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Short Retainer Letter

The lawyer is writing to outline the terms of representation for a client, John Smith. The lawyer provides an estimate of fees and disbursements for the legal matter, and notes that the client has provided an initial retainer. The lawyer requests a further retainer be placed in trust to cover ongoing work. Billing will occur monthly from the retainer funds. The client must replenish the retainer if depleted and discuss any inability to maintain the retainer level, as the lawyer reserves the right to withdraw from representation. The letter includes two copies for the client to sign acknowledging agreement to the terms.

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98 views2 pages

Short Retainer Letter

The lawyer is writing to outline the terms of representation for a client, John Smith. The lawyer provides an estimate of fees and disbursements for the legal matter, and notes that the client has provided an initial retainer. The lawyer requests a further retainer be placed in trust to cover ongoing work. Billing will occur monthly from the retainer funds. The client must replenish the retainer if depleted and discuss any inability to maintain the retainer level, as the lawyer reserves the right to withdraw from representation. The letter includes two copies for the client to sign acknowledging agreement to the terms.

Uploaded by

Kusum
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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January 1,2011

John Smith
123 First Street
Nowhere, NS BON 2TO

Dear Mr. Smith:

Re: Representation by (insert name of lawyer)

Thank you for consulting the firm of (insert name of law firm). Our primary objective will be to
provide you with the best possible legal services available to deal with your legal problem.

In order for the firm to provide the level of service which you would deserve and expect for
yourself it is essential that ther,e be no misunderstanding regarding what your financial
obligations will be to the firm. My current hourly rate is $(insert hourly rate). Expected fees in
this matter will be approximately $(insert expected fees) plus disbursements and tax. You
have provided a retainer of $(insert retainer amount) as of January 1, 2011. We will require a
further retainer in the amount of $(insert amount) that will be placed in our trust account and
will be used to pay for ongoing work on your file. I wish to advise that this is only an
estimate of legal fees and likely not what the final cost will be. This retainer will be used to
meet expenses incurred with respect to our representation of yourself and our interim
accounts for fees. The balance of your retainer is required forty-five (45) days prior to the
date set for your trial, or proof of a line of credit from your financial institution guaranteeing.
legal fees.

You will be billed from the trust account funds supplied by your retainer on a monthly basis
(usually the last day of the month) and upon completion of services. You will be provided with
invoices for all billings. If the retainer is depleted before work is completed, it is understood
that you will replenish it to the original amount quoted above, or such other figure as we may
agree. In the event that you do not find yourself able to maintain the retainer level as set out
in this letter, you have a responsibility to discuss this with us and must be aware that we
reserve the right to withdraw from further legal services on your behalf.

Although the time devoted to your matter is the primary basis for calculation of fees, our
account may be adjusted from a strict time calculation to a figure which provides reasonable
compensation for the services performed. Among the factors that we may consider in
determining our fee are the nature, importance, and urgency of the matters involved; the skill~
labour and responsibility involved; any contingencies involved; as well as the circumstances and
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interests of the person by whom the fees are payable. To a large extent, the costs of our
representation depend on your instructions as to the conduct of the matter for which we have
been retained.

Please rememb.er that we are here to assist you through your difficulty. I have provided you
with two copies of this letter. Kindly sign one copy of the letter and return it to me in the
enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope confirming your agreement with these terms.

Yours truly,

I acknowledge receipt of this letter and I understand and approve the terms set out therein.

Date: Date:

Signature: Signature:

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