Can this be e-signed?

Yes. Under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA, electronic signatures are generally valid if intent, consent, attribution, and retention are met.

Is notarization ever required?

Usually no for a simple disclosure, but some jurisdictions or courts may require notarization or witness signatures for filings or to create a self-proving affidavit.

What if a conflict is discovered later?

Disclose promptly, obtain informed written waivers when permitted by ethics rules, and consider withdrawal if a waiver is not possible.

How should executed copies be stored?

Retain signed originals or certified electronic records in a secure system with audit trails and encryption; follow retention timelines noted earlier.

Who can sign for an entity client?

An authorized officer or agent with corporate authority should sign; include title and evidence of authorization to avoid challenge.

How to correct a mistake after signing?

Prepare an amended disclosure or correction statement executed by the same parties and reference the original document and effective date.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Legal
Legal Representation Disclosure

Legal Representation Disclosure

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Legal Representation Disclosure

This Legal Representation Disclosure (the Agreement) is made effective as of by and between Client Name: ("Client") and Counsel Name: ("Counsel"). This Agreement sets forth disclosures, acknowledgments and consents related to the representation described below.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client desires to engage Counsel to provide legal services in connection with the matter described as:

WHEREAS, Counsel has made inquiry into potential conflicts of interest and prior representations and has determined that the disclosures set forth herein are necessary to inform the Client of relationships, past or present representations, and circumstances that may affect the representation; and

WHEREAS, the Parties wish to document Client's informed consent, if any, to limited or joint representation and related confidentiality and conflict provisions.

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

1. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Agreement, "Confidential Information" means information protected by the attorney-client privilege, work product doctrine, or other confidentiality obligations arising from the attorney-client relationship. "Matter" means the transaction, claim, litigation, regulatory proceeding or other legal matter identified in the Recitals.

2. DISCLOSURE OF PRIOR AND CURRENT REPRESENTATION

Counsel discloses the following prior or current representations, relationships, or associations that may give rise to a potential conflict with Client's interests. Counsel has made reasonable efforts to identify such relationships but cannot guarantee the discovery of every prior association.

Describe prior or current representations (if none, state "None")

Counsel represents that the disclosure above identifies known matters, clients, or relationships that could reasonably be expected to create a conflict. If additional conflicts are discovered during the representation, Counsel will promptly disclose them to Client and describe proposed remedies or options.

3. SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION

Counsel agrees to provide legal services for the Matter as specifically described below. Services beyond the scope set forth below will require mutual written agreement.

Scope of representation

4. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST; CONSENT

Counsel has informed Client of the circumstances that could reasonably be perceived as a conflict of interest. By signing below, Client acknowledges receipt of the disclosures and either withholds objection or provides informed consent as indicated.

Counsel represents no current conflicts that would preclude representation of Client in the Matter.

Counsel has identified one or more potential or actual conflicts. Details:

If a conflict is identified and Client consents to continued representation, Client acknowledges that counsel's duty to other affected clients or interests may limit counsel's ability to pursue certain positions adverse to those clients. Such limitations will be set forth in writing when required.

Client consent to limited or joint representation (select if applicable):

Client consents to limited scope representation as described in the Scope of Representation.

Client consents to joint representation with the identified third party(ies) where disclosed; Client understands joint representation may affect confidentiality among jointly represented clients.

5. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVILEGE

All communications between Client and Counsel are protected by the attorney-client privilege and constitute confidential information, subject to the limitations described in this Agreement. Where Counsel represents more than one party or has relevant prior representations, Client acknowledges that Counsel will take reasonable steps to preserve privilege but that privilege may be shared among joint clients or limited by prior retained rights of third parties.

Exceptions to confidentiality (if any)

6. FEES AND BILLING

Counsel's fee arrangement for the Matter is as follows. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Client shall be responsible for fees, costs, and expenses billed in accordance with Counsel's standard billing practices.

Fee arrangement and billing terms

7. NOTICES

Formal notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth below, or to other addresses as the Parties may designate in writing.

Client notice address Counsel notice address

8. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER

This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both Parties. No waiver by either Party of any breach or default shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or default.

9. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws selected by the Parties below. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior written or oral agreements. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

Governing law (state or jurisdiction)

10. 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 be deemed originals for purposes of execution.

CERTIFICATION

By signing below, Client acknowledges that Counsel has made the disclosures described herein, that Client has had an opportunity to ask questions, and that Client knowingly accepts and consents to any disclosures or limitations set forth in this Agreement. Counsel certifies that, to the best of Counsel's knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the disclosures are accurate and complete as of the Effective Date.

