Legal PI Case Document

LEGAL PI CASE DOCUMENT

This Legal PI Case Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of by and between Client Name: , Client Address: and Investigator Name: , Investigator Firm: , Investigator License No.: , Investigator Address: .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client seeks investigative services in connection with the matter styled as Case Name: , Case Number: in the jurisdiction of ;

WHEREAS, Investigator represents that Investigator is duly licensed and qualified to perform private investigative services and will comply with all applicable laws, rules of evidence, and ethical obligations in performing such services;

WHEREAS, the parties wish to set forth their respective rights and obligations with respect to the investigative engagement described herein.

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

1. DEFINITIONS

"Services" means the investigative tasks, surveillance, interviews, searches, document collection, and other activities described in Section 2. "Confidential Information" means non-public information provided by Client to Investigator in connection with the Services, excluding information that is publicly available or independently developed by Investigator.

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

Investigator shall provide investigative services reasonably related to the case identified above. The anticipated scope includes (check all that apply):

Surveillance

Background investigation

Witness interviews

Asset search

Process service

Other:

3. RETAINER, FEES AND EXPENSES

Client shall pay Investigator a retainer in the amount of $ to secure the performance of the Services. Fees shall thereafter be billed at the rate of $ per hour for Investigator and $ per hour for personnel.

Client shall also reimburse Investigator for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the Services (including but not limited to travel, mileage, database fees, courier charges, and archival fees). Investigator will provide itemized invoices on a basis. Any unpaid balance shall accrue interest at the lesser of 1.5% per month or the maximum rate permitted by law.

4. APPLICATION OF RETAINER & PAYMENT TERMS

Investigator shall apply the retainer against final invoices. Client shall replenish the retainer within five (5) business days upon written request if the retainer balance falls below . Payments shall be made to Investigator at Investigator's address for notices specified below.

5. RECORDS, EVIDENCE AND CHAIN OF CUSTODY

Investigator shall maintain contemporaneous records of investigative activities and shall preserve physical and electronic evidence in a manner reasonably sufficient to establish chain of custody. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all original evidence and investigative files shall be retained by Investigator for a period of following the conclusion of Services, after which Investigator may dispose of such materials in its discretion consistent with applicable law.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY

Investigator shall hold Confidential Information in strict confidence and shall not disclose it to any third party except as required to perform the Services, to Investigator's agents who are bound by confidentiality obligations, or as compelled by law or court order. If Investigator receives a subpoena or similar legal process, Investigator will give Client prompt written notice to the extent permitted by law so that Client may seek protective relief.

7. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW

Investigator represents and warrants that Investigator will perform Services in compliance with all applicable statutes, regulations, and rules of professional conduct. Client shall not instruct Investigator to undertake any unlawful act; Investigator shall refuse any such instruction.

8. INDEMNIFICATION

Client shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Investigator, its officers, employees and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to Client's instructions, Client-supplied information, or Client's breach of this Agreement, except to the extent such claims result from Investigator's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Except for liability arising from willful misconduct or gross negligence, Investigator's total liability for any claim arising under this Agreement shall be limited to the total amount of fees actually paid by Client to Investigator under this Agreement. IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES.

10. TERM AND TERMINATION

This Agreement shall commence on the effective date and continue until completion of the Services or earlier termination. Either party may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon days' written notice. Either party may terminate immediately for cause upon written notice if the other party materially breaches this Agreement and fails to cure within ten (10) days of written notice.

11. NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth below by personal delivery, certified mail, or overnight courier, and shall be effective upon receipt.

12. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER

No amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought. No failure or delay in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver.

13. GOVERNING LAW

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

14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, proposals, and communications, whether oral or written.

15. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and the invalid provision shall be reformed to the extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable while preserving the parties' intent.

16. 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. Facsimile or electronic signatures shall be binding for all purposes.

Sign Now