Frequently Asked Questions

In most types of cases, we may charge up to one hour of the attorney’s current hourly rate for an initial conference.

If you have any questions about our charges for your initial consultation, please ask the attorney you meet with.

Yes. You are encouraged to ask questions about our fees at any time and particularly at your first office conference. We want you to fully understand the charges to your matter. Our fee agreement will be written to avoid any misunderstanding. You will be given a copy of this Legal Services Agreement for your records.

Most of our legal work is billed on an hourly basis. The hourly rates for professional staff time range from $200.00 to $550.00 per hour for attorneys and $150.00 to $255.00 for paralegals and law clerks.

In most cases, we will ask you to pay a down payment called a retainer to cover initial costs. The minimum amount of this retainer is usually $1,000.00 but may be higher depending on the kind of case. This retainer does not represent an estimate of your total cost; it is merely a down payment.

Estimates of fees are just that—estimates. These are rough approximations of what your charges will likely be, excluding costs and expenses, based on experience. However, estimates do not include research work that may be needed, nor do they include unanticipated developments, litigation, or unexpected action to counter steps taken by an adverse party.

We try to minimize the total expense to you by using paralegal and law clerk time when it is appropriate. These professionals always work under attorney supervision and do much of the investigative and relatively routine work.

The law firm maintains an accurate record of the legal services that are provided to you. A monthly statement will be forwarded to you, detailing the work done on your matter during the preceding month. The monthly statement will also include a list of any costs advanced by the law firm, such as deposition fees, recording fees, and the like, and any expenses we incur on your behalf, such as postage, photocopying, and/or fax charges.

Telephone calls related to your matter that you make to our office will ordinarily be charged to you, as will calls that we make to you regarding your matter. Telephone calls regarding questions about your monthly statement are not charged.

We will send you copies of all pertinent letters, documents, pleadings, briefs, and other materials that are received or sent out regarding your case. We make every effort to keep you advised at all times regarding your case.

By law, in most situations, a lawyer cannot be compelled to divulge information given to them by a client, unless the client agrees to allow the lawyer to do so. Our entire staff knows the importance of keeping a client’s legal matter completely confidential. Any information given to us will be held in confidence and will not be disclosed without your permission. If you desire, any confidential papers given to us by you will be returned to you after our work on your matter is complete. 

One of our attorneys will be primarily responsible for your case at all times. Our trained staff will assist the attorney under that attorney’s direct supervision.

The first duty of any lawyer is to see that a client is given the benefit of all the client’s’ legal rights. The lawyer is obligated to see that a client receives the best possible legal advice. No settlement of any case will be made without the permission of the client. Should a trial be required, you will be told what to expect and will be prepared for the proceedings.

Yes! As a general practice firm, we have attorneys who focus their practices on other areas of law. Should you have a matter where you need legal help in a different area of law, you may consult with a different attorney. This is done to utilize the attorney who focuses his or her practice on the relevant field of law and so that you receive the benefit of having the best-qualified people in our law firm help you.