Legal New Matter Template

LEGAL NEW MATTER AGREEMENT

This Legal New Matter Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into as of the , between Firm Name: (Firm), and Client Name: (Client).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client seeks legal services in connection with the matter more fully described below; and

WHEREAS, Firm is willing to provide legal services to Client on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties intend to set forth in writing the scope, fees, responsibilities and other material terms governing Firm's representation of Client in the new matter.

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

1. DEFINITIONS

In this Agreement, "Matter" means the legal services described in Section 2; "Fees" means amounts payable to Firm for professional services rendered; and "Expenses" means out-of-pocket disbursements reasonably incurred by Firm in connection with the Matter.

2. SCOPE OF ENGAGEMENT

Firm will provide legal services to Client regarding the matter described below. The services shall include legal advice, preparation of documents, negotiation, and representation before applicable tribunals or third parties as expressly agreed in writing. Firm shall not provide services beyond the scope set forth herein unless the parties execute a written amendment.

Excluded tasks:

3. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Client agrees to cooperate with Firm, provide all information and documents reasonably required for the representation, and to be truthful and prompt in communications. Failure to cooperate may result in suspension or termination of representation and Client remains responsible for Fees and Expenses incurred.

4. FEES, EXPENSES, AND BILLING

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Fees will be billed on an hourly basis at Firm's customary rates for the attorneys and staff assigned to the Matter. Rates may be adjusted periodically and Firm will provide notice of rate changes.

Billing will occur on a basis. Client will timely pay invoices; unpaid balances are subject to interest at a rate of and collection costs.

5. RETAINER AND TRUST ACCOUNT

Retainer funds will be held in Firm's trust account and applied to Fees and Expenses as earned or incurred in accordance with applicable rules. Any unearned portion of the retainer will be returned to Client upon conclusion of the Matter, subject to offsets for outstanding Fees and Expenses.

6. CONFLICTS; CONSENT

Client represents that to the best of Client's knowledge no conflict of interest exists that would materially impair Firm's ability to represent Client in the Matter. Firm will conduct a conflicts check. If Firm identifies a potential conflict, Firm will disclose it and will not proceed without Client's informed consent.

7. CONFIDENTIALITY AND ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE

All communications between Firm and Client for the purpose of obtaining or providing legal advice are confidential and subject to the attorney-client privilege where applicable. Client authorizes Firm to disclose confidential information to retained experts or third parties only as necessary for the Matter and with Client's prior consent, except where disclosure is required by law or court order.

8. RECORDS, FILES, AND DATA RETENTION

Firm's work product, internal memoranda, and attorney work files are Firm property. Client is entitled to copies of substantive client files and documents provided by Client. Firm will retain client files for a minimum of following conclusion unless otherwise required by law.

9. TERMINATION

Either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice. Upon termination, Client will pay Firm for all Fees and Expenses incurred through the effective date of termination, and Firm will deliver to Client all client-provided documents. Termination does not affect obligations that by their nature survive termination.

10. INDEMNIFICATION; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Client agrees to indemnify and hold Firm harmless from liabilities arising from Client's breach of this Agreement or from Client's failure to provide accurate information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Firm's liability for any claim arising from this engagement shall be limited to the amount of Fees actually paid by Client to Firm for the Matter.

11. NOTICES

All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered by personal delivery, nationally recognized overnight courier, or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the addresses below or to such other address as a party may designate in writing.

12. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both parties. No waiver of any provision will be effective unless in writing and signed by the party granting the waiver. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which is an original and all of which constitute one instrument.

13. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state specified by the parties below without regard to conflict-of-law principles. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning the Matter and supersedes all prior agreements. If any provision is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

14. MISCELLANEOUS

The parties each represent that they have authority to enter into this Agreement. Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. If any party is an entity, the signatory represents that they are authorized to bind that entity.

Sign Now