Charges for Legal Services
Generally, we charge for our legal services on an hourly rate basis. The hourly rate depends on the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved and the skill required to perform the legal service properly; the likelihood that acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment; the fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services; the responsibility assumed; the amount involved and the results obtained; the time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances; the nature and length of the professional relationship with the client; and the experience, reputation and ability of the lawyer performing the services.
When hourly rates are charged, you will be given an estimate of the total cost of services if requested.
Frequently, services are charged on a fixed-fee basis, particularly if the service to be rendered is not complex and the time to be expended is short in duration. Fixed-fee services are common for title work and real estate closing services.
No charges are rendered for an initial consultation in particular litigation matters and certain matters are taken on a contingency fee basis (no recovery, no fee). The basis for charges for services will be determined in advance of rendering any service and must be agreed to by you. We want our clients to always feel comfortable discussing the issue of fees.