[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":525},["ShallowReactive",2],{"document-attorney-agreement-D862":3},{"document":4,"label":21,"preview":11,"thumb":22,"thumb600":23,"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"apiDescription":5,"pages":8,"extension":10,"parents":24,"breadcrumb":28,"related":34,"customDescModule":169,"customdescription":6,"mdFm":170,"mdProseHtml":524},{"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":7,"pages":8,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":11,"thumb":12,"svgFrame":13,"seoMetadata":14,"parents":15,"keywords":20},"ATTORNEY AGREEMENT This Attorney Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Company\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [COMPANY NAME] (the \"Attorney\"), an individual with his main address located at OR a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] WHEREAS Company is a legal person not constituted in [STATE/PROVINCE] and carrying on an activity or operating an enterprise or possessing an immoveable real right in [STATE/PROVINCE]; and WHEREAS Company is not domiciled and does not have an establishment in [STATE/PROVINCE], and must therefore designate an attorney residing in [STATE/PROVINCE], in accordance with the legal publicity of sole proprietorships, partnerships and legal persons; and WHEREAS Attorney, whose place of business is located at [FULL ADDRESS], agrees to act as attorney for [YOUR COMPANY NAME]. THEREFORE THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS: 1. [ATTORNEY NAME], (the \"Attorney\") agrees to act as the attorney of [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Corporation\") in [STATE/PROVINCE] solely for the purpose of the service of any suit or proceeding against the Corporation or, with the prior written consent of the Corporation to execute and file required declarations under the Act respecting the legal publicity of sole proprietorships, partnerships and legal persons. 2. The Attorney shall have no responsibility for the receipt or non-receipt by the Corporation of any such process, notices or other proceedings except for gross negligence or willful default on the part of the Attorney. 3. The Attorney may at any time and for any reason whatsoever, cease to act as attorney of the Corporation and resign as such, simply by giving notice to that effect to the Corporation. Within [NUMBER] days of such notice, the Corporation shall instruct in writing the Attorney as to the handling and transfer of all documents in possession of the Attorney and regarding its function as attorney for the Corporation (the \"documents\"). Such instructions must also contain the name and address of the new attorney in [STATE/PROVINCE] of the Corporation. 4",null,"Attorney Agreement","2",41,"doc","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/attorney-agreement-D862.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/862.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#862.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[16,19],{"label":17,"url":18},"Legal Agreements","/templates/business-legal-agreements/",{"label":17,"url":18},"attorney agreement","Attorney Agreement Template","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/400px/862.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/600px/862.png",[25,16,19],{"label":26,"url":27},"Templates","/templates/",[29,30,31],{"label":26,"url":27},{"label":17,"url":18},{"label":32,"url":33},"Services & Consulting","/templates/services-and-consulting/",[35,39,43,47,51,55,59,63,67,71,75,79,83,98,116,131,143,156],{"label":36,"url":37,"thumb":38,"extension":10},"Attorney Approval","/template/attorney-approval-D1036","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1036.png",{"label":40,"url":41,"thumb":42,"extension":10},"General Power of Attorney","/template/general-power-of-attorney-D1037","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1037.png",{"label":44,"url":45,"thumb":46,"extension":10},"Limited Power of Attorney","/template/limited-power-of-attorney-D1038","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1038.png",{"label":48,"url":49,"thumb":50,"extension":10},"Revocation of Power of Attorney","/template/revocation-of-power-of-attorney-D1039","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1039.png",{"label":52,"url":53,"thumb":54,"extension":10},"Unlimited Power of Attorney","/template/unlimited-power-of-attorney-D1041","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1041.png",{"label":56,"url":57,"thumb":58,"extension":10},"Subscription Form and Power of Attorney","/template/subscription-form-and-power-of-attorney-D1040","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1040.png",{"label":60,"url":61,"thumb":62,"extension":10},"Retainer for Attorney","/template/retainer-for-attorney-D905","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/905.png",{"label":64,"url":65,"thumb":66,"extension":10},"Checklist Documents to Bring to Your Attorney","/template/checklist-documents-to-bring-to-your-attorney-D1028","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1028.png",{"label":68,"url":69,"thumb":70,"extension":10},"Board Resolution to Retain an Attorney","/template/board-resolution-to-retain-an-attorney-D73","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/73.png",{"label":72,"url":73,"thumb":74,"extension":10},"Non-Profit Partnership Agreement","/template/non-profit-partnership-agreement-D14023","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/14023.png",{"label":76,"url":77,"thumb":78,"extension":10},"Acquisition Agreement","/template/acquisition-agreement-D847","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/847.png",{"label":80,"url":81,"thumb":82,"extension":10},"Amalgamation Agreement","/template/amalgamation-agreement-D855","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/855.png",{"description":84,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":85,"pages":86,"size":87,"extension":10,"preview":88,"thumb":89,"svgFrame":90,"seoMetadata":91,"parents":92,"keywords":96,"url":97},"INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT This Independent Contractor Agreement (\"Agreement\") is made and effective [Date], BETWEEN: [INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR NAME] (the \"Independent Contractor\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Company\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] RECITALS Independent Contractor is engaged in providing [Describe] business services, its Employer Tax I.D. Number is [Insert], and its Business License Number is [insert]. Independent Contractor has complied with all Federal, State, and local laws regarding business permits, sales permits, licenses, reporting requirements, tax withholding requirements, and other legal requirements of any kind that may be required to carry out said business and the Scope of Work which is to be performed as an Independent Contractor pursuant to this Agreement. Independent Contractor is or remains open to conducting similar tasks or activities for clients other than the Company and holds themselves out to the public to be a separate business entity. Company desires to engage and contract for the services of the Independent Contractor to perform certain tasks as set forth below. Independent Contractor desires to enter into this Agreement and perform as an independent contractor for the company and is willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth below. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and the mutual promises and conditions contained in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows: TERMS This Agreement shall be effective commencing [Date], and shall continue until terminated at the completion of the Scope of Work which shall occur no later than [Date] or by either party as otherwise provided herein. STATUS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR This Agreement does not constitute a hiring by either party. It is the parties intentions that Independent Contractor shall have an independent contractor status and not be an employee for any purposes, including, but not limited to, [laws]. Independent Contractor shall retain sole and absolute discretion in the manner and means of carrying out their activities and responsibilities under this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be considered or construed to be a partnership or joint venture, and the Company shall not be liable for any obligations incurred by Independent Contractor unless specifically authorized in writing. Independent Contractor shall not act as an agent of the Company, ostensibly or otherwise, nor bind the Company in any manner, unless specifically authorized to do so in writing. TASKS, DUTIES, AND SCOPE OF WORK Independent Contractor agrees to devote as much time, attention, and energy as necessary to complete or achieve the following: [Describe]. The above to be referred to in this Agreement as the \"Scope of Work\". It is expected that the Scope of Work will completed by [Date]. Independent Contractor shall additionally perform any and all tasks and duties associated with the Scope of Work set forth above, including but not limited to, work being performed already or related change orders. Independent Contractor shall not be entitled to engage in any activities which are not expressly set forth by this Agreement. The books and records related to the Scope of Work set forth in this Agreement shall be maintained by the Independent Contractor at the Independent Contractor's principal place of business and open to inspection by Company during regular working hours. Documents to which Company will be entitled to inspect include, but are not limited to, any and all contract documents, change orders/purchase orders and work authorized by Independent Contractor or Company on existing or potential projects related to this Agreement. Independent Contractor shall be responsible to the management and directors of Company, but Independent Contractor will not be required to follow or establish a regular or daily work schedule. Supply all necessary equipment, materials and supplies. Independent Contractor will not rely on the equipment or offices of Company for completion of tasks and duties set forth pursuant to this Agreement. Any advice given Independent Contractors regarding the scope of work shall be considered a suggestion only, not an instruction. Company retains the right to inspect, stop, or alter the work of Independent Contractor to assure its conformity with this Agreement. ASSURANCE OF SERVICES Independent Contractor will assure that the following individuals (the \"Key Employees\") will be available to perform, and will perform, the Services hereunder until they are completed (identify by title and name as applicable): [Name of Key Employee, Title] [Name of Key Employee, Title] The Key Employees may be changed only with the prior written approval of the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. COMPENSATION Independent Contractor shall be entitled to compensation for performing those tasks and duties related to the Scope of Work as follows: [Describe] Such compensation shall become due and payable to Independent Contractor in the following time, place, and manner: [Describe] NOTICE CONCERNING WITHHOLDING OF TAXES Independent Contractor recognizes and understands that it will receive a [specify tax] statement and related tax statements, and will be required to file corporate and/or individual tax returns and to pay taxes in accordance with all provisions of applicable Federal and State law. Independent Contractor hereby promises and agrees to indemnify the Company for any damages or expenses, including attorney's fees, and legal expenses, incurred by the Company as a result of independent contractor's failure to make such required payments. AGREEMENT TO WAIVE RIGHTS TO BENEFITS Independent Contractor hereby waives and foregoes the right to receive any benefits given by Company to its regular employees, including, but not limited to, health benefits, vacation and sick leave benefits, profit sharing plans, etc. This waiver is applicable to all non-salary benefits which might otherwise be found to accrue to the Independent Contractor by virtue of their services to Company, and is effective for the entire duration of Independent Contractor's agreement with Company. This waiver is effective independently of Independent Contractor's employment status as adjudged for taxation purposes or for any other purpose. Neither this Agreement, nor any duties or obligations under this Agreement may be assigned by either party without the consent of the other. TERMINATION This Agreement may be terminated prior to the completion or achievement of the Scope of Work by either party giving [number] days written notice. Such termination shall not prejudice any other remedy to which the terminating party may be entitled, either by law, in equity, or under this Agreement. NON-DISCLOSURE OF TRADE SECRETS, CUSTOMER LISTS AND OTHER PROPRIETARY INFORMATION Independent Contractor agrees not to disclose or communicate, in any manner, either during or after Independent Contractor's agreement with Company, information about Company, its operations, clientele, or any other information, that relate to the business of Company including, but not limited to, the names of its customers, its marketing strategies, operations, or any other information of any kind which would be deemed confidential, a trade secret, a customer list, or other form of proprietary information of Company. Independent Contractor acknowledges that the above information is material and confidential and that it affects the profitability of Company. ","Independent Contractor Agreement","6",62,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/independent-contractor-agreement-D160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#160.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[93],{"label":94,"url":95},"Consultant & Contractors","consulting-contractor-business","independent contractor agreement","/template/independent-contractor-agreement-D160",{"description":99,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":100,"pages":101,"size":102,"extension":10,"preview":103,"thumb":104,"svgFrame":105,"seoMetadata":106,"parents":108,"keywords":114,"url":115},"CONSULTING AGREEMENT This Consulting Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [CONSULTANT NAME] (the \"Consultant\"), an individual with his main address located at OR a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Company\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] In the event of a conflict in the provisions of any attachments hereto and the provisions set forth in this Agreement, the provisions of such attachments shall govern. In consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual promises set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereto agree as follows: RECITALS Consultant has expertise in the area of the Company's business and is willing to provide consulting services to the Company. The Company is willing to engage Consultant as an independent contractor, and not as an employee, on the terms and conditions set forth herein. The Company desires to obtain the services of Consultant by means of services provided by Consultant's employees dispatched by Consultant to provide services to Company hereunder (\"Agents\"), on its own behalf and on behalf of all existing and future Affiliated Companies (defined as any corporation or other business entity or entities that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company), and Consultant desires to provide consulting services to the Company upon the following terms and conditions. The Company has spent significant time, effort, and money to develop certain Proprietary Information (as defined below), which the Company considers vital to its business and goodwill. The Proprietary Information will necessarily be communicated to or acquired by Consultant and its Agents in the course of providing consulting services to the Company, and the Company desires to obtain the services of Consultant, only if, in doing so, it can protect its Proprietary Information and goodwill. SERVICES Consultant agrees to perform for Company the services listed in the Scope of Services section in Exhibit A, attached hereto and executed by both Company and Consultant. Such services are hereinafter referred to as \"Services.\" Company agrees that consultant shall have ready access to Company's staff and resources as necessary to perform the Consultant's services provided for by this contract. CONSULTING PERIOD Basic Term The Company hereby retains the Consultant and Consultant agrees to render to the Company those services described in Exhibit A for the period (the \"Consulting Period\") commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending upon the earlier of (i) [APPLICABLE DATE], (the \"Term Date\"), and (ii) the date the Consulting Period is terminated in accordance with Section 7. The Company shall pay the Consultant the compensation to which it is entitled under Section 5 through the end of the Consulting Period, and, thereafter, the Company's obligations hereunder shall end. Renewal Subject to Section 7, the Consulting Period will be automatically renewed for an additional [AGREED UPON NUMBER OF MONTHS] month period (without any action by either party) on the Term Date and on each anniversary thereof, unless one party gives to the other written notice [NUMBER] days in advance of the beginning of any [AGREED UPON NUMBER OF MONTHS] month renewal period that the Consulting Period is to be terminated, provided, that in no event shall the Consulting Period extend beyond [DEADLINE DATE]. Either party's right to terminate the Consulting Period, instead of renewing the Agreement, shall be with or without cause. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Consultant hereby agrees to provide and perform for the Company those services set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto. Consultant shall devote its best efforts to the performance of the services and to such other services as may be reasonably requested by the Company and hereby agrees to devote, unless otherwise requested in writing by the Company, (a minimum of at least [AGREED UPON NUMBER OF HOURS] hours of service per week/or assign [AGREED UPON NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS] individuals to provide services to the Company). Consultant shall use its best efforts to furnish competent Agents possessing a sufficient working knowledge of the Company's research, development and products to fulfill Consultant's obligations hereunder. Any Agent of Consultant who, in the sole opinion of the Company, is unable to adequately perform any services hereunder shall be replaced by Consultant within [AGREED UPON NUMBER OF DAYS] days after receipt of notice from the Company of its desire to have such Agent replaced. Consultant shall use its best efforts to comply with, and to ensure that each of its Agents comply with, all policies and practices regarding the use of facilities at which services are to be perform hereunder. Consultant agrees and shall cause each of its Agents to agree to the Acknowledgement and Inventions Assignment attached hereto as Exhibit B, and Consultant shall deliver a signed original of such Acknowledgement and Inventions Assignment to Company prior to such Agent's commencement of the provision of services for the Company. Consultant shall obtain for the benefit of the Company, as an intended third-party beneficiary thereof, prior to the performance of any services hereunder by any of the Agents, the written agreement of Agent to be bound by terms no less restrictive than the terms of Sections 2, 5, 6, and 7 of this Agreement. Personnel supplied by Consultant to provide services to Company under this Agreement will be deemed Consultant's employees or agents and will not for any purpose be considered employees or agents of Company. Consultant assumes full responsibility for the actions of such personnel while performing services pursuant to this Agreement, and shall be solely responsible for their supervision, daily direction and control, provision of employment benefits (if any) and payment of salary (including all required withholding of taxes). COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND EXPENSES Compensation In consideration of the services to be rendered hereunder, including, without limitation, services to any Affiliated Company, Consultant shall be paid [AMOUNT], payable at the time and pursuant to the procedures regularly established, and as they may be amended, by the Company during the course of this Agreement. Benefits Other than the compensation specified in this 5.1, neither Consultant nor its Agents shall be entitled to any direct or indirect compensation for services performed hereunder. Expenses The Company shall reimburse Consultant for reasonable travel and other business expenses incurred by its Agents in the performance of the duties hereunder in accordance with the Company's general policies, as they may be amended from time to time during the course of this Agreement. INVOICING Company shall pay the amounts agreed to herein upon receipt of invoices which shall be sent by Consultant, and Company shall pay the amount of such invoices to Consultant. TERMINATION OF CONSULTING RELATIONSHIP By the Company or the Consultant At any time, either the Company or the Consultant may terminate, without liability, the Consulting Period for any reason, with or without cause, by giving [AGREED UPON NUMBER OF DAYS] days advance written notice to the other party. If the Consultant terminates its consulting relationship with the Company pursuant to Sections 2, 3 and 4, the Company shall have the option, in its complete discretion, to terminate Consultant immediately without the running of any notice period","Consulting Agreement Long","12",513,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/consulting-agreement---long-D12543.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12543.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12543.xml",{"title":107,"description":6},"consulting agreement long",[109,111],{"label":17,"url":110},"business-legal-agreements",{"label":112,"url":113},"Consulting Agreements","consulting-agreement","consulting agreement   long","/template/consulting-agreement---long-D12543",{"description":117,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":118,"pages":119,"size":102,"extension":10,"preview":120,"thumb":121,"svgFrame":122,"seoMetadata":123,"parents":125,"keywords":124,"url":130},"NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (NDA) This Non-Disclosure Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Disclosing Party\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [RECEIVING PARTY NAME] (the \"Receiving Party\"), an individual with his main address located at OR a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] WHEREAS, Receiving Party has been or will be engaged in the performance of work on [DESCRIBE]; and in connection therewith will be given access to certain confidential and proprietary information; and WHEREAS, Receiving Party and Disclosing Party wish to evidence by this Agreement the manner in which said confidential and proprietary material will be treated. NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows: NON-DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION Both Parties understand and agree that each Party may have access to the confidential information of the other party. For the purposes of this Agreement, \"Confidential Information\" means proprietary and confidential information about the Disclosing Party's (or it's suppliers') business or activities. Such information includes all business, financial, technical, and other information marked or designated by such Party as \"confidential\" or \"proprietary.\" Confidential Information also includes information which, by the nature of the circumstances surrounding the disclosure, ought in good faith to be treated as confidential. For the purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information does not include: Information that is currently in the public domain or that enters the public domain after the signing of this Agreement. Information a Party lawfully receives from a third Party without restriction on disclosure and without breach of a non-disclosure obligation. Information that the Receiving Party knew prior to receiving any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Information that the Receiving Party independently develops without reliance on any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Each Party agrees that it will not disclose to any third Party or use any Confidential Information disclosed to it by the other Party except when expressly permitted in writing by the other Party. Each Party also agrees that it will take all reasonable measures to maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information of the other Party in its possession or control. TERM The term of this Agreement is [number] of [years/months] from the date of execution by both Parties. TITLE The Receiving Party agrees that all Confidential Information furnished by the Disclosing Party shall remain the sole property of the Disclosing Party. DISCLAIMER","Non Disclosure Agreement Nda","3","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12692.xml",{"title":124,"description":6},"non disclosure agreement nda",[126,127],{"label":17,"url":110},{"label":128,"url":129},"Confidentiality Agreements","confidentiality-agreement","/template/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692",{"description":132,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":133,"pages":86,"size":102,"extension":10,"preview":134,"thumb":135,"svgFrame":136,"seoMetadata":137,"parents":139,"keywords":138,"url":142},"SERVICE AGREEMENT This SERVICE AGREEMENT (\"Agreement\") is effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [COMPANY NAME] (the \"Contractor\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [COMPANY NAME] (the \"Customer\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] (The Contractor and the Customer shall be individually referred to as a \"Party\" and collectively referred to as the \"Parties\", as the context may require). WHEREAS A. Contractor has experience and expertise in [DESCRIBE EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE]. B. Customer desires to have Contractor provide services for them. C. Contractor desires to provide services to Customer on the terms and conditions set forth herein (the \"Services\"). NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals, the representations, warranties, and agreements contained in this Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are now acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows: SERVICES PROVIDED Beginning on upon agreement to this contract, [CONTRACTOR] will provide to [CUSTOMER] the following service (collectively, the /Services\"): Description of the project: [DESCRIBE THE SERVICE REQUIRED]. SCOPE OF WORK Contractor agrees to provide Services pursuant to the Scope of Work set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto (the \"Scope of Work\"). TERM Unless both parties mutually agree on an extension, this contract will automatically terminate on [SPECIFY]. PERFORMANCE The parties agree to do everything possible to ensure that the terms of this Agreement take effect. PAYMENT FOR SERVICES In exchange for the Services rendered, a payment of [SPECIFY] will be made to the Contractor upon completion of the scheduled Services described in this Contract. If an invoice is not paid on the due date, interest will be added to the current balance. These amounts shall be payable, and the Customer shall pay all overdue amounts at the lesser of [SPECIFY] per cent per annum or the maximum percentage permitted by applicable law. Or Customer will pay Contractor as follows: [SPECIFY]. DELIVERY OF SERVICES The Contractor will exercise due diligence in the provision of services. However, the Customer acknowledges that the indicated delivery times and other payment milestones listed in Scope of Work are estimates and do not constitute final delivery dates. SECURITY The Contractor must make reasonable security arrangement to protect Material from unauthorized access, collection, use, alteration or disposal. OWNERSHIP RIGHT The Customer shall hold the copyright for the agreed version of the Services as delivered, and the Customer's copyright notice may be displayed in the final version. All works, ideas, discoveries, inventions, patents, products or other information that may be protected by copyright (collectively, the \"Work Product\" developed in whole or in part by the Contractor in connection with the Services, shall be the exclusive property of the Customer. Upon request, the Contractor shall execute all documents necessary to confirm or perfect the exclusive ownership of the Customer's \"Work Product\". The Contractor retains exclusive rights to pre-existing materials used in the Customer's projects. The Customer shall not have the right to reuse, resell or otherwise transfer material belonging to the contractor or third parties. The Contractor reserves the right to use the finished public product as an example of a product. RETURN OF PROPERTY Upon the expiry or termination of this Agreement, the Contractor will return to the Customer any property, documentation, records or Confidential Information which is the property of the Customer. COMPENSATION For all services rendered by the Contractor under this Agreement, the Customer shall indemnify the Contractor. In the event that the Customer fails to make any of the payments mentioned, the Contractor shall have the right, but shall not be obliged, to exercise any of the following remedies: ","Service Agreement","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/service-agreement-D12711.