Money paid by the client to the lawyer to obtain a commitment from the lawyer to handle the client’s case. A retainer can be a deposit against which the lawyer charges fees as they are earned. In some states, it can also be a non-refundable engagement fee. This is a fee that is sometimes charged by a lawyer for the agreement to take your case and to commit to being available for your case. Normally, an engagement fee is in addition to charges on an hourly rate basis. Your written fee agreement should specify whether a retainer fee is refundable, and if so, in what amount and under what circumstances.
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