified below and to take all actions reasonably necessary to pursue litigation, including preparing pleadings, conducting discovery, engaging experts, and representing Client at hearings and trial unless otherwise agreed in writing.

2.2 Venue and jurisdiction for the contemplated Complaint is anticipated to be in unless subsequently agreed otherwise in writing.

3. AUTHORITY TO COMMENCE ACTION

3.1 Attorney shall not file any Complaint on behalf of Client without the prior written authorization of Client, except that Attorney may file an initial complaint to preserve statutes of limitation when immediate filing is necessary. Client grants Attorney authority to sign and file pleadings, appear on Client's behalf, and accept service in the litigation.

3.2 Settlement Authority: Client authorizes Attorney to negotiate settlements. Settlement that results in dismissal or release of claims with material monetary or non-monetary implications requires Client's express written consent when such settlement materially affects Client's interests.

4. FEES AND COSTS

4.1 Fee Structure (select applicable arrangement):

Contingency fee: Attorney will receive of any gross recovery (by judgment, settlement, or otherwise), after deduction of Costs unless otherwise specified below.

Hourly fee: Attorney shall bill at the following hourly rates: Lead attorney per hour; Associates per hour. Client will be billed monthly for fees and Costs.

Fixed fee: Attorney and Client agree to a flat fee of for specified services described in a separate writing attached hereto.

4.2 Costs. Unless otherwise agreed, Costs advanced by Attorney shall be reimbursed from any recovery. If there is no recovery, Client remains liable for Costs incurred prior to termination, subject to applicable law.

5. CLIENT REPRESENTATIONS AND COOPERATION

5.1 Client represents that Client has provided to Attorney all information known to Client that is material to the claims, that such information is true to the best of Client's knowledge, and that Client will promptly supplement information as it becomes available.

5.2 Client shall cooperate with Attorney, attend depositions and hearings as required, execute documents necessary for litigation, and maintain candor with Attorney. Failure to cooperate may be cause for withdrawal and termination under Section 9.

6. CONFLICTS; ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS

Attorney represents that, after reasonable inquiry, no conflict of interest exists that would prevent representation. If a conflict arises, Attorney shall disclose the conflict and, if required, obtain informed consent in writing or withdraw in accordance with professional rules of conduct.

7. CONFIDENTIALITY AND RECORDS

Attorney will maintain confidentiality of Client communications to the extent required by law and professional obligations. Client authorizes Attorney to retain files and copies of documents; upon termination, original client documents shall be returned upon request and final settlement of outstanding invoices.

8. TERMINATION

Either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice. Termination shall not affect Attorney's right to recover fees and Costs earned or advanced prior to termination. If Attorney withdraws for cause, Client remains responsible for all earned fees computed in a manner consistent with the fee arrangement selected in Section 4.

9. NOTICES

Notices shall be effective upon receipt when delivered in person, by certified mail, or by commercial overnight courier to the addresses provided above or to such other address as a party may designate in a written notice to the other party.

10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

10.1 The parties agree that any dispute arising under this Agreement shall first be submitted to mediation in good faith. If mediation does not resolve the dispute, the parties may proceed to litigation in the courts identified in Section 12.

11. AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both parties. Waiver of any provision shall be effective only if in writing and signed by the party granting the waiver.

12. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

12.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of without regard to conflict of laws principles.

12.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral.

12.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

13. COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

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