A retainer is a fee paid in advance to secure the services of a professional, such as a lawyer or consultant. It is a form of prepayment that ensures the availability of the professional’s time and expertise. The retainer can be used to cover ongoing services or to reserve a specific amount of time for future projects. It is typically non-refundable and may be applied towards the total cost of services rendered. Retainers are commonly used in industries where professionals provide ongoing support or advice to clients.
A retainer fee is an upfront payment made to a lawyer or law firm to secure their services for a specific period of time.
The cost of a retainer fee varies depending on the lawyer or law firm and the type of legal services being provided. It can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
A retainer fee typically covers the cost of legal services provided by the lawyer or law firm, including consultations, research, drafting legal documents, and representation in court.
Whether a retainer fee is refundable or not depends on the terms of the retainer agreement between the lawyer or law firm and the client. Some agreements may provide for a partial or full refund if the services are not used, while others may not.
The length of time a retainer fee lasts depends on the terms of the retainer agreement. It can be for a specific period of time, such as a month or a year, or until the legal matter is resolved.
A retainer fee is typically specific to the legal matter for which it was paid. However, some lawyers or law firms may allow the retainer fee to be used for other legal matters with the client’s consent.
The terms of a retainer fee can be negotiated between the lawyer or law firm and the client. However, the lawyer or law firm may have a standard retainer fee that they do not deviate from.
The frequency of retainer fee payments depends on the terms of the retainer agreement. It can be a one-time payment or recurring payments, such as monthly or quarterly.
If a client does not pay their retainer fee, the lawyer or law firm may terminate their services or refuse to provide further legal assistance until the fee is paid.
Whether a client is entitled to a refund if they terminate the retainer agreement depends on the terms of the agreement. Some agreements may provide for a partial or full refund, while others may not.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 13th April 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/retainer/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Retainer. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/retainer/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Retainer. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/retainer/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Retainer. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/retainer/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts