Document background
The Retainer Letter is a critical document in Australian legal practice that formalizes the professional relationship between legal service providers and their clients. It is required by legal profession regulations across Australian jurisdictions and serves multiple purposes: establishing the scope of engagement, setting clear expectations about services and fees, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting both the law firm and client interests. The document typically becomes necessary at the commencement of a new client relationship or when engaging in new matters for existing clients. It must incorporate specific elements required by Australian legal profession regulations, including detailed cost disclosures, service descriptions, and client rights information. The retainer letter's content should be tailored to the specific services being offered while maintaining compliance with jurisdictional requirements.
