Terms of Engagement Template
Template for Solicitors
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E-Solicitors Marketplace
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Version 1.0 - January 2026
England and Wales
Guidance for Solicitors
- READ THIS GUIDANCE BEFORE USING THE TEMPLATE. This Terms of Engagement template must be tailored to each client and matter. Do not use as a generic document without adaptation.
Purpose of This Template
This Terms of Engagement template is designed to help solicitors using the Platform comply with their regulatory obligations when engaging clients. It incorporates:
SRA Code of Conduct Rules 8.6-8.11 (costs, complaints, regulatory information)
SRA Code Rules 3.4 and 6.2 (vulnerable client support)
SRA Principle 6 (equality, diversity and inclusion)
SRA Transparency Rules 2019 (for covered services)
Money Laundering Regulations 2017, LSAG 2025, ECCTA 2023 (identity verification)
UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 (privacy information)
Consumer Rights Act 2015 (reasonable care and skill)
Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 (14-day cancellation right)
Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (price transparency)
Mental Capacity Act 2005 (capacity considerations)
Equality Act 2010 (reasonable adjustments)
FCA Consumer Duty 2023 and Financial Ombudsman Service (where applicable)
How to Use This Template
Review all sections and complete variable fields shown in [RED BRACKETS]
Delete sections that do not apply to the matter
Review and delete DRAFTING NOTES shown in [grey boxes] after addressing them
Tailor the content to the specific client and matter
Consider any vulnerability factors and make appropriate adjustments (SRA Code Rules 3.4, 6.2)
For Consumer clients, ensure cancellation rights and price transparency requirements are met
Send to the client BEFORE commencing substantive legal work
Obtain signed acknowledgment and retain on file
- Failure to provide required information before commencing work may result in SRA disciplinary action, difficulties recovering costs, and professional negligence claims.
Terms of Engagement
[DRAFTING NOTE: Insert firm letterhead here with logo, address, contact details, SRA ID number]
Firm Details
Firm Name:
[Enter full legal name of firm]
Address:
[Enter full address]
Telephone:
[Enter main telephone number]
Email:
[Enter main email address]
Website:
[Enter website address]
SRA ID Number:
[Enter SRA ID number]
VAT Number:
[Enter VAT registration number if registered]
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Date: [DD Month YYYY]
Our Reference: [Enter matter reference]
Client Name: [Enter client's full name]
Client Address: [Enter client's full address]
Client Email: [Enter client's email address]
Dear [Client Name],
Re: [Matter Description]
[DRAFTING NOTE: Enter a clear, specific description of the matter, e.g., 'Purchase of [Property Address]' or 'Employment Tribunal Claim against [Employer Name]']
1. Introduction and Scope of Our Instructions
1.1 Thank You and Confirmation
Thank you for instructing us to act on your behalf. We are pleased to confirm that we are able to assist you with this matter.
[DRAFTING NOTE: If referred through the Platform, include: 'We understand you found us through [Platform Name]. We are pleased to accept your instructions.']
1.2 Purpose of This Letter
This letter, together with any attached Terms of Business, sets out the terms on which we will act for you. It covers:
The work we will do for you and what is not included
Who will handle your matter
How much our services will cost and when you will be billed
What to do if you have a complaint
Your rights and protections as our client
How we will support you if you have any particular needs
ℹ SRA Code Rule 8.6: We must give you information about the likely overall cost, the basis of our charges, how you will be billed, and any disbursements.
1.3 Your Instructions
You have instructed us to act on your behalf in relation to:
Matter Description:
[Set out the scope of instructions clearly and specifically]
[DRAFTING NOTE: Be specific about the scope. For example: 'Acting on your behalf in the purchase of the freehold property at [Address] for the price of £[X]']
1.4 What Is Included
Our work on your behalf will include:
[List specific services included]
[DRAFTING NOTE: List the specific services included, tailored to the matter type.]
1.5 What Is NOT Included
The following matters are NOT included in our instructions and will require separate agreement if you need assistance:
[List specific exclusions]
[DRAFTING NOTE: List specific exclusions. Be clear about what is outside scope.]
- If you require assistance with any excluded matter, please let us know and we can discuss whether we can help and at what additional cost.
