Attorney-Client Engagement Letter (Hourly) Template (Simple)

Engage a lawyer on an hourly basis: scope, rates, retainer, billing and termination.

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Simple: a 1–2 page short form with just the core terms.

This template is not legal advice; consult a licensed attorney in your state. Fee agreements, conflict waivers and engagement terms are governed by your state bar's Rules of Professional Conduct, which may require specific wording, written client consent or a signed contingency agreement.
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1. Parties2. Details 1/23. Details 2/2

Parties

Signing order: Client → Law Firm. Each signer is invited after the previous one signs.

1. ClientFull name *Email (to send the signing link)

2. Law FirmFull name *Email (to send the signing link)

Signature, date and name fields are added for every signer automatically.

Details 1/2

Effective date *Law firm *Matter and scope of representationNot included in scopeHourly rates by personRetainer deposit ($) *

Details 2/2

Billing frequency and payment termsGoverning state *

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Signature, initials (every page) and date fields are placed for each party. You can review and adjust them before sending.

Live preview

What the sections mean (plain English)

SCOPE: Exactly what work is to be done.
FEES: How much is paid, when, and what happens if it's late.
TERMINATION: How long it lasts and how either side can end it.
GOVERNING LAW: Which state's law applies and where any lawsuit must be filed.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION: How disagreements get handled before anyone goes to court.
SEVERABILITY: If a court strikes one clause, the rest still counts.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENTS: How this document can be changed later.
NOTICES: How the parties must officially contact each other.
COUNTERPARTS; ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES: E-signatures are valid and each party can sign separately.
Optional clauses: Extra terms you can switch on or off in step 3. Leave them off if unsure.

How to use this Attorney-Client Engagement Letter (Hourly) template

Answer the guided questions. Your name and company fill in automatically from your profile.
Pick the governing state and complete the [STATE-SPECIFIC] blanks. Switch optional clauses on or off.
Check the live preview, then create the document. Signature, initial and date fields are placed for each party.
Review the fields and send. Each party signs in order, and everyone gets the signed PDF.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Attorney-Client Engagement Letter template free?

Yes. You can fill it in, download it and send it for electronic signature with a free E-Sign Auto account.

Is an electronically signed Attorney-Client Engagement Letter legally binding?

In the U.S., the federal ESIGN Act and state UETA laws generally give e-signatures the same effect as handwritten ones. Check your state's rules.

Does this template work in my state?

It is a generic, state-neutral starting point. Pick your governing state and complete every blank marked [STATE-SPECIFIC]. This template is not legal advice; consult a licensed attorney in your state.

Who signs, and in what order?

Client, then Law Firm. Each signer gets a secure link in that order, with signature, initial and date fields already placed.