[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":526},["ShallowReactive",2],{"document-retainer-for-attorney-D905":3},{"document":4,"label":21,"preview":11,"thumb":22,"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"apiDescription":5,"pages":8,"extension":10,"parents":23,"breadcrumb":27,"related":33,"customDescModule":173,"customdescription":6,"mdFm":174,"mdProseHtml":525},{"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":7,"pages":8,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":11,"thumb":12,"svgFrame":13,"seoMetadata":14,"parents":15,"keywords":20},"RETAINER FOR ATTORNEY This Retainer for Attorney (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [ATTORNEY NAME] (the \"Attorney\"), 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] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Client\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and covenants of this agreement, and other valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows: SERVICES BY ATTORNEY Client hereby retains and employs Attorney to: [Describe Services to be Provided] FEES FOR SERVICES",null,"Retainer for Attorney","1",30,"doc","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/retainer-for-attorney-D905.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/905.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#905.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[16,19],{"label":17,"url":18},"Legal Agreements","/templates/business-legal-agreements/",{"label":17,"url":18},"retainer for attorney","Retainer for Attorney Template","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/400px/905.png",[24,16,19],{"label":25,"url":26},"Templates","/templates/",[28,29,30],{"label":25,"url":26},{"label":17,"url":18},{"label":31,"url":32},"Services & Consulting","/templates/services-and-consulting/",[34,38,42,46,50,54,58,62,66,70,74,78,82,99,114,126,142,157],{"label":35,"url":36,"thumb":37,"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":39,"url":40,"thumb":41,"extension":10},"Attorney Approval","/template/attorney-approval-D1036","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1036.png",{"label":43,"url":44,"thumb":45,"extension":10},"General Power of Attorney","/template/general-power-of-attorney-D1037","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1037.png",{"label":47,"url":48,"thumb":49,"extension":10},"Limited Power of Attorney","/template/limited-power-of-attorney-D1038","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1038.png",{"label":51,"url":52,"thumb":53,"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":55,"url":56,"thumb":57,"extension":10},"Unlimited Power of Attorney","/template/unlimited-power-of-attorney-D1041","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1041.png",{"label":59,"url":60,"thumb":61,"extension":10},"Retainer Agreement","/template/retainer-agreement-D12703","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12703.png",{"label":63,"url":64,"thumb":65,"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":67,"url":68,"thumb":69,"extension":10},"Retainer Consulting Agreement","/template/retainer-consulting-agreement-D13388","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13388.png",{"label":71,"url":72,"thumb":73,"extension":10},"Attorney Agreement","/template/attorney-agreement-D862","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/862.png",{"label":75,"url":76,"thumb":77,"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":79,"url":80,"thumb":81,"extension":10},"Retention Policy","/template/retention-policy-D13183","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13183.png",{"description":83,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":84,"pages":85,"size":86,"extension":10,"preview":87,"thumb":88,"svgFrame":89,"seoMetadata":90,"parents":92,"keywords":91,"url":98},"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",513,"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":91,"description":6},"non disclosure agreement nda",[93,95],{"label":17,"url":94},"business-legal-agreements",{"label":96,"url":97},"Confidentiality Agreements","confidentiality-agreement","/template/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692",{"description":100,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":101,"pages":102,"size":103,"extension":10,"preview":104,"thumb":105,"svgFrame":106,"seoMetadata":107,"parents":108,"keywords":112,"url":113},"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},[109],{"label":110,"url":111},"Consultant & Contractors","consulting-contractor-business","independent contractor agreement","/template/independent-contractor-agreement-D160",{"description":115,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":116,"pages":102,"size":86,"extension":10,"preview":117,"thumb":118,"svgFrame":119,"seoMetadata":120,"parents":122,"keywords":121,"url":125},"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":121,"description":6},"service agreement",[123,124],{"label":17,"url":94},{"label":17,"url":94},"/template/service-agreement-D12711",{"description":127,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":128,"pages":129,"size":86,"extension":10,"preview":130,"thumb":131,"svgFrame":132,"seoMetadata":133,"parents":135,"keywords":140,"url":141},"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","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":134,"description":6},"consulting agreement long",[136,137],{"label":17,"url":94},{"label":138,"url":139},"Consulting