The retainer is like a deposit. We bill against the retainer based upon our hourly rate. Sometimes the retainer is too much, and any unused portion gets returned to the client at the end of the case. Other times, the retainer must be replenished if the case is still active after the retainer funds reach a low threshold. The retainer is never expected to cover trial and a separate trial retainer will be required in the unlikely event your case proceeds to trial.