Legal Retainer Visa

LEGAL RETAINER VISA AGREEMENT

This Legal Retainer Visa Agreement (the "Agreement") is made on the day of , by and between Client Name: (hereinafter "Client"), and Attorney/Firm Name: (hereinafter "Counsel"). Client and Counsel are each a "Party" and collectively the "Parties."

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client seeks legal representation and assistance in connection with the preparation, filing, and prosecution of an application for immigration status, visa petition, consular processing, adjustment of status, or related immigration benefit (collectively, "Visa Services"); and

WHEREAS, Counsel is duly authorized to provide immigration legal services and has represented to Client that Counsel has the experience and competence to represent Client in connection with those Visa Services; and

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to set forth herein the terms and conditions of Counsel's representation of Client.

NOW, THEREFORE

In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows:

1. ENGAGEMENT; SCOPE OF SERVICES

1.1 Engagement. Client retains Counsel to perform legal services related to Visa Services as described in this Section 1. Counsel accepts the engagement subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

1.2 Scope. Counsel will provide legal advice, prepare and file applicable petitions or applications, respond to government requests for evidence, represent Client at interviews or hearings when express in writing, and counsel Client regarding supporting documentation and eligibility. The specific visa categories to be considered are indicated below and are part of the defined scope.

2. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Client shall fully and promptly cooperate with Counsel, provide all documents and information necessary for representation, execute affidavits and forms when requested, provide truthful and complete responses, and timely pay fees and costs. Failure to cooperate or provide accurate information may result in Counsel's withdrawal and/or denial of the immigration benefit.

3. FEES, COSTS, AND PAYMENT

3.1 Retainer Fee. Client shall pay an advance retainer in the amount of $ , to be deposited into Counsel's trust or operating account as required by applicable rules. Counsel will apply the retainer to billed fees and costs in accordance with this Agreement.

3.2 Hourly Rates and Flat Fees. Billing will be at hourly rates or flat fees as agreed. Hourly rates: Lead Attorney $ per hour; Associate $ per hour. Flat fee, if applicable: $ .

3.3 Costs and Expenses. Client is responsible for all filing fees, courier charges, translation costs, expert fees, medical examination fees, and other out-of-pocket expenses (collectively, "Costs"). Costs will be advanced by Client or billed to Client and are payable upon request.

4. ACCOUNTING; REFUNDS; TRUST FUNDS

Counsel will render periodic statements describing services performed, hours, and Costs. If the retainer balance is unused upon final accounting, Counsel will refund the remaining balance to Client within a reasonable time after final bill. Counsel will comply with applicable trust accounting rules for any client funds held in trust.

5. WITHDRAWAL OR TERMINATION

Counsel may withdraw from representation for good cause, including but not limited to nonpayment of fees, material misrepresentation by Client, conflict of interest, or Client's failure to cooperate. Upon termination or withdrawal, Counsel will take reasonable steps to protect Client's interests, including providing notice and allowing time to retain other counsel, subject to ethical obligations.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVILEGE

All information and materials provided by Client to Counsel in connection with the representation are subject to attorney-client privilege and will be kept confidential unless Client provides informed written consent for disclosure or disclosure is otherwise required by law or court order.

7. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Counsel has made reasonable inquiry and does not presently know of any conflict of interest that would preclude representation. If a conflict subsequently arises, Counsel will notify Client and may seek informed written consent to continue representation or will withdraw as required by professional rules.

8. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Client represents that all information provided to Counsel is true, accurate, and complete to the best of Client's knowledge. Client acknowledges that Counsel has made no guarantee as to the outcome of any immigration application, petition, or proceeding.

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Except for willful misconduct or gross negligence, Counsel's liability to Client for any claim arising from this Agreement shall be limited to direct damages not to exceed the total fees paid to Counsel under this Agreement. Counsel shall not be liable for incidental, consequential, or punitive damages.

10. NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses below by hand, overnight courier, or certified mail (return receipt requested). Notices are effective upon receipt.

11. 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 of any breach shall not constitute a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.

12. COUNTERPARTS; ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which is an original and all of which constitute one instrument. The Parties agree that electronic or scanned signatures shall be treated as original signatures for all purposes.

13. GOVERNING LAW

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

14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior discussions, agreements, and understandings. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

15. ADDITIONAL TERMS

15.1 Cooperation with Government. Client authorizes Counsel to communicate and share information with governmental authorities and retained experts as necessary for the provision of Visa Services, subject to applicable privilege and confidentiality protections.

15.2 Record Retention. Counsel may retain copies of Client's file for a reasonable period; original documents provided to Counsel will be returned upon written request if not required to be retained by counsel for ethical or legal reasons.

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