Agreements","consulting-agreement","consulting agreement   long","/template/consulting-agreement---long-D12543",{"description":143,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":144,"pages":8,"size":86,"extension":10,"preview":145,"thumb":146,"svgFrame":147,"seoMetadata":148,"parents":150,"keywords":155,"url":156},"[DATE] [CONTACT NAME] [ADDRESS] [ADDRESS 2] [CITY, STATE/PROVINCE] [ZIP/POSTAL CODE] NOTICE TO CEASE AND DESIST Dear [Contact name], This letter is served upon you due to ______________________________________________ (\"the Activity\"). These claims are further explained in detail and supported by the attached exhibits and affidavits. If you do not cease the aforementioned Activity, a lawsuit will be launched against you. ","Cease and Desist Letter","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/cease-and-desist-letter-D12916.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12916.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12916.xml",{"title":149,"description":6},"cease and desist letter",[151,152],{"label":17,"url":94},{"label":153,"url":154},"Litigation & Settlement","litigation-settlement","cease desist letter","/template/cease-and-desist-letter-D12916",{"description":158,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":159,"pages":8,"size":86,"extension":10,"preview":160,"thumb":161,"svgFrame":162,"seoMetadata":163,"parents":165,"keywords":164,"url":172},"[DATE] [CONTACT NAME] [ADDRESS] [ADDRESS 2] [CITY, STATE/PROVINCE] [ZIP/POSTAL CODE] SUBJECT: OFFICIAL DEMAND LETTER REGARDING [DESCRIBE] Dear [CONTACT NAME], Based on our records, you were required to have paid $ [AMOUNT] USD (the \"Debt\") to [COMPANY NAME] on [DATE], for [SERVICE REQUIRING PAYMENT]. This Debt remains outstanding, despite our initial requests for payment. ","Demand Letter","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/demand-letter-D13262.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13262.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#13262.xml",{"title":164,"description":6},"demand letter",[166,169],{"label":167,"url":168},"Human Resources","human-resources",{"label":170,"url":171},"Company Policies","company-policies","/template/demand-letter-D13262",false,{"seo":175,"reviewer":188,"legal_disclaimer":192,"quick_facts":193,"at_a_glance":195,"personas":199,"variants":224,"glossary":251,"clauses":285,"how_to_fill":336,"common_mistakes":377,"faqs":402,"industries":430,"comparisons":455,"diy_vs_lawyer":468,"jurisdictions":481,"related_template_ids_curated":502,"schema":513,"classification":514},{"meta_title":176,"meta_description":177,"primary_keyword":178,"secondary_keywords":179},"Retainer for Attorney Template | Free Word Download","Free attorney retainer agreement template covering scope of representation, fees, billing, and termination.","retainer for attorney template",[180,181,182,183,184,185,186,187],"attorney retainer agreement template","lawyer retainer agreement template","legal retainer agreement template","retainer agreement template word","attorney retainer contract template","retainer fee agreement template","attorney client retainer template","retainer for attorney free download",{"name":189,"credential":190,"reviewed_date":191},"Bruno Goulet","CEO, Business in a Box","2026-05-02",true,{"difficulty":194,"legal_review_recommended":192,"signature_required":192,"notarization_required":173},"medium",{"what_it_is":196,"when_you_need_it":197,"whats_inside":198},"A Retainer for Attorney is a binding contract between a client and a lawyer or law firm that formalizes the terms of legal representation before any work begins. This free Word download covers scope of services, retainer fee, billing rates, cost advances, confidentiality, and termination — giving both parties a clear, enforceable record of their arrangement from day one.\n","Use it whenever you engage an attorney for ongoing legal work, a defined project, or litigation. It is the document that converts an informal agreement to hire a lawyer into an enforceable engagement with clear financial and professional obligations on both sides.\n","Identification of parties and scope of representation, retainer fee and replenishment terms, hourly or flat-fee billing rates, expense reimbursement, billing cycle and payment terms, confidentiality, file handling, conflict-of-interest acknowledgment, and termination procedures.\n",[200,204,208,212,216,220],{"title":201,"use_case":202,"icon_asset_id":203},"Small business owners","Retaining outside counsel for contracts, disputes, or compliance matters","persona-small-business-owner",{"title":205,"use_case":206,"icon_asset_id":207},"Startup founders","Engaging a startup lawyer for IP, fundraising, or employment documentation","persona-startup-founder",{"title":209,"use_case":210,"icon_asset_id":211},"Solo attorneys and small law firms","Issuing a compliant, signed retainer before beginning any client matter","persona-attorney",{"title":213,"use_case":214,"icon_asset_id":215},"Corporate legal departments","Formalizing outside counsel engagements with consistent fee and billing terms","persona-legal-counsel",{"title":217,"use_case":218,"icon_asset_id":219},"Real estate investors and developers","Retaining a real estate attorney for ongoing transaction and title work","persona-real-estate-investor",{"title":221,"use_case":222,"icon_asset_id":223},"Individuals in litigation or family law matters","Documenting the financial and service terms before a contested