Using a formal Wells Marble Hurst PLLC engagement document clarifies client and firm expectations, establishes fee and confidentiality terms, and creates a record that supports compliance with ESIGN and state electronic-transaction laws when executed electronically with appropriate consent and retention.
Typical users include individuals, corporate clients, and outside counsel engaging Wells Marble Hurst PLLC for legal representation or document review.
A corporate CFO provides billing details, authorized signatory names, and conflict disclosures. They must verify authority to bind the company and confirm acceptance of electronic service and billing terms before signing.
An individual client supplies full legal name, government ID for identity verification, contact details, and any power-of-attorney documentation. Accurate personal data ensures valid signature attribution and reduces processing delays. It also clarifies fee billing and retention preferences.
Define specific legal services to be provided, deliverables, and exclusions. Clearly setting scope avoids disputes over additional work and provides a basis for fee adjustments or separate engagement letters when tasks fall outside the original agreement.
Specify billing rates, retainers, invoicing frequency, expense reimbursement, and conditions for fee increases. Include dispute-resolution steps and whether electronic delivery of invoices is acceptable for client consent and record retention.
Detail attorney-client privilege, limits on disclosure, exceptions required by law, and any data-handling obligations. Address electronic storage, encryption, and third-party access to protect privileged communications under legal ethics rules.
Describe conflict-check procedures, client consent mechanisms, and steps if a disqualifying conflict is discovered. Include waiver language and timeframes for notifying affected parties and withdrawing if necessary.
List client responsibilities such as providing truthful information, timely documents, decision-making authority, and payment. Clarify consequences of noncooperation, including suspension of services or additional costs.
State who may sign on each party's behalf, effective date, and whether electronic signatures are accepted. Reference ESIGN and applicable state law for electronic execution and retention requirements.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Sequential or parallel signing with role assignment |
| Authentication | Email link, SMS code, or KBA if required |
| Conditional Fields | Show or hide fields based on prior answers |
| Storage | Save PDFs to cloud storage with audit trail |
Select platform features that meet security, compliance, and integration needs for electronic execution across your firm systems.
Client should sign or object within 14 days of receipt.
Retainer payable upon acceptance unless alternate terms stated.
Invoices issued monthly or per milestone as specified.
Allow one to three business days for administrative processing of signed files.
Follow IRS schedules; e.g., 1099 and W-2 due dates per IRS rules.
| 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 | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |