Who signs an engagement letter first?

The service provider signs an engagement letter first. The firm or freelancer prepares the letter, signs it, and sends it; the client countersigns to accept, and the agreement forms at that second signature.

So the same party writes, gives, and sends it: the one providing the services. That ordering is not etiquette, it is contract mechanics. The signed letter you send is the offer; the countersignature is the acceptance.

Renewal is good hygiene rather than law. Accountants typically re-issue engagement letters every year, and any provider should re-paper when scope or fees change. An engagement letter describing last year's deal protects nobody. Date both signatures, and keep the countersigned copy where you can find it.

This freelance letter of engagement template is ready to sign and send in minutes.