proceeding","persona-individual-client",[225,229,233,237,240,244,248],{"situation":226,"recommended_template":227,"slug":228},"Hiring an attorney for a specific, defined project with a fixed fee","Flat-Fee Legal Services Agreement","referral-fee-agreement-D12730",{"situation":230,"recommended_template":231,"slug":232},"Engaging ongoing general counsel services billed monthly","General Counsel Retainer Agreement","retainer-agreement-D12703",{"situation":234,"recommended_template":235,"slug":236},"Hiring a litigation attorney for a court proceeding","Litigation Retainer Agreement","litigation-agreement-D13022",{"situation":238,"recommended_template":239,"slug":228},"Retaining an attorney on a contingency-fee basis","Contingency Fee Agreement",{"situation":241,"recommended_template":242,"slug":243},"Engaging a law firm for a real estate closing only","Real Estate Attorney Engagement Letter","deed-of-sale-real-estate-property-D1172",{"situation":245,"recommended_template":246,"slug":247},"Hiring outside counsel as a fractional general counsel","Fractional General Counsel Agreement","contract-on-retaining-legal-counsel-D5189",{"situation":249,"recommended_template":250,"slug":232},"Engaging an attorney for employment law compliance work","Employment Law Retainer Agreement",[252,255,258,261,264,267,270,273,276,279,282],{"term":253,"definition":254},"Retainer Fee","An upfront deposit paid by the client to secure an attorney's availability, held in a trust account and drawn down as fees are earned.",{"term":256,"definition":257},"Trust Account (IOLTA)","A segregated bank account maintained by attorneys to hold client funds — retainer deposits and settlement proceeds — separately from the firm's operating funds.",{"term":259,"definition":260},"Scope of Representation","The specific legal matters, tasks, or proceedings the attorney agrees to handle under the engagement — anything outside this scope requires a separate agreement.",{"term":262,"definition":263},"Replenishment Threshold","The balance level at which the client must top up the retainer trust account so the attorney can continue working without interruption.",{"term":265,"definition":266},"Hourly Rate","The fee charged per hour of attorney or paralegal time, typically billed in 0.1-hour (6-minute) increments.",{"term":268,"definition":269},"Flat Fee","A fixed, all-in price for a defined legal service regardless of actual time spent — common for document drafting, closings, and incorporations.",{"term":271,"definition":272},"Conflict of Interest","A situation where an attorney's duties to one client are materially adverse to another current or former client, potentially requiring disclosure or disqualification.",{"term":274,"definition":275},"Engagement Letter","A simplified version of a retainer agreement — typically one to two pages — commonly used for transactional or short-scope matters.",{"term":277,"definition":278},"Costs and Disbursements","Out-of-pocket expenses the attorney incurs on the client's behalf — filing fees, court reporter fees, expert witness costs, and travel — billed in addition to attorney fees.",{"term":280,"definition":281},"Contingency Fee","A fee arrangement where the attorney receives a percentage of the client's recovery rather than an hourly or flat fee — prohibited for certain matter types in most jurisdictions.",{"term":283,"definition":284},"Termination for Cause","Either party's right to end the attorney-client relationship immediately for specific reasons — non-payment, conflict of interest, or ethical violations — without the standard notice period.",[286,291,296,301,306,311,316,321,326,331],{"name":287,"plain_english":288,"sample_language":289,"common_mistake":290},"Parties and engagement identification","Names the attorney or law firm and the client as legal entities, identifies the matter name or file number, and establishes the date the engagement begins.","This Retainer Agreement is entered into as of [DATE] between [LAW FIRM NAME], a [STATE] [ENTITY TYPE] ('Attorney'), and [CLIENT FULL LEGAL NAME] ('Client'). Attorney agrees to represent Client in connection with [MATTER DESCRIPTION] ('the Matter').","Using a personal name for a law firm entity or vice versa. Misidentifying the contracting party creates enforcement and liability ambiguity, particularly when the firm — not an individual attorney — carries the malpractice insurance.",{"name":292,"plain_english":293,"sample_language":294,"common_mistake":295},"Scope of representation","Defines precisely which legal services are included and explicitly excludes anything outside that scope, preventing scope-creep disputes and uncompensated work.","Attorney's representation is limited to [SPECIFIC SERVICES — e.g., 'negotiation and drafting of the Asset Purchase Agreement dated [DATE] and related transaction documents']. Attorney is not engaged to provide advice on tax matters, employment law, or any matter not expressly listed above.","Defining scope as 'general legal advice.' An undefined scope leaves the attorney exposed to demands for services never agreed to and leaves the client uncertain about what they have actually retained.",{"name":297,"plain_english":298,"sample_language":299,"common_mistake":300},"Retainer fee and trust account","States the upfront retainer amount, confirms it will be held in a client trust account, and explains how it is applied against earned fees and costs.","Upon signing, Client shall pay a retainer of $[AMOUNT], which Attorney will deposit into a client trust account (IOLTA). Fees and costs earned