📄 Retainer Agreement Builder

Fill in the details below to generate a professional retainer agreement summary you can copy or print.

Parties & Matter

Attorney / Firm Name

Client Name

Matter Description

Governing State

Fee Arrangement

Hourly Rate ($)

Retainer Deposit ($)

Billing Frequency

Scope & Exclusions

Scope of Representation

Exclusions

Attorney Disclaimer: This tool generates a summary for informational and drafting-aid purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. All retainer agreements should be reviewed by a licensed attorney before signing.

ATTORNEY-CLIENT RETAINER AGREEMENT

1. Parties

2. Matter

3. Fee Arrangement

4. Retainer Deposit

5. Billing

5. Scope of Representation

6. Exclusions

7. Governing Law

8. Termination

About Retainer Agreements

A retainer agreement (also called an engagement letter) is the contract between an attorney and client that defines the scope of representation, fee structure, and responsibilities of each party. Most state bar rules require written fee agreements when the fee exceeds a threshold amount.

Hourly Retainer

The client pays an upfront deposit that is billed against as the attorney works. The attorney tracks time in 0.1-hour increments and bills at an agreed hourly rate.

Flat Fee

A fixed amount is charged for a defined scope of work regardless of time spent. Common in criminal defense, immigration, and simple transactional matters.

Contingency Fee

The attorney receives a percentage of any recovery. The client pays no fee if there is no recovery. Common in personal injury and class action cases.

Scope Clause

The scope defines exactly what services are — and are not — included. A precise scope protects both attorney and client from misunderstandings about representation.

Termination Clause

Either party may typically terminate the agreement on written notice. The attorney may have ethical obligations to withdraw in certain circumstances.

Governing Law

The agreement should specify which state's law governs interpretation and any disputes, typically the state where the attorney is licensed to practice.