Legal Instructions Template

LEGAL INSTRUCTIONS

This Legal Instructions (the "Instructions") is made as of by and between Client Name: (the "Client"), and Attorney or Firm Name: (the "Attorney"). The Client and the Attorney are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Parties."

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Client has engaged or seeks to engage the Attorney to provide legal representation and related services in the matter identified as: (the "Matter");

WHEREAS, these Instructions set forth the scope of authority, limitations, and procedural directions the Client provides to the Attorney with respect to the Matter;

WHEREAS, the Parties intend that these Instructions govern particular aspects of conduct in the Matter in addition to any separate retainer agreement between the Parties.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of these Instructions, the following terms have the meanings set forth below: "Authority" means the specific powers granted by the Client to the Attorney in Section 3; "Confidential Information" means documents, communications, and information designated by the Client as confidential or which a reasonable person would understand to be confidential in the context of the Matter.

2. SCOPE OF INSTRUCTIONS

The Attorney shall perform the legal services in the Matter consistent with the Client's directions. These Instructions supplement any retainer agreement and are limited to the specific tasks described below unless otherwise modified in writing:

3. AUTHORITY; LIMITATIONS

The Client grants the Attorney the authority to take all actions reasonably necessary to carry out the Specific Instructions, including without limitation filing pleadings, engaging in discovery, negotiating on behalf of the Client, and entering into agreements or stipulations that are within the settlement authority set forth in subsection 3.1. The Attorney shall not agree to a settlement, release, or discontinuance that exceeds the Client's settlement authority absent prior written authorization.

3.1 Settlement Authority: The Client authorizes the Attorney to settle the Matter for an amount not to exceed $ unless the Client provides additional written authorization.

3.2 Employment of Third Parties: The Attorney may retain investigators, experts, or other third parties as reasonably required, subject to Client approval for fees or expenses in excess of $ .

4. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVILEGE

The Attorney shall maintain the confidentiality of Confidential Information and shall preserve attorney-client privilege to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Attorney may disclose Confidential Information only to persons necessary to the representation, and only after taking reasonable steps to protect privilege and confidentiality.

5. COMMUNICATIONS AND NOTICES

All formal notices under these Instructions shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses below. Notices shall be effective upon receipt.

6. FEES, BILLING AND EXPENSES

The Parties acknowledge that fees and expenses are governed by the retainer agreement between them. The Attorney shall provide periodic statements of fees and expenses and shall not incur extraordinary expenses without prior consent where practicable.

7. CONFLICTS; DISCLOSURES

The Attorney represents that, to the Attorney's knowledge, no conflict of interest exists that would materially affect representation in the Matter. If a potential conflict arises, the Attorney shall promptly disclose it and comply with applicable rules of professional conduct.

8. AMENDMENT; WAIVER

These Instructions may be amended only by a written instrument executed by both Parties. No waiver of any provision shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the Party granting the waiver.

9. COUNTERPARTS

These Instructions may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one instrument. Signatures transmitted by electronic means shall be binding.

10. GOVERNING LAW

These Instructions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of without regard to conflict of laws principles.

11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These Instructions, together with any retainer agreement between the Parties, constitute the entire agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior oral or written agreements concerning the subject matter.

12. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of these Instructions is held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect and the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to replace the invalid provision with a valid provision that achieves the original intent as closely as possible.

13. ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZATIONS

The Client authorizes the Attorney to: (select all that apply)

File and sign pleadings and motions on behalf of the Client
Negotiate settlement terms within settlement authority
Issue or respond to subpoenas and conduct discovery
Retain experts and consultants as necessary

14. RECORDS AND RETURN OF MATERIALS

Upon conclusion of the Matter or upon reasonable request, the Attorney shall return to the Client original documents provided by the Client and provide a copy of the file materials, subject to permissible retention of attorney work product and compliance with any applicable hold or other legal obligations.

15. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Client acknowledges that the Client has had the opportunity to seek independent advice concerning these Instructions and has read and understands the terms set forth herein. The Attorney acknowledges acceptance of these Instructions and agrees to perform in accordance with applicable law and professional obligations.

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