My hourly rate is $400.00/hour, billable in tenths of an hour. For most cases, a client will advance a retainer fee, with the amount to be determined in the initial consultation, depending on the complexity of the case. My retainer fees are deposited into my Attorney Trust Account, and billed against on a monthly basis. Bills are sent out around the 25th of each month. Clients must maintain a minimum balance of $500.00 in their retainer. If the retainer is billed down below that amount, a minimum replenishment deposit of $500.00 will be requested, in addition to whatever is owed on that month’s statement. If trial or other complex procedure is approaching, a larger replenishment may be requested. Any fees not used at the conclusion of the case are refunded.
I charge a flat fee of $350.00 for an initial consultation of up to an hour and a half. If a client wants more legal advice and information but is not yet ready to retain an attorney, I offer subsequent consultations at my usual hourly rate, calculated in tenths of an hour, and payable in full at the end of the consultation.
There are some cases, such as mediations and consulting attorney situations, in which clients may use a “pay-as-you-go” option, paying their fees in full on each day of service rather than advancing a retainer. The determination of whether such an option is feasible for that case will be made during the initial consultation.
Payments may be made by check, cash, or credit card (MasterCard or VISA).
I believe a critical part of a good attorney/client working relationship is a full understanding of the fees incurred and the bills setting forth the fees incurred. I therefore encourage clients to ask any necessary questions about their bills, and do not bill for time spent answering those questions. My secretary is also available to answer billing questions.