Engagement letter sample

An engagement letter is the written agreement between the lawyer and the client. It is the document that creates the attorney-client relationship. Below is the structure we use for every matter. The actual letter is one page when possible, two when the matter is complex.

What every letter covers

• Who the client is (full legal name, address, signature line).
• What the lawyer is being hired to do (the scope of representation - this is the most important sentence in the letter).
• What the lawyer is not being hired to do (sometimes the more important sentence).
• How fees are calculated and when they are paid.
• Who pays case expenses (filing fees, expert witnesses, investigators, mileage).
• How either side can end the relationship.
• How disputes about the bill are resolved.

Flat-fee version

For most criminal, family, and immigration matters. One number, written on the same page where it is described. Phases (pretrial, trial, appeal) priced separately if applicable. Payment plans available; the first payment is due at signing.

Contingency version

For personal-injury matters. No money up front. The percentage is fixed at signing and depends on whether the case settles before suit, settles after suit, or goes to trial. Case expenses are itemized at the end of the case and reimbursed from the recovery; the client signs a closing statement showing every line.

Hourly version

For litigation whose course is hard to predict. Rates set up front. Time billed in tenth-hour increments. Monthly statements with every entry described in plain language. A retainer is required and held in trust.

Ask for a sample letter at your first consultation. We hand it across the desk before any fee number is written down.