# Attorney Engagement letter

> This template is a starting point, not legal advice. Laws and required terms vary by country and state. Have a qualified lawyer review it for your jurisdiction and business before you use it.

Replace everything in [brackets]. Delete clauses that don’t apply and have a lawyer review the result.

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## Letter

Date: [Date]
Client: [Name and address]
Matter: [Matter name and number]

## 1. Scope of representation

We will represent you in [matter]. Our engagement does not include [excluded matters, e.g. appeals, tax advice] unless we agree in writing.

## 2. Who we represent

Our client is [person / entity] only, not its officers, employees or affiliates.

## 3. Conflicts

We have checked for conflicts of interest based on the parties you identified. Tell us promptly if other parties become involved.

## 4. Fees and billing

Fee basis: [Hourly / fixed / contingency, where permitted]
Rates: [Timekeeper and rate]
Billing increments: [0.1 hour]
Invoices: [Monthly, due within 30 days]
Costs and disbursements: [Charged at cost]

## 5. Advance payment

[If you take an advance or retainer, state how it is held and applied, following your jurisdiction’s client money or trust account rules.]

## 6. Communication

[Who will work on the matter and how we’ll keep you informed.]

## 7. Ending the engagement

You may end our engagement at any time. We may withdraw as permitted by the rules of professional conduct. Fees for work done remain payable.

## 8. File retention

We keep the file for [period] after the matter closes, then may destroy it, as permitted by our rules.

## Acceptance

Client: [Name, signature, date]
Firm: [Name, signature, date]

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## Before you sign it

- [ ] Both parties’ legal names and addresses are correct.
- [ ] Services, deliverables and exclusions are specific.
- [ ] Fees, deposit and payment terms match the proposal.
- [ ] Ownership, confidentiality and liability clauses suit the project.
- [ ] Termination and notice periods are filled in.
- [ ] A lawyer has reviewed the template for your jurisdiction.

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# Example: key terms for Hollis & Grant LLP and Westbrook Holdings

How the main clauses read once filled in for a commercial lease negotiation. Both companies are fictional.

## Parties and dates

Provider: Hollis & Grant LLP
Client: Westbrook Holdings
Effective date: 1 March

## Services

- Advice on the draft
- Marked-up lease
- Negotiation with the other side’s lawyers

## Not included

- Litigation
- Tax advice
- Work for other parties

## Fees and payment

Fee: $2,661.00 excluding tax, as itemised in the proposal
Deposit: $798.00 (30%) before work starts
Payment terms: Invoices due within 14 days
Notice: 14 days’ written notice by either party

## Billing increments

Time is recorded in units of six minutes (0.1 hour) and billed at the rates in the engagement letter.

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This template is a starting point, not legal advice. Laws and required terms vary by country and state. Have a qualified lawyer review it for your jurisdiction and business before you use it.

Template by Angelwood — https://angelwood.io/templates