Engagement letter
The written agreement establishing the scope, fees, and terms of legal representation.
An engagement letter sets out the scope of representation, fees and billing, the parties, conflict waivers, and termination terms. ABA Model Rule 1.5 requires that the basis or rate of fees be communicated to the client, preferably in writing, before or within a reasonable time after commencing representation.
Engagement letters increasingly include AI-use disclosure clauses consistent with ABA Formal Opinion 512.