Explain the work, fees and responsibilities in a written agreement the client can understand. Cover how you will communicate, how additional work is agreed and what happens when the engagement ends. The document should match the actual matter, not just a template.
Understand the situation and prepare
Walk through the key points with the client. Ask what they expect you to do and identify anything outside scope. Explain invoices, outside expenses and any advance payment. Agree who handles deadlines and how instructions are confirmed. Platform terms and the lawyer-client agreement serve different purposes, so resolve inconsistencies before they cause confusion.
Make the agreement useful throughout the work
Explain the client, task, authority to instruct, scope, fee arrangement, expenses and communication expectations. Identify what falls outside the engagement and how changes will be considered. The document should help both parties make later decisions, not merely record that a platform checkbox was selected at the start.
A practical example
Illustrative example: An engagement begins with advice on one agreement and later grows into negotiations. Use the original agreement and the proposed change to explain the new work, price and responsibilities. Confirm the client's decision and keep the versions together rather than replacing the original record without explanation.
Questions to settle before the next step
Ask how the client receives updates, what happens if work ends and how records or outstanding tasks are handled. Review current professional requirements and adapt the agreement to the facts. Platform terms and service snapshots provide context, but they are not a universally suitable retainer agreement or a substitute for explanation.
Your next steps
- Describe scope, exclusions and responsibilities.
- Explain fees, expenses and any advance payment.
- Set communication expectations and change procedures.
- Address ending the engagement and file handover appropriately.
How LegalMart can help
A clearer path from enquiry to engagement
LegalMart records applicable platform and service terms within its request and acceptance workflows. Review these alongside your own engagement documents and the particular offer. Do not assume a platform consent covers every term you need for the legal work.
Tools for the work behind the service
Workplace helps keep the agreement and later communications with the matter. The team can use that record to understand what was accepted and what has changed. Give the client the appropriate copy and explanation as part of your process.
Use LegalMart for your next step
Have a question about a feature or its availability? Raise a question with support and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
What to keep in mind
LegalMart does not provide a universally suitable retainer agreement. You remain responsible for the terms, their explanation and the professional obligations that apply when work changes or ends.
Helpful sources
Read more from these official sources. Rules and services can change; check the current information before acting.