General Retainer Fee

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Key Terms
G

General Retainer Fee

Definition

A payment that a client makes to a lawyer to ensure that the lawyer will be available if the client needs the lawyer’s services. A general retainer fee pays only for the lawyer’s availability and lost opportunities and is separate from any fees paid for the lawyer’s professional services if the client eventually uses those services. A general retainer fee is sometimes called a true retainer fee or an engagement retainer fee.

Related rules

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— Cluck v. Commission for Lawyer Discipline

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