Are attorney retainer fees refundable if client dies?

Whether attorney retainer fees are refundable if a client dies depends on the terms of the retainer agreement and the work completed by the attorney. Typically, if the retainer was paid in advance for services not yet rendered, those funds may be refundable to the client's estate. However, any work already performed may be billed against the retainer, reducing the refundable amount. It's advisable for the estate executor to review the agreement and consult with the attorney for clarification.