FCRA Attorneys PLLC
Limited Scope Retainer – Federal Consumer Law Investigation Only
This Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between you (“Client”) and FCRA Attorneys PLLC (“Firm”), a law firm focused on consumer protection matters under federal law. The purpose of this Agreement is to define the limited scope of services the Firm will provide while investigating whether you may have a claim under one or more federal consumer protection laws.
1. Scope of Representation
You retain the Firm to conduct a preliminary investigation into whether you have a potential claim under one or more of the following federal statutes:
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
- Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
- Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)
- Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA)
- Other applicable federal or state consumer protection laws
This is a limited purpose engagement only. This agreement does not obligate the Firm to file a lawsuit, send a demand letter, or represent you in court, arbitration, or settlement discussions unless and until a formal attorney-client retainer is signed.
2. Exclusive Review Period
You agree to give the Firm exclusive authority to evaluate your potential consumer law claim(s) for a period of up to 180 days from the date of this Agreement (“Exclusive Review Period”).
During this time:
- You will not retain or consult with any other law firm about the same issue(s).
- You will not initiate any legal proceedings related to the claim being reviewed.
- You agree to cancel or postpone any previously scheduled consultations with other law firms regarding these same claims.
This exclusivity ends automatically on the earlier of:
- The date the Firm notifies you in writing that it declines representation, or
- 180 days from the date of this Agreement.
3. Outcome of Investigation
At the conclusion of the Exclusive Review Period—or sooner—the Firm will do one of the following:
- Invite you to sign a full retainer agreement if we believe you have a valid legal claim worth pursuing.
- Notify you in writing that the Firm will not proceed further, in which case this limited scope relationship ends and you may seek other counsel.
Nothing in this Agreement guarantees that the Firm will ultimately represent you.
4. Your Responsibilities
You agree to:
- Provide complete and truthful information to the Firm.
- Cooperate with all reasonable requests during the investigation.
- Notify the Firm immediately of any changes to your address, phone number, or email.
- Deliver all documents and evidence relevant to your claim, including reports, letters, emails, and other communications.
If you fail to cooperate or provide requested materials, the Firm reserves the right to terminate this engagement before the end of the Exclusive Review Period.
5. Fees and Costs
You will not be charged any up-front or out-of-pocket fees during the Firm’s investigation of your potential claim.
However, if you later retain the Firm and we pursue your case:
- We may seek to recover the costs incurred during this investigative period from the opposing party as part of any settlement or judgment.
- You agree that the Firm may assert a lien on any monetary recovery directly related to claims identified through this investigation.
If you decline to proceed with a valid claim identified during the investigation, and your claim is later pursued independently or by another attorney, you agree the Firm may seek reimbursement of reasonable investigation expenses based on its contribution to the matter.
6. Electronic Signature and Document Handling
You authorize the Firm to use your electronic signature on all documents necessary to facilitate the investigation of your claim. This includes requests to third parties such as credit bureaus, creditors, background check companies, debt collectors, employers, or government agencies.
Your electronic signature may be applied:
- Upon your direct approval; or
- If you do not object within 7 days of a document being sent to you for review.
7. No Guarantee of Outcome
The Firm cannot and does not promise a particular outcome. This Agreement does not constitute a promise of financial recovery or case acceptance. Legal claims under consumer protection statutes are fact-sensitive and depend on the outcome of the investigation.
8. Termination and Next Steps
Your engagement with the Firm under this Agreement ends automatically:
- Upon receipt of a written decision not to proceed from the Firm, or
- At 5:00 PM Central Time on the 180th day from the date below, unless extended by mutual written agreement.
After termination, you are free to seek other legal representation.
By submitting webform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Limited Scope Investigative Engagement Agreement.