Fees

Clients come to us when they need counsel and assistance with resolving matters that are both serious and important. While the quality of our work is the driver and the reason why clients seek to work with our firm, we know that the financial aspects are important and not to be overlooked.

How much will resolving my matter cost?

Potential clients always seek an answer to the question what the ultimate cost of resolving a matter and what their final bill will be. When a matter is straightforward and less dependent on external forces and circumstances, we are able to foresee how it would unfold and provide insight into the ultimate cost.

At other times, however, there may be too many variables at play. That is when the circumstances do not lend themselves to the same level of predictability. A lot may need to be determined over the course of the work, and it becomes nearly impossible for the attorney to provide a quote on the overall cost upfront.

For example, when there are opposing parties or tax authorities involved or a project has multiple phases, the client’s and the lawyer’s ability to manage the external circumstances may be limited. In these cases, we can provide insight into the variables upfront and may be able to estimate potential fee range.

Information and Communication

Legal matters are highly dependent on the effective flow of information and efficient communication with clients and third parties. Clients usually have a high degree of control over how and when they provide information that is much needed to their case. Clients also have control over how they choose to be involved and communicate about their cases.

Efficiency and Processes

We partner with clients to determine pricing, timing, outcomes, and process expectations.

Thanks to our use of technology and streamlined processes, we are able to deliver legal services efficiently. Clients come to experience a systematic approach to legal solutions and efficiency in launching and resolving matters.

Budgets and Forecasting

We provide fee transparency by agreeing with clients on what the scope of a matter would include and exclude. This involves predictable pricing, timing, outcomes, and process expectations.

We use budgeting and forecasting to involve our clients as active participants and reflect the value of our advice, as opposed to time dedicated to work on the case.

As we manage matters, we are able to track changes to the scope in real time and communicate with clients where differences from a budget may arise.

Retainer Deposits

Our retainer deposits typically start at $2,500 and may range to $5,000 or higher, depending on the nature and complexity of the matter. This deposit is what gets the firm retained and work on the case started. It does not necessarily represent the total cost of handling the case.

Typically, our retainers are not designed as pre-payment or advance payment. Rather, they operate similarly to security deposits just as you would have under a lease agreement.

Once the case is over, we return to you any unearned portion of your remaining deposit — that’s your retainer deposit less any outstanding balance. The retainer deposit serves as a promise that a client will honor the commitment to pay their bills, just like any other security deposit.

Value Based Fees

In select circumstances, we are able to offer alternative fee arrangements where we render legal services on a basis other than hourly rates. In these cases, we would walk you through phases or milestone events and variables involved or essential elements of the outcome in the matter as well as the associated cost. We base these arrangements on a scope of work that clearly defines the parameters of the work to be completed.

This type of arrangements are ideal in cases where unexpected developments are unlikely as this kind of developments typically require additional work and result in additional cost.

Fixed Fee Documents

While we are a full service firm and offer customized legal documents to our clients, we also make available model documents for fixed fees. Visit our Doc Shop to learn more.

Open Communication

We welcome questions about cost and billing.

As you would expect, we do not ever bill for time spent on discussions about fees and billing.