Engagement Letter.

Date of Engagement:

Engagement Reference:

This Engagement Letter ("Agreement") is entered into between the parties identified below for the provision of contract paralegal services.

Parties

1. Scope of Services

Service Provider will provide contract paralegal services to Attorney as requested and as mutually agreed. Services may include, but are not limited to:

• Motion drafting and pleading preparation
• Case law research using Westlaw
• State court e-filing through AlaFile
• Federal court e-filing through PACER / CM-ECF
• Client communication support and correspondence drafting
• Client intake assistance and conflict-check preparation
• File organization and digital file builds
• Other paralegal services as mutually agreed in writing

All work shall be performed under the supervision and direction of Attorney. Service Provider does not provide appellate brief drafting or bar complaint response preparation.

2. Compensation

Hourly Rate: $40.00 per hour, tracked in 6-minute (0.1 hour) increments.

Retainer: A non-refundable retainer of $500.00 is due upon execution of this Agreement. The retainer will be applied to the first invoice for work performed.

Invoicing: Invoices for hours rendered beyond the retainer amount will be issued at the end of each calendar month. Time records will be provided with each invoice.

Payment Terms: Invoices are due upon receipt. Payments not received within 30 days may be subject to late fees. Service Provider reserves the right to pause new work for accounts more than 60 days overdue.

3. Rush and Emergency Work

Standard rates apply to work requested with reasonable advance notice. The following surcharges may apply at Service Provider's discretion:

• Rush Work (less than 48 hours notice): +$15.00 per hour
• Emergency Work (less than 24 hours notice): +$25.00 per hour

Rush and emergency fees may be waived at Service Provider's discretion for simple filings or tasks that do not require substantial research or drafting. Surcharges typically apply when work involves research, substantial drafting, or significant time commitment on short notice.

4. Expenses and Access

Westlaw Research: Service Provider maintains independent Westlaw access at no additional cost to Attorney.

Court Filing Fees: Court filing fees and similar case-related expenses are the responsibility of Attorney. Where possible, Attorney's payment method on AlaFile will be used directly. Where Service Provider fronts a filing fee, Attorney agrees to reimburse Service Provider promptly upon presentation of receipts.

Access to Filing Systems: Attorney agrees to provide Service Provider with secure access credentials for AlaFile and AlaCourt as needed to perform filings and case lookups. Service Provider agrees to use such credentials only for authorized work on Attorney's matters.

Other Expenses: Expedited shipping, certified mail, and other case-related expenses are billed as pass-through costs without markup.

5. Independent Contractor Status

Service Provider is an independent contractor, not an employee, agent, or partner of Attorney. Service Provider is solely responsible for own taxes, insurance, business licenses, and operating expenses. This Agreement does not create an employment, agency, joint venture, or partnership relationship.

6. Confidentiality

Service Provider acknowledges that all information related to Attorney's clients, cases, work product, and operations is strictly confidential. Service Provider agrees to:

• Maintain confidentiality of all client information consistent with Attorney's professional obligations
• Not disclose any client information to any third party without Attorney's express written authorization
• Store and transmit case files using secure methods
• Return or securely destroy all case-related materials upon termination of this Agreement or upon Attorney's request

7. Conflicts of Interest

Service Provider currently works as a Senior Paralegal at Elizabeth Hunter Law Firm, LLC. Service Provider will conduct a conflict check against current employer's active client list and any other commitments before accepting any new matter. Service Provider will immediately disclose any conflicts or potential conflicts and will not accept matters that present a conflict of interest. Attorney is encouraged to disclose any matters or parties that may give rise to a conflict.

8. No Unauthorized Practice of Law

Service Provider is a paralegal, not a licensed attorney. Service Provider will not:

• Provide legal advice to Attorney's clients or any third parties
• Sign legal documents or pleadings on behalf of Attorney or clients
• Hold herself out as a licensed attorney
• Represent clients in any legal proceeding
• Establish attorney-client relationships

All paralegal work is performed under Attorney's supervision and review. Attorney remains solely responsible for the legal sufficiency of all work product, the establishment of attorney-client relationships, and compliance with applicable rules of professional conduct.

9. Termination

Either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice. Upon termination:

• Service Provider will complete work in progress as reasonable
• Service Provider will deliver all case materials, work product, and files to Attorney
• Attorney will pay for all services rendered through the date of termination
• The $500 retainer is non-refundable

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Service Provider's liability for any claim arising from services provided under this Agreement is limited to the fees paid by Attorney for the specific matter in question. Service Provider is not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages.

11. Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Alabama. Any disputes arising from this Agreement will be resolved in the courts of Jefferson County, Alabama.

12. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding contract paralegal services and supersedes any prior agreements or understandings. This Agreement may only be modified in writing signed by both parties.

Acknowledgment and Acceptance

By signing below, each party acknowledges having read, understood, and agreed to the terms of this Engagement Letter.