Attorney Engagement Letter Template: Legal Scope and Fees

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Attorney Engagement Letter Template

[Law Firm Name]

[Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

Date: [Date]

To: [Client Full Name / Company Name]

[Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Attorney Engagement Letter

Dear [Client Name],

1. Purpose of Engagement

This letter confirms the terms under which [Law Firm Name] will represent [Client Name] in the following matter:

[Describe legal matter, transaction, dispute, advisory work, or other engagement]

This engagement begins only on the terms stated in this letter and after any required signatures, payment, or conflict review have been completed.

2. Scope of Representation

Our representation is limited to the following services:

[Describe included legal services]

Unless we agree otherwise in writing, this engagement does not include:

[appeals]

[related litigation or separate transactions]

[tax advice]

[regulatory filings outside the stated matter]

[other excluded services]

3. Attorneys and Staffing

The primary attorney responsible for this matter will be:

Attorney Name: [Full Name]

Title: [Attorney / Partner / Associate / Other]

Other attorneys, paralegals, or staff may assist with the matter as appropriate.

4. Fee Arrangement

Legal fees for this matter will be charged as follows:

☐ hourly billing

☐ flat fee

☐ contingency fee, if separately permitted and described

☐ hybrid fee arrangement

☐ other: [Describe]

If hourly, the rates are:

Attorney: [$Amount] per hour

Associate: [$Amount] per hour

Paralegal / Staff: [$Amount] per hour

If flat fee or other arrangement applies, describe it here:

[Insert fee terms]

5. Retainer and Billing

The Client agrees to pay the following retainer or advance fee, if applicable:

Retainer Amount: [$Amount]

Billing terms:

☐ invoices issued monthly

☐ payment due upon receipt

☐ payment due within [Number] days of invoice date

☐ fees may be applied against retainer

☐ other: [Describe]

If the retainer is depleted, the Client agrees to replenish it as requested under the terms of this engagement.

6. Costs and Expenses

In addition to legal fees, the Client is responsible for reasonable costs and expenses related to the matter, including:

[court filing fees]

[service fees]

[copying or records charges]

[travel expenses]

[expert or investigator fees]

[other approved costs]

Expense billing terms:

[Insert details]

7. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:

provide complete and accurate information;

respond to requests in a timely manner;

review documents and communications promptly;

keep contact information current;

pay fees and expenses when due;

make final decisions where client approval is required.

Failure to do so may affect the representation.

8. Communication and Documents

We may communicate with the Client by:

☐ email

☐ phone

☐ mail

☐ client portal

☐ other: [Describe]

The Client agrees that routine communication and document exchange may occur through the methods selected above unless otherwise agreed.

9. No Guarantee of Outcome

Legal matters involve uncertainty. Nothing in this engagement letter and no statement by the Firm shall be treated as a promise or guarantee of any particular result, outcome, settlement, or ruling.

10. Termination of Representation

This engagement may end:

☐ when the matter described above is completed

☐ by mutual written agreement

☐ by the Client at any time, subject to payment obligations

☐ by the Firm as permitted by law and professional rules

☐ under the following additional terms: [Describe]

At the end of the engagement, any unpaid fees or costs remain due.

11. File Retention

After the matter ends, the Firm may retain or destroy the file according to its file retention policy and applicable law, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

File return or storage details, if any:

12. Governing Terms

This engagement letter contains the full understanding regarding this representation and replaces prior discussions on the same subject unless otherwise stated in writing.

Any amendment to this engagement should be made in writing.

13. Acknowledgment and Acceptance

If these terms are acceptable, please sign and return this letter.

Sincerely,

Attorney Signature: __________________________

Name: [Attorney Full Name]

Title: [Job Title]

Date: [Date]

Accepted and agreed:

Client Signature: __________________________

Name: [Client Full Name]

Title, if applicable: [Title]

Date: [Date]

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Attorney Engagement Letter Template: Legal Scope and Fees

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Reviewed July 2026 Free download, PDF & DOCX

What is an attorney engagement letter?

An attorney engagement letter is a written agreement between a lawyer or law firm and a client that explains the legal services to be provided. It usually covers the scope of representation, fee structure, billing practices, client responsibilities, and the terms of the attorney-client relationship. It helps both sides understand what work is included before legal services begin.

Why do you need an attorney engagement letter?

You need an attorney engagement letter to clearly define the legal relationship and reduce misunderstandings. It helps explain what matter the attorney will handle, how fees and expenses will be billed, and what the client must do to support the representation. A written letter also helps with recordkeeping, intake, and engagement approval.

When should you use an attorney engagement letter?

Use an attorney engagement letter when a lawyer or law firm agrees to represent a client in a legal matter, advisory project, transaction, dispute, or other professional engagement. It is commonly used at the start of a new attorney-client relationship or when opening a new matter for an existing client under updated terms.

How to write an attorney engagement letter?

Start with the names of the law firm and client, then identify the legal matter and describe the scope of representation. After that, include the fee arrangement, billing terms, expense policy, client responsibilities, and any limits on the representation. Finish with termination terms, acknowledgment language, and signature lines so the letter is clear and ready to use.

Can AI Lawyer help if clients, attorneys, and billing staff all need to review?

AI Lawyer can help by organizing the engagement letter into clear sections so each reviewer can find the relevant details quickly. It can also add internal reference fields, billing notes, and placeholders that make updates easier to track. A consistent structure helps reduce repeated edits and lowers the chance of missing key details like scope limits, fee terms, retainer amounts, or communication instructions before the letter is signed.

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