Attorney engagement letter 2024 (guide + free samples)

This post covers the attorney engagement letter

Here I will cover

• What is an attorney engagement letter?
• Why is it necessary
• What should an attorney engagement letter contain?
• Samples of an attorney engagement letter
  • Sample attorney engagement letter California
  • real estate attorney engagement letter
  • sample attorney engagement letter texas
• etc.

What is an attorney engagement letter?

An attorney engagement letter is a formal document that outlines the terms and conditions of an attorney-client relationship.

It typically includes information such as the scope of the attorney’s services, the fees that will be charged, and the responsibilities of both the attorney and the client.

The engagement letter serves as a contract between the attorney and the client, and it is important for both parties to carefully review and understand its contents before entering into the attorney-client relationship.

The letter helps to ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of their respective roles and obligations, and it can help to prevent misunderstandings or conflicts later on.

Any lawyer deciding against making an Attorney Engagement Letter should brace themselves for common issues like unrealistic requests and overdue invoices.-rocketlawyer

What should an attorney engagement letter contain?

An attorney engagement letter is a document that outlines the terms of the attorney-client relationship. It should include;

• The name and contact information of the attorney and the client
• Date
• A description of the legal services to be provided by the attorney
• The scope of the attorney’s representation and the expected outcome
• Any potential conflicts of interest and how they will be handled
• The fee structure and payment terms
• A statement outlining the attorney’s ethical obligations and the client’s rights
• A provision allowing for termination of the attorney-client relationship
• A statement confirming that the engagement letter constitutes the entire agreement between the attorney and the client.
• Signature of the Attorney and the client.

The engagement letter may also contain additional details or provisions, depending on the specific circumstances and needs of the case. These could include:

• A statement clarifying the attorney’s role and the client’s responsibilities
• A confidentiality clause protecting the attorney-client privilege
• A provision allowing for the attorney to retain documents or other materials related to the case
• A clause addressing the attorney’s availability and response time to the client’s inquiries
• A provision outlining the attorney’s obligations to keep the client informed about the progress of the case.
• A clause addressing the attorney’s obligation to keep the client’s information confidential
• A provision allowing for the attorney to delegate certain tasks or responsibilities to other members of the attorney’s firm
• A clause addressing the attorney’s obligations to provide legal advice and representation in a timely and effective manner
• A statement outlining any potential risks or challenges associated with the legal services to be provided by the attorney.
• etc.

Sample attorney engagement letter

The following is a sample of the best attorney engagement letter

Henry Methew
Managing Partner
AAA Law Firm
222 West Street
WESTOWN NSW 2222

​12 December 20…

James Phillip
18 East Street
WESTOWN NSW 1111​

Re: Engagement for legal services

Dear Mr. James

We are honored that you have chosen our firm to represent you.

The aim of this letter is to confirm in writing the nature of the engagement and the terms of our representation.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this letter or its provisions. Otherwise, this letter and anything attached to it will form the terms and conditions of our engagement.

Scope of Engagement: You are engaging us to represent you in your personal injury claim regarding the slip and fall accident that occurred on 1 December 20… at ABC oil mills.

Nature of Relationship:  The nature of our relationship is the ‘attorney-client relationship‘, which means we will, at any time, act in extreme care to serve your best interests.

Fees and Expenses: Our fees will base on an hourly rate as follows;

• John Michael: Attorney Rate: _______
• Raphael Francic: Attorney Rate:______
• Clara Joseph: legal assistance, Rate:______

Payments: All payments must be made to our law firm bank account No._________________ Bank name:________________ once you receive invoice from us.

General Waiver of Conflicts: Our law firm, as you may know, represents a variety of other businesses and individuals.

This confirms your agreement that we may continue to represent or undertake to represent existing or new clients in any matter that is not substantially related to our work for you in this matter or any other matter for which you may subsequently engage our firm, even if such clients’ interests in those other matters are directly or indirectly adverse to you.

We agree, however, that the preceding sentence does not apply if, as a result of our representation of you, we have obtained proprietary or other confidential information of a non-public nature that, if known to such other client, could be used by such other client to your material detriment in any other matter.

To maintain our ability to represent you, we have requested similar conditions in identical engagement letters with many of our previous clients.

No Continuing Updating Obligation: This matter will be considered closed once we have submitted our final bill to you.

Of course, after your personal injury claim has been settled to finality, we would be pleased to update and respond at any time thereafter to your queries regarding your case within the period of 2 years, after the expiry of that period we will not be bound to update you or respond to your queries regarding this matter.

Return of Records:  Upon termination of this Letter, we will deliver to you all records, notes, and data relating to your case, of any nature that are in our possession or under our control and that are your property or relate to you.

Governing Law: This Letter is governed under the laws in the State of……………..

Dispute settlement: In case a dispute rises out of this letter we will first seek to solve the dispute through Negotiation.

When negotiation fails then we will resort to mediation whereby we will choose a neutral third party-mediator to solve the dispute.

When meditation fails, then any aggrieved person may submit his claim to a court of commitment jurisdiction.

We greatly appreciate the opportunity to represent you on this case and look forward to working with you.

