A client wants to put our firm on retainer - does anyone know how to structure a Retainer Agreement?

There are basically four types:

A Time Retainer is one where you receive a set dollar amount each period (e.g., each month) for a predictable level of effort of service. Analysis of client financial statements might serve as a good example.

A Base Retainer is the one which you use if you are unable to determine in advance just how much service the client will require. An example: The client has claim to three days of your talent each and every month. You receive $4,500 in exchange. The client pays for the three days whether or not they are used. If more of your time is needed you get compensated at an agreed-to daily rate--say, $1500 per day.

An Availability Retainer is one which provides you with some measure of compensation for reducing your flexibility to make yourself available to the client in the event of a need. That is, the client is guaranteed that you will be available, if needed, for say, two days a month. In exchange, you receive a sum usually equal to 25-30 percent of the value of your time. If your daily rate is $2500, you might receive $10,000 per month just to be available. If you are used, you would either receive $2,500 plus $750, or just the $2,500, depending upon how your contract was written.

An Advanced Retainer is different than the above. It refers to the fact that you receive compensation prior to the delivery of your services. It is also called, by some, a start-up payment.

I hope this helps.

I had only heard of an Avalaibility Retainer - thanks for the post it is good to know some other scenarios you may consider

Thanks TMZ where did you find out about the different types of retainers?