What is the agreement between an attorney and a client called?

Asked by: Whitney Mosciski PhD  |  Last update: August 31, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (51 votes)

Your representation agreement with your lawyer will provide the fee that you will need to pay them and cover other issues in the attorney-client relationship. For example, it should outline how the work in the case will be divided between the attorney and any support staff, such as clerks or paralegals.

What is an agreement with a lawyer called?

No matter how well you know your attorney or how simple you think your case is, you should always have a written representation agreement (sometimes called a fee agreement) with your lawyer. This contract outlines the terms of the attorney-client relationship and the fees and compensation you owe.

What is the relationship between lawyer and client called?

App. 1995) ("The relation between attorney and client is fiduciary and binds the attorney to a scrupulous fidelity to the cause of the client which precludes the attorney from any personal advantage from the abuse of that reposed confidence. . . .

What is the term for protected statements between an attorney and a client?

The attorney-client privilege is one of the oldest and most respected privileges. It prevents a lawyer from being compelled to testify against his/her client.

What is a retainer agreement with a lawyer?

Retainers are fees paid in advance for legal services. The fee agreement and fee are slightly different depending on why you hire the attorney. A general retainer is an arrangement for a period of time. You pay for the attorney's time in advance so they can answer legal questions and assist when needed.

How to Draft an Attorney-Client Agreement

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What is a typical attorney retainer fee?

Retainer fees for attorneys work as an advance fee. Lawyers hold the fee in a dedicated account and deduct it after they complete the work. Clients can either make an online payment for the fee or they can opt for a traditional payment method. The average lawyer retainer fee can be around $2,000.

What are the disadvantages of a retainer fee?

Cons of a retainer pricing model

They can easily lead to unintentional underservicing or over servicing of clients, with your company producing either less than a client expects, or more than you've anticipated.

What is it called when you secure a lawyer?

Lawyer retainers are fees paid upfront by the client to secure the services of an attorney. They reserve the time and expertise of a lawyer, making them accessible to the client for an agreed-upon time.

What is confidentiality between lawyer and client?

The attorney-client privilege is a rule that protects the confidentiality of communications between lawyers and clients. Under the rule, attorneys may not divulge their clients' secrets, nor may others force them to.

What are legal statements called?

Affidavit. A written or printed statement made under oath. Affirmed. In the practice of the court of appeals, it means that the court of appeals has concluded that the lower court decision is correct and will stand as rendered by the lower court.

What do you call a relationship with a client?

The therapeutic relationship refers to the relationship between a healthcare professional and a client or patient. It is the means by which a therapist and a client hope to engage with each other and effect beneficial change in the client.

Can you say who your client is as a lawyer?

A lawyer may not disclose such information except as authorized or required by the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law. See also Scope. [4] Paragraph (a) prohibits a lawyer from revealing information relating to the representation of a client.

What is an example of attorney-client privilege?

So if a client discloses that they had, for example, lied during a past bankruptcy proceeding or had been involved in a robbery in the past, this communication would probably still be covered by the privilege. The attorney-client privilege is a powerful concept protecting your communications with your lawyer.

What is a legal agreement called?

A contract is an agreement between parties , creating mutual obligations that are enforceable by law .

What is a client representation agreement?

Your representation agreement with your lawyer will provide the fee that you will need to pay them and cover other issues in the attorney-client relationship. For example, it should outline how the work in the case will be divided between the attorney and any support staff, such as clerks or paralegals.

What is a synonym for legally binding agreement?

Covenant” is another synonym that can be used in place of “agreement.” A covenant is a promise or agreement between two or more parties that is usually binding and often involves a commitment to do or refrain from doing a particular action.

How strong is attorney-client privilege?

This privilege is codified in California law via Evidence Code 954, which gives your attorney the right to refuse to divulge the contents of your conversation, gives you the right to require confidentiality from your attorney, and with few exceptions, makes any breach of that confidence inadmissible in court.

What is the term for protected statements between an attorney and client Quizlet?

Attorney-Client Privilege. A confidential communication between a client and an attorney for the purpose of seeking legal advice or representation is privileged.

What are my rights as a client of a lawyer?

You are entitled to an attorney who will be capable of handling your case; show you courtesy and consideration at all times; represent you zealously; and preserve your confidences and secrets that you reveal in the course of the relationship, to the extent permitted by law.

What is a retainer agreement?

Retainer agreements (also referred to as representation agreements) are a type of compensation agreement with lawyers either for reserving their employment or as compensation for future services. Also inside the agreement are details on the scope and procedure for the representation.

What's a word for a sneaky attorney?

/ˌpɛdiˈfɔgər/ Other forms: pettifoggers. A sneaky, underhanded lawyer is a pettifogger. If your neighbor hires an unscrupulous quack to sue you, you might call his attorney a pettifogger. You don't hear the word pettifogger much these days, since the word is fairly archaic, but you might come across it in an old book.

What are the most common legal terms?

The following definitions will make it easier for you to understand common legal words and phrases used frequently during a trial.
  • Action, Case, Suit. A legal dispute brought into court for a hearing or trial.
  • Answer. ...
  • Acquit. ...
  • Cause of Action. ...
  • Challenge for Cause. ...
  • Closing Argument. ...
  • Complaint. ...
  • Counterclaim.

Do I get my retainer fee back?

Key Takeaways: A retainer fee is a payment made to a professional, often a lawyer, by a client for future services. Retainer fees do not guarantee an outcome or final product. Portions of retainer fees can be refunded if services cost less than initially planned.

How much is a normal retainer fee?

A lawyer retainer fee varies widely based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, location, and the complexity of the case. On average, retainer fees can range from $1,000 to $5,000. For instance, in family law, retainers typically fall between $2,000 and $5,000.

Why do lawyers want a retainer fee?

About retainer fees

A retainer fee can be used to guarantee that the lawyer will be available to take a particular case. With this type of agreement, the client would be billed additionally for the legal work that is done.