will be drawn from this account and itemized on each invoice. The retainer is not a flat fee — unearned funds will be returned upon termination.","Treating the retainer as a flat fee rather than a deposit. Commingling retainer funds with operating accounts is an ethical violation in all US jurisdictions and most common-law countries.",{"name":302,"plain_english":303,"sample_language":304,"common_mistake":305},"Fee structure and billing rates","Sets out the hourly rate for each timekeeper (partner, associate, paralegal), or states the flat fee if applicable, and specifies the minimum billing increment.","Attorney's fees are billed at $[RATE]/hour for partner time, $[RATE]/hour for associate time, and $[RATE]/hour for paralegal time, in minimum increments of 0.1 hours. Rates are subject to adjustment on [30] days' written notice.","Omitting paralegal rates or listing only one rate for all timekeepers. Clients who later see multiple rate tiers on an invoice — without prior disclosure — frequently dispute charges and damage the relationship.",{"name":307,"plain_english":308,"sample_language":309,"common_mistake":310},"Costs, expenses, and disbursements","Lists the categories of out-of-pocket expenses billed to the client in addition to fees — court filing fees, expert fees, travel, copying, and courier costs — and how they are invoiced.","Client shall reimburse Attorney for all reasonable costs and disbursements incurred on Client's behalf, including court filing fees, deposition costs, expert witness fees, travel at $[RATE] per mile, and copying at $[RATE] per page. Costs exceeding $[THRESHOLD] require Client's prior written approval.","No pre-approval threshold for large disbursements. Without one, clients receive surprise invoices for expert witness or travel costs that they expected to authorize in advance, creating payment disputes.",{"name":312,"plain_english":313,"sample_language":314,"common_mistake":315},"Billing cycle and payment terms","States how often invoices are issued, when they are due, the late-payment interest rate, and the consequences of non-payment including suspension of services.","Attorney shall invoice Client [monthly / bi-monthly] for fees and costs. Invoices are due within [15] days of issuance. Balances unpaid after [30] days accrue interest at [1.5]% per month. Attorney may suspend services if an invoice remains unpaid for more than [30] days after the due date.","No late-payment interest or suspension clause. Without consequences for non-payment, collection becomes a legal matter against a former client — expensive and relationship-ending.",{"name":317,"plain_english":318,"sample_language":319,"common_mistake":320},"Replenishment of retainer","Specifies the threshold balance at which the client must replenish the trust account and the timeframe for doing so, ensuring uninterrupted representation.","When the retainer balance falls below $[THRESHOLD], Attorney will notify Client in writing. Client shall replenish the account to $[FULL AMOUNT] within [10] business days of notice. Attorney may suspend services if replenishment is not received within that period.","Setting a replenishment threshold too low — for example, $500 on a $5,000 retainer. By the time the threshold is hit and notice is given, the account may be exhausted before replenishment arrives, forcing the attorney to work uncompensated.",{"name":322,"plain_english":323,"sample_language":324,"common_mistake":325},"Confidentiality and attorney-client privilege","Confirms that all client communications and information are subject to attorney-client privilege and the attorney's ethical duty of confidentiality, with standard exceptions for mandatory disclosure.","Attorney shall maintain the confidentiality of all information relating to the representation of Client in accordance with applicable rules of professional conduct. Disclosure may be made only as required by law or court order, or with Client's informed written consent.","Omitting this clause on the assumption that privilege is automatic. While privilege exists at law, explicitly stating it in the retainer signals professionalism and gives the client a clear reference point if confidentiality is ever disputed.",{"name":327,"plain_english":328,"sample_language":329,"common_mistake":330},"Termination and file handling","Defines how either party may end the engagement — notice period, conditions for immediate termination, and the attorney's obligations to return the file and unearned retainer funds.","Either party may terminate this Agreement on [14] days' written notice. Attorney may withdraw immediately if Client fails to pay fees, provides false information, or instructs Attorney to act unethically. Upon termination, Attorney shall promptly return Client's file and any unearned retainer balance within [10] business days.","No obligation to return the unearned retainer balance on termination. Clients who prepaid for services not yet rendered have a legal right to the unearned portion — omitting this clause invites a bar complaint.",{"name":332,"plain_english":333,"sample_language":334,"common_mistake":335},"Governing law and dispute resolution","Identifies which jurisdiction's law governs the agreement and how fee disputes are resolved — typically through state bar arbitration, mediation, or court.","This Agreement is governed by the laws of [STATE / PROVINCE]. Any dispute regarding fees or the scope of representation shall be submitted to non-binding fee arbitration through the [STATE] Bar