The Maryland Legal Services Agreement — Retainer is a contractual arrangement between a lawyer or law firm and a client in Maryland, outlining the terms and conditions for legal representation. This agreement serves as a foundation for the attorney-client relationship by defining the scope of legal services to be provided, the duration of the representation, and the financial arrangements. In Maryland, there are various types of Legal Services Agreements — Retainers available, tailored to meet different legal needs. The following are some common types: 1. General Retainer Agreement: This type of retainer establishes a broad relationship between the attorney and client, covering a wide range of legal matters. The client retains the lawyer's services for a specified period, and during this time, the attorney is available to provide legal advice, consultation, and representation as needed. 2. Limited Scope Retainer Agreement: In certain situations, clients may seek legal services for specific issues rather than an ongoing arrangement. The limited scope retainer agreement allows clients to engage an attorney to handle a particular task or provide guidance on a particular legal matter, while excluding other unrelated matters. 3. Financial Retainer Agreement: Under this type of retainer agreement, the client pays a predetermined sum of money upfront as a retainer fee. The lawyer then uses this retainer to cover costs and fees incurred during the course of the representation. Any unused portions of the retainer are typically refunded to the client at the conclusion of the legal matter. 4. Evergreen Retainer Agreement: An evergreen retainer is an ongoing, long-term arrangement between the attorney and client. It is designed to ensure that the attorney is continuously available for the client's legal needs over an extended period. The retainer is typically replenished periodically to maintain a specified monetary balance. 5. Contingency Fee Agreement: In cases where the client cannot afford to pay legal fees upfront or prefers not to bear the financial risk, a contingency fee agreement may be an option. This type of retainer allows the attorney to represent the client without payment upfront, instead receiving a percentage (contingency fee) of any awarded settlement or judgment. Maryland Legal Services Agreements — Retainers assist in clarifying the terms and expectations of the attorney-client relationship, ensuring transparency and mutual understanding. It is essential to carefully review and understand the specific terms outlined in the agreement before entering into any legal representation arrangement in Maryland.