Client Update Letter
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CONFIDENTIAL ATTORNEY–CLIENT COMMUNICATION

CASE STATUS UPDATE LETTER

[// GUIDANCE: This template is intended for use by licensed attorneys in any U.S. jurisdiction. Modify bracketed placeholders and optional sections to fit the specific matter, ethical rules of your state, and the operative engagement agreement.]


I. DOCUMENT HEADER

  1. Date: [DATE]
  2. To (Client):
    [CLIENT NAME]
    [CLIENT TITLE (if any)]
    [CLIENT ENTITY NAME (if any)]
    [CLIENT STREET ADDRESS]
    [CITY, STATE ZIP]

  3. From (Attorney/Law Firm):
    [ATTORNEY NAME], Esq.
    [FIRM NAME]
    [FIRM STREET ADDRESS]
    [CITY, STATE ZIP]
    Tel: [PHONE] | Email: [EMAIL]

  4. Re: Status Update—[SHORT MATTER NAME / COURT & DOCKET NO.]

  5. Effective Date: This letter is effective as of the date stated above (the “Effective Date”).

  6. Jurisdiction: This communication is governed by and prepared in accordance with the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct of the jurisdiction(s) in which the undersigned Attorney is licensed to practice (collectively, the “Professional Rules”).


II. DEFINITIONS

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, capitalized terms used in this Letter have the meanings set forth below.

“Attorney” means the undersigned attorney(s) and the law firm identified in Section I.3, including all partners, associates, and staff.

“Client” means the addressee(s) identified in Section I.2, inclusive of any parent, subsidiary, affiliate, officer, director, employee, or agent to whom the Attorney owes professional duties pursuant to the Engagement Agreement.

“Engagement Agreement” means the written engagement, retainer, or fee agreement currently in effect between Attorney and Client, together with any amendments, scope confirmations, or conflict waivers.

“Matter” means the legal proceeding, transaction, or other subject referenced in Section I.4, including all related claims, defenses, and ancillary proceedings.

“Professional Rules” has the meaning given in Section I.6.


III. OPERATIVE PROVISIONS

  1. Executive Summary
    1.1 As of the Effective Date, the Matter is in the following posture: [BRIEF ONE-SENTENCE STATUS].
    1.2 The purpose of this Letter is to (a) provide a comprehensive update since our last written communication dated [PRIOR LETTER DATE], (b) outline upcoming deadlines and strategic considerations, and (c) obtain Client instructions where necessary.

  2. Procedural / Transactional History
    2.1 Key milestones to date:
    a. [EVENT & DATE]
    b. [EVENT & DATE]
    c. [EVENT & DATE]
    2.2 All pleadings, discovery responses, and substantive correspondence have been uploaded to the secure client portal.

  3. Recent Developments Since Last Update
    3.1 [COURT ORDER / OPPOSING COUNSEL ACTION / REGULATORY NOTICE] received on [DATE].
    3.2 Impact analysis: [LEGAL & PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS].
    3.3 Risk assessment: [LOW / MODERATE / HIGH] with respect to [ISSUE].

  4. Upcoming Deadlines & Deliverables
    | Deadline | Obligation | Responsible Party | Status |
    |----------|------------|-------------------|--------|
    | [DATE] | [FILING / PAYMENT / RESPONSE] | Attorney | Pending |
    | [DATE] | [INFORMATION NEEDED] | Client | Outstanding |
    | [DATE] | [MEDIATION / HEARING] | Attorney & Client | Scheduled |

  5. Requested Client Actions
    5.1 Provide the following information/documents no later than [DATE]:
    • [DOCUMENT/INFO 1]
    • [DOCUMENT/INFO 2]
    5.2 Confirm strategic direction regarding [SETTLEMENT / COUNTER-OFFER / BUSINESS TERMS] by [DATE].
    5.3 Remit replenishment of retainer in the amount of $[AMOUNT] on or before [DATE] pursuant to the Engagement Agreement.

  6. Financial Summary
    6.1 Fees & Costs to Date: $[TOTAL BILLED] (through [BILLING CUT-OFF DATE]).
    6.2 Retainer Balance: $[BALANCE] as of [DATE].
    6.3 Anticipated Costs Next 90 Days: $[PROJECTED AMOUNT] (major drivers: [E.G., EXPERT FEES, DEPOSITION TRANSCRIPTS]).
    6.4 [Optional] Budget Variance Explanation: [DESCRIPTION].

  7. Next Steps & Strategy
    7.1 Recommended strategy: [BRIEF NARRATIVE].
    7.2 Alternative options considered: [OPTION A / OPTION B] with pros/cons and estimated cost ranges.
    7.3 Decision needed from Client by [DATE] to preserve [RIGHT / DEADLINE / TACTICAL ADVANTAGE].

