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Legal G28 Agreement

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LEGAL G28 AGREEMENT

This Legal G28 Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into on by and between Client Name: , Client Address: , Client Telephone: , and Attorney/Firm Name: , Bar or Accreditation No.: , Attorney Address: .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client seeks representation in connection with one or more matters before relevant administrative agencies, tribunals and related proceedings described in Section 2 below; and

WHEREAS, Attorney is duly authorized, qualified and willing to provide legal representation and related services to Client and to execute authorizations, appear on Client's behalf, receive correspondence and take action necessary for the representation described herein; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth their respective rights and obligations with respect to the representation and the execution of any form of authorization, including any form commonly used to designate representation (the G28 authorization form).

NOW THEREFORE

In consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

1. REPRESENTATION AND AUTHORITY

1.1 Authority. Client hereby retains Attorney and Attorney accepts representation to act on Client's behalf, and Client authorizes Attorney to complete, sign and file any necessary authorizations, notices, forms and correspondence required to effectuate Client's representation under this Agreement. Attorney is authorized to receive and inspect documents and information related to the matters described in Section 2 and to communicate with third parties as reasonably necessary to carry out the representation.

1.2 Scope of Actions. Attorney may prepare and file pleadings, applications, motions, waivers, settlements, withdrawals of filings where appropriate, and to participate in interviews, hearings and appeals as reasonably necessary to represent Client. The parties expressly agree that Attorney's authority does not extend to settlement terms that require payment in excess of agreed limits or admission of factual guilt without Client's prior written consent.

2. SCOPE OF ENGAGEMENT AND CASES

2.1 Matters Covered. Attorney's engagement includes representation for the following matter(s): Case/Subject Description:

2.2 Exclusions. Unless expressly agreed in writing, Attorney will not provide representation in unrelated matters, immigration litigation beyond administrative appeals, criminal defense unrelated to the matters described above, or tax advice. Any services outside the Scope of Engagement will require a separate written agreement.

3. FEES, RETAINER AND COSTS

3.1 Fees. Client agrees to pay Attorney fees as follows:

3.2 Costs and Expenses. Client shall reimburse or advance costs reasonably incurred by Attorney, including but not limited to filing fees, translation costs, courier and travel expenses, expert fees and copying costs. Attorney may require an advance deposit for anticipated costs.

3.3 Payment Terms. Invoices are due upon receipt and become delinquent as specified in the invoice. Unpaid amounts may result in suspension of services or withdrawal from representation in accordance with applicable ethical rules.

4. CLIENT OBLIGATIONS; REPRESENTATIONS

4.1 Cooperation. Client shall provide complete, accurate and timely information and documentation, attend scheduled meetings and hearings, and notify Attorney promptly of any changes in circumstances material to the representation.

4.2 Truthful Representation. Client represents and warrants that all information provided is true and complete to the best of Client's knowledge. Client acknowledges that submission of false or misleading information may result in adverse consequences and may permit Attorney to withdraw.

5. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVILEGE

All communications between Client and Attorney that are for the purpose of obtaining legal advice are protected by the attorney-client privilege and will be treated as confidential, except to the extent disclosure is required by law, court order, ethics rules, or to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm. Client authorizes Attorney to share case information with necessary support personnel or third-party vendors when required to pursue Client's matter, provided such third parties are bound to confidentiality.

6. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

6.1 Conflict Check. Attorney represents that, to Attorney's knowledge, no conflict of interest exists that would prevent Attorney from representing Client. Client confirms that Client has disclosed all relationships and facts that might give rise to a conflict.

I consent to Attorney conducting representation under the disclosures above and certify no known conflict prevents representation.

7. TERM; WITHDRAWAL; TERMINATION

This Agreement shall continue until completion of the matters described in Section 2 unless earlier terminated by mutual written agreement, by Client upon written notice, or by Attorney for good cause, including nonpayment, conflict of interest, or Client's failure to cooperate. Termination does not relieve Client of obligations to pay fees and costs incurred prior to termination.