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12711.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12711.xml",{"title":138,"description":6},"service agreement",[140,141],{"label":17,"url":110},{"label":17,"url":110},"/template/service-agreement-D12711",{"description":144,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":145,"pages":146,"size":102,"extension":10,"preview":147,"thumb":148,"svgFrame":149,"seoMetadata":150,"parents":152,"keywords":151,"url":155},"RETAINER AGREEMENT This Retainer Agreement (\"Agreement\") is made and effective the [DATE], BETWEEN: [COMPANY NAME] (the \"Consultant\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [COMPANY NAME] (the \"Client\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] WHEREAS, Consultant has a background in [SPECIFY] and is willing to provide services to Client based on this background. Client remains responsible for all of their decisions. WHEREAS, Client desires to have services provided by Consultant. THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and covenants of this agreement, and other valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows: DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES Beginning on [DATE], Consultant will provide the following services (collectively, the \"Services\"): Assist Client as they seek to accomplish any of the following: [DESCRIBE THE SERVICES PROVIDED] Additional services such as: [SPECIFY] are also available. services to be performed The manner in which the Services are to be performed and the specific hours to be worked by Consultant shall be determined by Consultant. Client will rely on Consultant to work as many hours as may be reasonably necessary to fulfill Consultant's obligations under this Agreement. RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES It is understood by the parties that Consultant is an independent contractor with respect to Client, and not an employee of Client. Client will not provide fringe benefits, including health insurance benefits, paid vacation, or any other employee benefit, for the benefit of Consultant. retainer The Client shall pay to the Consultant a non-refundable retainer fee of $[SPECIFY] where after the Consultant shall reserve its services to the Client for a period of [NUMBER] days (\"Retainer Period\") from date of execution of this agreement and payment of the retainer fee, whichever occurs last. This agreement shall automatically terminate upon completion of the Retainer Period. The Client may terminate this contract at any time during the Retainer Period, with or without cause. In the event of such termination, the Client shall immediately pay the Consultant all sums of money with respect to fees and expenses of the Consultant, up to the date of termination. This agreement only reserves the Consultant's availability for employment by the Client and shall in no way prevent the Consultant from performing work for other clients during the Retainer Period. The Consultant shall not act as an agent for, consultant to, or as an officer, employee, or other representative of any party that has an adverse interest in the matter for which Client has retained the Consultant. The Consultant hereby warrants that there is no conflict of interest between the Consultant's other employment, if any, or other contracts, if any, and the activities to be performed hereunder. The Consultant shall promptly advise Client if a conflict of interest arises in the future. expenses The Consultant is: Responsible for all expenses. The Consultant shall be responsible for all expenses related to providing the Services under this Agreement. This includes, but is not limited to, supplies, equipment, operating costs, business costs, employment costs, taxes, Social Security contributions and/or payments, disability insurance, unemployment taxes, and any other cost that may or may not be in connection with the Services provided by the Consultant including out-of-pocket expenses. OR Reimbursed for only the following expenses: [SPECIFY]. Client agrees to pay the Consultant within [SPECIFY]. days of receiving notice of any expense directly associated with the Services. Upon request by the Client, the Consultant may have to show receipt(s) or proof(s) of purchase for said expense. OR Not required to pay or be responsible for any expense in connection with the Services provided. client's Obligations The customer commits: ","Retainer Agreement","4","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/retainer-agreement-D12703.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12703.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12703.xml",{"title":151,"description":6},"retainer agreement",[153,154],{"label":17,"url":110},{"label":17,"url":110},"/template/retainer-agreement-D12703",{"description":157,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":158,"pages":159,"size":102,"extension":10,"preview":160,"thumb":161,"svgFrame":162,"seoMetadata":163,"parents":165,"keywords":164,"url":168},"LEGAL SERVICE AGREEMENT This Legal Service Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective this [DATE], BETWEEN: [CLIENT NAME] (the \"Client\"), a [individual/company] with its principal place of business located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [LAW FIRM NAME] (the \"Service Provider\"), a commission-based sales agent organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], [COUNTRY], with its principal place of business located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] WHEREAS, the Client desires to retain the services of the Service Provider to provide legal services under the terms and conditions set forth herein; WHEREAS, the Service Provider agrees to provide such services to the Client in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement; IT IS HEREBY AGREED THAT: SCOPE OF SERVICES 1.1 Services Provided: The Service Provider agrees to provide the following legal services to the Client: [DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES, E.G., LEGAL CONSULTATION, CONTRACT DRAFTING, LITIGATION REPRESENTATION, ETC.] 2.1 Additional Services: Any additional services requested by the Client that are outside the scope of this Agreement shall be subject to a separate agreement and additional fees. FEES AND PAYMENT 2.1 Legal Fees: The Client agrees to pay the Service Provider for services rendered at the following rates: a) [Hourly Rate or Flat Fee] b) [Retainer Amount, if applicable] c) [Other Fees, if any] 2.2 Invoicing and Payment Terms: The Service Provider shall invoice the Client [monthly/quarterly/upon completion of services]. The Client agrees to pay each invoice within [NUMBER OF DAYS] days of receipt. 2.3 Late Payments: Late payments will incur a late fee of [LATE FEE AMOUNT] or [PERCENTAGE]% per month until paid in full. RETAINER 3.1 Retainer: The Client agrees to pay a retainer of [AMOUNT] to the Service Provider upon execution of this Agreement. The retainer shall be applied towards the Client's legal fees and expenses. Any unused portion of the retainer shall be refunded to the Client upon completion of the services. TERM AND TERMINATION 4.1 Term: The term of this Agreement shall commence on [START DATE] and continue until [END DATE], unless terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement. 4.2 Termination by Client: The Client may terminate this Agreement at any time by providing [NUMBER OF DAYS] days' written notice to the Service Provider. 4.3 Termination by Service Provider: The Service Provider may terminate this Agreement with [NUMBER OF DAYS] days' written notice to the Client if the Client fails to fulfill their payment obligations or otherwise breaches the terms of this Agreement. 4.4 Obligations upon Termination: Upon termination, the Client shall promptly pay the Service Provider for all services rendered and expenses incurred up to the date of termination. CONFIDENTIALITY 5.1 Confidential Information: The Service Provider agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary and confidential information of the Client, both during and after the term of this Agreement. 5.2 Disclosure: The Service Provider will not disclose any confidential information to third parties without prior written consent from the Client, except as required by law or court order. