An outside legal team, on call
Many businesses need legal input every week but cannot justify a full in-house legal department. A retainer gives you continuous access to the firm for day-to-day advice, documents and governance, with a named advocate who knows your business and a predictable cost agreed in advance.
Advice and documents
- Corporate and commercial advice as questions arise
- Drafting and review of commercial contracts
- Employment-related legal support
- Support on commercial transactions
- Legal risk management and early dispute advice
Governance and compliance
- Board and shareholder governance support
- Company secretarial support
- Regulatory compliance monitoring
- Periodic reviews of your legal and compliance position
- Direct access to the Managing Partner, by agreement
From first conversation to ongoing support
Initial conversation
We discuss your business, the legal work you handle today and where you need support.
Agreed scope
We propose a scope and fee, confirmed in a formal engagement letter.
Named advocate
You are assigned a day-to-day contact, backed by the wider firm.
Periodic review
We review the arrangement with you and adjust it as your needs change.
Who retains us
Growing businesses
Companies that have outgrown ad hoc legal help but do not yet need an in-house team.
Corporate groups
Groups that want company secretarial work and legal counsel handled together.
Institutions and non-profits
Foundations, development organisations and co-operatives with continuing governance and regulatory needs.
Frequently asked questions
How is a retainer priced?
Each retainer is priced to its agreed scope, usually as a fixed monthly fee covering a defined level of support. The fee and scope are set out in an engagement letter before any work begins, and they comply with the Advocates (Remuneration) Order.
What does a retainer not cover?
Work that is separately regulated by statutory scale fees, such as conveyancing, registration of charges and succession causes, and contested litigation, is quoted and billed separately. We confirm what falls inside and outside the retainer at the outset.
Who will we deal with?
You will have a named advocate as your day-to-day contact, supported by the wider firm, including our Certified Public Secretary for company secretarial work.
Can the scope change as our business grows?
Yes. We review the arrangement with you periodically and adjust the scope where your needs have changed.
General information only, not legal advice. See our Terms of Use.
Discuss a retainer for your business
Tell us about your business and the support you need, and we will propose a scope and fee.