An engagement letter must be provided to a client before representation or within a reasonable time if impracticable to do so at the outset. Which of the following is true about what the letter must set forth?

• A. Scope of legal services, fees, expenses, billing practices, and right to arbitrate fee disputes
• B. Client's personal assets and financial statements
• C. Tax identification number and corporate structure
• D. Office hours and parking policies for meetings with the attorney

Answer: (A)

An engagement letter must clearly spell out what the attorney will do and how the client will be charged, so there is no misunderstanding about the representation. In New York, you provide this written agreement before representation or within a reasonable time if that isn’t practicable, and it should specify the scope of the legal services, the fees and expenses, how billing will work, and the client’s right to arbitrate fee disputes. This combination protects both sides by laying out exactly what work will be performed and how fees will be calculated and resolved if disputes arise. Items like the client’s personal assets, tax identification number, or office logistics have nothing to do with the engagement or fee structure, so they aren’t part of the required terms.