1.6 Your Objectives
We understand that your objectives in this matter are:
Client Objectives:
[Set out the client's goals as you understand them]
2. Who Will Handle Your Matter
2.1 Your Principal Contact
Your matter will be handled by:
Fee Earner Name:
[Enter name]
Position/Title:
[E.g., Partner / Associate Solicitor / Legal Executive]
Qualifications:
[E.g., Solicitor, admitted 2010, specialising in [area]]
Direct Telephone:
[Enter direct dial number]
Direct Email:
[Enter direct email address]
ℹ SRA Code Rule 8.6 requires us to tell you who will handle your matter and their qualifications.
2.2 Supervision
[DRAFTING NOTE: Include this section if the fee earner requires supervision or if a partner oversees the matter.]
[Name of supervisor] will supervise this matter. [He/She] is a [position] with [X] years' experience in this area of law.
2.3 Other Team Members
Other members of our team who may work on your matter include:
[List names and roles, or state 'Not applicable']
Support staff may also assist with administrative tasks.
2.4 External Specialists
[DRAFTING NOTE: Include if barristers, experts, or other specialists may be instructed.]
Depending on the requirements of your matter, we may need to instruct external specialists on your behalf, such as:
Barristers (counsel) for specialist advice or court representation
Expert witnesses
Foreign lawyers (if foreign law issues arise)
Surveyors, valuers, or other professionals
We will discuss this with you and obtain your agreement before incurring any costs for external specialists.
3. Costs and Payment
- IMPORTANT: Please read this section carefully. It explains how much our services will cost and when you will need to pay.
3.1 Our Charges
[DRAFTING NOTE: Select the appropriate charging structure and delete the others:]
OPTION A: Hourly Rate Charges
Our charges are calculated on the basis of time spent on your matter. The current hourly rates for those who may work on your matter are:
[Table: Fee Earner | Position | Hourly Rate (excl. VAT)]
Time is recorded in units of [6 minutes / 1 minute]. This includes time spent on meetings, telephone calls, correspondence, drafting, research, and travel.
Based on our current understanding of your matter, we estimate that our fees will be in the region of:
Estimated Fee Range:
[£X to £Y plus VAT]
[DRAFTING NOTE: SRA Transparency Rules require a total estimate or range for covered services. Even if not a covered service, providing an estimate is best practice.]
- This is an estimate only and not a fixed quotation. Actual costs may be higher or lower depending on the complexity of the matter and the time required. We will keep you informed if costs are likely to exceed this estimate.
OPTION B: Fixed Fee
We have agreed to undertake this work for a fixed fee of:
Fixed Fee Amount:
[£X plus VAT]
This fixed fee includes: [List what is included]
This fixed fee does NOT include: [List exclusions] and Disbursements (see section 3.3)
- If the work required falls outside the scope of the fixed fee, or if complications arise, additional charges may apply. We will discuss this with you before incurring additional costs.
OPTION C: Conditional Fee Agreement ('No Win, No Fee')
[DRAFTING NOTE: If a CFA applies, a separate CFA document must be signed. Include summary here.]
We have agreed to act for you under a Conditional Fee Agreement. This means:
If you lose your case, you will not have to pay our fees
If you win your case, you will pay our normal fees plus a success fee of [X]%
The success fee is capped at [X]% of your damages
You remain responsible for disbursements and any adverse costs
- A separate Conditional Fee Agreement document will be provided which you must sign. That document contains the full terms of our agreement.
OPTION D: Damages-Based Agreement
[DRAFTING NOTE: If a DBA applies, a separate DBA document must be signed.]
We have agreed to act for you under a Damages-Based Agreement. Our fee will be calculated as [X]% of any damages or financial benefit you receive, subject to the statutory caps.
3.2 Price Transparency
ℹ All mandatory fees and costs have been disclosed to you upfront in this letter. There are no hidden fees. The total price you will pay includes all amounts set out above. (Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024)
3.3 VAT
VAT at the current rate of 20% will be added to our fees and most disbursements. Our VAT registration number is [VAT Number].
[DRAFTING NOTE: If not VAT registered: 'We are not registered for VAT, so no VAT is payable on our fees.']