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 6.1 Service Provider's Representations: The Service Provider represents and warrants that it has the necessary skills, qualifications, and expertise to provide the legal services required under this Agreement. 6","Legal Service Agreement","5","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/legal-service-agreement-D14001.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/14001.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#14001.xml",{"title":164,"description":6},"legal service agreement",[166,167],{"label":17,"url":110},{"label":17,"url":110},"/template/legal-service-agreement-D14001",false,{"seo":171,"reviewer":184,"quick_facts":188,"at_a_glance":191,"personas":195,"variants":220,"glossary":247,"clauses":284,"how_to_fill":335,"common_mistakes":376,"faqs":401,"industries":432,"comparisons":457,"diy_vs_lawyer":471,"jurisdictions":484,"related_template_ids_curated":505,"schema":512,"classification":513},{"meta_title":172,"meta_description":173,"primary_keyword":174,"secondary_keywords":175},"Attorney Agreement Template (Free Word)","Free attorney agreement template for engaging legal counsel. Covers scope of services, fees, retainer, billing, confidentiality, and termination. Free Word and PDF download.","attorney agreement template",[176,177,178,179,180,181,182,183],"attorney agreement template word","attorney client agreement template","legal services agreement template","lawyer retainer agreement template","attorney retainer agreement template free","engagement letter attorney template","attorney fee agreement template","legal representation agreement template",{"name":185,"credential":186,"reviewed_date":187},"Bruno Goulet","CEO, Business in a Box","2026-05-02",{"difficulty":189,"legal_review_recommended":190,"signature_required":190},"advanced",true,{"what_it_is":192,"when_you_need_it":193,"whats_inside":194},"An Attorney Agreement is a binding contract between a client and a licensed attorney or law firm that defines the scope of legal representation, fee structure, billing practices, and the obligations of both parties. This template is a free Word download you can edit online and export as PDF — covering retainer terms, hourly or flat-fee arrangements, confidentiality, conflict-of-interest disclosures, and termination rights in a single document.\n","Use it whenever you engage outside legal counsel for business matters — including litigation, contract review, regulatory filings, M&A transactions, or ongoing general counsel services — before the attorney begins any billable work.\n","Identification of the parties and matter, scope of legal services, fee structure and retainer amount, billing and payment terms, file and records handling, confidentiality obligations, conflict-of-interest disclosures, termination rights, and governing bar rules reference.\n",[196,200,204,208,212,216],{"title":197,"use_case":198,"icon_asset_id":199},"Small business owners","Formalizing the terms before hiring outside counsel for the first time","persona-small-business-owner",{"title":201,"use_case":202,"icon_asset_id":203},"Startup founders","Engaging an attorney for incorporation, IP filing, or a funding round","persona-startup-founder",{"title":205,"use_case":206,"icon_asset_id":207},"Corporate legal departments","Documenting outside counsel engagement terms for compliance and cost control","persona-corporate-counsel",{"title":209,"use_case":210,"icon_asset_id":211},"Attorneys and law firms","Providing clients with a signed engagement agreement before work begins","persona-lawyer",{"title":213,"use_case":214,"icon_asset_id":215},"Real estate investors and developers","Retaining a real estate attorney for transactions, title review, or disputes","persona-real-estate-investor",{"title":217,"use_case":218,"icon_asset_id":219},"Individual clients","Clarifying fee expectations and scope when hiring personal legal counsel","persona-individual-client",[221,225,229,233,236,240,244],{"situation":222,"recommended_template":223,"slug":224},"Engaging a lawyer for a single defined matter at a flat fee","Attorney Flat Fee Agreement","attorney-agreement-D862",{"situation":226,"recommended_template":227,"slug":228},"Retaining ongoing general counsel on a monthly basis","General Counsel Retainer Agreement","retainer-agreement-D12703",{"situation":230,"recommended_template":231,"slug":232},"Hiring a lawyer on contingency for a personal injury or commercial claim","Contingency Fee Agreement","referral-fee-agreement-D12730",{"situation":234,"recommended_template":235,"slug":224},"Engaging outside counsel for M&A due diligence or transaction work","Attorney Agreement (Transactional)",{"situation":237,"recommended_template":238,"slug":239},"Retaining a law firm for ongoing employment law advice","Employment Legal Services Agreement","legal-service-agreement-D14001",{"situation":241,"recommended_template":242,"slug":243},"Engaging a solo practitioner for a short-term litigation matter","Attorney Engagement Letter","engagement-letter-D13681",{"situation":245,"recommended_template":85,"slug":246},"Contracting with a consultant who is also a licensed attorney","independent-contractor-agreement-D160",[248,251,254,257,260,263,266,269,272,275,278,281],{"term":249,"definition":250},"Retainer","An upfront payment made to secure an attorney's availability, applied against future billable hours or held in a trust account until earned.",{"term":252,"definition":253},"Engagement Letter","A written agreement — often used interchangeably with attorney agreement — that defines the scope of representation and fee terms before legal work begins.",{"term":255,"definition":256},"Scope of Representation","The specific legal matter or defined set of tasks the attorney is hired to handle, excluding all other matters unless separately agreed in writing.",{"term":258,"definition":259},"Contingency Fee","A fee arrangement where the attorney receives a percentage of any recovery rather than an hourly or flat rate, with no fee owed if the case is lost.",{"term":261,"definition":262},"Trust Account (IOLTA)","A segregated bank account — Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts — where attorneys hold client funds such as retainers until those funds are earned.",{"term":264,"definition":265},"Attorney-Client Privilege","A legal protection that keeps confidential communications between a client and their attorney from being disclosed without the client's consent.",{"term":267,"definition":268},"Conflict of Interest","A situation where the attorney's duty to one client conflicts with their duty to another client, a former client, or the attorney's own interests.",{"term":270,"definition":271},"Billable Hour","The standard unit of attorney billing — typically divided into six-minute increments — representing the time an attorney spends on a client's matter.",{"term":273,"definition":274},"Work Product Doctrine","A legal protection shielding materials prepared by an attorney in anticipation of litigation from discovery by opposing parties.",{"term":276,"definition":277},"Disengagement","The formal process by which an attorney terminates representation, requiring notice, file transfer, and compliance with applicable bar rules.",{"term":279,"definition":280},"Flat Fee","A fixed, predetermined amount charged for a specific legal service regardless of time spent — common for routine matters like document drafting or incorporations.",{"term":282,"definition":283},"Outside Counsel","An attorney or law firm hired by a company to handle specific legal matters, as distinguished from in-house counsel employed directly by the organization.",[285,290,295,300,305,310,315,320,325,330],{"name":286,"plain_english":287,"sample_language":288,"common_mistake":289},"Parties and matter identification","Names the client and the attorney or law firm, and defines the specific legal matter or project for which the attorney is being engaged.","This Attorney Agreement ('Agreement') is entered into as of [DATE] between [CLIENT FULL LEGAL NAME] ('Client') and [ATTORNEY / FIRM NAME], a licensed attorney / law firm in [STATE / JURISDICTION] ('Attorney'). Attorney is engaged to represent Client in connection with [DESCRIPTION OF MATTER].","Identifying only the individual attorney when the engagement is with the firm as a whole — if that attorney leaves, the firm's obligation to continue representation becomes ambiguous.",{"name":291,"plain_english":292,"sample_language":293,"common_mistake":294},"Scope of legal services","Defines precisely what legal work the attorney will and will not perform, preventing scope creep and billing disputes.","Attorney shall provide legal services limited to: [SPECIFIC SERVICES, e.g., drafting and negotiating the Asset Purchase Agreement, conducting due diligence on Schedules A–D, and advising on closing conditions]. Attorney is not engaged to provide advice on tax, regulatory, or employment matters unless separately agreed in writing.","Leaving the scope open-ended with language like 'general legal advice.' An undefined scope exposes the client to unlimited billing and the attorney to unlimited liability.",{"name":296,"plain_english":297,"sample_language":298,"common_mistake":299},"Fee structure and billing rate","States whether fees are hourly, flat, contingency, or blended, and specifies the applicable rates for each attorney and staff level.","Client shall pay Attorney at the following hourly rates: Partner — $[X]/hr; Associate — $[X]/hr; Paralegal — $[X]/hr. Rates are subject to adjustment upon [30] days' written notice. Alternatively, the flat fee