- How Legal Fees Are Calculated
- Payment of Fees
- Payment Plans
“So, how much is this going to cost me?” people often ask. Depending on the case, that can be a hard question to answer. As part of the process of being initially retained, I will request that you deposit a retainer into our trust account. At the outset of the case, I track my time at an hourly rate while I coordinate remand appearances, obtain disclosure, do a preliminary analysis of the case, and get a sense of what we are dealing with and what will be involved in terms of court time and preparation. In some cases, once those steps are completed, I am able to quote clients a “flat, fixed fee” for the remainder of the case. In other, more complex cases, where there are too many variables to do that, I provide an estimate of the court and preparation time. My request for funds payable into trust will reflect that estimate.
Once a fee is quoted, all fees, taxes and major anticipated disbursements are payable in advance, without exception. That money is deposited into a Trust Account and held as security until an account for services rendered is delivered to you. Then, and only then, is money transferred out of Trust and into our General Account.
Payment plans are available on approval. Full payment must be received three months prior to the scheduled Trial or Preliminary Inquiry date.