Legal Litigation Form

Legal Litigation Form

This Legal Litigation Form is entered into as of , by and between Client Name: ("Client") and Counsel / Firm Name: ("Counsel"). The parties intend that Counsel will provide legal services in connection with the action identified below.

Case Name: ; Court: ; Case Number: ; Jurisdiction:

Recitals

WHEREAS, Client seeks representation and legal services from Counsel in connection with the litigation identified above; and

WHEREAS, Counsel has represented that Counsel is duly qualified and willing to represent Client in the matter, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Legal Litigation Form; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth their agreement regarding the scope of representation, fees, costs, responsibilities and other material terms.

NOW, THEREFORE

In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. Definitions

"Services" means the legal representation to be provided by Counsel in connection with the litigation described above. "Retainer" means any advance deposit placed into Counsel's trust account to secure payment of fees and costs. "Costs" means out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Counsel on behalf of Client, including filing fees, expert fees, deposition expenses, courier and travel.

2. Scope of Representation

Counsel shall provide legal services reasonably necessary to prosecute, defend or otherwise manage the litigation identified above, including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation as agreed. Services exclude appeals, post-judgment proceedings, or unrelated matters unless specifically agreed in writing. Specific additional tasks, if any, are described below:

3. Fees and Retainer

Client agrees to compensate Counsel as set forth below. Counsel will render billing statements describing services performed and amounts due.

Hourly — Hourly rate: $ per hour    Contingency — Percentage: %    Flat fee — Amount: $

If hourly billing applies, time will be recorded in increments of not more than one-tenth hour. Contingency fees, if applicable, will be calculated after deduction of costs unless otherwise agreed in writing. Counsel may apply retainer to outstanding invoices and replenish the retainer upon notice to Client.

4. Costs and Expenses

Client is responsible for all Costs incurred by Counsel. Counsel may require an advance deposit to cover anticipated Costs. Counsel will hold client funds in a client trust account in accordance with applicable professional rules and will furnish itemized statements of costs upon request.

5. Billing; Payment; Trust Accounting

Counsel will render periodic statements, and Client shall pay undisputed amounts within thirty (30) days of billing. Disputed items must be raised in writing within fifteen (15) days of receipt. Counsel will maintain client funds in a trust account consistent with professional obligations and will provide accounting upon request.

6. Client Cooperation; Duties

Client shall cooperate with Counsel, provide truthful information and documents, attend meetings, and timely execute documents necessary for representation. Failure to cooperate may justify Counsel's withdrawal and may obligate Client to pay fees and costs through the date of withdrawal.

7. Conflicts; Withdrawal

Counsel represents that, to the best of Counsel's knowledge, no conflict exists at the time of engagement. If a conflict arises, Counsel will notify Client. Counsel may withdraw for good cause, including nonpayment or a breakdown in the attorney-client relationship, subject to applicable rules and court approval where required.

8. Confidentiality; Attorney-Client Privilege

Communications between Client and Counsel are subject to the attorney-client privilege and work-product protection. Counsel shall take reasonable steps to preserve confidentiality, except as required by law, court order, or to the extent Client directs disclosure.

9. Termination

This agreement may be terminated by either party upon written notice. Termination does not relieve Client of obligations to pay for Services rendered and costs incurred prior to termination. Upon termination Counsel will take reasonable steps to protect Client's interests, including giving Client notice and allowing reasonable time to retain replacement counsel.

10. Dispute Resolution

The parties agree to attempt to resolve fee disputes by informal negotiation. If negotiation fails, the parties agree to submit fee disputes to binding arbitration or fee arbitration if required by local rules, or to a court of competent jurisdiction for resolution if arbitration is not available.

11. Notices

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses below by hand, certified mail, or recognized courier, and shall be deemed given upon receipt.

12. Governing Law; Entire Agreement; Severability; Amendments; Waiver; Counterparts

Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the jurisdiction specified in the opening paragraph, without regard to choice-of-law rules.

Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings, representations, and agreements.

Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Amendments and Waiver: Any amendment or waiver must be in writing and signed by both parties. The failure to insist on strict performance of any provision shall not be a waiver of future enforcement.

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.

13. Representative Authorizations

Client authorizes Counsel to take such actions as are reasonably necessary to advance the litigation, including retention of experts and filing of necessary pleadings, subject to the fee and cost provisions herein and any express limitations set forth by Client.

Acknowledgment

By signing below, Client and Counsel acknowledge that they have read and understood this Agreement, that Client has been given the opportunity to ask questions, and that the terms set forth are accepted as the complete agreement between the parties.

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