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 New York, an attorney engagement letter is a formal document that outlines the terms of the professional relationship between an attorney and their client. This letter typically includes details about the fee structure (whether it's hourly, contingent, fixed, or requires a retainer), the scope of legal services to be provided, and the responsibilities of both the attorney and the client. It also often outlines the conditions under which either party can terminate the agreement and may include provisions for resolving disputes, such as through mediation, arbitration, or litigation. New York's Rules of Professional Conduct require attorneys to communicate the scope of the representation and the basis or rate of their fees and expenses to their clients, preferably in writing, before or within a reasonable time after commencing the representation. Clients are encouraged to thoroughly review the engagement letter and seek clarification on any points they do not understand to ensure clear communication and avoid future disputes.