3.4 Disbursements
Disbursements are costs payable to third parties which we pay on your behalf. For your matter, the likely disbursements are:
[Table: Disbursement | Estimated Amount]
We will inform you before incurring any significant disbursement not listed above.
3.5 When You Will Be Billed
Billing Frequency:
[Select: On conclusion of the matter / Monthly interim bills / At agreed stages / Bill on account before work commences]
3.6 Payment Terms
Our invoices are due for payment within [14/28/30] days of the date of the invoice.
We accept payment by:
Bank transfer (preferred)
Cheque
Debit card / Credit card
[DRAFTING NOTE: Note any credit card surcharge if applicable.]
3.7 Payment on Account
[DRAFTING NOTE: Include if requiring money on account.]
We require a payment on account of £[X] before we can commence work on your matter. This will be held in our client account and applied towards our final invoice. If our fees are less than this amount, the balance will be refunded to you. If our fees are more, you will be asked to pay the difference.
3.8 Interest on Unpaid Bills
We reserve the right to charge interest on any invoice that remains unpaid after the due date at [X]% above the Bank of England base rate.
3.9 Your Right to Challenge Our Bill
ℹ SRA Code Rule 8.10 requires us to inform you of your right to challenge our bill.
You have the right to challenge our bill. You may:
Ask us to review the bill through our complaints procedure
Apply to the court for an assessment of the bill under the Solicitors Act 1974 Part III
Complain to the Legal Ombudsman about the bill
If you wish to apply to the court for assessment:
You can apply within 1 month of receiving the bill without needing court permission
You can apply within 12 months of receiving the bill with court permission
After 12 months, assessment is only available in limited circumstances
4. Consumer Rights
[DRAFTING NOTE: Include this section for Consumer clients (individuals acting outside their trade/business).]
4.1 Consumer Rights Act 2015
If you are a consumer (an individual acting for purposes outside your trade, business, craft, or profession), you have statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. These include:
Services must be provided with reasonable care and skill
Services must be provided as described
Services must be provided within a reasonable time if no time is agreed
These rights cannot be excluded or limited.
4.2 Cancellation Rights
Under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, for contracts concluded at a distance (online, by telephone, or by post), you have the right to cancel within 14 days of entering into the contract without giving any reason.
However, if you want us to start work immediately, you may ask us to do so. If you do, you acknowledge that:
You expressly request that we begin work within the 14-day cancellation period
You understand that if you cancel after work has begun, you will be liable for any work done and costs incurred up to the point of cancellation
You acknowledge that once the services are fully performed within the 14-day period, you will lose your right to cancel
[DRAFTING NOTE: If the client wants work to start immediately, have them sign the acknowledgment in the acceptance section.]
4.3 Price Transparency
In accordance with the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, we confirm that all mandatory fees and costs have been disclosed to you upfront in this letter. There are no hidden fees or 'drip pricing'.
5. Client Money
[DRAFTING NOTE: Include this section if you will hold client money. Delete if not applicable.]
5.1 Client Account
Any money we receive from you or on your behalf will be held in our client account in accordance with the SRA Accounts Rules 2019. Client money is held separately from the firm's own money.
ℹ SRA Code Rule 8.11 requires us to tell you how we handle client money.
5.2 Interest on Client Money
[DRAFTING NOTE: Select the appropriate option:]
OPTION A: We will pay you interest on money held in our client account in accordance with our Interest Policy, a copy of which is available on request.
OPTION B: Money held in our client account is held in a general client account. We do not normally pay interest unless a significant amount is held for a significant period.
5.3 Payments from Third Parties
If a third party is paying your legal costs, please inform us. We may need to verify their identity and obtain additional information in accordance with anti-money laundering regulations.
5.4 Residual Balances
After your matter concludes, we will return any balance of client money to you. If we are unable to contact you after a reasonable period and reasonable attempts to locate you, we may donate small residual balances to charity in accordance with SRA guidance.
6. Support for Your Needs
6.1 Tailored Communication
We want to ensure you can fully understand and engage with our services. Please tell us if you have any particular needs or circumstances that we should take into account, including but not limited to:
Preferred methods of communication
Need for information in alternative formats (large print, audio, etc.)
Language or interpretation needs
Any disability or health condition that may affect how we work together
Any other circumstances that may affect your ability to engage with us
6.2 Reasonable Adjustments
In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to ensure you can access our services. This may include:
Providing documents in alternative formats
Allowing additional time for meetings or decisions
Adjusting our communication methods
Making physical accessibility arrangements for meetings
Providing interpreter or translation services
6.3 Vulnerability Support
If you are experiencing any circumstances that may make you vulnerable or require additional support (such as bereavement, illness, mental health difficulties, financial distress, or other challenging circumstances), please let us know. We will handle this information sensitively and use it only to provide you with appropriate support.
ℹ SRA Code Rules 3.4 and 6.2 require us to consider and take account of your needs and circumstances, and to identify and support vulnerable clients.
6.4 Mental Capacity
We presume you have capacity to give us instructions (Mental Capacity Act 2005). If at any point there are concerns about capacity, we will discuss this with you sensitively and consider what support may be appropriate, which may include involving family members, an attorney under a Lasting Power of Attorney, or a Court of Protection Deputy.
7. Your Responsibilities
7.1 Providing Instructions and Information
To enable us to act effectively on your behalf, we ask that you:
Provide us with clear, timely, and complete instructions
Provide all relevant documents and information promptly when requested
Inform us immediately of any changes in circumstances that may affect your matter
Inform us promptly if your contact details change
Respond to our correspondence and requests for information in a timely manner
7.2 Honesty and Accuracy
You confirm that all information you provide to us will be true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge. If you become aware that any information is incorrect, please tell us immediately.
7.3 Payment Obligations
You agree to pay our fees and disbursements in accordance with the terms set out in Section 3. We may stop work on your matter if our invoices are not paid when due.
7.4 Decisions
You are responsible for making all decisions about your matter. We will provide advice and recommendations, but the final decisions are yours. We will keep you informed of progress and seek your instructions on all significant matters.
8. Our Responsibilities to You
8.1 Standard of Service
We will:
Act in your best interests, subject to our duty to the court and our professional obligations
Provide a competent and timely service
Keep your matter progressing and inform you of any significant delays
Explain matters to you in plain language and ensure you understand our advice
Respond to your communications within a reasonable time
Keep you informed of the costs of your matter
Handle your matter with reasonable skill and care
Consider and take account of your needs and circumstances (SRA Code Rule 3.4)
8.2 Service Standards
We aim to:
Acknowledge correspondence within [2] working days
Return telephone calls within [1] working day
Provide you with updates on progress every [4-6] weeks, or more frequently as appropriate
Inform you promptly of any significant developments
8.3 Keeping You Informed
We will keep you informed about:
Progress on your matter
Significant developments
Costs, particularly if they are likely to exceed any estimate we have given
Timescales and any delays
Options and recommendations
9. Communication
9.1 How We Will Communicate
We will communicate with you primarily by [email / letter / telephone / secure portal]. If you prefer a different method of communication, please let us know.
9.2 Email
We will use email for routine correspondence unless you ask us not to. Please note that email is not a secure form of communication. If you have concerns about confidentiality, please discuss alternatives with us.
9.3 Telephone Calls
[DRAFTING NOTE: Include if calls are recorded.]
Telephone calls may be recorded for training and monitoring purposes.
9.4 Your Contact Details
Please keep us informed of any changes to your contact details, including email address, telephone number, and postal address.
9.5 Authority to Discuss with Others
We will only discuss your matter with you unless you give us written authority to discuss it with others.
[DRAFTING NOTE: If authority is given:]
You have authorised us to discuss your matter with:
[Name and relationship to client]
10. Confidentiality and Data Protection
10.1 Professional Duty of Confidentiality
We owe you a duty of confidentiality. We will keep the information you provide confidential and will not disclose it to third parties except:
Where required or permitted by law
Where required by our professional rules
Where ordered by a court or tribunal
With your authority
10.2 Legal Professional Privilege
Communications between us for the purpose of giving or receiving legal advice are protected by legal professional privilege. This means they cannot generally be disclosed to third parties or used as evidence without your consent.
10.3 Data Protection
We process your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Full details of how we process your personal data are set out in our Privacy Notice, which is available [on our website at www.X.com / attached to this letter / on request].
ℹ UK GDPR Article 13 requires us to provide you with information about how we process your personal data.
In summary:
We collect and process your personal data to provide legal services to you
Our lawful basis is performance of a contract and legitimate interests
We may share your data with barristers, experts, courts, and other parties as required
We will retain your data for [X] years after conclusion of your matter
You have rights including access, rectification, and erasure (in some circumstances)
10.4 External Audits
Your file may be subject to audit by external assessors including the SRA, quality mark assessors, and our insurers. Such audits are conducted in confidence.
11. Complaints
- IMPORTANT: Please read this section carefully. It explains what to do if you are unhappy with our service.
ℹ SRA Code Rule 8.9 requires us to tell you how to complain and about the Legal Ombudsman.
11.1 Our Complaints Procedure
We are committed to providing a high-quality service. However, if you are unhappy with any aspect of our service, please let us know.
Complaints Handler Name:
[Enter name]
Complaints Handler Position:
[Enter position]
Complaints Handler Contact:
[Enter email and telephone]
We will acknowledge your complaint within [X] working days and provide a full response within [8 weeks / X weeks].
A copy of our full complaints procedure is available [on request / on our website at X / attached].
11.2 Legal Ombudsman
If you are not satisfied with our response to your complaint, or if we have not resolved your complaint within 8 weeks, you have the right to complain to the Legal Ombudsman.
ℹ Legal Ombudsman Contact Details: Website: www.legalombudsman.org.uk | Telephone: 0300 555 0333 | Email: enquiries@legalombudsman.org.uk | Post: PO Box 6167, Slough, SL1 0EH
11.3 Legal Ombudsman Time Limits
- TIME LIMITS: You must refer your complaint to the Legal Ombudsman within ONE YEAR of the act or omission being complained about AND within SIX MONTHS of receiving our final response to your complaint.
The Legal Ombudsman deals with complaints about poor service. There are some complaints they cannot deal with, including complaints about a solicitor's conduct or behaviour (as opposed to service).
11.4 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
[DRAFTING NOTE: You must state whether you agree to ADR. Select one option:]
OPTION A: We agree to consider using alternative dispute resolution (such as mediation) as an alternative to court proceedings or the Legal Ombudsman.
OPTION B: We do not agree to use ADR for disputes with clients. You may still complain to the Legal Ombudsman.
11.5 Solicitors Regulation Authority
You can also report concerns about a solicitor's conduct to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The SRA is not able to award compensation or deal with complaints about poor service (the Legal Ombudsman deals with those).
ℹ SRA Contact Details: Website: www.sra.org.uk | Telephone: 0370 606 2555 | Post: The Cube, 199 Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1RN
12. Regulatory Information
ℹ SRA Code Rule 8.8 requires us to ensure you understand the regulatory protections available to you.
12.1 Our Regulatory Status
We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
SRA ID Number:
[Enter SRA ID number]
You can verify our regulatory status at www.sra.org.uk/consumers/using-solicitor/
12.2 Professional Rules
We are bound by the SRA Standards and Regulations 2019 (as amended 2025), including the SRA Principles and the SRA Code of Conduct. These are available at www.sra.org.uk.
12.3 SRA Compensation Fund
The SRA maintains a Compensation Fund to provide a safety net for people who have suffered loss due to the dishonesty of a solicitor or their employee, or a solicitor's failure to account for client money. The Fund is funded by contributions from the profession. This is a discretionary scheme - there is no automatic right to payment.
For more information, visit www.sra.org.uk/consumers/problems/compensation-fund/
12.4 Professional Indemnity Insurance
We maintain professional indemnity insurance in accordance with SRA requirements.
Insurer Name:
[Enter insurer name]
Minimum Coverage:
[£2 million / £3 million for any one claim]
[DRAFTING NOTE: Minimum cover is £2m for most firms, £3m for incorporated practices. Check your policy.]
12.5 Limitation of Liability
[DRAFTING NOTE: Include only if you are limiting liability. Must be brought to client's attention.]
Our liability to you in respect of this matter is limited to [£X million / the amount recoverable under our professional indemnity insurance].
[DRAFTING NOTE: Consider whether limitation is appropriate for this client/matter. Some limitations may be unenforceable for consumers under Consumer Rights Act 2015.]