Client:

By:

Date:

Counsel:

By:

Date:

What a Legal Representation Disclosure Is and When It’s Used

A Legal Representation Disclosure is a short written statement that identifies which attorney or law firm represents a party in a matter, describes the scope of that representation, and discloses any material conflicts or limitations. Commonly used at the outset of litigation, transactional matters, settlements, and negotiations, the disclosure informs opposing parties, courts, and third parties about who is authorized to act on a client’s behalf. Properly completed disclosures reduce confusion about authority, support ethical compliance, and document client consent to representation terms and limits.

Why a Clear Disclosure Matters for Clients and Counsel

A clear Legal Representation Disclosure prevents misunderstandings about who speaks for a party, supports compliance with professional rules, and creates an auditable record of consent and authority under ESIGN and UETA frameworks.

Who Typically Prepares and Receives This Disclosure

The disclosure is prepared by the representing attorney or firm and delivered to the client, opposing counsel, and, when required, the court or administrative body.

Representing law firms and solo practitioners who must document engagement scope and conflicts.
Clients or corporate legal departments that require clear delegation of authority and contact information.
Opposing counsel, courts, and third parties who need verification of who can negotiate or bind the client.

Use the disclosure at engagement, before filings or settlements, and whenever representation changes to maintain an accurate, timely record.

Primary Signers and Roles

Lead Counsel

Partner or attorney of record who signs to confirm representation, scope, and any conflicts. The signature establishes the law firm's authority to act and accepts professional responsibility for client communication and filings.

Client Representative

Authorized client signatory (individual, officer, or in-house counsel) who acknowledges engagement terms, scope limits, and consent to e-signature where used. Their signature confirms consent to the attorney–client arrangement described.

Security and Compliance Essentials to Include

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit

Data at Rest: AES-256 encrypted storage

Audit Trail: Signed document history

Regulatory Fit: ESIGN and UETA compliant

Healthcare: HIPAA BAA required

Certifications: SOC 2 Type II / ISO 27001

Key Risks from Incomplete or Incorrect Disclosures

Ethics Sanctions: Disciplinary action possible

Court Sanctions: Fines or evidentiary limits

Contract Invalidity: Third-party reliance disputes

Conflict Exposure: Waiver or disqualification risk

Perjury Risk: False statements can be criminal

Operational Delay: Processing and filing delays

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

Failing to state the scope of representation precisely, which can create ambiguity about transactional authority and settlement limits.
Using inconsistent names or entity forms across documents, leading to identification or billing disputes and potential invalidation.
Neglecting to disclose material conflicts or prior representations that could require waivers under professional conduct rules.
Omitting a dated signature or failing to capture consent to electronic delivery and storage when e-signatures are used.

Step-by-Step: Completing a Legal Representation Disclosure

Follow these steps to ensure the disclosure is complete, accurate, and legally effective.

01

Identify Parties: Enter full legal names for client and counsel.
02

Define Scope: Describe specific matters and limits in plain language.
03

Disclose Conflicts: List known or potential conflicts and waivers.
04

Sign and Date: Obtain signatures and record the effective date.

Where to Send and How the Document Is Processed

Typical routing and processing steps for the disclosure, from preparation through delivery and storage.

Drafting: Attorney prepares and reviews the disclosure.
Client Review: Client reviews and provides consent or questions.
Delivery: Send to opposing counsel and file with court if required.
Recordkeeping: Store executed copy in the client matter file.

Timing Considerations and Common Deadlines

Timely issuance and filing reduce risk; these timing points are commonly applicable to representation disclosures.

At Engagement:

Provide disclosure when representation begins or engagement letter is signed.

Before Filings:

File or serve disclosures before submitting court documents when required.

Prior to Settlement:

Confirm representation and authority before executing settlement agreements.

On Conflict Discovery:

Disclose new conflicts immediately and obtain written waivers if appropriate.

Termination Notice:

Document the end of representation and update others promptly.

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Executing Disclosures

Compare common platform features and pricing models to support compliant electronic execution of representation disclosures; signNow is listed first for parity.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Varies
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

FAQs and Troubleshooting for Legal Representation Disclosures

Answers to frequent questions about validity, e-signing, conflicts, and storage for representation disclosures.

Need help? Contact support

Can this be e-signed?
Yes. Under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA, electronic signatures are generally valid if intent, consent, attribution, and retention are met.
Is notarization ever required?
Usually no for a simple disclosure, but some jurisdictions or courts may require notarization or witness signatures for filings or to create a self-proving affidavit.
What if a conflict is discovered later?
Disclose promptly, obtain informed written waivers when permitted by ethics rules, and consider withdrawal if a waiver is not possible.
How should executed copies be stored?
Retain signed originals or certified electronic records in a secure system with audit trails and encryption; follow retention timelines noted earlier.
Who can sign for an entity client?
An authorized officer or agent with corporate authority should sign; include title and evidence of authorization to avoid challenge.
How to correct a mistake after signing?
Prepare an amended disclosure or correction statement executed by the same parties and reference the original document and effective date.

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