Fee Agreement – Hourly (Immigration)

1. Parties and Matter

• Law Firm: [FIRM NAME], [ADDRESS].
• Client: [CLIENT NAME], [ADDRESS].
• Matter: Immigration representation for [CASE TYPE / FORM].

2. Scope of Representation

The Firm will provide services for:
☐ USCIS petition/application
☐ Consular processing
☐ Naturalization
☐ Removal defense (EOIR)
☐ Other: ________________________

Services outside this scope require a written amendment.

3. Hourly Rates and Billing Increments

Rates (subject to periodic adjustment with [NUMBER] days' notice):
- Partners: $[RATE]/hour
- Senior Associates: $[RATE]/hour
- Associates: $[RATE]/hour
- Paralegals/Legal Assistants: $[RATE]/hour

Minimum billing increment: [0.1] hour.
Travel time billed at: ☐ full rate ☐ half rate.

4. Retainer Deposit

Client will pay an initial retainer of $[AMOUNT], deposited in the Firm's trust account. The Firm will apply the retainer to fees and costs as billed. Client agrees to replenish the retainer to $[MAINTAINED AMOUNT] within [NUMBER] days of request.

5. Invoicing and Payment Terms

• Invoices issued: [MONTHLY/BIWEEKLY].
• Payment due within [NUMBER] days.
• Past-due balances accrue interest at [RATE]% per month or the maximum lawful rate.

6. Costs and Expenses

Client is responsible for costs such as filing fees, biometrics fees, translations, medical exams, expert declarations, and courier charges. Costs over $[AMOUNT] require prior approval unless needed to protect Client's interests.

7. Client Responsibilities

Client agrees to provide complete and accurate information, submit truthful statements, and promptly provide documents. Client will notify the Firm of any address changes, arrests, travel, or agency correspondence.

8. Government Processing

Government processing times and decisions are outside the Firm's control. No outcome is guaranteed.

9. Termination and Withdrawal

Client may terminate at any time. The Firm may withdraw as permitted by applicable rules. Upon termination, Client is responsible for fees and costs incurred through termination. Any unearned trust funds will be refunded after final accounting.

10. Fee Dispute Resolution

Fee disputes will be submitted to any required bar fee dispute program prior to court action.

11. Governing Law and Venue

This Agreement is governed by the laws of [STATE], venue in [COUNTY], [STATE], unless otherwise required by law.

12. Signatures