General Counsel Retainer Agreement Template for Australia

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Key Requirements PROMPT example:

General Counsel Retainer Agreement

"I need a General Counsel Retainer Agreement for a technology startup based in Sydney, with the ability to have both remote and on-site legal support, including specific provisions for handling intellectual property matters and startup funding rounds."

Document background
The General Counsel Retainer Agreement is essential for businesses seeking to establish a formal, ongoing relationship with a legal service provider for comprehensive legal support. This document is particularly relevant in the Australian legal context where businesses require regular access to legal expertise without maintaining full-time in-house counsel. The agreement covers crucial aspects including scope of services, professional obligations, confidentiality requirements, fee structures, and compliance with Australian legal profession regulations. It's designed to protect both parties' interests while ensuring transparency in service delivery and professional expectations. The document is commonly used by growing businesses, corporations requiring supplementary legal support, or organizations seeking flexible legal service arrangements. The agreement must comply with Australian legal practice requirements, including state-specific regulations and professional conduct rules.
Suggested Sections

1. Parties: Identification of the law firm/lawyer and the client company

2. Background: Context of the agreement and general purpose of the retainer arrangement

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Appointment and Scope: Terms of appointment and detailed scope of General Counsel services

5. Term and Termination: Duration of the agreement and termination provisions

6. Services and Obligations: Detailed description of services to be provided and obligations of the General Counsel

7. Fees and Payment Terms: Retainer fee structure, billing arrangements, and payment terms

8. Professional Obligations: Compliance with legal profession rules, ethical obligations, and professional standards

9. Confidentiality: Obligations regarding confidential information and client privilege

10. Conflicts of Interest: Management and disclosure of potential conflicts

11. Professional Indemnity Insurance: Insurance requirements and coverage details

12. Intellectual Property: Ownership and use of work product and materials

13. General Provisions: Standard contract terms including governing law, notices, and amendment procedures

Optional Sections

1. Additional Resources: Used when the General Counsel may need to engage additional lawyers or support staff

2. Performance Metrics: Include when specific KPIs or performance measures are required

3. Remote Work Provisions: Added when services may be provided remotely

4. Client Systems Access: Include when General Counsel needs access to client's IT systems or databases

5. Secondment Provisions: Used when the arrangement includes on-site presence at client locations

6. Multi-jurisdictional Practice: Include when legal services span multiple jurisdictions

7. Success Fees: Added when performance-based compensation is part of the arrangement

8. Data Protection: Include detailed data protection terms when handling sensitive personal data

Suggested Schedules

1. Schedule 1 - Scope of Services: Detailed breakdown of all legal services to be provided

2. Schedule 2 - Fee Schedule: Detailed fee structure, rates, and billing arrangements

3. Schedule 3 - Key Personnel: Details of the primary General Counsel and any backup personnel

4. Schedule 4 - Service Levels: Response times and availability requirements

5. Schedule 5 - Reporting Requirements: Format and frequency of status reports and updates

6. Appendix A - Power of Attorney: If required, specific authorizations granted to General Counsel

7. Appendix B - Conflicts Check Procedures: Process for identifying and managing potential conflicts

8. Appendix C - Communication Protocols: Agreed procedures for routine and urgent communications

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Relevant Industries

Financial Services

Technology

Healthcare

Manufacturing

Real Estate

Retail

Professional Services

Energy

Mining

Telecommunications

Education

Construction

Transport and Logistics

Media and Entertainment

Relevant Teams

Legal

Executive Leadership

Finance

Procurement

Risk and Compliance

Corporate Services

Operations

Human Resources

Company Secretariat

Contract Management

Relevant Roles

Chief Executive Officer

Managing Director

Chief Financial Officer

Company Secretary

Legal Operations Manager

Procurement Manager

Risk Manager

Compliance Officer

Operations Director

Human Resources Director

Contract Manager

General Counsel

Legal Director

Chief Operating Officer

Corporate Services Manager

Industries
Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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