The agreement that engages a lawyer to act for you, and sometimes an upfront payment on account of costs.
What it means
A retainer is the contract under which a client engages a lawyer to provide legal services, setting out the scope of work and the basis of charging. The word also describes an advance payment a client makes, held on account of future fees. In Australia, the terms are usually recorded in a costs agreement and costs disclosure, which lawyers are generally required to provide so clients understand their likely fees.
How it's used
She signed a retainer and paid an initial amount into the firm's trust account before work began.
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