Association before either party may initiate litigation.","Choosing arbitration for all disputes including malpractice claims without complying with bar rules on mandatory disclosure. Many jurisdictions require explicit, separately initialed consent for mandatory arbitration of malpractice claims — a blanket clause can be struck.",[337,342,347,352,357,362,367,372],{"step":338,"title":339,"description":340,"tip":341},1,"Identify both parties with their legal names","Enter the law firm's full registered name and the client's full legal name — individual or entity. For businesses, use the registered corporate name, not a trade name.","Confirm the exact entity name against a state or provincial registry filing before signing — a mismatch creates enforcement problems if the retainer ever needs to be litigated.",{"step":343,"title":344,"description":345,"tip":346},2,"Define the scope of representation in specific terms","Describe exactly which matter or matters are included — by transaction name, case type, or specific legal question — and explicitly state what is excluded.","If the scope may expand (e.g., litigation that could include appeals), add a sentence noting that any extension of scope requires a written amendment to this agreement.",{"step":348,"title":349,"description":350,"tip":351},3,"Set the retainer amount and trust account details","Enter the upfront retainer deposit amount. Confirm the firm's IOLTA or trust account details and state that unearned funds will be returned on termination.","Size the retainer to cover at least one full billing cycle — for hourly engagements, multiply your estimated monthly hours by the applicable rate.",{"step":353,"title":354,"description":355,"tip":356},4,"Enter all billing rates and timekeepers","List every timekeeper who may bill to the matter — partners, associates, paralegals, law clerks — with their individual hourly rates and the minimum billing increment (typically 0.1 hours).","If rates will be adjusted annually, state the notice period for rate changes so the client is never surprised by a mid-engagement increase.",{"step":358,"title":359,"description":360,"tip":361},5,"List reimbursable costs and set approval thresholds","Enumerate every cost category the attorney may bill — filing fees, expert fees, travel, copying — and set a dollar threshold above which client pre-approval is required.","A $500–$1,000 pre-approval threshold covers most routine disbursements while protecting the client from unexpected large expenses.",{"step":363,"title":364,"description":365,"tip":366},6,"Define billing cycle, due date, and late-payment terms","Select a billing frequency (monthly is standard), set a due date (Net 15 or Net 30 from invoice date), and enter the late-payment interest rate and the suspension-of-services trigger.","Net 15 with a 30-day suspension trigger is tighter than most clients expect — consider whether your jurisdiction's bar rules require additional notice before suspension.",{"step":368,"title":369,"description":370,"tip":371},7,"Confirm termination notice and file return obligations","Set the notice period for voluntary termination (14 days is common), list the conditions for immediate withdrawal, and specify the timeframe for returning the file and unearned funds.","Include a clause confirming that the client's file belongs to the client — not the attorney — regardless of any unpaid balance, which is the ethical rule in most jurisdictions.",{"step":373,"title":374,"description":375,"tip":376},8,"Sign before any work begins","Both attorney and client must sign before any billable time is recorded or any retainer deposit is accepted. Dating the agreement at signing protects both parties from retroactive scope disputes.","Use a timestamped e-signature platform so the executed copy is automatically stored with an audit trail — critical if a fee dispute goes to bar arbitration.",[378,382,386,390,394,398],{"mistake":379,"why_it_matters":380,"fix":381},"Commingling retainer funds with the firm's operating account","Depositing client retainer funds into an operating account rather than an IOLTA trust account is an ethical violation in every US jurisdiction, every Canadian province, and most common-law countries — it can result in suspension or disbarment.","Confirm your trust account details before issuing the retainer, and update the template's trust account section with the correct bank and account number. Never accept a retainer payment into an operating account.",{"mistake":383,"why_it_matters":384,"fix":385},"Drafting a vague or unlimited scope of representation","A scope defined as 'general legal services' or 'all legal matters' exposes the attorney to unlimited demands and makes it impossible to determine when the engagement is complete or what is out of scope.","Name the specific matter, transaction, or legal question being handled. If the scope is genuinely ongoing, define it by subject area (e.g., 'employment law compliance') with an explicit carve-out for litigation, which requires a separate engagement.",{"mistake":387,"why_it_matters":388,"fix":389},"No replenishment clause or an inadequate replenishment threshold","Without a replenishment mechanism, the retainer runs out mid-matter and the attorney must either work without compensation or withdraw at a critical time, potentially harming the client.","Set the replenishment threshold at a level that gives at least 10 business days of buffer — typically 20–30% of the original retainer — and specify the exact