for [DEFINED MATTER] is $[X], payable as set out in Section [X].","Listing only the lead attorney's rate while omitting associate and paralegal rates — clients routinely receive invoices at rates they never agreed to.",{"name":301,"plain_english":302,"sample_language":303,"common_mistake":304},"Retainer and trust account terms","Sets the upfront retainer amount, explains how it is held in a client trust account, and describes the replenishment obligation when the retainer falls below a threshold.","Client shall pay an initial retainer of $[AMOUNT] upon execution, to be held in Attorney's IOLTA trust account. Retainer funds will be applied against earned fees and disbursements. When the retainer balance falls below $[MINIMUM], Client shall replenish it to $[AMOUNT] within [10] business days of written notice.","Treating the retainer as a flat fee rather than a deposit. Confusing the two leads to disputes over unused funds and violates bar rules in most jurisdictions.",{"name":306,"plain_english":307,"sample_language":308,"common_mistake":309},"Billing, invoices, and payment terms","Describes how often the attorney invoices, the payment deadline, the detail required on statements, and the consequence of late payment.","Attorney shall invoice Client monthly. Invoices are due within [30] days of the invoice date. Invoices shall itemize services by date, timekeeper, task description, and time increment. Balances unpaid after [30] days accrue interest at [1.5]% per month. Attorney may suspend services on [10] days' notice if any invoice remains unpaid.","No itemization requirement on invoices. Block billing — 'Legal services rendered: 12 hrs @ $400' — makes it impossible to verify work performed or challenge specific entries.",{"name":311,"plain_english":312,"sample_language":313,"common_mistake":314},"Confidentiality and attorney-client privilege","Affirms the attorney's duty to maintain client confidences and the existence of attorney-client privilege over communications related to the representation.","All communications between Client and Attorney relating to this representation are protected by attorney-client privilege and the duty of confidentiality under [APPLICABLE RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT]. Attorney shall not disclose Client's confidential information to any third party without Client's prior written consent, except as required by law or court order.","Omitting a clause that survives termination. Confidentiality obligations must expressly extend beyond the end of the engagement — otherwise enforceability is uncertain.",{"name":316,"plain_english":317,"sample_language":318,"common_mistake":319},"Conflict-of-interest disclosure","Requires the attorney to disclose any known conflicts of interest before or during representation, and states the procedure for obtaining informed written consent if a waivable conflict exists.","Attorney represents that, as of the date of this Agreement, Attorney has no known conflict of interest that would preclude representation. Should a conflict arise during the engagement, Attorney shall promptly notify Client in writing. Any conflict requiring waiver must be consented to in writing by Client before representation continues.","Including a blanket advance conflict waiver without adequately explaining the nature of potential future conflicts — courts and bar authorities scrutinize overbroad advance waivers.",{"name":321,"plain_english":322,"sample_language":323,"common_mistake":324},"File retention and ownership","Clarifies who owns the client file, how long the attorney will retain records, and the procedure for returning files upon request or disengagement.","The Client's file, including all documents Client provided to Attorney, is the property of Client. Attorney shall retain a copy of the file for [7] years following the conclusion of the matter. Upon written request or upon termination of this Agreement, Attorney shall promptly return Client's original documents and, if requested, a copy of Attorney's work product.","No file return provision. Without one, clients face delays recovering critical documents — especially during disputes with former counsel.",{"name":326,"plain_english":327,"sample_language":328,"common_mistake":329},"Termination and disengagement","States the conditions under which either party may end the representation, the required notice period, and the attorney's obligations upon termination — including file transfer and cooperation with successor counsel.","Either party may terminate this Agreement upon [10] days' written notice. Client may terminate at any time for any reason. Attorney may withdraw for cause — including non-payment, misrepresentation, or Client's insistence on a course of action Attorney reasonably believes is unlawful — subject to applicable bar rules. Upon termination, Client remains responsible for fees and disbursements incurred through the termination date.","No withdrawal-for-cause definition. Without it, mid-matter withdrawal by the attorney leaves the client with no notice standard and no basis to challenge it.",{"name":331,"plain_english":332,"sample_language":333,"common_mistake":334},"Governing law and bar rules compliance","Specifies the jurisdiction whose law governs the agreement and affirms that the attorney's obligations are subject to the applicable rules of professional conduct.","This Agreement is governed by the laws of [STATE / PROVINCE / COUNTRY]. All professional obligations of Attorney are subject to the [STATE BAR / LAW SOCIETY] Rules of Professional Conduct. In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and those rules, the rules of professional conduct shall govern.","Choosing a governing law that differs from the jurisdiction where the attorney is licensed — creating a conflict between the contractual terms and the bar rules the attorney is actually bound by.",[336,341,346,351,356,361,366,371],{"step":337,"title":338,"description":339,"tip":340},1,"Identify both parties with precision","Enter the client's full legal name — using the registered entity name if the client is a business — and the attorney's or law firm's full legal name and bar jurisdiction. Do not use trade names or abbreviations.","Confirm the attorney's bar number and verify active standing in the relevant jurisdiction before signing — most state and provincial bar websites offer a public lookup.",{"step":342,"title":343,"description":344,"tip":345},2,"Define the scope of representation narrowly","Write a specific description of the legal matter: the transaction, dispute, or project the attorney is handling. Explicitly list exclusions — such as tax advice or regulatory filings — if those are out of scope.","If the engagement will expand over time, add a mechanism for written scope amendments rather than leaving the scope open-ended from the start.",{"step":347,"title":348,"description":349,"tip":350},3,"Complete the fee structure section","Enter the hourly rates for each timekeeper level (partner, associate, paralegal), or specify the flat fee and what it covers. For contingency arrangements, state the percentage and the calculation basis — gross recovery or net after expenses.","Ask for a written estimate of the total expected fees before signing. Estimates are not caps, but they create a reasonable benchmark for budget conversations.",{"step":352,"title":353,"description":354,"tip":355},4,"Set the retainer amount and replenishment threshold","Enter the initial retainer amount, confirm it will be held in a segregated trust account, and specify the minimum balance that triggers a replenishment notice.","Request the attorney's IOLTA account information in writing. Sending a retainer payment to a general operating account instead of a trust account is a bar rules violation in most jurisdictions.",{"step":357,"title":358,"description":359,"tip":360},5,"Configure billing and invoice terms","Set the billing cycle (monthly is standard), the payment due date (Net 15 or Net 30), and the late-fee rate. Require itemized invoices with date, timekeeper, task description, and time in tenths of an hour.","Negotiate a right to audit billing records for any matter expected to exceed $25,000 in total fees — this is standard in sophisticated corporate engagements and most firms will agree.",{"step":362,"title":363,"description":364,"tip":365},6,"Confirm the conflict-of-interest disclosure","Have the attorney confirm in writing that no known conflicts exist as of the signing date, and include the procedure for disclosing and resolving conflicts that arise mid-engagement.","For complex transactions involving multiple parties, ask for an organizational conflict check — not just an individual attorney check — across the entire firm.",{"step":367,"title":368,"description":369,"tip":370},7,"Complete the termination and file return provisions","Set the notice period for termination by either party, define the grounds for attorney withdrawal, and confirm that the client's original documents will be returned promptly upon request.","Include a cooperation clause requiring the attorney to assist successor counsel with file transfer and transition — without it, hand-offs routinely take weeks longer than necessary.",{"step":372,"title":373,"description":374,"tip":375},8,"Execute before any billable work begins","Both parties should sign the agreement before the attorney conducts any billable work, holds any client funds, or provides substantive legal advice. Backdating creates enforceability risk and bar-rules exposure.","Use a witnessed or countersigned execution process for high-value