12.6 FCA Regulation
[DRAFTING NOTE: Include ONLY if you conduct FCA-regulated activities. Delete if not applicable.]
[We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for [specify activities]. Our FCA registration number is [X]. You can verify our status at www.register.fca.org.uk.]
[We are not authorised by the FCA. However, we are able to provide certain limited financial services as an exempt professional firm supervised by the SRA.]
12.7 Financial Services Compensation Scheme
[DRAFTING NOTE: Include ONLY if FSCS protection applies. Delete if not applicable.]
[If we cannot meet our obligations in relation to [specify regulated activity], you may be entitled to compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Further information is available at www.fscs.org.uk.]
12.8 Financial Ombudsman Service
[DRAFTING NOTE: Include ONLY if conducting FCA-regulated activities.]
[If you have a complaint about our regulated financial services activities that we are unable to resolve, you may be able to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service:]
ℹ Financial Ombudsman Service: Website: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk | Telephone: 0800 023 4567 | Email: complaint.info@financial-ombudsman.org.uk
13. Referral Arrangements
[DRAFTING NOTE: Include this section if the client was referred through the Platform or any other referral arrangement where a fee is payable. Delete if not applicable.]
ℹ SRA Code Rule 5.1 requires disclosure if a referral fee is payable.
13.1 Platform Referral
You found us through [Platform Name].
[DRAFTING NOTE: Select one option:]
OPTION A: We do not pay a referral fee to the Platform for this introduction.
OPTION B: We pay the Platform a fee for this introduction. The fee is [X% of our fees / a fixed fee of £X]. This fee:
Is paid from our own resources
Does not increase the amount you pay
Does not affect the advice we give you
13.2 Your Rights
The referral arrangement does not affect:
The quality of service you receive
The independence of our advice
Our duties to act in your best interests
You are not obliged to use our services and are free to choose any solicitor.
14. Identity Verification
ℹ Money Laundering Regulations 2017 (as amended), LSAG 2025, and ECCTA 2023 require us to verify your identity before we can act for you.
14.1 Why We Need to Verify Your Identity
The law requires solicitors to verify the identity of their clients before establishing a business relationship. This is to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. We cannot proceed with your matter until we have satisfactorily verified your identity.
14.2 Documents Required
We will need to see the following documents:
For Individuals:
Proof of identity: Passport, photocard driving licence, or national identity card
Proof of address: Utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months
For Companies:
Certificate of incorporation
Register of directors and shareholders
Proof of identity for directors and beneficial owners (those owning MORE THAN 25% per LSAG 2025)
For Trusts:
Trust deed
Proof of identity for trustees, settlors, and beneficiaries
We may use electronic verification services to verify your identity.
14.3 Beneficial Ownership
For companies and other legal entities, we are required to identify beneficial owners - individuals who ultimately own or control MORE THAN 25% of the entity (LSAG 2025). Please provide details of all beneficial owners.
14.4 Source of Funds
We may also need to ask you about the source of funds being used in your matter. Please provide this information promptly as we cannot proceed without it.
14.5 Suspicious Activity
The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and Terrorism Act 2000 require us to report any suspicion of money laundering or terrorist financing to the National Crime Agency. We are prohibited from telling you if we have made such a report (tipping off is a criminal offence).
15. Equality and Diversity
15.1 Our Commitment
In accordance with SRA Principle 6 and the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. Our service is provided without discrimination. We treat all clients with respect and dignity regardless of:
Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Marriage and civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity
Race
Religion or belief
Sex
Sexual orientation
15.2 Reasonable Adjustments
If you have any particular needs or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to our service, please let us know. We will do our best to accommodate reasonable requests.
[DRAFTING NOTE: Consider including specific adjustments if already identified, e.g., 'We have noted that you would prefer documents in large print format and we will ensure this is provided.']
16. Termination
16.1 Your Right to Terminate
You may terminate our retainer at any time by giving us notice in writing. You will remain responsible for our fees and disbursements up to the date of termination.
16.2 Our Right to Terminate
We may terminate our retainer if:
You fail to pay our invoices or provide funds on account when requested
You fail to provide instructions or information we need to progress your matter
A conflict of interest arises that cannot be resolved
You ask us to act in a way that is illegal, unethical, or contrary to our professional obligations
The relationship of trust and confidence between us has broken down
There is another good reason
We will give you reasonable notice before terminating our retainer, except where immediate termination is necessary.