8. NOTICES

Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement must be in writing and delivered to the addresses below or to replacement addresses provided in writing by either party.

9. GOVERNING LAW; VENUE

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state where Attorney maintains the principal office identified above, without regard to conflict of laws principles, and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in that state for disputes arising under this Agreement.

10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY; AMENDMENT; WAIVER

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. No modification or amendment shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties. Failure by either party to enforce any provision shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or of the right to enforce it later.

11. 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. Signatures transmitted by facsimile or electronic image shall be deemed original signatures for all purposes.

12. CERTIFICATION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Client certifies that Client has read this Agreement, that Client understands its terms, and that Client authorizes Attorney to act on Client's behalf as described herein. Client acknowledges receipt of a copy of this Agreement.

Client

Printed Name:

By (Signature):

Date:

Attorney / Authorized Representative

Printed Name:

By (Signature):

Date:

Enter text✕

What the Legal G-28 Agreement Is and When it’s Used

The Legal G-28 Agreement (Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative) is the document an attorney or accredited representative files to notify USCIS and other immigration agencies that they will represent a noncitizen in a specific matter. It identifies the representative, the client, and contact details, and it authorizes the representative to receive correspondence and act on the client’s behalf for the listed case(s). The form is submitted with the underlying immigration filing or as an update to an open case; accuracy and a signed authorization are essential to ensure notices and decisions are routed correctly.

Why the Legal G-28 Agreement Matters

A completed G-28 formally establishes representation, ensures official communications go to the designated counsel or accredited rep, and helps prevent delays or missed deadlines caused by misdirected notices. It also documents the representative’s authority for case-related actions.

Why the Legal G-28 Agreement Matters

Who Typically Completes and Signs a Legal G-28 Agreement

The form is completed by the representative and the client; it must accurately identify both parties and the case.

  • Immigration attorneys and law firms who will act on behalf of the applicant or petitioner.
  • Accredited representatives from recognized nonprofit organizations authorized to practice immigration law.
  • Applicants, petitioners, or beneficiaries who authorize a representative to receive correspondence and act in the case.

Keep the signed copy with the client file and include it whenever filing or updating USCIS on the client’s behalf.

Step-by-Step: Completing and Submitting the Legal G-28 Agreement

Follow these sequential steps to prepare a compliant G-28 and ensure USCIS recognizes the representation.

  • 01
    Gather case details: Collect A-number/receipt and client identity documents before starting.
  • 02
    Complete form: Fill representative and client sections accurately; include bar/accreditation number.
  • 03
    Obtain signatures: Representative and client must sign and date the form.
  • 04
    Submit with filing: Attach to the initial filing or upload to the case record per USCIS instructions.

How to Configure an Online G-28 Workflow

Set up a digital workflow that enforces required fields, captures signatures, and stores an audit trail for each G-28.

Field Configuration
Required fields Representative name | Bar number | Client name | A-number
Signer role Assign 'Client' and 'Representative' signer roles
Authentication Email link plus optional SMS or ID verification
eFile compatibility Export as PDF/A when attaching to USCIS case files

Where the Signed G-28 Goes and What Happens Next

Understanding the routing helps ensure USCIS receipts and notices are delivered to the representative without interruption.

  • Attach to filing: Include the signed G-28 with the initial immigration application or petition.
  • USCIS processing: USCIS links the form to the case and updates correspondence routing.
  • Receive notices: Representative receives official communications and requests for evidence.
  • Update record: File new G-28 to change representation or contact details.

Digital Signing and File Formats for the G-28

Use e-signature tools that produce an auditable PDF and preserve a complete certificate of completion.

  • File formats: PDF, DOCX, PDF/A
  • Authentication: Email link or stronger verification
  • Integrations: CRM and cloud storage support

Timelines and Timing Considerations for Filing a G-28

The G-28 is typically filed with the initial submission or as soon as representation begins; timely filing ensures notices go to counsel.

