A good, succint article at http://www.cba.org/cba/PracticeLink/CS/engagement.aspx outlines the necessity of and basic parameters to a retainer or engagement letter. A written agreement is envisioned in the Code of Professional Conduct, but is important so that both parties are aware of the fundamentals of the lawyer-client relationship.
Obviously payment terms and the scope of the retainer is important for the lawyer to establish from the outset. More importantly the author seems to indicate that the retainer may help to uncover 'problem' clients- before they become (at a minimum) an annoyance. Make sure the retainer outlines how and uner what circumstances the lawyer can withraw.
Combined with Foonberg's Law (essentially - fees up front) a written retainer will save a lawyer from unpaid bills and unrealistic (and therefore unhappy) clients.
Here's a draft engagement letter used by my office. Download engagement_letter.doc
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