Retainer and Cost Issues
Do you take reduced rate, or pro bono, cases?
What is your retainer and how do I pay it?
If the retainer refundable or non-refundable?
Do you charge for the services of your staff?
Do you charge for the initial consultation?
Yes, I do charge $350.00 for my initial consultation. This is for a meeting with me, for up to an hour, to discuss your case. Any consultations exceeding one hour will be billed on a pro rata basis.
Reduced rate, and pro bono, cases are determined on a case-by-case basis. The majority of my cases are fee generated; however, I do take cases, from time to time, on a reduced rate or pro bono. Usually, these cases are generated due to a lack of services from Legal Aid.
Our normal retainer is $7,000.00 plus a cost deposit, depending on the nature of your case. More complex cases, and cases where we are retained in the middle of a divorce, normally require a larger retainer. In some cases, the retainer will be smaller. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.
The retainer is non-refundable. In the event the attorney expends more than twenty (20) hours on your case, additional fees and an additional retainer may be due.
We charge $125.00 per hour for the service of our support staff. These services include, but are not limited to scheduling hearings, drafting Motions, preparing Financial Affidavits and discovery, compiling trial notebooks, spreadsheets and evidence for trial. It also includes client contact and communication.