Legal Retainer Agreement Template – Free Attorney Contract

This legal retainer agreement template is designed for attorneys, law firms, solo practitioners, legal service providers, and clients who need to formalize the attorney-client relationship and establish terms for ongoing or project-based legal representation. This template is adaptable for various jurisdictions and can be customized to comply with local bar association rules, professional conduct standards, and attorney ethics requirements.

This comprehensive agreement establishes the scope and terms of legal services between attorneys and their clients, defining the professional relationship and mutual obligations. It covers essential provisions including scope of legal services and matter description, retainer fee structure (flat fee, hourly rate, or contingency basis), billing procedures and payment schedules, cost estimates and expense reimbursement, communication protocols and client responsibilities, confidentiality and attorney-client privilege protections, and termination rights for both parties. The template also addresses file retention policies, conflict of interest disclosures, limitation of scope provisions, dispute resolution procedures, and compliance with professional responsibility rules governing attorney conduct and fee arrangements.

Ideal for general practice attorneys, corporate lawyers, family law practitioners, criminal defense attorneys, litigation firms, and in-house counsel engaging outside counsel, this template protects both legal professionals and clients by establishing clear expectations regarding services, fees, and responsibilities. It ensures clients understand billing practices, service limitations, and their role in the legal process while providing attorneys with documented authorization, fee agreements, and protection from scope creep or fee disputes.