Why a Written Agreement Matters
The most common reason that informal legal support arrangements break down is not a dispute about the work itself — it is a dispute about what was agreed, or a growing sense on the helper's part that their contribution is not being properly valued. A simple written agreement, agreed before the work begins, eliminates both problems.
It does not need to be a formal legal contract. It does not need to be reviewed by a solicitor. It simply needs to set out, clearly and in writing, what has been agreed between the two parties. The act of writing it down — and both parties signing it — transforms the arrangement from an informal favour into a professional engagement, with all the mutual respect and clarity that implies.
What the Agreement Should Cover
A well-structured informal engagement agreement for legal support should address the following points:
1. The parties. Full names and addresses of both the helper and the person being helped.
2. The matter. A brief description of the legal proceedings being supported — for example, "Financial remedy proceedings in [Case Name], [Court], case number [X]."
3. The scope of services. A specific list of what the helper will and will not do. This is important both to set expectations and to make clear that the helper is not providing regulated legal services. For example: "Review and summarise documents; attend solicitor meetings in a support capacity; assist with drafting correspondence for review by the instructed solicitor; provide strategic guidance and emotional support."
4. The rate. The agreed hourly rate, how time will be recorded (in six-minute units is standard in legal practice), and when invoices will be submitted and paid.
5. Expenses. Whether travel, printing, and other out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed, and on what basis.
6. Confidentiality. A simple clause confirming that the helper will keep all information about the proceedings confidential.
7. Termination. How either party can end the arrangement, and what happens to outstanding fees.
A Simple Template
The following template can be adapted for most informal legal support arrangements:
LETTER OF ENGAGEMENT
Date: [Date]
This letter sets out the terms on which [Helper Name] ("the Helper") agrees to provide legal support services to [Client Name] ("the Client") in connection with [description of proceedings].
Services: The Helper will provide the following services: [list of services]. The Helper is not a qualified solicitor and will not conduct litigation or exercise rights of audience on the Client's behalf.
Rate: The Helper's rate is £[X] per hour, recorded in units of six minutes. Invoices will be submitted [monthly / at the conclusion of each stage] and are payable within 14 days.
Expenses: Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed on production of receipts.
Confidentiality: The Helper will keep all information relating to the proceedings strictly confidential.
Termination: Either party may terminate this arrangement on [7/14] days' written notice. All fees accrued to the date of termination are payable.
Signed: _________________ (Helper) Date: _______
Signed: _________________ (Client) Date: _______
Establishing the Right Rate
Before completing the template, you need to establish a fair rate. Our UK Legal Professional Rate Calculator produces a personalised, data-backed rate figure based on your experience, practice area, and location — with the reasoning behind it clearly set out. The Complete Solution upgrade (£49.99) includes a full engagement letter template and a timekeeping and invoicing system, giving you everything you need to run the arrangement professionally from day one.
Calculate your personalised fair rate
Use our interactive calculator to get a data-backed rate breakdown in under 2 minutes — with the reasoning you can share with the other party.