When it's used
After the conflict check clears and the attorney decides to accept the matter, before any legal work begins.
Definition
An engagement letter is the binding contract between attorney and client that defines the scope of legal services, the fee arrangement (hourly, flat, contingency, or hybrid), billing practices, and each party’s responsibilities. California Business and Professions Code §6147 mandates written contingency fee agreements, while §6148 requires written fee agreements for most matters expected to exceed $1,000. The paralegal drafts the letter from firm templates, tailors the scope language to match the specific matter, and ensures all statutory disclosure requirements are met before the attorney reviews and the client signs. A properly executed engagement letter prevents fee disputes and sets clear expectations for the entire representation.