Legal Settlement Retainer

LEGAL SETTLEMENT RETAINER

This Legal Settlement Retainer Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into by and between Client Name: with address: (hereinafter "Client"), and Attorney/Law Firm: with principal office: (hereinafter "Attorney"). The effective date of this Agreement is: .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client has asserted or may assert claims, demands or disputes arising out of or related to the matter described as: (the Matter); and

WHEREAS, Client desires to engage Attorney to represent Client for the limited purpose of pursuing, negotiating, and documenting a settlement of the Matter subject to the terms and limitations set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, Attorney is willing to represent Client on the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

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

1. ENGAGEMENT

Client hereby retains Attorney, and Attorney accepts such retention, to act as Client's counsel to negotiate, document, and, if necessary, litigate only those matters reasonably necessary to arrive at or enforce a settlement of the Matter. The representation is limited to settlement-related services and does not constitute retention for unrelated claims unless separately agreed in writing.

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

Attorney will perform legal services customary to settlement negotiation and documentation including, without limitation: investigation of relevant facts, advising Client on settlement strategy, negotiating with opposing parties or counsel, drafting settlement agreements, and arranging for disbursement of settlement funds. Court appearances or extended litigation beyond settlement-related proceedings will require additional written authorization and may be subject to separate fee arrangements.

3. RETAINER, FEES AND COSTS

Client shall pay Attorney a retainer in the amount of: to be deposited in Attorney's trust or operating account as appropriate. The parties further agree that Attorney's fee will be determined as follows (select applicable): Contingency Hourly Flat Fee.

If a contingency fee is selected, Attorney's contingency percentage shall be: of the gross monetary recovery (the Contingency Fee). If hourly rates are selected, Attorney's hourly rates for primary attorneys and staff are as follows: .

Costs and expenses advanced by Attorney (including filing fees, expert fees, deposition costs, courier and postage, and other disbursements) shall be reimbursed from settlement proceeds prior to calculation of Attorney's fee unless agreed otherwise in writing. Estimated costs to be advanced: .

4. DISTRIBUTION AND ACCOUNTING

All settlement proceeds received by Attorney will be deposited into Attorney's trust or client account, and Attorney will disburse funds in the following order: (a) reimbursement of advanced costs and expenses; (b) payment of Attorney's fees; (c) payment of liens, judgments or obligations as authorized by Client; (d) remittance to Client of the remaining balance. Attorney shall provide Client with a final accounting and statement of distribution within a reasonable time after receipt of settlement proceeds.

5. SETTLEMENT AUTHORITY

Client retains final authority to accept or reject any settlement. Attorney is authorized to negotiate and recommend terms, but shall not bind Client to any settlement unless Client provides prior written or electronic authorization. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Client authorizes Attorney to accept settlements not exceeding: without further consultation, where such authority has been expressly granted in writing by Client.

6. CLIENT COOPERATION

Client shall cooperate fully with Attorney, provide truthful information, execute documents reasonably required to pursue or effectuate a settlement, attend meetings and hearings as requested, and refrain from making any independent admissions or communications with opposing parties that could impair the negotiation or settlement process.

7. CONFLICTS AND REPRESENTATION LIMITATIONS

Attorney represents only Client in the Matter and has conducted a conflicts check to the extent reasonably possible. If a material conflict arises during the representation, Attorney will notify Client and may withdraw to the extent required by applicable rules of professional conduct. Attorney makes no guaranty as to the outcome of negotiations or the amount of any recovery.

8. CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-DISCLOSURE OF SETTLEMENT TERMS

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, discussions and documents exchanged in negotiation of a settlement are confidential to the extent permitted by law. Any confidentiality or nondisclosure provisions required as part of a settlement shall be specifically identified and approved in writing by Client prior to execution.

9. TERMINATION

Either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the other. Termination will not affect Client's obligation to pay Attorney for services rendered and costs advanced prior to termination. Upon termination, Attorney will take reasonable steps to protect Client's interests including returning client files and property as required by law.

10. NOTICES

Notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses provided above by hand delivery, certified mail, or recognized overnight courier and shall be effective upon receipt.

11. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the state chosen by the parties: , without regard to conflicts of laws principles.

12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Client and Attorney regarding the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior agreements, discussions and understandings. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

13. AMENDMENT; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties. Failure to enforce any provision shall not constitute a waiver of that or any other provision. 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.

14. MISCELLANEOUS

Client represents that Client has the authority to enter into this Agreement and that the information provided to Attorney is true and complete to the best of Client's knowledge. Attorney will comply with applicable rules of professional conduct and maintain appropriate confidentiality and client trust accounting procedures.

REPRESENTATIONS AND SIGNATURE

By signing below, Client acknowledges that Client has read and understands this Agreement, has had the opportunity to ask questions, and consents to the terms stated herein. Attorney represents that Attorney is duly authorized to provide the services described and will carry out such services in accordance with applicable professional obligations.

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