Legal Opening Form

LEGAL OPENING FORM

This Legal Opening Form (the Agreement) is made and entered into as of Effective Date: by and between Client Name: with Client Address: and Law Firm Name: with Law Firm Address: (each a Party and collectively the Parties).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client desires to engage Law Firm to provide legal services relating to the matter described below (the Matter) and Law Firm has indicated its willingness to accept such engagement on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

WHEREAS, the Parties wish to set forth their respective responsibilities, the scope of representation, billing arrangements, and the terms under which the representation may be terminated.

WHEREAS, Client represents that Client has the authority to retain Law Firm and to enter into this Agreement on behalf of any entity or person for whom Client purports to act.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1. SCOPE OF ENGAGEMENT

1.1 Engagement. Client hereby engages Law Firm to render legal services in connection with the Matter: (the Matter). Law Firm will provide legal advice, representation, drafting, negotiation, and related legal services reasonably necessary to pursue the Matter as agreed by the Parties.

1.2 Limitations. Unless expressly set forth in a subsequent written amendment signed by both Parties, Law Firm will not undertake obligations beyond those described in Section 1.1, including appearing in jurisdictions or forums not specified without prior written consent.

2. CLIENT DUTIES

Client shall provide full, accurate and timely information and documents relevant to the Matter, cooperate with Law Firm, comply with lawful requests for assistance and preserve evidence. Client warrants that all facts disclosed to Law Firm are true and complete to the best of Client's knowledge.

3. FEES, RETAINER AND BILLING

3.1 Fees. Law Firm's fees shall be computed as follows (select all that apply and complete amounts where applicable):

Hourly rates:

Flat fee:

Contingency fee:

3.2 Retainer. Client shall pay an initial retainer in the amount of to be held in trust and applied to fees and costs as billed. Law Firm may require replenishment of the retainer on reasonable notice.

3.3 Billing and Payment. Law Firm will render itemized bills at least monthly unless otherwise agreed. Client shall pay balances due within days of invoice. Unpaid balances shall accrue interest at or the maximum lawful rate, whichever is less.

4. CONFLICTS; REPRESENTATIONS

Client represents that Client has disclosed all known parties and material facts that could give rise to a conflict of interest. Law Firm shall perform a conflicts check. If Law Firm identifies a conflict, Law Firm will notify Client and may decline or withdraw from representation unless Client provides informed written consent.

If a conflict exists that may be waived, Client may execute a written waiver authorizing continued representation. Such waiver does not relieve the obligation to disclose any subsequently discovered conflict.

5. CONFIDENTIALITY AND ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE

All communications and information exchanged in the course of the representation are confidential and subject to the attorney-client privilege and applicable rules of professional conduct, except as otherwise required by law or court order. Client consents to Law Firm’s use of customary electronic communications with ordinary safeguards.

6. FILES AND RECORDS

Client agrees that Law Firm may retain electronic or physical copies of file materials. Original client documents will be returned upon request. Client acknowledges that Law Firm may destroy closed files in accordance with its record retention policy after reasonable notice.

7. TERMINATION

Either Party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice. Termination does not relieve Client’s obligation to pay fees and expenses incurred prior to termination, including fees to effect an orderly transfer of the matter. Upon termination, Law Firm shall deliver to Client all client property and any file materials to which Client is entitled.

8. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The Parties agree first to attempt in good faith to resolve any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement through negotiation. If unresolved, the Parties agree to submit to mediation before initiating litigation, unless either Party seeks provisional relief in a court of competent jurisdiction.

9. NOTICES

All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the Parties at the addresses below by hand, certified mail (return receipt requested), or recognized overnight carrier:

10. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER

No amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both Parties. A waiver by either Party of any breach shall not constitute a waiver of any other breach.

11. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of without regard to conflict of law principles.

12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, negotiations and communications, whether written or oral.

13. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect and the invalid or unenforceable provision shall be reformed to the extent necessary to make it enforceable while preserving the Parties' intent.

14. COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one instrument. Facsimile or electronic signatures shall have the same force and effect as original signatures.

15. AUTHORIZATION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Each signatory below represents and warrants that such signatory has the full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to bind the Party on whose behalf the signatory executes this Agreement.

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