Rule 45.8 - General retainer(1)Definition. A general retainer is a fee a lawyer charges for agreeing to provide legal services on an as-needed basis during a specified time period. Such a fee is not a payment for the performance of services and is earned by the lawyer when paid.(2)Deposit. Because a general retainer is earned by the lawyer when paid, the retainer should not be deposited in the trust account. Court Order April 20, 2005, effective 7/1/2005.