Draft and prepare a retainer agreement for a client according to the following facts:

Client: Harvey Sample

Matter: Divorce

Your Firm: [Your Last Name] Law Offices

Retainer Amount: $3,000.00

Hourly Rate: $250.00

You will want to include language regarding the following:

Limits and scope of your representation

Describe the sort of matter you are representing the client on and any limits on that representation.

Termination of representation

Explain the terms and conditions upon which your representation may be terminated.

Appeals

Does your representation of this client includes any appeal of the final judgment? What about post-trial motions? Future child custody modifications or child support adjustments?

Charges for long distance

Who pays for long distance charges accrued on the clients behalf? At what rate?

Postage

Who pays the actual postage costs incurred on behalf of the client?

Deposition expenses

Is the client responsible for the cost of deposition? Court reporter costs? Cost for deposition transcripts? Does the client have to pay your hourly rate for tour participation at depositions?

Copies

Who pays for photocopying charges accrued on the clients behalf? At what rate?

Communications policies

What sort of response (timeliness) can the client expect when contacting your office? May they communicate with you via email? May the client call you on your cellular phone? Are you available nights? Weekends?

Liens

Are you reserving the right to place liens upon the proceeds of the lawsuit in order to collect unpaid fees? Are you reserving the right to retain the client file to secure payment?

Severability

What happens if one of the clauses in the Retainer Agreement becomes void or is rendered impossible or impractical? Do the other clauses remain in effect or is the entire agreement voided?