Legal retainer proposal: Free template

Customize this free legal retainer proposal with Cobrief

Open this free legal retainer proposal in Cobrief and start editing it instantly using AI. You can adjust the tone, structure, and content based on your legal expertise, client needs, and engagement structure. You can also use AI to review your draft — spot gaps, tighten language, and improve clarity before sending.

Once you're done, send, download, or save the proposal in one click — no formatting or setup required.

This template is fully customizable and built for real-world use — ideal for pitching ongoing legal advisory services, startup counsel support, general corporate guidance, or fractional GC roles. Whether you’re a solo attorney or part of a firm, this version gives you a structured head start and removes the guesswork.

What is a legal retainer proposal?

A legal retainer proposal outlines how you’ll provide ongoing legal support to a client under a monthly or hourly retainer model. It typically includes the scope of services, hours included, turnaround expectations, exclusions, and pricing.

This proposal is useful for companies seeking consistent, on-demand legal access without hiring in-house counsel.

A strong legal retainer proposal helps you:

• Define the type and scope of legal services you’ll provide.
• Set clear expectations around responsiveness, availability, and limits.
• Build confidence in your legal experience and support style.
• Establish a simple path to starting the relationship.

Why use Cobrief to edit your proposal

Cobrief helps you build and refine proposals fast — with built-in AI that supports accuracy, clarity, and tone.

• Edit the proposal directly in your browser: Skip formatting hassles and start customizing immediately.
• Rewrite sections with AI: Clarify scope, simplify legal language, or adjust tone based on audience.
• Run a one-click AI review: Spot unclear areas or repetitive copy and improve them instantly.
• Apply AI suggestions instantly: Accept edits one-by-one or all at once.
• Share or export instantly: Send via Cobrief or download a clean PDF or DOCX file.

Focus on the law — we’ll handle the formatting.

When to use this proposal

Use this legal retainer proposal for:

• Acting as outsourced general counsel for startups or small businesses.
• Providing ongoing contract review and drafting.
• Supporting employment, compliance, or regulatory matters.
• Offering regular legal advice for day-to-day operations.
• Structuring long-term advisory relationships with clients.

It’s ideal for fixed-hour or unlimited-access retainers.

What to include in a legal retainer proposal

Each section helps the client understand your services, how you work, and what to expect month to month:

• Executive summary: Highlight the client’s ongoing legal needs and how your retainer model offers flexibility, responsiveness, and long-term partnership.
• Scope of work: Define the services included — e.g., contract review/drafting, policy development, compliance advice, corporate governance, employment support, or general legal counsel.
• Response times and availability: Specify standard turnaround times (e.g., 24–48 hours) and availability (e.g., business days, emergency access, calls per month).
• Hours included: Outline the number of hours or types of tasks covered under the retainer. Clarify what happens if hours are exceeded (rollover, additional rate, etc.).
• Exclusions: Note what’s out of scope — e.g., litigation, IP filings, international law — and how additional work will be scoped and billed.
• Pricing: Present your retainer fee — fixed monthly, tiered, or hourly block. Include any volume discounts or minimum terms.
• Terms and conditions: Cover confidentiality, termination, conflict checks, billing cycle, and engagement letter requirements.
• Next steps: End with a clear CTA — such as “Reply to confirm,” “Schedule a kickoff call,” or “Sign to proceed.”

How to write an effective legal retainer proposal

This proposal should feel clear, professional, and reliable:

• Emphasize availability and consistency: Make it clear the client can rely on you for day-to-day needs.
• Be specific: List what’s included, how access works, and what’s not part of the agreement.
• Write plainly when possible: Use legal precision, but avoid intimidating or unclear language.
• Tailor to client size and industry: A VC-backed SaaS startup needs different support than a retail franchise.
• Format cleanly: Use bullets, short paragraphs, and clear section headings.
• Make next steps easy: Remove friction from the client’s decision.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.