Legal Intake Letter

LEGAL INTAKE LETTER

Client Name:   Client Address:

Firm Name:   Attorney of Record:   Intake Date:

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client seeks legal representation from Firm concerning the matter described as: (the "Matter");

WHEREAS, Firm has conducted an initial review and agrees to provide legal services to Client on the terms set forth herein, subject to conflict clearance and receipt of any required retainer;

WHEREAS, the parties intend by this Intake Letter to confirm the engagement scope, fee arrangements, necessary client obligations, and administrative procedures to facilitate Firm's representation of Client.

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

1. ENGAGEMENT AND SCOPE

1.1 Engagement. Firm is retained to provide legal services limited to the Matter described above. The scope expressly excludes representation on unrelated matters unless the parties expressly agree in writing. The scope may include investigation, pleadings, negotiations, court appearances, discovery, settlement discussions, and advice reasonably necessary to the Matter.

1.2 Tasks and Deliverables. Client acknowledges that Firm will perform tasks as requested and approved by Client. Anticipated primary deliverables: .

2. CLIENT COOPERATION

Client will promptly provide all information, documents, and access to personnel necessary for Firm to represent Client. Client warrants that all information provided is true, complete and accurate to the best of Client's knowledge. If Client fails to cooperate, Firm may withdraw and Client remains responsible for fees and costs incurred to the date of withdrawal.

3. FEES, BILLING AND COSTS

3.1 Hourly Rates. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, attorneys, paralegals and staff are billed at hourly rates. Current hourly rates for primary personnel are: for the attorney and for paralegal services. Rates may be adjusted periodically with notice to Client.

3.2 Billing and Payment. Firm will render monthly statements describing services rendered, hours, fees and costs. Payment is due within thirty (30) days of invoice unless otherwise agreed. Client agrees to reimburse Firm for out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred, including filing fees, messenger services, expert fees, travel and deposition costs.

3.3 Estimate. An initial estimate of fees for the immediate next phase is: . This estimate is not a fixed fee and actual fees may vary based on facts and developments.

4. RETAINER, TRUST ACCOUNT & ACCOUNTING

4.1 Retainer. Client shall pay an initial retainer in the amount of: to be deposited into Firm's trust account. The retainer will be applied against fees and costs as they are invoiced.

4.2 Replenishment. Client agrees to replenish the retainer upon request to maintain an adequate trust balance. Failure to replenish may result in suspension of services or withdrawal.

5. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVILEGE

All communications between Client and Firm in the course of the representation are protected by the attorney-client privilege and will be treated as confidential, except as disclosure is required to carry out the representation, to comply with law, or as otherwise authorized by Client in writing.

6. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Firm has performed a preliminary conflicts check. To the extent a conflict exists or arises, Firm will notify Client promptly. If a conflict prevents Firm from representing Client, Firm will provide reasonable assistance in transferring the matter to another counsel. Client represents that no third party has a claim to Client's matter that would create an undisclosed conflict.

7. DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS

Government-issued ID
Relevant contracts and agreements
Pertinent correspondence and emails
Financial records and invoices
Other:

8. TERMINATION

Either party may terminate the engagement upon written notice. Upon termination, Client remains responsible for all fees, costs and expenses incurred through the date of termination, including reasonable costs to transfer files. Firm may retain copies of Client file materials as permitted by law until outstanding balances are satisfied.

9. NOTICES

Notices are effective upon receipt when delivered in writing to the addresses provided above or to other addresses later designated in writing by either party.

10. GOVERNING LAW

This Intake Letter shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state selected by the parties: , without regard to principles of conflicts of law.

11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This Intake Letter, together with any separate written fee agreement executed by the parties, constitutes the entire agreement between Client and Firm concerning the subject matter hereof. If any provision of this Intake Letter is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

12. AMENDMENT; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

This Intake Letter may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both parties. No waiver of any provision shall be effective unless in writing. This Intake Letter may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together constitute one instrument.

13. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By signing below, Client acknowledges reading and understanding the terms of this Intake Letter, consents to the engagement on these terms, and authorizes Firm to proceed with the described representation subject to receipt of any required retainer.

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