engagements. For corporate clients, ensure the signatory has authority to bind the entity.",[377,381,385,389,393,397],{"mistake":378,"why_it_matters":379,"fix":380},"Open-ended scope of representation","Without defined scope boundaries, billing disputes are almost inevitable — and the attorney may claim entitlement to fees for work the client believed was outside the engagement.","Define the matter with specifics: case name, transaction name, or discrete project. List adjacent services that are explicitly excluded and require a written amendment to add.",{"mistake":382,"why_it_matters":383,"fix":384},"Confusing a retainer with a flat fee","A retainer is a deposit held in trust and applied against earned fees — unused amounts must be returned. Treating it as a non-refundable flat fee violates bar rules in most US states, Canadian provinces, and the UK.","State explicitly whether the retainer is refundable and confirm it will be held in an IOLTA or client trust account until fees are earned.",{"mistake":386,"why_it_matters":387,"fix":388},"Accepting block billing without an itemization requirement","Block billing — where multiple tasks are bundled into a single time entry — makes it impossible to verify whether individual charges are reasonable or to dispute specific entries.","Require that each invoice entry identify the date, timekeeper, a specific task description, and time recorded in tenths of an hour. Include a right to request supporting records.",{"mistake":390,"why_it_matters":391,"fix":392},"No termination notice period or withdrawal-for-cause definition","Without a defined notice period and cause standard, an attorney can withdraw mid-litigation with minimal notice, leaving the client scrambling to find replacement counsel before a deadline.","Set a minimum notice period — 10 business days is common — and enumerate specific grounds for attorney withdrawal, consistent with the applicable rules of professional conduct.",{"mistake":394,"why_it_matters":395,"fix":396},"Omitting a post-termination confidentiality clause","A confidentiality obligation that expires with the engagement leaves sensitive business information unprotected the moment the attorney-client relationship ends.","Include explicit language that the duty of confidentiality survives termination of the agreement indefinitely and is governed by the applicable rules of professional conduct.",{"mistake":398,"why_it_matters":399,"fix":400},"Governing law jurisdiction differs from the attorney's licensed jurisdiction","A contract governed by New York law signed by a California-licensed attorney creates a conflict between contractual rights and the California bar rules that actually bind the attorney's professional conduct.","Set governing law to match the jurisdiction where the attorney is licensed and where the representation will primarily occur. Add a bar rules supremacy clause for conflicts.",[402,405,408,411,414,417,420,423,426,429],{"question":403,"answer":404},"What is an attorney agreement?","An attorney agreement is a binding contract between a client and a licensed attorney or law firm that sets out the terms of legal representation before any substantive work begins. It defines the scope of the matter, the fee structure, billing and payment terms, retainer handling, confidentiality obligations, and the conditions under which either party can end the relationship. Most bar associations require or strongly recommend a written engagement agreement for any matter expected to involve fees above a nominal threshold.\n",{"question":406,"answer":407},"Is an attorney agreement legally required?","Requirements vary by jurisdiction. In California, a written fee agreement is required for most matters where fees will exceed $1,000. In many other US states and Canadian provinces, written agreements are not strictly mandatory but are required by bar rules when the arrangement involves a contingency fee or a non-refundable retainer. In the UK, solicitors are required to provide written terms of engagement under the SRA Code of Conduct. Even where not legally mandated, a written agreement is strongly recommended to prevent billing disputes and define the scope of representation.\n",{"question":409,"answer":410},"What is the difference between an attorney agreement and an engagement letter?","The two terms are often used interchangeably. An engagement letter is typically a shorter, less formal document — sometimes a letter format rather than a contract format — that confirms scope and fee terms at the start of a matter. An attorney agreement tends to be more comprehensive, covering conflict-of-interest procedures, file retention, termination rights, and governing law in full contractual detail. Both create binding obligations when signed by both parties.\n",{"question":412,"answer":413},"What fee structures can an attorney agreement cover?","Attorney agreements can cover hourly billing at tiered rates by timekeeper level, flat fees for defined matters such as incorporations or contract drafting, contingency fees expressed as a percentage of recovery, blended rates that average across all timekeepers, and retainer-based arrangements for ongoing general counsel services. The agreement should specify the structure clearly, including any caps, estimates, or conditions under which the structure may change.\n",{"question":415,"answer":416},"What is an IOLTA trust account and why does it matter?","An IOLTA (Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts) account is a segregated bank account where attorneys hold client funds — including retainers — until those funds are earned. Commingling client funds with the attorney's operating account is a disciplinary violation in every US state, Canadian province, and the UK. When signing an attorney agreement, confirm in writing that your retainer will be deposited into a designated trust account, not a general business account.\n",{"question":418,"answer":419},"Can I terminate an attorney agreement before the matter is complete?","Yes. Clients generally have an absolute right to terminate legal representation at any time, for any reason. The client remains responsible for fees and disbursements incurred up to the termination date. The attorney must return the client's original documents and cooperate with the transition to successor counsel. Attorneys can also withdraw for cause — such as non-payment, misrepresentation, or a client's insistence on an unlawful course of action — subject to bar rules and any court approval required in active litigation.\n",{"question":421,"answer":422},"What should I look for in the billing section of an attorney agreement?","Look for a clear billing cycle (monthly is standard), a specific payment due date (Net 15 or Net 30), an itemization requirement for each invoice entry (date, timekeeper, task, and time in tenths of an hour), the late-fee rate, and the attorney's right to suspend services for non-payment with adequate notice. Reject block billing provisions — or ensure the agreement prohibits them — and consider negotiating a right to audit billing records for engagements expected to exceed $25,000.\n",{"question":424,"answer":425},"How do conflict-of-interest rules affect an attorney agreement?","Attorneys are prohibited from representing clients whose interests conflict with another current or former client's interests without disclosure and, in most cases, written consent. A well-drafted attorney agreement requires the attorney to disclose all known conflicts before signing, establish a procedure for mid-engagement conflicts, and obtain informed written consent before continuing if a waivable conflict is identified. Advance conflict waivers — blanket consent to future conflicts — are scrutinized carefully by bar authorities and should be narrow in scope.\n",{"question":427,"answer":428},"Does an attorney agreement protect attorney-client privilege?","Attorney-client privilege exists as a matter of law independent of any written agreement — it attaches automatically to confidential communications made for the purpose of seeking legal advice. However, a written agreement reinforces the privilege by clearly establishing the attorney-client relationship and confirming the confidential nature of communications. Including an explicit confidentiality and privilege clause also creates a contractual basis for enforcing the obligation, separate from the bar rules duty of confidentiality.\n",{"question":430,"answer":431},"Do I need a separate agreement for each matter I hire an attorney to handle?","Yes, in most cases. Each distinct legal matter — a contract dispute, a regulatory filing, a property transaction — should be covered by its own scope definition, either in a separate agreement or in a written amendment to an existing general retainer agreement. A single open-ended agreement without matter-specific scope creates confusion about which work is included, makes billing oversight difficult, and may not satisfy the bar rules requirement for a written fee agreement in jurisdictions that mandate one.