replenishment timeframe in the agreement.",{"mistake":391,"why_it_matters":392,"fix":393},"Omitting the obligation to return unearned retainer funds on termination","A retainer deposit is client property until earned. Failing to return unearned funds is grounds for a bar complaint and potential disciplinary action in every jurisdiction that regulates attorney trust accounting.","Include an explicit clause stating that unearned retainer funds will be returned within a defined period (10 business days is standard) after the engagement ends, regardless of the reason for termination.",{"mistake":395,"why_it_matters":396,"fix":397},"Using a mandatory arbitration clause for malpractice claims without required disclosure","Several US states and Canadian law societies require specific, separately acknowledged consent before malpractice claims can be sent to mandatory arbitration. A blanket arbitration clause can be invalidated — and may itself constitute an ethics violation.","Limit mandatory arbitration to fee disputes only, and check your jurisdiction's bar rules before including any arbitration provision covering malpractice. Add a separate initialed acknowledgment if the rules require one.",{"mistake":399,"why_it_matters":400,"fix":401},"Signing the retainer after work has already begun","Billing time before a signed retainer is in place creates ambiguity about agreed rates, scope, and payment terms — and leaves the attorney without an enforceable written fee agreement, which bar rules typically require.","Make execution of the retainer a condition precedent to opening the file. If a genuine emergency requires same-day work, follow up with a signed agreement the same day and document that both parties agreed to terms orally before signing.",[403,406,409,412,415,418,421,424,427],{"question":404,"answer":405},"What is a retainer for an attorney?","A retainer for an attorney is a written contract between a client and a lawyer or law firm that establishes the terms of legal representation before any work begins. It defines the scope of services, the fee structure, billing terms, retainer deposit amount, and how the engagement ends. It protects both parties by creating a clear, enforceable record of what was agreed before any money changes hands or legal work starts.\n",{"question":407,"answer":408},"How does an attorney retainer fee work?","A retainer fee is an upfront deposit the client pays to secure the attorney's services. The attorney holds it in a client trust account (IOLTA) and draws from it as fees are earned and costs are incurred. The client receives itemized invoices showing how the retainer is being consumed. When the balance drops below a defined threshold, the client replenishes it. Any unearned balance is returned to the client when the engagement ends.\n",{"question":410,"answer":411},"Is an attorney retainer agreement required by law?","In many jurisdictions, attorneys are ethically required to have a written fee agreement for any engagement where fees are expected to exceed a threshold — $1,000 in California, for example. In the UK, solicitors must provide a client care letter setting out costs and terms before work begins. Even where not strictly required by law, a signed retainer is considered standard professional practice and is strongly recommended to prevent fee disputes and bar complaints.\n",{"question":413,"answer":414},"What is the difference between a retainer and an engagement letter?","An engagement letter is a simplified version of a retainer — typically one to two pages — used for short, transactional matters with a defined scope and a flat fee. A retainer agreement is more comprehensive, covering ongoing trust account mechanics, replenishment terms, billing rates for multiple timekeepers, and detailed termination procedures. For any matter expected to involve hourly billing or multiple billing cycles, a full retainer agreement is more appropriate than an engagement letter.\n",{"question":416,"answer":417},"Can a client get their retainer back if they fire the attorney?","Yes, in most jurisdictions — the unearned portion of the retainer must be returned to the client when the engagement ends, regardless of who terminates and why. The attorney is entitled to keep only the fees already earned and costs already incurred as of the termination date. A properly drafted retainer agreement states this obligation explicitly and sets a specific timeframe for the return — typically within 10 business days of termination.\n",{"question":419,"answer":420},"What should a retainer agreement include?","A complete retainer agreement should cover: full identification of both parties, specific scope of representation, retainer fee amount and trust account details, billing rates for each timekeeper, minimum billing increment, cost and expense reimbursement terms, billing cycle and payment due date, late-payment interest and suspension terms, replenishment threshold and procedure, confidentiality, termination notice and file return obligations, and governing law with a dispute resolution mechanism.\n",{"question":422,"answer":423},"How much is a typical attorney retainer?","Retainer amounts vary widely by matter type, jurisdiction, and attorney seniority. For routine business matters, retainers typically range from $1,500 to $5,000. Litigation retainers commonly start at $5,000 to $10,000 and may be replenished multiple times over a case. For complex commercial disputes or regulatory matters, initial retainers of $25,000 or more are not unusual. The retainer amount should be sized to cover at least one full billing cycle based on estimated hours.