Is an engagement letter required everytime you do work for a client? What about clients that just want free advice?

Your questions is interesting. An engagement letter is generally not required at all. The reason most lawyers participate in the practice is to protect themselves in the event of a fee dispute between the lawyer and the client. If you handling, for example, $300.00 traffic ticket cases, then usually there is no need to bother. But, if you feel the situation may get complicated and may require more than one hearing and that costs could become an issue, then, generally, you should consider one. The point of an engagement letter is disclosure to the client as to what fees s/he can expect. Many lawyers don't use engagement letters, especially in cases where the client and attorney have a history with one another. Many defense lawyers that do work for insurance companies, which can generate an enormous amount of fees, don't bother with them. But, if you working with individuals with matters that can get expensive it is highly reccommended that you do use one. Disputes arise suddenly, most often when you are not expecting them. Its a protection for you so you do not lose out on what you are owed. On the other end of the spectrum, if you do plaintiffs' work, and especially so if its on contingency, then an engagement letter is a near must. Engagement letters are always a good idea, but there are a hand full of circumstances that you may forgoe the use of one.