Joint Representation Agreement Template
[Law Firm Name]
[Law Firm Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
Date: [Date]
To:
[Client Name 1]
[Client Address]
[Client Name 2]
[Client Address]
[Add additional clients if applicable]
Subject: Joint Representation Agreement
1. Parties
This Joint Representation Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between [Law Firm Name] (the “Firm”) and the following clients:
[Client Name 1]
[Client Name 2]
[Additional Client Name, if applicable]
Each of the above is referred to individually as a “Client” and together as the “Clients.”
2. Matter
The Clients request that the Firm jointly represent them in connection with the following matter:
[Describe the legal matter, transaction, dispute, negotiation, filing, or project]
The Firm agrees to provide legal services only for the matter described above unless the parties later agree in writing to expand or change the scope of representation.
3. Nature of Joint Representation
The Clients understand and agree that the Firm will represent them together in the same matter rather than separately.
The Clients further understand that joint representation may be appropriate where the Clients have a common interest or shared objective, but it may also involve risks if the Clients’ interests later differ or become adverse.
By signing this Agreement, each Client confirms that:
-
the Client understands that the Firm will represent multiple clients in the same matter;
-
the Client has had the opportunity to ask questions about the arrangement;
-
the Client understands the possible benefits and risks of joint representation; and
-
the Client knowingly and voluntarily consents to the Firm’s joint representation of all Clients in this matter.
the Client understands that the Firm will represent multiple clients in the same matter;
the Client has had the opportunity to ask questions about the arrangement;
the Client understands the possible benefits and risks of joint representation; and
the Client knowingly and voluntarily consents to the Firm’s joint representation of all Clients in this matter.
The Clients understand that, in a joint representation, the Firm generally cannot keep material information from one jointly represented Client while continuing to represent the others in the same matter.
Unless the Firm expressly agrees otherwise in writing, information provided by one Client that is relevant to the joint matter may be shared with the other jointly represented Clients.
The Clients understand that the attorney-client privilege may apply as to outside parties, but communications among the jointly represented Clients and the Firm may not remain protected between those Clients if a dispute later arises among them.
6. Potential Conflicts of Interest
The Clients understand that no present conflict preventing joint representation has been identified as of the date of this Agreement based on the information currently known to the Firm.
However, each Client acknowledges that conflicts of interest may arise later, including disagreements about:
-
legal strategy;
-
settlement or negotiation positions;
-
business or financial interests;
-
allocation of responsibility, liability, or benefits; or
-
whether continued joint representation remains appropriate.
legal strategy;
settlement or negotiation positions;
business or financial interests;
allocation of responsibility, liability, or benefits; or
whether continued joint representation remains appropriate.
If an actual or potential conflict arises, the Firm may determine that it cannot continue representing one or more of the Clients.
7. Effect of Future Conflict
If the Firm determines that a conflict prevents continued joint representation, the Firm may:
-
withdraw from representing all Clients in the matter;
-
continue representing one Client only if allowed by law and professional rules and if all required written consents are obtained; or
-
take any other action required by applicable ethics rules.
withdraw from representing all Clients in the matter;
continue representing one Client only if allowed by law and professional rules and if all required written consents are obtained; or
take any other action required by applicable ethics rules.
Unless otherwise stated here, the Firm does not promise in advance that it will continue representing any one Client if the joint representation ends.
Optional additional term:
[State whether the Firm may or may not represent one Client against another in a later dispute, if permitted by law and ethics rules]
8. Client Communication and Decision-Making
Each Client agrees to cooperate in good faith and provide timely and accurate information relevant to the matter.
The Clients agree that major decisions relating to the matter will be handled as follows:
[Describe how approvals, instructions, settlement authority, signature authority, and communication responsibilities will work]
Primary contact person, if any:
[Name and role]
9. Fees and Costs
The Clients agree that the Firm’s fees and costs for this matter will be charged as follows:
[Hourly rate / flat fee / retainer / other billing structure]
Responsibility for payment will be as follows:
[Joint responsibility / allocated shares / one client pays / other arrangement]
The Clients understand that each Client may remain responsible for unpaid fees and costs to the extent stated in this Agreement or any separate engagement terms.
10. No Guarantee of Outcome
The Firm has not made any promise or guarantee about the outcome of the matter. Any statements about possible results are expressions of opinion only and are not binding promises.
11. Independent Review Opportunity
Each Client acknowledges that the Client has had the opportunity to seek independent legal advice regarding this Agreement and the decision to proceed with joint representation before signing.
12. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of [State/Country], except to the extent attorney ethics rules or other mandatory professional standards require otherwise.
13. Entire Agreement
This Agreement states the full understanding of the parties regarding the Firm’s joint representation of the Clients in the matter described above and supersedes prior oral or written discussions on that subject, unless expressly incorporated here:
[Insert related engagement letter or additional document reference, if applicable]
14. Signatures
By signing below, each party confirms that they have read this Agreement, understand it, and agree to its terms.
For the Firm:
Signature: __________________________
Name: [Attorney Name]
Title: [Attorney / Partner / Authorized Representative]
Law Firm: [Law Firm Name]
Date: [Date]
Client 1:
Signature: __________________________
Name: [Client Name 1]
Date: [Date]
Client 2:
Signature: __________________________
Name: [Client Name 2]
Date: [Date]
Additional Client, if applicable:
Signature: __________________________
Name: [Client Name 3]
Date: [Date]
