A retainer — an agreement engaging lawyers for ongoing advisory services — is the model many foreign-invested enterprises (FDI) in Vietnam choose to keep external counsel continuously alongside the business. How are retainer fees calculated, what factors shape them, and what do market rates look like today? This article explains the retainer model under the current legal framework (as of 14 October 2026), with one critical caveat: every figure below is a market reference only, not a standard price or mandatory rate.
1. The legal principle: lawyer fees are a matter of agreement
Article 55 of the Law on Lawyers provides that lawyer remuneration is agreed between the lawyer/law practice organization and the client. The law sets no state price and no mandatory fee schedule for commercial legal advisory services.
The consequence: there is no “standard price” for retainer services. Every figure cited in this article — and in any law firm rate card — is only a market reference, a starting point for negotiation rather than a fixed price.
2. What a retainer model typically covers
A retainer is a long-term arrangement under which a law firm provides ongoing legal advisory services to the enterprise for a defined period, in exchange for a periodic fee. The typical scope of a retainer package includes:
- Ongoing legal advice by phone and email on issues arising in business operations;
- Reviewing and commenting on draft contracts and internal documents;
- Early warnings on legal changes affecting the enterprise;
- Handling matters arising within the agreed scope (work beyond the scope is usually billed separately per matter).
Billing: the most common structure is a monthly fee paid periodically; some packages bill quarterly or annually with discounts for long-term commitment. The fee is usually tied to a defined allowance of advisory hours or scope per period; excess work is billed additionally as agreed.
3. Factors affecting retainer pricing
- Enterprise size: the larger the enterprise, the greater the volume of legal work, and the higher the retainer;
- Legal complexity: highly regulated sectors (finance, healthcare, technology, energy) demand deeper expertise and cost more than ordinary industries;
- Domestic vs. international firm: international firms and firms serving FDI clients generally charge higher rates, in exchange for bilingual teams and cross-border experience;
- Scope and commitment term: the broader the scope and the longer the term, the better the room to negotiate.
4. Market reference rates (not standard prices)
Based on information published on law firm websites (market reference rates, subject to change by firm and over time):
- Domestic law firms: approximately VND 2–15 million per month (market reference), depending on package size and the firm;
- Foreign-invested enterprises: typically from VND 10 million per month upward (market reference), especially when engaging international firms or requiring bilingual services.
To repeat: these are market reference figures, not standard prices or regulations. The actual retainer fee is always agreed between the parties based on scope, and enterprises should request a detailed quotation with a clear scope of work before signing.
Frequently asked questions
How does a retainer differ from engaging lawyers per matter?
A retainer is a long-term agreement with a periodic fee, suited to continuous advisory needs; per-matter engagement bills separately for each specific task, suited to ad hoc, infrequent needs.
Does the law set a price cap or floor for retainers?
No. Article 55 of the Law on Lawyers provides that remuneration is agreed; there is no state price or mandatory fee schedule.
Should an FDI enterprise choose a domestic or an international firm?
It depends on needs: international firms are strong on cross-border experience and bilingual service at higher rates (market reference from VND 10 million per month upward); domestic firms offer cost advantages and local practice knowledge.
How long is a typical retainer term?
Twelve months is common, with quarterly options; the term and termination provisions are agreed in the legal services contract.
Sources
- Article 55 of the Law on Lawyers — lawyer remuneration is agreed; no state price, no mandatory fee schedule.
- Rates cited in this article are market reference figures based on information published on law firm websites, subject to change.
For reference only; not legal advice. This content was prepared by AI and will undergo quality review by the AI Legal Council of FLAT Law Firm before any publication consideration; it is not the legal opinion of a licensed human lawyer. Laws and regulations may change; verify the current legal texts before applying them.
Does your enterprise need an ongoing legal advisory package? Contact FLAT Law Firm for a detailed quotation.
