Fee Agreement – Hourly Billing

1. Parties and Matter

• Law Firm: [Firm Name], [Address].
• Client: [Client Name/Company], [Address].
• Matter Description: [Brief description of services].

2. Fee Structure

• Services billed on hourly basis at following rates (subject to annual adjustments with 30 days’ notice):
• Partners: $[Rate]/hour
• Senior Associates: $[Rate]/hour
• Associates: $[Rate]/hour
• Paralegals/Legal Assistants: $[Rate]/hour
• Law Clerks/Other Professionals: $[Rate]/hour
• Minimum billing increment: [0.1] hour.
• Travel time billed at [full/half] hourly rates.

3. Retainer Deposit

• Initial retainer of $[Amount] to be deposited in attorney trust account.
• Invoices applied against retainer; client agrees to replenish to $[Maintain Amount] within [Number] days of request.

4. Invoicing and Payment Terms

• Detailed statements issued [Monthly/Biweekly].
• Payment due within [Number] days of invoice date.
• Overdue balances accrue interest at [Rate]% per month or maximum allowed by law.
• Client authorizes application of trust funds to unpaid fees and costs.

5. Costs and Disbursements

• Client responsible for court costs, filing fees, service of process, deposition expenses, expert witnesses, travel, postage, printing, legal research charges, and technology fees.
• Expenses exceeding $[Amount] require prior client approval unless urgent to protect client interests.

6. Communication Protocols

• Primary client contact: [Name/Title]. Preferred method: [Email/Phone/Portal].
• Law firm will provide status updates at least [Frequency].

7. Client Responsibilities

• Provide accurate information, documents, and timely instructions.
• Pay invoices promptly and maintain retainer balance.

8. Termination

• Client may terminate at any time with written notice; fees earned to date immediately due.
• Law firm may withdraw for nonpayment, conflict, or other ethical grounds, subject to applicable rules.
• Upon termination, firm will deliver client file and refund any unearned retainer within [Number] days after resolving outstanding balances.

9. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

• Fee disputes submitted to [State/County Bar Fee Arbitration Program] prior to litigation.
• Agreement governed by laws of [State]; venue in [County].

10. File Retention

• Firm retains file for [Number] years following matter conclusion and may thereafter securely destroy unless client requests earlier return.

11. Entire Agreement and Amendments

• This agreement constitutes entire understanding regarding fees for described matter. Changes must be in writing signed by both parties.

12. Signatures