A retainer fee is an advance payment that's made by a client to a professional, and it is considered a down payment on the future services rendered by that professional. Regardless of occupation, the retainer fee funds the initial expenses of the working relationship.
Perhaps the most apparent benefit of establishing a retainer agreement with an attorney is having the comfort of immediate legal advice at your fingertips. If you deal with legal issues frequently, a retainer agreement keeps a close line between you and your attorney if questions arise that require immediate attention.
As such, a retainer agreement is a formal document outlining the relationship between an attorney and client. It details the different obligations and expectations involved, which can include ethical work principles, retainer fees, modes of communication, and professional ground rules.Aug 5, 2019
When someone threatens to call “their” lawyer, it likely means that they have a lawyer "on retainer." To have a lawyer on retainer means that you – the client – pay a lawyer a small amount on a regular basis. In return, the lawyer performs specific legal services whenever you need them.Jan 4, 2022
By definition, a retainer is a fee paid in advance used to hold goods or services. A deposit is a payment towards goods or services, usually returned once the goods or services have been acquired.
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.Feb 22, 2018
The retainer fee ensures that the hired service provider reserves time for the client in the future when there is a need for their services. Unlike a one-time contract, a retainer agreement is a long-term work-for-hire contract and thus can retain ongoing services.
Being on retainer means that you're “on-call” for a specified number of hours each week or month. The client agrees to pay you for these hours, whether he gives you work or not. Usually, service providers offer clients a reduced hourly rate for the security offered by being on retainer.Apr 15, 2002
Retainer fees are often based on the rates you would charge under other payment models. For instance, if you charge $100 per hour for your services and typically work 40 hours per week for clients, you would likely look to charge a $4,000 monthly retainer.Jul 22, 2020
A retainer fee is an upfront fee paid by a client for the professional services of an advisor, consultant. Become a certified consultant, lawyer, freelancer, etc.
A contingency fee is a type of payment to your attorney that only occurs when you receive some kind of monetary recovery in your case -- your personal injury case settles or you win your case at trial.