A lawyer in your messenger instead of a lawyer on staff
The most expensive mistakes in business don't happen in court. They happen when a contract is signed “because it all looks standard” or a deal is made verbally with a decent person. Then everyone remembers that conversation their own way.
A retainer means such things go through a lawyer before signing, not after. You write, I answer, check and prepare the document.
What the retainer includes
- Consultations by messenger or phone.
- Review of contracts from clients, suppliers, landlords.
- Drafting contracts and annexes for your deals.
- Registration changes and corporate resolutions.
- Demand letters, replies to letters and requests from government bodies.
- Reminders of deadlines: beneficial owners, licences, trademark renewals.
Who it suits
Small companies and sole proprietors who have legal questions every week, but not often enough to keep a lawyer on staff. IT teams that constantly sign contracts with clients and contractors. Foreigners running a business in Lviv who want one person who understands the whole picture.
Retained lawyer or in-house
| Retained lawyer | In-house lawyer | |
|---|---|---|
| Costs | A fixed monthly amount | Salary, taxes, holidays, sick leave |
| Experience | Hundreds of similar situations in other companies | Only your company |
| Availability | Reply the same working day | In the office during working hours |
| How to end it | From the next month | Dismissal under labour law |
How the price is calculated
The basic package is from €150 a month. The price is based on how many contracts and questions you usually have. If something big comes up in a given month, such as a share purchase or a dispute, we discuss it separately.
How it works
Your part: write before signing, not after. The rest of the arrows are mine.
Civil Code of Ukraine, Chapter 63 (services agreement); Law of Ukraine “On Personal Data Protection” (confidentiality of client information).
Frequently asked questions about a legal retainer
How much does a lawyer on retainer cost?
From €150 a month. The price depends on the volume of work.
What if there were no questions in a given month?
The hours can be carried over to the next month, or we can revise the package.
Do you represent clients in court?
I'm a lawyer but not an advocate (attorney at the bar), so I don't represent you in court. I prepare demand letters, replies and court documents myself.
Can we work in English?
Yes. Documents and consultations in Ukrainian and English.
How quickly do you reply?
The same working day. Urgent questions can be flagged separately.
Under a retainer we most often work on contract reviews, registration changes and trademark protection.