Limited Scope Engagement Letter Template

Limited scope work only protects the client and the firm when both know exactly where it stops. This template lists the tasks included and the tasks excluded, records the client's informed consent to the limit, confirms the client stays responsible for everything else, and ends the representation when the listed tasks are done.

  • 1. The Matter
  • 2. What We Will Do
  • 3. What We Won't Do
  • 4. Your Consent to the Limited Scope
  • 5. Your Responsibilities
  • 6. Fee and Costs
  • 7. No Guarantee of Outcome
  • 8. Conflicts of Interest
  • 9. When the Engagement Ends
  • 10. Your File
  • 11. General
  • Signatures from both parties
Free, no account needed to start. Not legal advice.

Use it when a client wants help with one part of a matter, such as reviewing a contract before signing, and will handle the rest themselves.

The full template

Words in brackets, like [Client Name], fill in automatically from your client's details when you use the template in Clientary.

In the editor, you can change any section or add your own. Once you send it, your client signs online from any device. Edit this template online

[Contract Date]

Dear [Client Primary Contact Name],

Thank you for asking [Company Name] to help [Client Name]. You've asked us to help with one part of a matter, and not to represent you in the whole of it. This letter sets out exactly what we will and won't do.

1. The Matter

[Describe the matter, for example: the lease of retail space at 48 Harbor Road that the landlord has proposed, which you plan to negotiate yourself.]

2. What We Will Do

  • Review the landlord's proposed lease, up to 40 pages
  • Prepare a written memo of the key risks and the changes we suggest
  • Discuss the memo with you on one call of up to 60 minutes
  • Review one revised draft of the lease and tell you whether our suggested changes were made

3. What We Won't Do

  • Negotiate with the landlord or its lawyer, or contact them for you
  • Draft the lease or any amendment to it
  • Review related documents, such as a personal guarantee, unless we agree in writing
  • Advise on zoning, permits, environmental, insurance, or tax questions
  • Represent you in any dispute or court proceeding about the lease

4. Your Consent to the Limited Scope

We've discussed the benefits and risks of limiting our work. A lawyer handling the whole matter might find issues we won't, because we'll only see what's within the tasks above. You've told us you want this limited help, and by signing below you consent to it.

5. Your Responsibilities

You remain responsible for everything outside the tasks above, including negotiating the lease, meeting any deadlines, and deciding whether to sign. If you'd like us to do more, please ask, and we'll agree on any added work in writing before we start.

6. Fee and Costs

Our fee for the listed tasks is $1,500. We'll send an invoice when we deliver the memo, due within 15 days. Costs, if any, are billed at cost with your approval first.

7. No Guarantee of Outcome

We'll give you our best professional judgment within the limited scope. Our views are opinions, not promises about how the landlord will respond.

8. Conflicts of Interest

We've checked our records for conflicts with the landlord and found none.

9. When the Engagement Ends

Our engagement ends when we've completed the tasks in section 2 and sent our final invoice, or earlier if either of us ends it by written notice. After that, we have no continuing duty to advise you about the lease, unless you engage us again.

10. Your File

We keep the file for seven years after the engagement ends, and may then destroy it without further notice.

11. General

This letter is governed by the laws of [state]. It is our entire agreement about this engagement, and may only be changed in writing.

If these terms are acceptable, please sign below to confirm the limited scope of our work.

Sincerely,

[Company Name]

How to use this template in Clientary

  1. Edit it online. Change any section or add your own. No account needed.
  2. Preview it as your client will see it. Fill in who it's for and pick a design.
  3. Start your free trial to send it. Confirm you'll have it reviewed, since templates aren't legal advice, and your contract is waiting in your new account with your client's details filled in.
  4. Send it to be signed. Your client reviews and signs online, and you can see when it's viewed and signed.

Learn more about contracts and e-signatures in Clientary.

Frequently asked questions

What is limited scope representation?

An arrangement where a lawyer handles defined parts of a matter, and the client handles the rest. It's sometimes called unbundled legal services, and it can make legal help affordable for a specific need.

Is limited scope representation allowed?

Most states allow lawyers to limit the scope of a representation when the limit is reasonable and the client gives informed consent, often in writing. Some states have their own rules or forms, especially for court matters, so check yours before using this template.

Is this limited scope engagement letter template free?

Yes. Read and copy the full text on this page, or edit it online and see it as your client will. When it's ready, start a free Clientary trial to send it or download it as a PDF.

Has a lawyer reviewed this template?

No. It's a general starting point written by Clientary, not legal advice, and it hasn't been reviewed by a lawyer for your situation or the laws where you and your client work. Have your own counsel review it before you use or sign it.

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