An engagement letter is the foundation of the attorney-client relationship. Draft a clear one covering scope, fees, retainer, and termination in under a minute.
What every attorney engagement letter should cover
Define the scope of representation precisely — what matter you are handling, and just as importantly what is excluded (e.g., no litigation, no tax advice). An undefined scope is the most common source of fee disputes and malpractice exposure.
State the hourly rate (and any paralegal rate), provide a good-faith fee estimate, explain the retainer and how it will be held and replenished, and list recoverable costs. Include confidentiality, conflicts, and a termination clause consistent with your jurisdiction's rules of professional conduct.
Note on scope of use
This tool drafts a starting point for a common engagement letter; it is not legal advice and is not a substitute for review under your own state's professional conduct rules. Solo attorneys should confirm the final letter complies with their jurisdiction's requirements.
Sample attorney letter
RE: Engagement for legal services
Dear Ms. Patel,
Thank you for retaining me to represent Patel Holdings in connection with its commercial lease review. This letter confirms the terms of our attorney-client engagement.
Scope of representation. I will review the proposed commercial lease at 2200 Industrial Way, advise on key terms, and negotiate revisions with the landlord's counsel through execution of the lease. This engagement does not include litigation, tax advice, or representation before any governmental body.
Fee structure. Services are billed at $325 per hour. Paralegal time, if used, is billed at $125 per hour. I estimate the total fee between $4,000 and $7,000, but this is an estimate only and not a cap; actual fees depend on the complexity of negotiations.
Retainer and billing. An initial retainer of $4,000 is due upon signing and will be held in my trust account. I will bill monthly against the retainer and provide a detailed invoice. If the retainer is depleted, it will be replenished upon request.
Costs. Out-of-pocket costs (filing fees, recording fees, courier) will be billed at cost.
Confidentiality and conflicts. All information will be kept confidential pursuant to the applicable rules of professional conduct. I am not aware of any conflict of interest; if one arises I will notify you promptly.
Termination. Either you or I may terminate this engagement upon written notice, subject to the applicable rules. You remain responsible for fees and costs incurred through the date of termination.
Your acknowledgment below confirms that you have read and accept these terms.
Sincerely,
____________________
J. Rivera, Esq.
Solo Practice
Frequently asked questions
Is an engagement letter required for attorneys?
Most jurisdictions require a written fee agreement for many matters. This tool drafts a starting point; confirm the final letter meets your state's rules of professional conduct.
Should I include a fee estimate?
Provide a good-faith estimate but state clearly that it's an estimate, not a cap. The generator handles hourly billing and a retainer.
What about conflicts of interest?
Include a confidentiality and conflicts clause consistent with your jurisdiction's rules, and commit to disclosing any conflict that arises.
Is this legal advice?
No. It's a drafting tool. Review the final engagement letter under your own jurisdiction's professional conduct requirements before sending.
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