what is a retained attorney

by Dominique Farrell 6 min read

By “retaining” a lawyer, you are establishing an attorney-client relationship with that lawyer. There are several methods for retaining a lawyer, but typically it will require an up-front payment or fee. That fee is commonly referred to as a “retainer,” and is given to the lawyer in return for legal representation.Jul 20, 2020

Is it good to have a lawyer on retainer?

If you are a business person, it makes sense to have a lawyer on retainer. Retaining a business attorney from the very start can save valuable time, energy and money in order to help avoid litigation. Retaining an attorney from the beginning can help you focus on your business and not on legal questions.

What does it mean when a lawyer is retained?

Finally, don't be confused by the terms "retainer" or "retainer agreement." Generally, these are not the same as having a lawyer "on retainer." When you “retain” a lawyer, that simply means that you are hiring them, and the money you paid to the attorney is known as “the retainer.” The agreement signed when someone ...

What does Retained mean in court?

TO RETAIN, practice. To engage the services of an attorney or counsellor to manage a cause, at which time it is usual to give him a fee, called the retaining fee. The act by which the attorney is authorized to act in the case is called a retainer. 2.

How long is a lawyer retainer good for?

A lawyer cannot claim the retainer fee until they have completed work and provided an invoice to the client. The retainer is still the possession of the client until used for legitimate expenses as detailed in the retainer agreement. The amount in the trust account will not expire.

How much is a retainer fee for a lawyer?

Overview. A retainer fee can be any denomination that the attorney requests. It may be as low as $500 or as high as $5,000 or more. Some attorneys base retainer fees on their hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours that they anticipate your case will take.

What does it mean when someone has been retained?

1a : to keep in possession or use. b : to keep in one's pay or service specifically : to employ by paying a retainer. c : to keep in mind or memory : remember. 2 : to hold secure or intact.

Can a dismissed case be reopened?

“A case can be revived after it has been dismissed, but the individual must convince the court that there is a justifiable explanation for the person's non-appearance.” The matter can be reopened under Order 9 Rule 9 of the Civil Procedure Code 1908, but the person must provide sufficient grounds to the court.

How long can a case be dismissed without prejudice?

Understanding the statute of limitations This period is typically between three to six years but varies based on the state you live in, as well as the nature of the offense. Essentially it is a time limit for cases to be filed. Cases that are not filed before this time will expire and be considered time-barred.