Exceptional client service is our goal. This means being easy to deal with and viewing cases as collaborations between you and us. We take great pride in keeping open channels of communication with our clients as we offer our guidance and expertise every step of the way.
HOW WE WORK A TYPICAL CASE
1. YOU GET IN TOUCH
Call or fill out the form on the Contact page. We will respond as soon as possible – usually within one business day.
2. INITIAL CONSULTATION
An attorney will talk with you on the phone about the issue. If additional friends or family members would like to be on the call, a dial in number may be provided for everyone to call at the scheduled time. Depending on the nature of the issue, calls may be scheduled with one of the consultants instead of with an attorney (e.g., a question about a probation issue may be better suited for a retired Chief Probation Officer). There is no obligation for you to retain our services afterwards.
3. ESTIMATE GIVEN
If during the initial consultation you want us to provide you with an estimate of the cost of representation, we will provide you with that estimate.
4. WRITTEN CONTRACT
If after the estimate is given you decide to retain our services, you will be sent a written contract to review and sign. It will confirm our charges in writing and explain what to expect.
5. THE CASE IS WORKED
Collaborating with you, we progress through the stages of the case, keeping you posted on developments and answering your questions as we work to achieve the best possible outcome.
6. AFTERCARE
After the outcome is learned, we make sure you understand all aspects of it. We advise you of any further options to explore if needed. Then, we stand ready to assist you in the future if you encounter any problems.
OPTIONS FOR CHARGES OF SERVICES
FIXED FEES
Fixed fee (flat rate) representation involves you paying a one-time fee up front to cover all time that will be expended by the firm on the work described in the fee contract. This option is great for people who don’t want to worry about receiving bills in the mail each month for legal fees. Instead, they have peace of mind from knowing that they are paid in full. The written fee contract will include a written breakdown outlining how the dollar amount of the fixed fee was determined.
PAY AS YOU GO
Some matters lend themselves better to clients paying-as-they-go instead of paying a fixed fee up front. For this option, our standard hourly rates as set forth in the written contract will apply. You are billed only for the work performed and can direct us to stop work at any time. So that we remain your advocate and not a debt collector, typically we require clients to make an initial deposit into an escrow account and then we bill against that escrow balance each month. Your monthly bill will list detailed time entries describing the work performed in the case for that billing period and will reflect the escrow balance that remains after that month’s total is deducted.