---
title: "Limited-scope (unbundled) retainer letter in plain language"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/precedents/legal-aid-and-community-legal-practice/limited-scope-retainer-letter"
type: "precedent"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "a54-limited-scope-retainer-letter"
area_id: "A54"
kind: "letter"
ai_level: "yellow"
version: 1
law_stated_as_at: "2026-10-17"
---

# Limited-scope (unbundled) retainer letter in plain language

> Original plain-language letter confirming exactly what a community legal centre or legal aid lawyer will and will not do, deadlines, the client's tasks, costs, confidentiality and when help ends, for limited-scope or…

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/precedents/legal-aid-and-community-legal-practice/limited-scope-retainer-letter  
Law stated as at: 2026-10-17

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

Original plain-language letter confirming exactly what a community legal centre or legal aid lawyer will and will not do, deadlines, the client's tasks, costs, confidentiality and when help ends, for limited-scope or short-term services.

## Key facts

- Kind: Letter. A letter or email you adapt and send.
- Practice area: [Legal Aid & Community Legal Practice](https://ailawframework.com/precedents/legal-aid-and-community-legal-practice.md)
- Jurisdictions: Australia, New South Wales
- AI level: Yellow. AI can help in set ways. A lawyer checks specific points before use.
- Law stated as at: 2026-10-17
- Status: Maintained. Checked on 2026-10-17 against the 3 authorities it cites, for Australia and New South Wales.

## When to use it

Use whenever you agree to help with only part of a legal problem (for example, advice, drafting one letter, or one court appearance). Do not use it where the client cannot understand or manage the remaining work and limited help would leave them worse off; consider fuller assistance or referral.

## How AI may be used

AI may tailor plain-language scope wording and deadlines from the lawyer's file note, and simplify reading level. The lawyer decides the scope, makes sure it suits the client's capacity, and checks every deadline.

**AI may:**

- Turn the lawyer's file note into the "what we will do" and "what we will not do" lists in plain language
- Check reading level and suggest simpler wording
- Prepare a draft translation for checking by a qualified translator

**AI must not:**

- Must not decide the scope of the service or whether limited help is suitable
- Must not calculate or state limitation periods or court deadlines without the lawyer checking them
- Must not be used with a tool not approved for client information

**The lawyer checks:**

- The scope is clear, suitable for this client, and matches what was agreed
- Every deadline in the letter is correct and diarised by the centre if the centre promised a reminder
- Costs disclosure obligations are met (or the letter states the service is free)
- The client understood the letter, with an interpreter if needed

## Authorities

- [Legal Profession Uniform Law ss 172, 174 and 180](https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-2014-16a)
- [Legal Profession Uniform Law Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules 2015 rr 7.1, 7.2, 9 and 11A](https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/sl-2015-0244)
- [Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) Sch 1 APP 5](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A03712/latest/text)

## Full text and drafting notes

The full text and the drafting notes are not part of this public page. Signed-in firm accounts can read them at https://ailawframework.com/precedents/legal-aid-and-community-legal-practice/limited-scope-retainer-letter and through the signed-in MCP connector https://ailawframework.com/mcp/firm.

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*