client

Legal TermLegal glossary term

Legal Definition

In a legal context, a 'client' refers to an individual or entity that engages the services of another party (like a lawyer or service provider) for specific professional advice, representation, or contractual services. It establishes the relationship under which one party receives specialized expertise or benefit.

Plain-English Translation

A 'client' is someone who hires a professional, like a lawyer or consultant, to help them with a legal problem or task. They pay for the service provided by that professional.

Context in Contracts

It matters because it defines the relationship between the service provider and the person receiving the services, establishing the scope of work, fiduciary duties, and contractual obligations within litigation or professional practice.

Visual model

Understand client fast

ELI10 illustration for client
01

A party who retains an attorney to represent them in a lawsuit.

02

An entity that hires a consulting firm for specialized legal advice.

Document context

How client shows up in legal documents

What is it?

A client is an individual or entity that contracts with another party (such as a law firm, corporation, or service provider) to receive specific legal services or representation under a formal agreement.

Why does it matter?

It matters because it defines the relationship between the service provider and the person receiving the services, establishing the scope of work, fiduciary duties, and contractual obligations within litigation or professional practice.

When does it matter?

It usually appears in contracts, engagement letters, retainer agreements, and client-provider correspondence when one party seeks legal counsel or specialized services.

Where is it usually seen?

It is commonly seen in legal documents, retainer agreements, service provider billing statements, and formal communication between the attorney/service provider and the person who retains their expertise.

Who is affected?

The individual or entity that hires professional services to receive legal advice, representation, or specialized services from a lawyer or expert.

How does it work?

The client initiates the engagement, defines the scope of the retainer, provides necessary information, and ultimately benefits from the legal expertise provided by the service provider.

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Wikipedia

Client

Client(s) or The Client may refer to: Client (business) Client (computing), hardware or software that accesses a remote service on another computer Customer or client, a recipient of goods or services in return for monetary or other valuable considerations...

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Disclaimer: We do not provide legal advice. We translate legal language into plain English and help you prepare for a conversation with a lawyer.