\n",{"question":425,"answer":426},"Can a paralegal or non-attorney sign a retainer agreement?","The retainer agreement must be signed by a licensed attorney or an authorized representative of the law firm on behalf of the firm. A paralegal or legal assistant may prepare or circulate the document but cannot sign as the attorney of record. On the client side, an authorized officer or signatory may sign on behalf of a business entity.\n",{"question":428,"answer":429},"What happens if an attorney withdraws mid-matter?","An attorney who withdraws mid-matter is generally required to give adequate notice, take reasonable steps to protect the client's interests (such as providing the file and referring other counsel), and return any unearned retainer balance. Most bar rules permit immediate withdrawal for non-payment, client fraud, or conflict of interest, but still require the attorney to minimize harm to the client. The retainer agreement should specify the conditions for immediate withdrawal and the file-return procedure.\n",[431,435,439,443,447,451],{"industry":432,"icon_asset_id":433,"specifics":434},"Technology / SaaS","industry-saas","Outside counsel retained for IP portfolio management, SaaS customer agreement drafting, and regulatory compliance — often billed on a monthly flat-fee retainer with hourly overages.",{"industry":436,"icon_asset_id":437,"specifics":438},"Real Estate","industry-real-estate","Transaction-specific retainers covering purchase and sale agreements, title reviews, and closing coordination, with disbursements for title insurance, recording fees, and survey costs.",{"industry":440,"icon_asset_id":441,"specifics":442},"Professional Services","industry-professional-services","Ongoing retainers for employment law advice, contract review, and commercial dispute resolution, where consistent access to a single attorney matters more than per-transaction pricing.",{"industry":444,"icon_asset_id":445,"specifics":446},"Healthcare","industry-healthtech","Retainers covering HIPAA compliance, licensure matters, and payor contract negotiations — with confidentiality provisions that reinforce rather than replace statutory patient-data protections.",{"industry":448,"icon_asset_id":449,"specifics":450},"Manufacturing","industry-manufacturing","Commercial litigation retainers for supply chain disputes, product liability defense, and international trade compliance, requiring pre-approval thresholds for expert witness and travel costs.",{"industry":452,"icon_asset_id":453,"specifics":454},"Financial Services","industry-fintech","Regulatory retainers covering SEC, FINRA, or FCA compliance matters, with enhanced confidentiality clauses protecting trading data and client financial information.",[456,459,462,465],{"vs":274,"vs_template_id":457,"summary":458},"D{ENGAGEMENT_LETTER_ID}","An engagement letter is a simplified one-to-two-page document used for short, transactional matters with a flat fee and a defined deliverable. A retainer agreement is more comprehensive, covering trust account mechanics, hourly rates for multiple timekeepers, replenishment terms, and ongoing billing procedures. For any matter expected to span multiple billing cycles or involve hourly fees, a full retainer agreement provides significantly more protection.",{"vs":101,"vs_template_id":460,"summary":461},"independent-contractor-agreement-D160","An independent contractor agreement engages a self-employed individual for project-based work outside an employment relationship. A retainer for an attorney is a specialized legal services agreement that must comply with bar rules on fee handling, trust accounting, and professional conduct — neither party can substitute one document for the other. Attorneys are not independent contractors in the commercial sense; they are licensed professionals with ethical obligations that the retainer must address.",{"vs":116,"vs_template_id":463,"summary":464},"service-agreement-D12711","A general service agreement governs the delivery of professional services without the trust accounting, privilege, or bar-rule requirements that apply to legal representation. Using a standard service agreement for an attorney engagement omits IOLTA trust account terms, mandatory confidentiality language, and bar-required fee dispute provisions. Legal engagements require a purpose-built retainer that incorporates these jurisdiction-specific ethical obligations.",{"vs":239,"vs_template_id":466,"summary":467},"D{CONTINGENCY_FEE_AGREEMENT_ID}","A contingency fee agreement structures attorney compensation as a percentage of the client's recovery — no recovery, no fee — rather than an upfront retainer deposit and hourly billing. Contingency arrangements are common in personal injury, class action, and certain commercial disputes but are prohibited for criminal defense and family law matters in most jurisdictions. The choice between a retainer and a contingency agreement depends entirely on matter type and the client's risk tolerance.",{"use_template":469,"template_plus_review":473,"custom_drafted":477},{"best_for":470,"cost":471,"time":472},"Solo attorneys and small firms formalizing standard hourly or flat-fee engagements for routine business or transactional matters","Free","15–30 minutes",{"best_for":474,"cost":475,"time":476},"Attorneys handling complex litigation, multi-jurisdiction matters, or clients with significant assets