Attorney Engagement Letter and Fee Agreement
(Hourly Fee Arrangement) (VA)

Summary

This template is an engagement letter formalizing an attorney-client relationship for a civil litigation matter in Virginia on an hourly fee basis. This template includes practical guidance, drafting notes, and an optional clause. An engagement letter must contain certain essential information, such as the client's identity, the intended scope of the contemplated legal work, and the fee arrangement (including billing frequency). This template provides for an hourly fee arrangement, which is a typical arrangement in litigation matters, particularly for defense counsel. For a template contingent fee agreement, which is often used by plaintiff's attorneys, especially in personal injury litigation, see Attorney Engagement Letter and Fee Agreement (Contingency Fee Arrangement) (VA). For a template flat fee agreement, see Attorney Engagement Letter and Fee Agreement (Flat Fee Arrangement) (VA). If you will be jointly representing multiple parties, you should include provisions: • Disclosing the potential for conflicts of interest and provisions • Covering potential termination of interest should a conflict arise • Explaining the possible impact on attorney-client privilege of such an arrangement and its termination For a template non-engagement letter, see Attorney Non-engagement Letter (VA).