retaining lien

A retaining lien is a type of attorney’s lien that a lawyer holds over a client’s documents, property , or money that is in the lawyer’s possession due to the lawyer-client relationship. This lien is used to secure payment of fees and costs owed to the lawyer for legal services rendered.

See charging lien for comparison.

[Last reviewed in June of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team ]

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