  8. Reservation of Rights & Disclaimers
    8.1 Attorney does not and cannot guarantee any particular outcome in the Matter.
    8.2 All statements herein are based on information presently available; unforeseen developments may necessitate a change in strategy.
    8.3 This Letter is privileged and confidential. Client is advised not to share it with third parties absent prior written consent from Attorney, which may result in waiver of privilege.
    8.4 This Letter supplements, and is subject to, the Engagement Agreement; in the event of conflict, the Engagement Agreement controls.


IV. REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES

  1. Attorney Representations
    1.1 Attorney is duly licensed and in good standing in the relevant jurisdiction(s).
    1.2 Attorney has no conflict of interest that has not been previously disclosed and waived as required by the Professional Rules.

  2. Client Representations
    2.1 Client affirms that all information provided to Attorney to date is, to Client’s knowledge, complete and accurate.
    2.2 Client agrees to promptly notify Attorney of any material changes or new information relevant to the Matter.

  3. Survival
    The representations set forth in this Section IV survive termination or completion of the Engagement Agreement with respect to the Matter.


V. COVENANTS & RESTRICTIONS

  1. Client Cooperation
    1.1 Client shall timely furnish documents, witnesses, and access reasonably requested by Attorney.
    1.2 Failure to cooperate may constitute grounds for Attorney’s withdrawal consistent with the Professional Rules.

  2. Confidentiality Obligations
    Both Parties shall maintain confidentiality to the fullest extent permitted or required by law, except as disclosure is necessary for the representation or mandated by court order.

  3. Communication Protocols
    3.1 Primary points of contact:
    • Attorney: [NAME & EMAIL]
    • Client: [NAME & EMAIL]
    3.2 Urgent matters (less than 48-hour deadline) must be communicated by both email and telephone voicemail.


VI. DEFAULT & REMEDIES

  1. Events of Default (by Client)
    a. Non-payment of any invoiced amount within [NUMBER] days of issuance.
    b. Failure to provide requested information or instructions within stated deadlines.

  2. Notice & Cure
    Upon an Event of Default, Attorney shall provide written notice. Client has [NUMBER] days from receipt to cure.

  3. Attorney Remedies
    If Client fails to cure within the applicable period, Attorney may:
    a. Suspend work on the Matter;
    b. Seek court approval to withdraw (if required); and/or
    c. Apply retainer funds to outstanding balances.

  4. Fees & Costs of Enforcement
    Client shall be responsible for reasonable fees and costs incurred by Attorney in collecting unpaid balances or enforcing Section VI.


VII. RISK ALLOCATION

  1. Professional Obligations & Indemnification
    Nothing in this Letter is intended to, nor shall it, relieve Attorney from any obligation imposed by the Professional Rules. Subject to the foregoing, Client agrees to indemnify Attorney against third-party subpoenas or discovery demands seeking Client materials, except to the extent caused by Attorney’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

  2. Limitation of Liability
    [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED—Not applicable per Metadata.]

  3. Force Majeure
    Neither Party shall be liable for delay or failure in performance directly caused by events beyond its reasonable control (e.g., court closures, natural disasters, or governmental orders).


VIII. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

[// GUIDANCE: The Metadata specifies “not_applicable” for forum selection, arbitration, jury waiver, and injunctive relief. Delete or tailor this section if your Engagement Agreement already covers dispute resolution.]

  1. Governing Law: This Letter is interpreted in accordance with the Professional Rules and, to the extent not inconsistent, the laws of the State of [CHOICE OF LAW STATE], without regard to conflicts-of-law principles.

IX. GENERAL PROVISIONS

  1. Amendment & Waiver
    Any amendment to this Letter must be in writing and signed by both Parties. No waiver is effective unless in writing.

  2. Assignment
    Neither Party may assign rights or delegate duties under this Letter without the other Party’s prior written consent, except Attorney may delegate tasks to qualified staff or contract counsel consistent with professional obligations.

  3. Severability
    If any provision of this Letter is held invalid or unenforceable, such provision is severed and the remainder will be enforced to the maximum extent permissible.

  4. Integration
    This Letter, together with the Engagement Agreement, constitutes the entire understanding concerning its subject matter and supersedes all prior oral or written communications relating thereto.

  5. Counterparts & Electronic Signatures
    This Letter may be executed in counterparts, including by electronic or facsimile signature, each of which is deemed an original and all of which together constitute one instrument.


X. EXECUTION BLOCK

Please acknowledge receipt and provide any required instructions by signing below and returning a copy (via email or secure portal) no later than [DATE].

For the Client For the Attorney
[CLIENT NAME] [ATTORNEY NAME], Esq.
Signature: ______ Signature: ______
Date: _____ Date: _____

[Optional Notary Acknowledgment—Insert if required by jurisdiction or firm policy.]


[// GUIDANCE:
1. Insert matter-specific details where indicated.
2. Review your jurisdiction’s ethics rules on fee security, withdrawal, and client communication to ensure compliance.
3. Confirm that any indemnification language does not violate local professional conduct limitations.
4. Remove sections that duplicate or conflict with your existing engagement agreement.
]

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