Legal & IP
Retainer Fee이란 무엇인가요?
정의
A retainer fee is an upfront payment made to a professional — most commonly an attorney or consultant — to secure their availability and future services. The retainer is typically held in a trust account and drawn against as work is performed.
Retainer agreements take two primary forms. A classic retainer (also called a 'true retainer') is a fee paid simply to guarantee the professional's availability — the client secures priority access and the professional reserves capacity. A security retainer (the more common type) is an advance deposit against which the professional bills as they work — when the retainer is depleted, the client replenishes it. Some professionals charge a flat monthly retainer in exchange for a defined scope of ongoing services. For attorneys, retainer funds must typically be held in a client trust account (IOLTA account) and can only be transferred to the attorney as services are rendered and invoiced. Retainers differ from project fees (fixed price for a defined deliverable) and hourly billing (billed only for actual time). Retainers are most common for attorneys, consultants, and PR agencies on ongoing engagements.
왜 중요한가
Understanding retainer arrangements prevents billing surprises and protects your interests. Before signing a retainer agreement, confirm: what happens to unused funds, whether the retainer is refundable, what work is covered, and how often you will receive billing statements. An advisor can help you evaluate whether a retainer or hourly arrangement is more cost-effective for your situation.