Legal Retainer

/ˈliːgəl rɪˈteɪnər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A sum paid in advance to a lawyer to secure their services and ensure availability.
    The client paid a legal retainer before the attorney began work on the case.

Forms

  • legal retainers

Commentary

A legal retainer is distinct from fees for services rendered; it often functions as a deposit or advance payment to hold legal services.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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Amicus Docs | Legal Retainer Definition