Legal Retainer Package

LEGAL RETAINER PACKAGE

This Legal Retainer Package (the Agreement) is entered into effective as of Effective Date: by and between Client Name: whose address is Client Address: (Client), and Law Firm Name: whose address is Firm Address: (Firm).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client desires to retain Firm to provide legal services as described herein and Firm is willing to provide such services on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS, the parties intend to memorialize the scope of representation, fee arrangements, retainer deposit practices, and responsibilities of the parties in a written engagement agreement;

WHEREAS, Client acknowledges that Firm has disclosed its billing rates, trust account practices, and potential conflicts and that Client has provided the information necessary for Firm to evaluate the matter.

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

1. ENGAGEMENT; SCOPE OF SERVICES

1.1 Engagement. Client retains Firm to perform legal services described in Section 1.2 and Firm accepts such engagement under the terms of this Agreement. Firm does not guarantee any particular result and will exercise professional judgment in performing services.

1.2 Scope of Services. Firm will provide the following services:

2. ATTORNEY RESPONSIBILITY AND CONFLICTS

2.1 Duty of Care. Firm shall provide legal services in a competent, diligent, and timely manner consistent with applicable rules of professional responsibility.

2.2 Conflicts. Client represents that Client is not aware of any conflict that would prevent Firm from representing Client. If a conflict of interest arises, Firm will notify Client and may withdraw if required by ethical obligations.

3. FEES, BILLING AND PAYMENT

3.1 Billing Rates. Client agrees to pay Firm according to the billing arrangement selected: (check all applicable)

Fee Arrangement Hourly billing at Firm's standard hourly rates Flat fee for defined services Contingency fee (subject to separate contingency agreement)

3.2 Hourly Rates. Primary attorney hourly rate: $; Paralegal hourly rate: $.

3.3 Retainer. Client shall pay an initial retainer in the amount of $ to be held in Firm's trust account and applied as described below.

3.4 Billing and Payment Terms. Firm will render periodic invoices and Client will pay within days of invoice. Unpaid balances accrue interest at a rate of % per month where permitted by law.

4. TRUST ACCOUNT AND APPLICATION OF RETAINER

4.1 Trust Handling. Retainer funds shall be held in Firm's client trust account. Firm will withdraw funds from the trust account to pay billed fees and expenses as those fees and expenses are earned or incurred in accordance with accounting rules applicable to client trust funds.

4.2 Replenishment. Client agrees to replenish the retainer upon request to maintain a reasonable balance to cover anticipated fees and expenses.

5. EXPENSES

Client shall reimburse Firm for out-of-pocket expenses advanced by Firm on Client's behalf, including but not limited to filing fees, messenger and courier charges, expert witness fees, investigative expenses, travel, deposition and trial costs. Firm will seek Client authorization for any single expense reasonably expected to exceed $.

6. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Client shall provide truthful, complete information and respond promptly to Firm's requests. Client shall not instruct Firm to take actions contrary to law or the ethical rules governing attorneys.

7. TERM, WITHDRAWAL AND TERMINATION

Firm may withdraw from representation subject to applicable rules of professional conduct and court approval where required. Client may terminate this engagement at any time upon written notice. Termination does not relieve Client of obligation to pay fees and expenses incurred prior to termination.

8. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVILEGE

Firm shall maintain the confidentiality of Client communications to the extent required by law. Communications between Client and Firm for the purpose of obtaining legal advice are protected by the attorney-client privilege; Firm will assert privilege where appropriate.

9. FILES AND RECORDS

Upon conclusion of the representation, Firm may retain Client files and may destroy or archive electronic and physical files consistent with Firm's record retention policy, after giving reasonable notice to Client. Original documents delivered by Client will be returned upon request.

10. NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses listed below or to such other address as either party designates in writing.

11. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

No amendment to this Agreement will be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties. Waiver of any breach or default shall not constitute waiver of any subsequent breach. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.

12. GOVERNING LAW; DISPUTE RESOLUTION; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state specified for Governing Law: , without regard to conflict of laws principles.

The parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve any fee dispute through negotiation. If a dispute cannot be resolved by negotiation, the parties agree that disputes may be resolved by binding arbitration where permitted by law unless otherwise agreed in writing.

This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, whether written or oral. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

13.1 Electronic Communications. Client consents to reasonable electronic communications and acknowledges the risks associated with e-mail and other electronic transmissions.

13.2 Fee Estimates. Any fee estimate provided is an estimate only and not a fixed quote unless explicitly stated in writing as a flat fee arrangement.

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