Billing Overview

1. Initial Deposit (“Retainer”)

• Before work begins, clients pay an initial deposit (retainer).

• This deposit is not a flat fee or estimate of total costs — it’s a starting balance held in our Client Trust Account.

• Each time we send a bill, we apply part of that deposit to cover fees and expenses.

• When the balance runs low, the client must replenish the deposit back to its original amount within 5 days.

• At the end of the case:

  • If the total bill is less than the deposit, the remaining funds are refunded.

  • If the total bill is more than the deposit, the client pays the difference.

2. Deposits During the Case

• Additional deposits may be requested:

  • When the retainer is nearly used up.

  • When a hearing, trial, or arbitration is scheduled.

• These additional deposits may include:

  • Estimated legal fees for trial preparation.

  • Court costs, filing fees, or expert witness fees.

3. Payment Methods & Credit Card Fees

• Clients can pay by check, wire, or electronic check with no fee.

• Credit/debit card payments incur a 3% non-refundable processing surcharge (added either to the payment or to the next invoice).

4. Hourly Billing

• All time spent by attorneys and legal staff on the matter is billed hourly.

• Time includes:

  • Calls, emails, document review, drafting, meetings, court appearances, and travel.

  • If multiple team members work together (e.g., on calls or in court), each person’s time is billed as long as it’s necessary and non-duplicative.

• Time is tracked in 0.25-hour (15-minute) increments.

5. Costs & Expenses

• Clients are responsible for costs in addition to hourly fees, such as:

  • Court filing fees, service of process, notary, transcription, interpreters, experts, travel, postage, copying, etc.

• A $250 non-refundable file setup fee is charged at the start to cover administrative setup and client portal access.

6. Billing Cycle

• Invoices are sent periodically (usually monthly).

• Payment is due immediately upon receipt, and no later than 5 days after the bill is sent.

• Clients should review invoices promptly and raise any questions within 10 days of receipt.

7. Responsibility for Fees

• Even if a court later orders another party to pay your attorney’s fees or costs, you remain responsible for all fees and costs under this agreement.