Fees

 

(1) How much does it cost for a consultation?

 

Answer: The initial consultation is $100 for  30 minutes in which the prospective client will be able to determine if he or she wants to retain me and I will be able to determine if his or her case has a chance of success. If the prospective client does wish to retain me, the appropriate retainer shall be paid immediately by the client to the attorney, the retainer agreement shall be drafted, and I shall get to work as soon as the full amount of the retainer is paid. The initial consultation fee of $100 is refunded if you are retain me for further legal work, making it a free consultation.
 

(2) What is your billable rate?

 

Answer: My billable rate is $200.00 per hour.

 

(3) What is a "fee" and what is a "cost"?

 

Answer: Legal fees are paid to a lawyer for her advice and services or advice and services provided by her firm. Costs are other expenses, such as filing fees, copying costs, or expert witness fees that the lawyer is paying to others on your behalf. You are required to pay all costs as they are incurred or as part of a regular billing. Anticipated costs will be communicated ahead of time with you, so that we can budget accordingly. 

 

(4) What is a retainer?

 

Answer:  The retainer is the advance of money given to an attorney to take on the case and render legal services to the client. The money is deposited directly into an attorney escrow account (IOLTA) and the money cannot be withdrawn from the account unless and until it is earned by the attorney. Money is withdrawn from the attorney escrow account on the 1st and the 15th of every month, if there is any money to be withdrawn from the account, and if that money was earned within that time frame. Also, from time to time, additional money will have to be paid by the client to the attorney if and when the original retainer has been exhausted or is about to be exhausted.

 

(5) How much is your usual retainer?

 

Answer: It will depend on the type of matter involved and the scope of representation. More complicated cases will require a larger retainer. Representation expected to involve trial preparation will require a $2,500 retainer, whereas representation not expected to involve trial preparation will  require no more than a  $1,000 retainer. As a reminder, in the event that the full retainer is not earned by me, the remaining, unearned balance of it shall be returned to you. Similarly, if my legal services exceed the retainer, then you will be billed for those legal services, and you will be expected to pay for them as promptly as possible.

 

Please note that this retainer is exclusive to my legal services only and does not include costs or fees of any kind for any other services, including but not limited to documents, experts, subpoenas, and witnesses. Any costs or fees would be the sole responsibility of the client.

 

(6) Do you have payment plans? 

 

Answer: A fee payment schedule is a monthly payment plan, which allows you to pay a predictable sum every month on the balance of your bill. But I will also charge a small percentage of interest on the remaining balance. If you have not arranged a payment plan, I will expect you to pay your balance in full every month. A fee payment schedule at Wenell LLC can only be arranged after your retainer has been received by the firm. 

 

(7) What if I can't afford a lawyer?

 

Answer: You may need to be creative about getting the funds necessary to pay a lawyer. You may want to take out a loan, borrow from friends or family, or use your credit card. An old adage is that "you get what you pay for"; when your family or business is at stake, it is not the time to to nickel and dime. 

 

(8) What are "limited legal services"?

 

Answer: It means that I will give you legal advice and/or review or prepare documents, but will not be representing you. The fee for this limited service is up front. When you call for an appointment, you should make clear that you are calling for this limited legal service, so that I do not give you the wrong information about my fee. Ask whether your first visit will be an initial consultation or if I will be prepared to give you the limited service you requested when you come in. 
 

Initial Consultation

 

(1) How should I prepare for the initial consultation?

 

Answer: Have a list of questions already written out and space to record comments. This will help you remember your concerns and will help you decide on whom to hire if you are comparing lawyers. Bring documents related to your case.

 

(2) What should I talk about during the first interview?

 

Answer: Explain your legal problem – reveal all facts, both favorable and unfavorable, about your situation. Tell me what result you are seeking. This information is important in my determination of whether I will take your case. NOTE: verbal and written communications between you and me are confidential.

 

Representation

 

(1) What can I expect from my attorney?

 

Answer: Once you have hired me, you can expect me to represent you competently and keep you informed regarding the progress of your case. I will provide legal advice and explain the consequences of legal actions taken. You can ask me to send you copies of all relevant correspondence and court documents. I will explain the confidential nature of our relationship. I will follow whatever basic decisions you make in your case.

 

(2) What is attorney/client privilege?

 

Answer: Under the Rules of Professional Conduct, which apply to all attorneys practicing in Missouri, I, as your lawyer cannot reveal to anyone else almost any information you disclose dealing with your case, unless you consent to the disclosure. But there are several exceptions to this rule. I must reveal information if disclosing the information could prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm. This could include serious domestic violence or child abuse. Also, I may reveal information 1) to prevent you from committing a crime, or 2) to prevent, limit or correct serious injury to someone else’s financial interests or property if the injury could be caused by your crime or fraud, and if you have involved the lawyer’s services to commit that crime or fraud.

 

(3) What can my attorney expect from me?

 

Answer: As a lawyer, in order to make a living, I must have many clients. Thus, keep all appointments made with me. If you must cancel and reschedule, please try to give me as much advance notice as possible. For our meetings, please come prepared with informational /documents.

 

Remember you retain me as counsel, each contact with me, including telephone calls, letters and e-mails, will usually cost you money. You can help reduce your legal expenses costs by avoiding unnecessary contacts. Providing all relevant information in an organized way can save me much time and therefore reduce your fees, too. Think about whether I need to know something immediately or if it can wait until the next scheduled meeting.

 

I am not your counselor or therapist. