what are the advantages of having a lawyer on retainer

by Elroy Abshire II 6 min read

Benefits of Having a Retainer

  • Legal advice at your fingertip. Obviously, the first benefit is that the lawyer is always on your phone and just one dial away. ...
  • Defending your legal rights. ...
  • No extra headache. ...
  • A long-term relationship. ...

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.

Full Answer

Why do you need a retainer agreement with a lawyer?

Develop a long-term relationship Having a longstanding relationship with a law firm through a retainer agreement means the firm can get to know your business and develop a strong legal framework to protect your specific business interests and help improve your company’s operations.

What does it mean when a lawyer is retained?

When a lawyer is "retained," that means that someone has hired her, and the money paid to the attorney is known as the retainer. The agreement signed when someone hires an attorney is called the retainer agreement.

What is a retainer fee and how does it work?

A retainer fee is then paid to secure the law firm’s availability, typically in the form of a monthly fee calculated according to your legal needs and the law firm’s usual hourly fee. 1. Certainty

Why do lawyers want a retainer?

Retainers are most useful for businesses that need constant or semi-recurring legal work but do not have enough money to hire a lawyer full-time. This could include services like ensuring regulatory compliance, document review, or representing the business in employment or contract disputes.

What is the point of a retainer fee?

A retainer fee is an amount of money paid upfront to secure the services of a consultant, freelancer, lawyer, or other professional. A retainer fee is most commonly paid to individual third parties that have been engaged by the payer to perform a specific action on their behalf.

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.

Is a retainer fee refundable?

Most frequently, the client agrees to a security or an advanced payment retainer where payment for services is drawn from the monies held in trust. Here's the kicker—only the true retainer is non-refundable. Unearned funds from either a security or advanced payment retainer must be refunded at the end of the work.

Why is it important to have a solicitor on retainer?

By having a solicitor on retainer, you have the peace of mind that comes with knowing reliable legal advice or representation will be available whenever you need it. For business owners, this is especially important, as they are constantly grappling with a range of legal requirements under varying laws, from employment and immigration laws to data protection legislation and tax matters.

What is retainer fee?

A retainer fee is then paid to secure the law firm’s availability, typically in the form of a monthly fee calculated according to your legal needs and the law firm’s usual hourly fee. 1. Certainty. By having a solicitor on retainer, you have the peace of mind that comes with knowing reliable legal advice or representation will be available ...

What does retainer agreement mean?

Having a longstanding relationship with a law firm through a retainer agreement means the firm can get to know your business and develop a strong legal framework to protect your specific business interests and help improve your company’s operations.

Is it cheaper to pay a retainer than hiring a lawyer?

If you frequently require the services of a lawyer, be it for expert advice or representation, paying a retainer fee is far more affordable than hiring an in-house team to handle your company’s legal demands.

Quick Legal Counsel When You Need It

When you have a pressing matter that needs to be addressed, there is no time to waste. It could be anything from an employee who was fired and now wants to sue your company to a supposed breach of contract. If this occurs, you may spend hours or even days making phone calls and arranging an appointment with an available lawyer.

Save Money On Fines and Court Costs

Many people may be reluctant to have a lawyer on retainer because they believe it will be costly, however, it’s actually quite affordable. There are varying fees depending upon your needs and the types of services you require.

Remain In Compliance With Rules and Regulations

There is no doubt that constantly changing regulations can be confusing to interpret and stay current with. Yet, they are vital to follow to avoid trouble. This is another great benefit of having a lawyer on retainer.

Conclusion

If you want to do the best for your organization, consider hiring an attorney to keep on retainer. Hopefully, you will never need their services in an emergency situation or larger capacity. However, the invaluable direction and assistance they can give you can help you move your company forward while enjoying greater success and security.

Why do lawyers use retainers?

In return, the lawyer performs some legal services whenever the client needs them. Retainers are most useful for business that need constant legal work, but do not have enough money to hire a lawyer full time. Also, individuals who are likely to need a lot of legal work might want to have a lawyer on retainer.

What is a retainer agreement?

When a lawyer is "retained," that means that someone has hired her, and the money paid to the attorney is known as the retainer. The agreement signed when someone hires an attorney is called the retainer agreement.

Do I need to pay an attorney for an accident?

Most insurance policies, including auto and homeowner's insurance, will pay for an attorney should you be involved in an accident. If this is so, there is no need to pay an attorney as additional insurance against these lawsuits. Check your employee benefits. If you are an employee of a large company, or a member of a union, ...

Can I pay a lawyer on call?

If you are an employee of a large company, or a member of a union, a lawyer on call may be part of your benefits. These attorneys can handle most routine legal matters, such as wills and real estate transactions, as well as certain law suits. Paying another lawyer on retainer when you already have one through your employer usually does not make ...