It’s common to feel uneasy when you reach the end of a claim and are faced with pages of legal language. All those signatures, initials, and fine print can make it seem much more complex than it is.

Legal documents are written to be precise, not personal, which can make them feel overwhelming. But those pages, especially the retainer agreement, a document that is signed when you hire a lawyer, it’s not about giving up control. It is to ensure your case can legally move forward.

By signing a retainer, you’re authorizing your lawyer to represent you, communicate with the other side on your behalf, and take the necessary legal steps to pursue your case. The agreement also outlines your rights, how fees work, and what you can expect as your case progresses.

In the sections below, we’ll explain what to look for in a retainer agreement, how to make sure you understand what you’re signing, and how it helps safeguard your case to be handled fairly and transparently.

What a Retainer Agreement Really Is

Think of a retainer agreement as a written handshake between you and your lawyer. It formalizes your relationship and outlines key details, including:

• Who’s representing you — the law firm or legal partner handling your case

• What they’ll do — the scope of their work and how they’ll pursue your claim

• How they’ll get paid — the fee structure for whether they'll get paid only if the case wins

• Your rights and responsibilities — what you can expect regarding updates, decisions, and cooperation

Without this agreement, a lawyer can’t take any legal action for you. Courts require that written authorization before your case can proceed.

Why Your Signature Matters

Signing a retainer lets your legal team start working for you. They can investigate, gather records, contact the other side, and take necessary steps to advance your claim.

You remain the client throughout the process, so as the client, you call the shots: you can ask questions, request updates, and make decisions about your case as it progresses. The retainer simply gives your team the legal standing to do their job.

Fees and Costs - What to Expect in Consumer Protection Cases

Legal fees are one of the biggest points of confusion. It's a common assumption that lawyers are expensive, and that can be a deterrent to taking action. However, it is common for consumer protection and cases to be handled on a contingency basis — meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, the lawyer collects payment for their work at the conclusion of a successful claim. You both are paid at the same time!

Your retainer will clearly explain:

• How case expenses are covered

• What happens if you withdraw or the case ends early

• The percentage your lawyer earns if the case succeeds

The fees and costs section is designed to be transparent so you understand exactly how your lawyer’s incentives align with yours — to win and recover what you’re owed, as a team!

What Kicks Off After Signature

Once you sign, your case can formally begin. Your legal team can:

• Open your case file and start documentation

• Contact the defendant or their attorneys

• Sign and submit necessary documents for you

Before signing, they’re limited to preliminary intake. After signing, they can act — turning your claim into an active case.

👉🏻 See if you qualify for current cases at app.chariotclaims.com.