Not sure if you're confusing having an association with an attorney vs. having an attorney on retainer but here's a clarification if you want and attorney on retainer. People who have regular interactions with attorneys generally for regular business (usually not criminal) will pay a retainer fee for services. I copied and pasted the following:
A retainer fee is a form of pre-payment which is usually based on the attorney's hourly rate. This advanced fee ensures that the attorney will provide certain legal services on behalf of the client. Think of it as a down payment on the services the attorney provides. The funds, which are usually non-refundable, are place in the attorney's or law firm's business or trust account where they have access to it to pay any upcoming expenses associated with the services that are rendered on behalf of the client. If the fees go above the retainer amount, the client must pay that amount. The retainer fee is just an initial estimate and it prohibits the lawyer or his firm from representing a competitor of the client. Additional fees beyond the retainer are often required when a matter must go to court.
A retainer fees is also used to pay for services when you want to have an attorney on call to take care of your legal problems upon request or if you need legal counsel on a regular basis. In many cases, this fee is paid on a monthly schedule. In other words, by paying the monthly fee you have access to an attorney whenever you need legal guidance or assistance.
You are probably looking for an association with a lawyer for other purposes, i.e. estate planning, general liability, wills, etc. but also should mention that you are a CCW carrier to give the heads up that there may be pending legal issues down the road.
