Engagement Letter Template

The Firm agrees to represent the Client in connection with the specific matter(s) described in Schedule A attached to this Agreement (the "Matter"). Representation is limited to the Matter as described and does not extend to any related, ancillary, or future matter unless agreed in a separate writing. Strategic advice, settlement positions, and filings will be reviewed with the Client before any binding action is taken.

Unless expressly stated in Schedule A, representation is limited to federal legal and regulatory matters, including federal administrative proceedings, federal consumer financial protection issues, federal disability and veterans benefits programs, and federal payments and banking regulation. The Firm does not undertake state-court litigation or state-specific representation outside of Massachusetts in its own name.

If the Matter requires representation by an attorney licensed in a jurisdiction in which the Firm is not licensed, the Firm may associate with locally licensed co-counsel. Any such association will be disclosed to the Client in writing, including the identity of co-counsel, the scope of each firm's responsibilities, and any division of fees, which will comply with applicable Rules of Professional Conduct. Co-counsel arrangements require the Client's written consent.

Fees, retainers, and billing arrangements are described in Schedule B. The Firm may bill on an hourly, flat-fee, contingency, or hybrid basis depending on the Matter and applicable rules. Invoices are issued on a regular cycle and are payable upon receipt. The Client is also responsible for reasonable costs and expenses incurred on the Client's behalf, including filing fees, expert fees, and travel.

Legal outcomes are inherently uncertain and depend on facts, applicable law, the conduct of opposing parties, and the discretion of courts and agencies. The Firm makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding the outcome of the Matter. Statements about possible outcomes are estimates only and are not promises of any specific result.

The Client may terminate the engagement at any time, subject to obligations for fees and costs incurred through the date of termination. The Firm may withdraw from representation as permitted or required by the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct, including for non-payment, breakdown in communication, conflicts of interest, or the Client's insistence on conduct the Firm reasonably believes is unlawful. The Firm will take reasonable steps to protect the Client's interests upon termination.

Routine communications will occur by email, telephone, secure client portal, and scheduled video conference. The Client agrees that email and electronic communications are acceptable methods of communication, including for the transmission of documents. The Client is responsible for maintaining current and accurate contact information and for promptly reviewing communications from the Firm.

Communications between the Client and the Firm made for the purpose of legal advice will be treated as confidential and protected by the attorney-client privilege to the extent permitted by law. The Firm will perform a conflicts check before commencing representation and will continue to monitor for conflicts during the engagement. If a conflict arises, the Firm will address it as required by the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct.

Upon conclusion of the Matter, the Firm will retain the file for the period required by the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct. The Client may request return of original documents and a copy of the file at any reasonable time. After the retention period, the Firm may dispose of the file in a manner consistent with its document-retention policy.

The Client and the Firm agree that this Agreement may be signed and delivered electronically, including by typed signature, scanned image, or electronic signature platform, and that an electronic signature will have the same force and effect as a handwritten signature. Each party represents that the individual signing on its behalf is duly authorized to do so.