Sincerely

Attorney Sign:

Henry Methew
Managing Partner
AAA Law Firm

Client sign:

James Phillip

Attorney engagement letter pdf

Sample attorney engagement letter California

Dear [Client],

We are pleased to confirm our engagement as your legal counsel in [matter at hand]. This letter sets forth the terms of our engagement and the nature of the legal services we will provide to you.

Scope of Services:
Our firm will provide legal representation and advice to you in relation to [matter at hand]. This may include, but is not limited to, the following services:

• Conducting legal research and analysis
• Drafting and reviewing legal documents
• Representing you in court or other legal proceedings, as appropriate
• Advising you on legal strategy and options

Fees and Costs:
Our fees for the services described above will be [amount] on an hourly basis. In addition to our hourly fees, you will be responsible for any out-of-pocket costs incurred on your behalfs, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and other expenses.

Responsibilities:
In order for us to effectively represent you, it is important that you provide us with complete and accurate information. You agree to cooperate with us and to provide us with any documents or information that we request in a timely manner.

You also agree to communicate with us regularly and to keep us informed of any developments or changes in your case. We will keep you informed of any significant developments in your case and will consult with you before taking any major actions on your behalf.

We look forward to working with you and to providing you with high-quality legal representation. If you have any questions or concerns about our engagement, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Governing Law:

This Letter is governed under the laws in the State of California

Attorney Sign: Client sign:

Real estate attorney engagement letter

To: [Client Name]

From: [Attorney Name]

Re: Legal Representation in Real Estate Transaction

This letter (the “Agreement”) sets forth the terms and conditions under which [Attorney Name] (“Attorney”) will provide legal services to [Client Name] (“Client”) in connection with the real estate transaction involving the property located at [Property Address] (the “Transaction”).

1. Engagement. Client hereby engages Attorney to provide legal representation in connection with the Transaction. Attorney agrees to provide such legal services in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
2. Scope of Representation. Attorney’s representation of the Client in the Transaction shall be limited to the following tasks:

• Review and negotiate the purchase and sale agreement;
• Conduct a title search and provide a title insurance policy;
• Assist with the closing process, including the preparation and execution of closing documents;
• Provide legal advice and representation to protect the Client’s interests throughout the Transaction.

If the Client requires legal advice or representation on any other matter, the Client will need to retain separate counsel.

3. Fees and Expenses. An attorney will bill the Client on an hourly basis for Attorney’s time and services, at the rate of $[Hourly Rate]. The client will also be responsible for any third-party costs or expenses incurred in connection with the Transaction, such as title insurance and closing costs.
4. Conflicts of Interest. The attorney represents and warrants that there are no conflicts of interest in connection with the Attorney’s representation of the Client in the Transaction. If any conflicts of interest arise, Attorney will inform the Client promptly and the parties will discuss how to proceed.
5. Termination. Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time, for any reason, upon written notice to the other party. In the event of termination, Attorney will provide Client with a final invoice for any outstanding fees and expenses.
6. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, and negotiations, whether written or oral.
7. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [State].
8. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall be deemed one and the same agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

[Client Name] [Attorney Name]

By: _________________________ By: _________________________

Title: ________________________ Title: ________________________

Sample attorney engagement letter texas

To: [Client Name]

From: [Attorney Name]

Re: Legal Representation in Child Custody Case

This letter (the “Agreement”) sets forth the terms and conditions under which [Attorney Name] (“Attorney”) will provide legal services to [Client Name] (“Client”) in connection with the child custody case involving Client’s [son/daughter], [Child’s Name] (the “Case”).

1. Engagement. Client hereby engages Attorney to provide legal representation in connection with the Case. Attorney agrees to provide such legal services in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
2. Scope of Representation. Attorney’s representation of Client in the Case shall be limited to the following tasks:

• Advise Client on the legal process and the potential outcomes of the Case;
• Advocate on Client’s behalf in court proceedings;
• Negotiate a custody agreement that is in the best interests of Client’s child;
• Provide legal advice and representation to protect Client’s rights and interests throughout the Case.

If Client requires legal advice or representation on any other matter, Client will need to retain separate counsel.

3. Fees and Expenses. Attorney will bill Client on an hourly basis for Attorney’s time and services, at the rate of $[Hourly Rate]. Client will also be responsible for any third-party costs or expenses incurred in connection with the Case, such as court fees and expert witness fees.
4. Conflicts of Interest. Attorney represents and warrants that there are no conflicts of interest in connection with Attorney’s representation of Client in the Case. If any conflicts of interest arise, Attorney will inform Client promptly and the parties will discuss how to proceed.
5. Termination. Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time, for any reason, upon written notice to the other party. In the event of termination, Attorney will provide Client with a final invoice for any outstanding fees and expenses.
6. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, and negotiations, whether written or oral.
7. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.
8. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall be deemed one and the same agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

[Client Name] [Attorney Name]

By: _________________________ By: _________________________

Title: ________________________ Title: ________________________

See also:

1. Sample letter to an attorney regarding case
2. How to write a letter to a lawyer
3. Lawyer retainer agreement sample