where fee disputes are higher risk","$200–$500 for a peer or ethics counsel review","1–2 days",{"best_for":478,"cost":479,"time":480},"Large law firms standardizing retainer agreements across practice groups, or engagements involving class actions, regulatory investigations, or international representation","$1,000–$3,000 for a custom ethics-compliant template reviewed by bar counsel","1–2 weeks",[482,487,492,497],{"code":483,"name":484,"flag_asset_id":485,"note":486},"us","United States","flag-us","ABA Model Rule 1.5 requires fee agreements to be communicated to the client, preferably in writing. California Business & Professions Code §6148 mandates a written fee agreement for engagements expected to exceed $1,000. Most states require retainer funds to be held in an IOLTA account separate from operating funds, and the attorney must provide an accounting on request. Non-refundable retainers are prohibited or heavily restricted in several states including New York.",{"code":488,"name":489,"flag_asset_id":490,"note":491},"ca","Canada","flag-ca","Each provincial law society governs retainer requirements independently. The Law Society of Ontario requires a written retainer for most matters and mandates that client funds be held in a mixed trust account with proper accounting. In Quebec, civil law principles apply alongside the Barreau du Québec's Code of Professional Conduct, and retainer agreements must be available in French for clients who request it. Non-refundable retainers are generally not permitted.",{"code":493,"name":494,"flag_asset_id":495,"note":496},"uk","United Kingdom","flag-uk","Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Code of Conduct requires solicitors to provide a client care letter before or at the start of representation, setting out costs, billing arrangements, and complaints procedures. Barristers in England and Wales typically operate under the Bar Standards Board's rules, which have separate engagement and fee requirements. Solicitors must hold client money in a designated client account under SRA Accounts Rules, and any interest earned on client funds must be paid to the client above a de minimis threshold.",{"code":498,"name":499,"flag_asset_id":500,"note":501},"eu","European Union","flag-eu","Attorney engagement requirements vary significantly by member state. German attorneys (Rechtsanwälte) must disclose fees in writing and are bound by the Rechtsanwaltsvergütungsgesetz (RVG) statutory fee schedule unless a higher fee is expressly agreed in writing. French avocats are governed by the Règlement Intérieur National, which requires a written fee agreement (convention d'honoraires) for most matters. GDPR applies to client personal data processed under the retainer, requiring a brief data processing disclosure in the engagement documentation.",[503,460,463,504,505,506,507,508,509,510,511,512],"non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692","consulting-agreement---long-D12543","general-power-of-attorney-D1037","cease-and-desist-letter-D12916","demand-letter-D13262","settlement-agreement-D12705","employment-agreement_at-will-employee-D541","general-non-compete-agreement-D882","arbitration-agreement-D856","proposal-for-services-D1268",{"emit_how_to":192,"emit_defined_term":192},{"primary_folder":94,"secondary_folder":515,"document_type":516,"industry":517,"business_stage":518,"tags":519,"confidence":524},"services-and-consulting","agreement","legal-services","all-stages",[520,521,522,523,517],"contract","professional-services","retainer","attorney",0.95,"\u003Ch2>What is a Retainer for Attorney?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>A \u003Cstrong>Retainer for Attorney\u003C/strong> is a binding legal contract between a client and a licensed attorney or law firm that establishes the complete terms of the legal representation before any work begins or any money changes hands. It identifies the parties, defines the precise scope of services being engaged, sets the retainer deposit amount and the trust account mechanics for holding it, specifies billing rates and cost reimbursement terms, and provides a clear process for ending the relationship and returning unearned funds. Unlike an informal offer to hire a lawyer, a properly executed retainer creates enforceable obligations on both sides and satisfies the written fee agreement requirements imposed by bar rules in most jurisdictions.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Why You Need This Document\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Without a signed retainer agreement, both attorney and client are exposed to preventable disputes from the first billing cycle. Clients who never agreed to a specific hourly rate or replenishment threshold dispute invoices; attorneys who began work without a signed agreement face bar complaints over fee arrangements they cannot prove were disclosed. The retainer's trust account clause protects client funds from commingling — an ethics violation that can end a legal career — while the scope clause prevents the attorney from being held responsible for work that was never part of the engagement. For clients, the termination clause guarantees that any unearned portion of the deposit is returned promptly, regardless of why the relationship ends. This template gives attorneys a bar-compliant, professionally structured starting point and gives clients a transparent record of exactly what they are paying for and what they can expect in return.\u003C/p>\n",1779480716517]