An attorney engagement letter is an agreement between the attorney and client regarding the terms and conditions on which the attorney or law firm will provide legal services to the client. The engagement letter generally includes the manner in which the attorney will charge the client for the legal services (hourly, contingent fee, fixed fee, with fee deposit), and the circumstances under which the attorney or client may terminate the relationship. The engagement letter will sometimes provide the process for resolving any disputes between the attorney and client (mediation, arbitration, litigation). You should carefully read the engagement letter and ask questions about any part of it you do not understand.

In North Dakota, an attorney engagement letter is a formal document that outlines the agreement between an attorney and a client regarding the legal services to be provided. This letter typically includes details about the fee structure, such as whether the attorney will charge hourly rates, a contingent fee, a fixed fee, or require a fee deposit. It also outlines the terms under which either the attorney or the client can terminate the legal relationship. Furthermore, the engagement letter may specify the methods for resolving any disputes that arise, which could include mediation, arbitration, or litigation. It is important for clients in North Dakota to thoroughly review the engagement letter and ensure they understand all its terms. Clients are encouraged to ask their attorney questions about any aspects of the engagement letter that are unclear to them. While North Dakota state statutes and federal law do not prescribe a specific format for engagement letters, they must comply with ethical rules governing attorney conduct, which are enforced by the North Dakota Supreme Court through its disciplinary board.