16.3 Consequences of Termination
On termination:
You remain responsible for our fees and disbursements up to the date of termination
We will provide a final invoice
Subject to payment of our outstanding fees, we will transfer your papers to you or your new solicitors
We will endeavour to minimise any prejudice to your position
16.4 Lien
We have a right (called a 'lien') to retain your papers and documents until our outstanding fees are paid. This is a common law right that applies to solicitors.
17. Other Important Information
17.1 Documents and Storage
We will return your original documents to you at the conclusion of your matter. We will retain your file for [X] years in accordance with our retention policy, after which it will be securely destroyed unless you ask us to return it to you.
[DRAFTING NOTE: Retention periods vary by practice area. Check firm policy and regulatory requirements.]
17.2 Future Instructions
These terms will apply to any future instructions you give us unless we agree otherwise in writing or send you a new engagement letter.
17.3 Force Majeure
We shall not be liable for any delay or failure to perform our obligations if caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
17.4 Third Party Rights
No person who is not a party to this agreement shall have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any of its terms.
17.5 Governing Law
This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.
18. Acceptance of These Terms
18.1 Your Agreement
By signing and returning this letter (or the attached acknowledgment form), you confirm that:
You have read and understood this letter and any attached terms
You agree to be bound by these terms
The information you have provided to us is true and accurate
You authorise us to act on your behalf in accordance with these terms
18.2 Questions
If you have any questions about this letter or any of the terms, please contact us before signing. We are happy to explain anything that is unclear.
We look forward to working with you.
Yours sincerely,
Signature: [___________________________]
Name: [Enter fee earner name]
Position: [Enter position]
Firm Name: [Enter firm name]
Client Acknowledgment Form
Please sign and return this form to confirm your acceptance of our Terms of Engagement.
─────────────────────────────────────
To: [Firm Name]
Re: [Matter Description]
Reference: [Matter Reference]
I/We confirm that:
☐ I/We have received and read the Terms of Engagement letter dated [DATE]
☐ I/We understand and agree to the terms set out in that letter
☐ The information I/we have provided is true, complete, and accurate
☐ I/We authorise you to act on my/our behalf in accordance with those terms
[DRAFTING NOTE: Include if referral fee disclosed:]
☐ I/We have been informed of the referral arrangement with [Platform Name / referrer]
☐ I/We understand that this does not affect the advice given or the amount I/we pay
[DRAFTING NOTE: Include for Consumer clients requesting immediate start:]
☐ I/We expressly request that you begin work within the 14-day cancellation period and acknowledge that I/we will be liable for work done if I/we later cancel
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Client Signature
Signed: ___________________________________________________
Print Name: ________________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________________
[DRAFTING NOTE: Include for joint clients:]
Second Client (if applicable)
Signed: ___________________________________________________
Print Name: ________________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________________
Document Information
This Terms of Engagement Template is issued by [Platform Name] for solicitors using the Platform.
Document Version: 1.0
Effective Date: January 2026
Last Updated: January 2026
Next Review: July 2026
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Regulatory Framework
SRA Standards and Regulations 2019 (as amended 2025)
SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs and RFLs - Rules 8.6-8.11
SRA Code of Conduct - Rules 3.4, 6.2 (Vulnerable Clients)
SRA Principle 6 (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion)
SRA Transparency Rules 2019
SRA Accounts Rules 2019
Money Laundering Regulations 2017 (as amended)
LSAG Anti-Money Laundering Guidance 2025
Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023
UK GDPR / Data Protection Act 2018
Consumer Rights Act 2015
Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013
Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024
Mental Capacity Act 2005
Equality Act 2010
Solicitors Act 1974 Part III
FCA Handbook and Consumer Duty 2023 (where applicable)
Related Documents
Pre-Engagement and Conflicts Check Terms V1.0
Solicitor Terms and Conditions V1.0
Buyer Terms and Conditions V1.0
Client Care Letter Template V1.0
Regulatory Protections and Compensation Fund Template V1.0
Privacy Policy V1.0
Buyer Complaints About Solicitors Process V1.0
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[Platform Name]
Operated by: [Company Name]