sample letter of attorney engagement when representing a group of clients

by Lesley Mertz 8 min read

ENGAGEMENT LETTER NEW CLIENT (Sample-Modify as Appropriate) [Date] [Client Name & Address] Re: [Subject] Dear [Name]: enjoyed meeting with you on __________ to discuss your representation by our firm in [describe matter]. This letter will confirm the terms of our representation. Our work will begin upon receipt of a signed copy of this letter.

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What are the purposes of an engagement letter?

This Engagement Letter for Legal Services ("Letter"), made effective as of January 2 nd, 2020 between the law firm of Cochran Law Firm with Johnnie Cochran as the appointed attorney (“Attorney”) and agrees to represent Jon Smith (“Client”) in regard to legal representation. Services. Attorney agrees to provide the following Services: Legal representation in order to

What is an attorney engagement letter?

Sample Attorney Engagement Letter LAW OFFICE LETTERHEAD Attorney’s Name Attorney’s Address City, State, Zip Code DATE Client’s Name Client’s Address City, State, Zip Code RE: Engagement for legal services File ID: NUMBER Dear Client’s Name: We are pleased that you have asked our firm to serve as your counsel.

Why should I sign an engagement letter?

represent multiple parties as joint clients, the engagement letter must make necessary disclosures and confirm appropriate waivers concerning conflicts of interest and lack of confidentiality of information between the joint clients. The firm's Legal Department should be consulted regarding such disclosures and waivers.]

How to terminate a client engagement?

Completed Sample Engagement Letter (assumes joint representation, not NY/DeIaware/Foreign ... I will be the attorney responsible for your representation. I will be assisted by the following team members: Attorney A and Paralegal A. ... done for clients by the person or persons with the most suitable legal experience and seniority

How do you write an engagement letter?

How to Write Your Engagement LetterA Good Introduction. ... Identify the Scope of Work. ... Identify How Long It Will Take. ... Write Out the Payment Terms. ... Include What You Need from the Client. ... Include What the Client Needs from You. ... Obtain Signatures from Both Parties.

How do you write an engagement letter to a lawyer?

How to Write Better Engagement Letters: Elements to ConsiderThe Identity of the Client. ... The Scope and Duration of the Representation. ... Fees, Expenses, and Billing Practices. ... Staffing Details. ... Client Communication. ... Conflicts of Interest. ... Document and File Retention. ... Signature of Counsel and Client.

What should a letter of engagement include?

An engagement letter is a written agreement that describes the business relationship to be entered into by a client and a company. The letter details the scope of the agreement, its terms, and costs. The purpose of an engagement letter is to set expectations on both sides of the agreement.

What is a joint representation letter?

Joint Representation simply means that a lawyer represents more than one client in the same dispute or matter. The rules governing the practice of law allow for joint representation, but also require the lawyer to make disclosures so that the parties.

Why is it important for attorneys to provide their clients with a letter of engagement?

Why is a letter of engagement necessary? Very importantly, it provides documentary proof in the event of a dispute. It goes without saying that this contract will protect an attorney from clients who keep shifting the goalposts.

Do Engagement Letters need to be signed?

A properly drafted engagement letter should require that the client sign and return the letter to confirm that he or she has read, understood, and agreed with its terms. Because it is a contract, the engagement letter should be signed before the CPA begins the work.Jun 1, 2015

Who is responsible for signing the engagement letter?

The letter is written from auditor to client. Therefore, it is customary that the auditor signs the letter, just as you would sign any business letter. In many cases, the letter isn't signed by an individual accountant but instead is signed by the accounting firm as a whole.

What is the difference between engagement letter and representation letter?

The Board and Management need to sign and return the Engagement Letter to our office before we may commence the work. The Representation Letter is issued with the draft audit and is required by auditing standards to finalize the audit.

What is included in terms of engagement?

Terms of engagement set out the basic facts of your valuation instruction so that there is no confusion about what you have been asked to do. They also define the scope and depth of the service you will provide, and in doing so set boundaries to your liability.

How do you write a conflict waiver?

How To Write a Good (And Ethical) Conflict Of Interest WaiverIdentify the conflict of interest. ... Describe the workaround. ... Describe the upside of the client(s) waiving the conflict of interest. ... Describe the downside to the client(s) waiving the conflict of interest. ... Get it in writing. ... Take it home!Apr 3, 2018

What is a conflict waiver letter?

The conflict waiver is a written document signed by each party that specifically discloses the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the dual representation. A properly executed conflict waiver allows the attorney to steer clear of claims by a party of unethical conduct or malpractice related to the dual representation.Jan 30, 2022

Can a client waive a conflict of interest?

A client can generally waive a conflict of interest that may arise in the future if that particular conflict of interest to be waived can ethically be waived and if the lawyer and client together have in their minds the conflict of interest that actually does later arise.

What is an attorney letter of representation?

An attorney letter of representation is a legal document that explaining that an attorney or law firm is now the acting legal representation for an individual, group, or business. It is used in any number of legal situations such as professional malpractice, car accidents, business lawsuits, family law issues like divorce ...

What is a class action lawsuit?

Class action lawsuits where a group of individuals hire legal representation to file a collective lawsuit against a company due to negligence or false advertising.

What does an engagement letter mean?

A well-written engagement letter can mean the difference between a dismissal of a grievance complaint your former client files against you and a finding of probable cause on the complaint, or the difference between getting summary judgment and the court finding a triable issue of fact in the malpractice action.

Why do lawyers resist written engagement agreements?

Lawyers often resist detailed written client engagement agreements because of the fear that a potential client might be turned off by its length or by the self-protective (“CYA”) nature of the document. And it is true that a comprehensive engagement letter does not, and cannot, inoculate the lawyer against claims by a dissatisfied client. But the well-drafted engagement letter still is one of the best means available to minimize, or even avoid, the financial and reputational risks of disputes with clients.

When you have a new client, or take on a new matter for an existing client, the terms of the

When you have a new client, or take on a new matter for an existing client, the terms of the engagement should always be in writing. This is not just a matter of adhering to Connecticut’s Rules of Professional Conduct, it also is a “best practice.”

What is Rule 1.5 B?

In fact, Rule 1.5 (b) provides that, at the beginning of the representation, you must memorialize in writing three essential items: (1) the scope of the representation; (2) the basis or rate of the fee; and (3) the expenses for which the client will be responsible. And while there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all engagement agreement, ...

What is a non-engagement letter?

The Non-Engagement Letter. When you decide not to represent someone, it is a good idea to write the prospective client confirming that you have declined the representation and that your firm will not perform any services in the matter. The “you-are-not-a-client” letter should also confirm that the firm received no confidences ...

Do you need a signature on a letter?

If you do not require the client’s signature on the letter, at least send a copy by some time-stamped method such as e-mail or fax. If you do ask for the client’s signature, and for all matters that require a consent to a conflict and/or potential conflicts, make sure you have procedures in place to: ...