The Attorney's Office Tools ATTORNEY CLIENT AGREEMENT I, (“Client") hereby retain the Law Firm of _______________________ ("Firm") to represent us with reference to__________________________________________.
RETAINER FEES. I agree to pay initially the sum of $ ______.00 of which _____ hundred dollars ($___00.00) is a non-refundable engagement fee and the balance of $ _____.00 will be placed in a trust account, as it is received, to be applied against actual legal services performed and expenses incurred. The attorney's fees and costs of this matter may exceed the amount of the retainer provided. At all times during the Firm’s representation of the client in the above described matter, when the retainer is below a balance of $ _________.00, it will be replenished on a monthly basis to the amount of $ ___________.00.
If this matter is scheduled for more than one-day of trial, deposition and/or other court appearances, then client must maintain on a monthly basis a retainer balance equal to $_____.00 per day of scheduled trial, deposition and/or other court appearances or ___________________, whichever is greater.
HOURLY RATE. I agree to pay for legal services at the initial rate of $___.00 to $______.00 per hour. I understand that the hourly rate(s) may vary over time and by attorney. I agree to pay the hourly rate charged by each attorney working for me at the time said work is performed. Hourly time charges include, but are not limited to: Court or deposition appearances, telephone calls, conferences, travel, legal research, review of file materials or documents sent or received, preparation time, drafting time, or any other service deemed necessary to prosecute or defend Client's case. The Firm will bill on a monthly basis. The balance of the trust account will appear on monthly bills and provides notice to the client of its use. In regard to any balance for fees and expenses due, the Firm may exercise a lien pursuant to Maryland Rule 2-652, that is a retaining lien and/or a statutory lien.
EXPENSES. In addition to attorney's fees, I agree to pay any expenses that may arise. Expenses include, but are not limited to, administrative agency fees, court costs, service of process charges, investigative fees, expert witness fees, deposition expenses, long distance calls, photocopy expenses, messenger and delivery charges, and thirty-five dollars ($35.00) returned check charge, and computer assisted research, fax, and other expenses. Court filing fees are due prior to filing.
TERMINATION. The Client or Firm may, upon reasonable written notice, terminate representation. Such termination shall not affect any fees or expenses due or owing.
WARRANTIES. The Firm has made no promise or warranty as to the successful outcome of the matter referenced above, and all expressions made by the Firm relative thereto are opinions only.
LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY. The Client hereby gives the Firm, _______________, P.C., Limited Power of Attorney for the purposes of endorsing and negotiating all payment and settlement documents, including, but not limited to, checks and other forms of payments, drafts, releases, and agreements.
54 Trial Reporter / Spring 2010
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