Engagement Letter Writer

At the start of every new client engagement — before beginning any substantive work.

Draft an engagement letter with the following terms:

Attorney/Firm: [NAME]
Client: [NAME AND ENTITY TYPE]
Matter description: [DESCRIBE THE LEGAL MATTER]
Scope of representation: [WHAT YOU WILL HANDLE]
Scope exclusions: [WHAT YOU WILL NOT HANDLE]
Fee structure: [HOURLY / FLAT FEE / CONTINGENCY — with specific terms]
Hourly rates: [IF APPLICABLE — list rates for each timekeeper]
Retainer amount: [IF APPLICABLE]
Billing frequency: [MONTHLY / QUARTERLY / UPON COMPLETION]
Governing state ethics rules: [STATE]

Include provisions for:
1. Identification of the client (entity vs. individual)
2. Scope of representation — specific and bounded
3. Fee arrangement with all required ethical disclosures for the state
4. Retainer handling — trust account, replenishment terms
5. Expense reimbursement policy
6. Client obligations — cooperation, document production, truthfulness
7. Communication expectations — response times, preferred method
8. Termination by either party — process and consequences
9. File retention and destruction policy
10. Conflict waiver (if applicable — describe the conflict)

Example Output

A 3-5 page engagement letter with clear scope, fee terms, ethical disclosures, and signature blocks.

Tips

• •Check your state's specific requirements — some states mandate certain disclosures in engagement letters.
• •Be precise about scope exclusions — the most common malpractice claims involve scope creep.
• •Include the fee dispute arbitration notice if your state requires it.

Related Prompts