LEGAL RETAINER SERVICE AGREEMENT
RAMAHLO MS & ASSOCIATES ATTORNEYS
Terms & Conditions
This Retainer Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between:
RAMAHLO MS & ASSOCIATES ATTORNEYS, a duly registered law firm practicing in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa ("the Firm")
AND
The Client, whose details appear in the Application Form completed online or attached hereto.
1. PURPOSE OF THE AGREEMENT
The purpose of this Agreement is to regulate the provision of ongoing legal services by the Firm to the Client in exchange for a fixed monthly retainer fee.
2. RETAINER PACKAGES
The Client selects one of the following packages:
PACKAGE A – BASIC RETAINER
Fee: R145.00 per month
Includes:
- One (1) legal consultation per month (up to 30 minutes)
- General legal advice via email or telephone
- Review of one standard legal document (max 5 pages)
- Basic legal guidance (non-litigious)
Excludes:
- Drafting of contracts
- Court appearances
- Litigation, CCMA, Labour matters
- Legal opinions
PACKAGE B – STANDARD RETAINER
Fee: R195.00 per month
Includes:
- One (1) legal consultation per month (up to 45 minutes)
- Review of up to two (2) standard legal documents
- Drafting of basic legal correspondence (letters/emails)
- Priority response within 48 hours
Excludes:
- Litigation and court appearances
- Complex drafting
- Labour disputes and disciplinary hearings
PACKAGE C – PREMIUM RETAINER
Fee: R265.00 per month
Includes:
- Two (2) legal consultations per month (up to 60 minutes total)
- Review of up to three (3) legal documents
- Drafting of basic agreements or correspondence
- Priority response within 24 hours
- Preferential discounted rates on excluded services
Excludes:
- Court appearances unless agreed separately
- Full litigation mandates
3. PAYMENT TERMS
3.1 The retainer fee is payable monthly in advance via debit order.
3.2 The debit order shall run on a date selected by the Client.
3.3 Failure to pay may result in suspension of services.
4. DEBIT ORDER & DEBIT CHECK
4.1 By signing this Agreement, the Client authorises the Firm to conduct a debit check.
4.2 The debit check is used solely to:
- Verify banking details
- Confirm affordability
- Reduce failed debit orders
4.3 The Firm undertakes to comply with POPIA and all banking regulations.
4.4 No funds shall be deducted without the Client's written or electronic authorisation.
5. DURATION & TERMINATION
5.1 This Agreement runs on a month-to-month basis.
5.2 Either party may cancel by giving 30 days' written notice.
5.3 No refunds will be issued for partial months.
6. LIMITATION OF SERVICES
6.1 Retainer services do not replace full legal representation.
6.2 Any matter outside the scope will be quoted separately.
7. CONFIDENTIALITY
All client information remains confidential in accordance with professional rules and POPIA.
8. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS
By signing or electronically submitting the application form, the Client confirms that:
- They have read and understood this Agreement
- They accept the terms and conditions
- They authorise debit order deductions