WALLRICH LAW GROUP, P.A.

Attorney James Wallrich | Bloomington, MN | 612-385-1552 | James.Wallrich@wallrichlawgroup.org

RETAINER AND FEE AGREEMENT

Stock Template — Complete and Customize for Each Engagement

This Retainer and Fee Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between Wallrich Law Group, P.A. (“Attorney” or “the Firm”), and the client identified below (“Client”), effective as of the date of the last signature below.

Client Name(s): ____________________________________________
Client Address: ____________________________________________
Client Phone / Email: ____________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________

1. Scope of Representation

Client retains the Firm to represent Client in connection with the following matter (the “Matter”):

[Describe the specific matter, case, or transaction — e.g., “representation in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing” or “preparation of a last will and testament and related estate planning documents.”]

This Agreement covers only the Matter described above. It does not create an obligation for the Firm to represent Client in any other or future matter, including an appeal, unless the parties enter into a separate written agreement. If Client wishes the Firm to handle additional matters, a new or amended agreement will be required.

2. Attorney's Responsibilities

The Firm will provide competent and diligent legal services in connection with the Matter, keep Client reasonably informed of significant developments, respond to reasonable requests for information, and exercise independent professional judgment on Client's behalf, consistent with the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct.

3. Client's Responsibilities

Client agrees to:

• Provide complete, accurate, and timely information necessary to the representation;

• Cooperate with the Firm and respond promptly to requests for documents, decisions, or instructions;

• Notify the Firm promptly of any change in contact information;

• Pay all fees and costs owed under this Agreement in a timely manner; and

• Make all final decisions regarding the objectives of the representation and any settlement or resolution, after consultation with the Firm.

4. Fees — Select Fee Arrangement

The parties agree that Client will be charged for legal services according to one of the following fee structures (check and complete the applicable section; delete the others):

□ Hourly Fee. Client will be billed at the rate of $_______ per hour for the Firm's time, billed in increments of one-tenth (0.1) of an hour. Rates may differ for other attorneys, paralegals, or law clerks who may work on the Matter and will be disclosed upon request.

□ Flat Fee. Client will pay a flat fee of $_______ for the scope of representation described in Section 1. This flat fee covers only the services specifically described above; work outside that scope will be billed separately, as agreed in writing.

□ Contingent Fee. The Firm will receive a fee of _______% of the gross recovery obtained by settlement, judgment, or otherwise, before deduction of costs and expenses, payable only if a recovery is obtained. A separate contingent fee agreement meeting the requirements of Minn. R. Prof. Conduct 1.5(c) will be executed alongside this Agreement.

5. Advance Fee Deposit (Retainer)

Client agrees to pay an advance fee deposit (“Retainer”) of $_______ prior to the commencement of work on the Matter. The Retainer will be deposited into the Firm's client trust account, maintained in accordance with Minn. R. Prof. Conduct 1.15, and is not earned until services are actually rendered. As fees and costs are incurred, the Firm will withdraw earned amounts from the trust account and provide Client with an itemized statement. If, at any time, the balance of the Retainer is depleted, Client agrees to replenish it upon request as a condition of the Firm's continued work on the Matter. Any unearned and unused portion of the Retainer remaining at the conclusion of the representation will be refunded to Client.

6. Costs and Expenses

In addition to fees for legal services, Client is responsible for costs and expenses reasonably incurred in connection with the Matter, which may include filing fees, service of process fees, court reporter and transcript costs, expert witness fees, record and copying costs, and postage. The Firm will obtain Client's approval before incurring any single cost expected to exceed $_______, except in circumstances requiring immediate action.

7. Billing Statements

The Firm will provide Client with periodic statements itemizing services rendered, time spent, and costs incurred. Statements are due upon receipt unless otherwise agreed in writing. Client may request an explanation of any charge, and the Firm will respond promptly. Unpaid balances may be subject to withdrawal from representation as described in Section 9.

8. No Guarantee of Outcome

Client understands and acknowledges that the Firm has made no promise, warranty, or guarantee regarding the outcome of the Matter. Legal representation involves inherent uncertainty, and any comments about the possible outcome of the Matter are expressions of opinion only.

9. Termination of Representation

Client may terminate the Firm's representation at any time, with or without cause, upon written notice. The Firm may withdraw from representation as permitted under Minn. R. Prof. Conduct 1.16, including for nonpayment of fees, Client's failure to cooperate, or other good cause, subject to any required court approval and reasonable notice to Client. Upon termination, Client remains responsible for fees earned and costs incurred through the effective date of termination, and any unearned Retainer balance will be refunded.

10. Client File and Records

Upon conclusion of the representation or termination of this Agreement, Client may request a copy of Client's file. The Firm will retain the file for a reasonable period thereafter consistent