\n",[433,437,441,445,449,453],{"industry":434,"icon_asset_id":435,"specifics":436},"Technology / SaaS","industry-saas","IP assignment review, software licensing agreements, privacy compliance counsel, and funding round documentation require clearly scoped attorney agreements to manage outside counsel costs across multiple concurrent matters.",{"industry":438,"icon_asset_id":439,"specifics":440},"Real Estate","industry-real-estate","Transaction-specific attorney agreements covering title review, contract negotiation, and closing are standard; flat-fee or matter-specific hourly structures are typical for defined transaction work.",{"industry":442,"icon_asset_id":443,"specifics":444},"Financial Services","industry-fintech","Regulatory compliance counsel, SEC or FINRA matter defense, and M&A due diligence require attorney agreements with enhanced conflict-of-interest checks and strict billing controls given the high hourly rates involved.",{"industry":446,"icon_asset_id":447,"specifics":448},"Healthcare","industry-healthtech","HIPAA compliance advice, medical malpractice defense, and licensing matters demand attorney agreements that extend confidentiality obligations to protected health information and specify bar-compliant patient data handling.",{"industry":450,"icon_asset_id":451,"specifics":452},"Manufacturing","industry-manufacturing","Product liability defense, supply chain contract disputes, and environmental regulatory matters typically involve litigation-focused attorney agreements with defined retainer replenishment schedules.",{"industry":454,"icon_asset_id":455,"specifics":456},"Professional Services","industry-professional-services","General counsel retainer arrangements covering employment, contracts, and client disputes are common; professional services firms often negotiate blended monthly rates rather than per-matter hourly billing.",[458,460,464,468],{"vs":85,"vs_template_id":246,"summary":459},"An independent contractor agreement engages a self-employed professional for project-based work with no employment entitlements. An attorney agreement is a specialized engagement contract governed by bar rules and professional conduct obligations that go beyond standard contractor terms — including trust account requirements, conflict-of-interest disclosure, and mandatory file return obligations. Use an attorney agreement whenever the person you are engaging is providing legal advice, not just general consulting.",{"vs":461,"vs_template_id":462,"summary":463},"Consulting Agreement","consulting-agreement-D166","A consulting agreement covers the engagement of a subject-matter expert for advice or project delivery without professional licensing obligations. An attorney agreement is required specifically for legal representation — it triggers attorney-client privilege, bar rules compliance, and duties that no consulting agreement can replicate. Even if the consultant holds a law license, providing legal advice requires an attorney agreement to establish privilege and professional obligations.",{"vs":465,"vs_template_id":466,"summary":467},"Non-Disclosure Agreement","non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692","An NDA protects confidential information shared between parties in a business context. Attorney-client confidentiality is a separate legal doctrine with broader and stronger protection than a contractual NDA — it applies automatically by law and cannot be waived unilaterally. An attorney agreement supplements this protection with a contractual confidentiality clause, but the underlying privilege is independent of any NDA between the parties.",{"vs":133,"vs_template_id":469,"summary":470},"service-agreement-D12711","A general service agreement covers the delivery of professional or commercial services with defined deliverables, timelines, and fees. It is appropriate for most vendor engagements but lacks the bar-rules compliance provisions, trust account terms, conflict-of-interest procedures, and privilege protections that an attorney agreement must include. Using a generic service agreement for legal representation creates unresolved gaps in fee handling, confidentiality, and termination that bar rules would otherwise govern.",{"use_template":472,"template_plus_review":476,"custom_drafted":480},{"best_for":473,"cost":474,"time":475},"Attorneys and law firms providing clients with a standard written engagement agreement for routine matters","Free","15–30 minutes to customize and execute",{"best_for":477,"cost":478,"time":479},"Clients engaging outside counsel for mid-size litigation, M&A transactions, or regulatory matters exceeding $20,000 in anticipated fees","$300–$800 for a senior attorney or general counsel to review terms","1–2 days",{"best_for":481,"cost":482,"time":483},"Complex multi-jurisdiction engagements, institutional outside counsel arrangements, or matters involving contingency fees, equity compensation, or co-counsel structures","$1,500–$5,000+ depending on complexity","1–2 weeks",[485,490,495,500],{"code":486,"name":487,"flag_asset_id":488,"note":489},"us","United States","flag-us","Fee agreement requirements vary by state. California Business & Professions Code §6148 requires a written fee agreement for most matters where fees will exceed $1,000, and contingency fee agreements must comply with §6147. All states require contingency fee agreements to be in writing. Retainer funds must be held in an IOLTA trust account, and commingling with operating funds is a disciplinary offense in every jurisdiction. Non-compete provisions in attorney agreements are generally unenforceable under ABA Model Rule 5.6.",{"code":491,"name":492,"flag_asset_id":493,"note":494},"ca","Canada","flag-ca","Law societies in each province regulate attorney engagements. The Law Society of Ontario's Rules of Professional Conduct require lawyers to confirm the basis for fees in writing at the outset of the engagement. In Quebec, written mandates are required for contingency arrangements and are strongly recommended for all matters; agreements must be available in French for Quebec-based clients. Retainer funds must be held in a designated trust account under provincial law society rules, and interest on trust funds may be payable to the client.",{"code":496,"name":497,"flag_asset_id":498,"note":499},"uk","United Kingdom","flag-uk","Solicitors in England and Wales must provide a client care letter setting out the costs information and terms of engagement under the SRA Code of Conduct 2019. Barristers are separately governed by the Bar Standards Board. Conditional fee agreements (CFAs) and damages-based agreements (DBAs) must meet specific statutory requirements under the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 as amended. Solicitor-client costs disputes can be referred to the Legal Ombudsman, and solicitor overcharging may be subject to assessment by the court.",{"code":501,"name":502,"flag_asset_id":503,"note":504},"eu","European Union","flag-eu","Attorney engagement requirements vary significantly across EU member states. In Germany, attorney fees for court matters are governed by the Rechtsanwaltsvergütungsgesetz (RVG) statutory fee schedule, and agreements to deviate require written form. In France, written fee agreements are mandatory for all matters and must include a fee estimate. GDPR applies to all personal data processed in connection with the representation, requiring the attorney agreement to address data handling roles and obligations. Cross-border EU engagements may involve the CCBE Code of Conduct for European Lawyers.",[246,506,466,469,228,239,507,508,509,510,511,243],"consulting-agreement---long-D12543","general-power-of-attorney-D1037","settlement-agreement-D916","cease-and-desist-letter-D12916","conflict-of-interest-policy-for-board-members-D13933","client-service-agreement-D13255",{"emit_how_to":190,"emit_defined_term":190},{"primary_folder":110,"secondary_folder":514,"document_type":515,"industry":516,"business_stage":517,"tags":518,"confidence":523},"services-and-consulting","agreement","legal-services","all-stages",[519,520,516,521,522],"contract","attorney-agreement","retainer","billing",0.95,"\u003Ch2>What is an Attorney Agreement?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>An \u003Cstrong>Attorney Agreement\u003C/strong> is a binding contract between a client and a licensed attorney or law firm that formally establishes the terms of legal representation before any substantive work begins. It defines the specific matter or matters covered, the fee structure and retainer terms, billing and payment obligations, confidentiality and privilege protections, conflict-of-interest disclosure procedures, and the rights of both parties to terminate the relationship. Unlike an informal handshake or a verbal understanding, a written attorney agreement creates enforceable obligations on both sides and ensures that the engagement is governed by clearly agreed terms rather than contested recollections or jurisdiction-specific defaults.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Why You Need This Document\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Without a signed attorney agreement, fee disputes are resolved by what each party remembers saying rather than what was written down — and courts frequently find in favor of the client when terms are ambiguous. A client without a written agreement has no documented basis to challenge billing rates, dispute block-billed invoices, or enforce a file-return obligation when switching counsel mid-matter. For the attorney, an unsigned engagement exposes the firm to fee collection problems, scope disputes, and potential bar discipline for failing to document the basis for fees. Executing a clear attorney agreement before work begins protects both sides: the client knows exactly what they are paying for and retains the right to detailed invoices, while the attorney has a documented fee arrangement to enforce if payment is withheld. This template gives both parties a professionally structured starting point that is consistent with bar rules requirements across major jurisdictions.\u003C/p>\n",1781186037535]