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General Retainer Agreement Template for United States

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Key Requirements PROMPT example:

General Retainer Agreement

"I need a General Retainer Agreement for my boutique law firm to engage with a tech startup client, including specific provisions for intellectual property matters and monthly billing arrangements starting January 2025."

Document background
General Retainer Agreements are essential documents in U.S. legal practice, used when clients require consistent access to legal services. This contract type establishes the framework for an ongoing professional relationship, securing the attorney's availability and defining the terms of engagement. The agreement typically includes details about retainer fees, service scope, billing practices, and communication expectations. It's particularly valuable for businesses or individuals requiring regular legal counsel and must comply with state-specific bar regulations and professional conduct rules. The General Retainer Agreement differs from project-specific agreements by focusing on ongoing availability rather than specific legal matters.
Suggested Sections

1. Parties: Identification of the attorney/firm and client with full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Context of the relationship and purpose of the retainer

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Scope of Services: Detailed description of legal services covered under the retainer

5. Fee Structure: Retainer amount, billing rates, and payment terms

6. Term and Termination: Duration of agreement and termination conditions

Optional Sections

1. Conflict Resolution: Procedures for resolving disputes between attorney and client through arbitration or mediation

2. Insurance Requirements: Details of professional liability insurance coverage and requirements

3. Electronic Communications: Terms governing digital communication, file sharing, and data protection

Suggested Schedules

1. Fee Schedule: Detailed breakdown of hourly rates, fee calculations, and payment terms

2. Scope of Work: Comprehensive outline of specific legal services to be provided under the retainer

3. Client Communication Preferences: Specific requirements and protocols for client communications and reporting

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ tiktok³ÉÈ˰æ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Clauses

























Industries

State Professional Conduct Rules: State-specific rules governing attorney conduct, including fee arrangements, client communications, and conflict of interest disclosure requirements

ABA Model Rules: American Bar Association guidelines including Rule 1.5 (reasonable fees), Rule 1.4 (client communications), and Rule 1.7 (conflicts of interest)

State Bar Requirements: Specific state bar requirements for retainer agreements, fee disclosures, and trust account regulations

Federal Laws: Relevant federal legislation including Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Truth in Lending Act for payment plans

State Contract Laws: Basic contract formation requirements, consideration requirements, and capacity to contract under state law

Consumer Protection Laws: State-specific consumer protection regulations, fee disclosure requirements, and cancellation rights

Data Privacy Laws: Requirements for handling client information, data security obligations, and privacy policy disclosures

Electronic Signatures Laws: E-SIGN Act and state electronic signature laws governing electronic contract formation

Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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