Legal Definitions - engagement

The term "engagement" has several distinct meanings in a legal and professional context, all generally revolving around a commitment or agreement.

• Engagement (as a contract or agreement)

  This refers to a formal or informal agreement between two or more parties that involves mutual promises or commitments to undertake specific actions or responsibilities.

  • Example 1: A local community group and the city council agree to collaborate on a new public park project. The community group promises to raise funds and recruit volunteers, while the city council promises to provide land and infrastructure support.

    Explanation: This scenario represents an "engagement" because both parties have made mutual promises and commitments to work together towards a shared goal, forming an agreement for collaboration.

  • Example 2: A software development company enters into an agreement with a client to build a custom mobile application. The company promises to deliver the application by a certain date, and the client promises to provide necessary specifications and make payments according to a schedule.

    Explanation: Here, the agreement between the software company and the client is an "engagement" because it involves reciprocal promises and obligations from both sides to achieve a defined outcome.

• Engagement (as an agreement to marry)

  This refers to a formal agreement between two individuals to marry each other at a future date. It also describes the period of time between this agreement and the actual marriage.

  • Example 1: After several years of dating, a couple decides together that they want to spend their lives together and publicly announce their intention to marry their families and friends.

    Explanation: Their mutual decision and announcement signify their "engagement" to marry, marking the beginning of the period during which they plan their wedding.

  • Example 2: One partner proposes marriage to the other with a ring, and the other accepts. They then begin making plans for their wedding ceremony.

    Explanation: The acceptance of the marriage proposal establishes their "engagement," a formal agreement to marry that carries social and sometimes legal implications regarding their future union.

• Engagement Letter

  This is a formal document, typically used by professionals (such as lawyers, accountants, or consultants), that outlines the scope of services they will provide to a client, the responsibilities of both the professional and the client, and often the terms of payment.

  • Example 1: A small business hires an accounting firm to prepare its annual tax returns. The accounting firm sends the business an "engagement letter" detailing that they will prepare and file the returns, what financial documents the business needs to provide, and the fee structure for their services.

    Explanation: The "engagement letter" clearly defines the boundaries and expectations of the professional relationship, ensuring both parties understand their roles and the specific services to be rendered.

  • Example 2: An individual consults with an attorney about creating an estate plan. The attorney provides an "engagement letter" specifying that they will draft a will, a trust, and powers of attorney, outlining the legal fees, and explaining the client's responsibility to provide accurate personal and financial information.

    Explanation: This "engagement letter" serves as a contract, formalizing the attorney-client relationship and clearly stating the legal services the attorney is committed to providing and under what terms.