Free School Legal Counsel Agreement

This Agreement for Legal Services ("Agreement") is made effective as of [Month, Day, Year], by and between [Your Company Name], located at [Your Company Address] ("School"), and [Legal Counsel Name], an attorney licensed to practice law in the state of [State] and employed by [Law Firm Name], located at [Law Firm Address] ("Counsel").

This Agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which Counsel will provide legal services to the School.

1. Scope of Services

1.1 Engagement of Counsel

The School hereby engages Counsel to provide legal services as described in this Agreement, and Counsel accepts such engagement subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

1.2 Description of Services

Counsel agrees to provide legal services in connection with the following matters:

• General legal advice and consultation on matters affecting the School.

• Representation in administrative and judicial proceedings.

• Review and preparation of legal documents.

• Compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

• Any other legal services as requested by the School and agreed upon by Counsel.

2. Term and Termination

2.1 Term

This Agreement shall commence on [Month, Day, Year] and shall continue in full force and effect until terminated as provided herein.

2.2 Termination by School

The School may terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without cause, by providing written notice to Counsel. The termination shall be effective upon receipt of such notice.

2.3 Termination by Counsel

Counsel may terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without cause, by providing written notice to the School. The termination shall be effective 30 days after the School's receipt of such notice to allow for an orderly transition of legal matters.

2.4 Effect of Termination

Upon termination of this Agreement, Counsel shall be compensated for all services rendered and reimbursable expenses incurred up to the date of termination. Counsel shall also take reasonable steps to protect the School's interests, including the delivery of files and papers to the School and cooperating with successor counsel, if any.

3. Compensation and Billing

3.1 Hourly Rates

Counsel shall be compensated for services rendered at the hourly rates set forth below:

• Senior Partner: $[0] per hour

• Partner: $[0] per hour

• Associate: $[0] per hour

• Paralegal: $[0] per hour

3.2 Billing Practices

Counsel shall bill the School on a monthly basis, providing detailed invoices that include a description of services performed, the time spent on each service, and the applicable hourly rate. Invoices are payable within 30 days of receipt.

3.3 Retainer

The School agrees to pay Counsel a retainer of $[0] upon execution of this Agreement. This retainer shall be applied against future invoices. Any unused portion of the retainer shall be refunded to the School upon termination of this Agreement.

3.4 Expenses

The School agrees to reimburse Counsel for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in connection with the provision of legal services, including but not limited to, court fees, travel expenses, and photocopying costs. Counsel shall obtain prior approval from the School for any single expense exceeding $[Amount].

4. Confidentiality and Privilege

4.1 Confidential Information

Counsel agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained from the School and to use such information solely for the purpose of providing legal services under this Agreement.

4.2 Attorney-Client Privilege

The parties acknowledge that certain communications between Counsel and the School may be protected by the attorney-client privilege. Counsel agrees to take reasonable steps to preserve this privilege.

5. Independent Contractor Status

5.1 Independent Contractor

Counsel is an independent contractor and is not an employee, partner, or agent of the School. Counsel shall have no authority to bind the School in any manner.

5.2 Responsibility for Taxes

Counsel shall be solely responsible for the payment of all taxes arising out of compensation for legal services rendered under this Agreement, including but not limited to, federal, state, and local income taxes, social security taxes, and any other applicable taxes.

6. Dispute Resolution

6.1 Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of [State], without regard to its conflict of law principles.

6.2 Mediation and Arbitration

Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall first be subject to mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, the dispute shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration shall take place in [City, State].

6.3 Attorneys' Fees

In the event of any dispute arising out of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

7. Miscellaneous

7.1 Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral.

7.2 Amendments

This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument executed by both parties.

7.3 Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be reformed only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

7.4 Notices

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed delivered when delivered in person or deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

If to the School:

• [Your Company Name]

• [Your Company Address]

• Attn: [Your Name]

If to Counsel:

• [Legal Counsel Name]

• [Law Firm Name]

• [Law Firm Address]

• Attn: [Contact Person]

7.5 Waiver

The waiver by either party of any breach of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach.

7.6 Assignment

This Agreement shall not be assigned by either party without the prior written consent of the other party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

7.7 Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

7.8 Headings

The headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

[Your Company Name]

By:

[Your Name]

[Title]

[Legal Counsel Name]

By:

[Full Name]

[Title]

School Templates @ Template.net