I understand that transparency is key when it comes to attorney fees. I believe that every client deserves to know exactly what to expect when it comes to the cost of legal representation. That's why I am committed to providing clear and straightforward information about my fees and billing practices.
Why Transparency Matters:
Transparency is not just a buzzword for me; it's a fundamental aspect of my practice. I firmly believe that open and honest communication about attorney fees is essential for building trust with my clients. When you choose me, you can rest assured that there will be no hidden costs or surprises down the road. I believe in being upfront about our rates and billing procedures, ensuring that you are fully informed every step of the way.
My Fee Structure:
I don't try to hide the ball: My standard billing rate is $225 per hour. This rate reflects the experience, expertise, and dedication that I bring to each case. I keep detailed records of the time spent working on your case and provide regular, itemized invoices, so you can see exactly how your money is being used.
Retainers:
Because of my role on the bench, I am only able to handle a limited number of cases. Accordingly, I want to make sure that I will be able to provide representation from start to finish. I use what is called an evergreen retainer. An evergreen retainer is a type of fee arrangement where a client pays a predetermined amount of money upfront to retain the services of an attorney on an ongoing basis. Unlike traditional retainers, which are typically used to cover specific services or expenses, an evergreen retainer is designed to be replenished or "topped up" periodically to maintain a set balance. For most family law cases, my retainer is $3,000. For most appeals, my retainer begins at $5,000.
Here's how an evergreen retainer works:
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Initial Retainer Deposit: When a client engages an attorney under an evergreen retainer agreement, they pay an initial retainer deposit. This deposit is held in a separate client trust account and serves as a prepaid fund from which the attorney can draw fees for the work performed.
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Work and Billing: As the attorney provides legal services to the client, they bill for their time and expenses as usual. These billable hours and costs are deducted from the initial retainer deposit.
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Regular Replenishment: The critical characteristic of an evergreen retainer is that it requires regular replenishment. Once the initial retainer reaches a predetermined threshold or "minimum balance," the client is expected to replenish the retainer to that minimum level on a set schedule (e.g., monthly or quarterly).
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Continuous Availability: With an evergreen retainer in place, the attorney commits to being continuously available to the client for ongoing legal support. The retainer ensures that the attorney is ready to address the client's needs promptly, without delays caused by negotiating a new retainer each time.
No Surprises, Just Results:
I know that facing legal challenges can be stressful enough without worrying about unexpected fees. That's why I go above and beyond to ensure that my clients understand the cost implications of their legal matters from the very beginning. My commitment to transparency is not just about dollars and cents; it's about providing you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have a reliable and trustworthy legal partner by your side.
Tailored Legal Solutions:
My approach to transparency extends beyond just my fees. I take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and tailor legal solutions to meet your unique needs. You can count on me to provide honest and realistic assessments of your case, so you can make informed decisions about your legal options.
Contact Me:
If you're looking for an attorney who values transparency, integrity, and client-centered representation, look no further. My commitment to transparent attorney fees is just one aspect of how I put my clients first. Contact me today to discuss your legal needs and discover how I can be your trusted legal partner.