Scope of Services
Define specific immigration tasks (form preparation, filing, responses to RFEs, representation at interviews) and exclude any non-covered services to avoid scope creep.
A clearly drafted retainer reduces ambiguity about scope, fees, and responsibilities, protecting both client and counsel. It helps document consent to electronic delivery and retention under ESIGN/UETA and sets expectations for timing and evidentiary records.
The retainer is used by immigration law firms, corporate HR teams, and individuals sponsoring or seeking work authorization.
Use the agreement to record payment terms, expectations for evidence collection, and consent for electronic signatures and document delivery.
Senior counsel or managing attorney on the file. Responsible for legal advice, preparing petitions, filing with USCIS or other agencies, and communicating status updates. The attorney’s signature accepts the engagement terms and sets fee and withdrawal conditions.
Individual applicant or authorized company representative (HR director, general counsel). Responsible for providing accurate supporting documents, timely payments, cooperation for filings, and authorizing the attorney to submit required forms.
Define specific immigration tasks (form preparation, filing, responses to RFEs, representation at interviews) and exclude any non-covered services to avoid scope creep.
State retainer amount, hourly rates or flat fees, billing cadence, and which government filing fees are paid by the client versus counsel.
List required documents, deadlines for submission, and the client’s duty to provide truthful, complete evidence needed for the application.
Address consent to receive documents electronically and to sign by electronic signature in accordance with ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) or applicable state UETA law.
Confirm attorney-client privilege and any additional privacy obligations, and whether a HIPAA-compliant workflow or BAA is required for healthcare-related matters.
Explain termination procedures, how unused retainer amounts are handled, and any conditions for fee disputes or arbitration.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Template | Create reusable retainer template with fixed clauses |
| Authentication | Email + SMS or KBA for higher assurance |
| Reminders | Auto-reminders at configurable intervals |
| Archival | Secure PDF with audit trail stored long-term |
Choose a signing platform that supports required authentication, audit trails, and the file formats you use.
Ensure the platform allows export of a tamper-evident PDF and preserves an auditable certificate of completion for regulatory or court review.
Provide requested evidence within 14 calendar days of request
Sign and return retainer before filing; same-day filing may be delayed
Respond to RFEs within the period specified by the agency
Attend scheduled appointments; missed dates can delay processing
Allow counsel 3–5 business days to prepare filings after receipt of documents
A boutique immigration firm executes a standard retainer for employer-sponsored I‑129 petitions
An HR department engages counsel with a master retainer for multiple foreign hires
| 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, no credit card required | Varies by vendor and plan | Varies by vendor and plan | Varies by vendor and plan | Varies by vendor and plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes (available on mid tiers) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Plan dependent |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA available) | Yes | Yes | No | No |