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Legal Services Retainer Agreement (Lawyer or Paralegal)
NextGen Docs form ND-1233. Search ND-1233 on docs.ngz.ca to make this document again.
For Ontario lawyers and licensed paralegals: the scope, fees, trust deposit, billing and ending of a client retainer.
Start this document $2.99 or in the monthly planHow it works
What you will fill in
- Who is giving the legal services?
- Licensee and firm name, LSO number and address
- Client's full name and address
- The legal matter
- What work is included
- What is NOT included
- How are fees charged?
- Hourly rate or flat fee ($)
- Money retainer (deposit into trust) ($)
- Which province's laws apply?
- Date of this agreement
Good to know
- Run a conflict check before signing. Do not act if there is a conflict you cannot manage under the Rules of Professional Conduct (lawyers) or Paralegal Rules of Conduct.
- Deposit the retainer into your mixed trust account and transfer money only after you deliver a bill, as LSO By-Law 9 requires.
- A client may ask a court to assess (review) your bill under the Solicitors Act. Clear written terms make billing disputes rare.
Help in your language
Every question comes with help like this. For example, “Who is giving the legal services?”:
English: Only Law Society of Ontario licensees may give legal services in Ontario. Paralegals may act only in their permitted areas, such as Small Claims Court, LTB and traffic court.
اردو: وکیل یا لائسنس یافتہ پیرالیگل۔
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ: ਵਕੀਲ ਜਾਂ ਲਾਇਸੈਂਸਸ਼ੁਦਾ ਪੈਰਾਲੀਗਲ।
हिन्दी: वकील या लाइसेंसशुदा पैरालीगल।
Français: Seuls les titulaires de permis du Barreau de l'Ontario peuvent fournir des services juridiques en Ontario.
Questions people ask
How much does the Legal Services Retainer Agreement cost?
It is free to fill in and preview. To download it, buy just this one for $2.99 or use a plan (Monthly $9.99, or Yearly $79); new accounts get 7 days free with no card needed.
Can I fill in the Legal Services Retainer Agreement in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi or French?
Yes. The finished document is in English, but every question has plain help in English, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi and French, and you can speak your answers.
Do I need a lawyer?
Many people use this document on their own. If your situation is complicated, or a lot of money or your home is involved, talk to a lawyer or licensed paralegal. In Ontario, the Law Society Referral Service (findlegalhelp.ca) gives a free 30-minute consultation.
Is my information private?
Only you can see your answers. They are saved on your device, and in your own account if you sign in, so you can finish on another device. NextGen Docs is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.