Initial filing timing:

Submit G-28 with the original application or petition.

After case opens:

File G-28 promptly when representation starts midcase to receive future notices.

Changes of counsel:

File an updated G-28 to reflect successor representation immediately.

E-file notes:

Follow USCIS e-file instructions when uploading G-28 electronically.

Receipt notices:

Allow normal USCIS processing time for address and correspondence updates.

Penalties and Risks of an Incorrect or Missing G-28

Rejected correspondence: Mail and notices may go to the applicant instead of counsel.
Processing delays: Case actions can be delayed without clear representation on file.
Unauthorized practice: False representation can trigger professional discipline.
Missed deadlines: Responses or hearings may be missed without representative notice.
Integrity concerns: Incorrect information may require corrective filings.
Fraud exposure: Intentional misstatements risk legal penalties.

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Leaving out the client’s A-number or a valid receipt number, which prevents USCIS from linking the G-28 to the correct case and delays routing.
  • Providing an incorrect bar or accreditation number, which can cause USCIS to question representative authority and return correspondence to the applicant.
  • Submitting an unsigned or undated G-28 or using initials in lieu of a full signature, which may render the form ineffective for representation purposes.
  • Sending a standalone G-28 without attaching it to the underlying filing or notifying USCIS via the correct e-file channel, causing notices to continue going to the applicant.

Security and Compliance Considerations for Electronic G-28 Handling

ESIGN / UETA: Supports legal validity for electronic signatures
In-transit encryption: TLS 1.2 / TLS 1.3
At-rest encryption: AES-256 encryption
HIPAA readiness: BAA required when PHI is present
Audit trail: Timestamp, IP, and action log preserved
Regulatory standards: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 available

Representative Use Cases for the Legal G-28 Agreement

Real-world examples show how the G-28 functions in common immigration scenarios and why precise completion matters.

Immigration Law Firm

A small immigration practice files a G-28 with every initial petition to receive USCIS notices directly

  • Saves time on status checks and ensures timely responses
  • The firm stores a signed PDF/A with an audit trail so any future verification request is supported by timestamped signature evidence and contact details.

Nonprofit Legal Clinic

A community legal clinic uses G-28 forms for public-benefit petitions and logs accreditation numbers on intake

  • Ensures clinic receives all agency correspondence
  • Maintaining organized G-28 records allows the clinic to demonstrate authorized representation when coordinating benefits, appeals, or FOIA requests.

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Managing the Legal G-28 Agreement

Compare common eSignature options for secure G-28 handling; signNow is listed first for parity with other major vendors and to show verified plan-level pricing and feature differences.

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, no credit card required Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes (Business Premium) Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient G-28 Completion

Adopt standard checks and secure workflows to minimize errors and maintain a clear audit trail for every representation action.

Verify identifiers before filing
Confirm A-numbers, receipt numbers, bar/accreditation numbers, and client legal names against official documents to avoid mismatches that delay processing and correspondence routing.
Use auditable e-sign workflows
Capture email authentication, timestamps, IP addresses, and a downloadable certificate of completion to document intent and attribution if USCIS or a third party requests verification.
Store a client-facing copy
Provide the client a signed copy and retain an internal file copy with metadata. This supports client inquiries and future filings without reconstructing authorization details.
Update promptly on changes
File a new G-28 immediately when representation ends or a different representative takes over to ensure notices are sent to the correct party.

Who Signs the G-28 and What Authority Is Required

Attorney / Accredited Rep

The representative signs to accept appointment and must include professional identification such as bar number or accreditation ID; the signature confirms authority to receive correspondence and act in specified matters on the client’s behalf.

Applicant / Client

The client signs to authorize the representative; a client signature links the authorization to the case and demonstrates consent required under agency procedures and privacy rules.

FAQs: Common Questions About the Legal G-28 Agreement

Answers to frequent questions about fees, signatures, electronic filing, withdrawals, and correcting errors related to G-28 forms.


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