Becoming a Client

By explaining these facts and procedures to you at the onset, we may be able to shape the attorney-client relationship, recognize and maintain reasonable expectations, and avoid disappointments.  Previous experience indicates that the routine set forth below should be followed when initially establishing the attorney-client relationship.

Complete New Client Information Sheet:  You will need to fill out a "New Client Information Sheet" in advance of your initial client conference.  This will avoid wasting time and your money.  The background information contained in this form is useful for, among other things, correct spelling of your name, conflict check, focusing your objective, and thanking referral sources.

Enter Into Attorney-Client Fee Contract:  You will be requested to enter into an Attorney-Client Fee Contract.  This contract will define and set forth our respective rights and responsibilities.  Formal representation does not commence until an Attorney-Client Contract is signed by you.  In any matter in which it can be reasonably predicted that the total expense to you will exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), the contract for legal services must be in writing.  Even if a written agreement does not take effect, you will be obligated to pay the reasonable value of any services we may have performed for you.  You should receive a copy of our form Attorney-Client Fee Contract at the initial client interview.

Pay Retainer or Deposit:  It is the policy of our office to request payment of a deposit for all new matters.  The amount of the deposit is determined on a case-by-case basis.  The minimum amount is Three Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($3,500.00).  You need to pay this requested deposit within ten (10) calendar days from your initial conference.  The deposit will be used on a monthly basis to pay for attorney’s fees and related costs.  You will also be required to pay your invoice on a monthly basis and the money received will be deposited into a trust account on your behalf.  Whenever your deposit is exhausted, we reserve the right to request further deposits, each up to a maximum sum of the initial amount requested.

Provide Information Requested on Matter Narrative Checklist:  We have found it very helpful if you take some time to put down in writing the circumstances of your matter.  This information helps focus our discussions.  We may request that you complete our "Matter Narrative Checklist."

Receipt and Review of Overview Letter: After our initial client conference, ascertaining the material facts, and some further limited research and investigation, our office will develop and provide to you, at your cost, a letter regarding "Overview of Objectives and Legal Services."  This letter discusses generally your objective, the anticipated course of future actions and legal services and the estimated costs and time periods regarding your matter.  The information in this letter can be used for budgetary purposes, outlining the process, and preparation of a recovery time line.  Any unused deposit at the conclusion of our services will be refunded.

Clients' Duties:  You agree to be truthful with us, to cooperate, to keep us informed of developments, to abide by the Attorney-Client Fee Contract, to pay our billing invoices on time, and to keep us advised of your current address, telephone number and whereabouts.

(Effective March 1, 2007)