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.

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 what charges we will make. Our fee agreement will be put in writing 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 $250.00 for paralegals and law clerks.

In most cases, you will have to pay a down payment, which is called a retainer, to cover the initial costs before legal services are rendered. The minimum amount of this retainer is usually $1,000.00 and may be higher depending on the kind of case you are involved with. 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 does it include unanticipated developments, litigation, or unexpected action to counter steps taken by an adverse party.

We try to minimize the total bill to you by using our paralegals and law clerks when it is appropriate. These professionals always work under the attorneys’ supervision and do much of the investigative and relatively routine work required by some cases.

The law firm maintains an accurate record of the legal services that are provided in connection with your case. A monthly statement will be mailed to you for the work done on your case 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 case that you make to our office will ordinarily be charged to you, as will calls that we make to you regarding your case. Telephone calls regarding questions on your monthly statement will not be 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, a lawyer cannot be compelled in most situations to divulge information given to him 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 your legal matter.

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 their 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 a different area of legal help, you may see 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.