I require the payment of a Retainer in advance for all new clients and when undertaking major projects for existing clients. The Retainer is a very rough estimate only based upon my evaluation of the scope of work. It is not a “fixed fee” or “bid.” The retain goes into my trust account and is not withdrawn until earned. All time is accounted for to the client is an invoice. If the work is completed or attorney-client relationship terminated, unearned funds are returned.   If you are not prepared to pay a Retainer or replenish it where necessary, I cannot represent you.  Note that I do not issue a “file closing” letter informing clients that my work is completed. This is because with electronic mail and phones, there is rarely any question about the issue – the communications speak for themselves. If there is any question, or if requested, I will send such a communication.  

Commencement of Attorney-Client Relationship. While we may preliminarily discuss the nature of your issue and the scope of work, unless I state otherwise in writing, no attorney-client relationship shall commence, and no legal services will be performed, until payment of the agreed-upon Retainer has been paid and an Engagement Letter has been signed and returned to me. Occasionally, due to the press of time, I may commence legal work before the retainer has been deposited which is invariably the result of attorney-client communications. If you have any question whether you will be charged for my services occurring before the retainer has been deposited, please check with me.   

New Client Retainers. Accordingly, in the case of all new clients, and those with whom I have only occasional contact, I will ask for a Retainer.  I will determine the amount of the Retainer, based upon my best estimate of what I believe the initial scope of work entails. Please understand that the calculation of any Retainer is based not only upon the estimated time to produce a product, e.g. a land sale contract, trust deed, sale agreement, etc., but also the time I expect to expend in answering client questions, completing client-requested changes, and dealing with the miscellaneous and unanticipated issues that invariably arise.

Large Projects; Litigation; Arbitration; Mediation. For all clients, new or continuing, I always Request a Retainer for large projects, litigation, arbitration, and mediations.

Querin Law Online Trust Account. I encourage clients to use a credit card to make their Retainer deposit via my online trust account. It is the quickest payment method, and allows me to commence work sooner. The Retainer deposited into this account is not withdrawn until earned. 

 Refund of Unearned Deposits. In the event the project or matter is terminated early for any reason, or upon its completion, any unearned deposit is refunded. You should expect to receive a monthly accounting of my time spent on your behalf, fees earned, costs advanced, and the balance, if any, remaining in trust.

Depleted Retainer. If the work has not been completed but the Retainer has been exhausted, I reserve the right to ask that it be replenished. If it is not replenished, subject only to Oregon State Bar rules, I reserve the right to immediately cease all work, and withdraw from representation.

Termination of Representation. Clients are entitled to terminate my representation at any time, for any reason or no reason – as am I. Any unearned Retainer held on deposit will be refunded.

[Rev. 2025]