Retainer Burn

Written by Nadia Rahman, Research Editor Reviewed by Vikram Sen, Technical Reviewer Last updated: June 1, 2026 Last verified: June 1, 2026 · Methodology · Accuracy policy

Matter cash-management KPI for evergreen or flat retainers. Remaining % is typically 100 − used %.

Burn % = fees applied ÷ retainer balance basis × 100.

Tip: Keep “Fees Used” and “Retainer Amount” on the same basis (period, units, and population) before calculating Retainer Burn.

Cluster: Legal hub · Resource utilization · Percentage guide

Retainer burn shows how much of a prepaid retainer has been applied to fees.

Enter fees used against the retainer and the original retainer amount.

Retainer Used

Understanding Retainer Burn

How we calculate. Burn % = fees applied ÷ retainer balance basis × 100. The form uses the same arithmetic as the worked examples on this page. See our methodology and accuracy policy.

Real-world scenario: A typical Retainer Burn case uses fees used 7500 and retainer amount 10000. Enter the same figures below to reproduce the worked path.

What is Retainer Burn?

Matter cash-management KPI for evergreen or flat retainers. Remaining % is typically 100 − used %.

Use the same currency
Evergreen top-ups may reset the base—label the window
Trust accounting rules apply

The Formula

Retainer Burn Percentage

Used % = (Fees used ÷ Retainer) × 100

Worked Example

Scenario: Fees used $7,500 against a $10,000 retainer.

Step 1: 7500 ÷ 10000 = 0.75

Step 2: × 100 = 75%

Answer: Retainer burn is 75% used (25% remaining).

Common Use Cases

Matter monitoring: refill alerts
Client updates: trust status
Finance ops: WIP vs retainer

Pro Tips

Follow trust accounting rules
Separate costs vs fees if required
Alert before 100%

Limitations: Retainer Burn results are educational practice-management aids only—not legal advice, fee advice, or a substitute for counsel, ethics rules, or engagement letters. Confirm definitions with your firm policies and applicable professional rules.

FAQ

Is remaining automatic?

Remaining ≈ 100% − used % when the retainer base is unchanged.

What if retainer is 0?

Burn % is undefined—enter a positive retainer amount.

Authoritative References

For professional conduct and practice management context, consult:

American Bar Association — ethics and practice resources
Law.com — legal industry reporting
Clio Resources — practice management education