That non-refundable retainer fee? It's probably illegal.
Freelancers are losing thousands because no one tells them the trap is in plain sight.
You paid the retainer. Now they're not returning your calls.
That 'non-refundable' clause isn't just standard—it's a trap. They take your money, vanish, and you have zero recourse because you signed it at 2am after a stressful client call.
- Client disappears after payment
- You can't afford a lawyer to fight it
- You think it's your fault
We find the loopholes they don't want you to see.
Legal Shell AI scans your retainer agreement in 30 seconds, highlights illegal terms, and explains exactly how to push back—in plain English.
- Spot unfair non-refundable clauses instantly
- Get a plain English summary of your rights
- Negotiate from a position of strength
How it works
Three steps to protect your retainer
Upload your retainer agreement
Drag and drop any contract. We support PDF, DOC, even photos.
AI highlights the traps
Our system flags illegal non-refundable terms, one-sided termination clauses, and hidden fees.
You get a plain English report
See exactly what each clause means, how courts view it, and what to say to your client.
Freelancers like you are getting their money back
"I had a $5,000 retainer that my client refused to return. Legal Shell found the clause was unenforceable in my state. I got every penny back."
"I used to think non-refundable was just the cost of doing business. Turns out, most of them are illegal if they're too broad. This app saved me from a $3,000 mistake."
"As a new freelancer, I was terrified to question a retainer. This tool gave me the confidence to ask for fair terms."
Stop losing money to unfair retainers
Join 6,659 freelancers who've used Legal Shell to review their contracts. No lawyer needed.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney for legal matters.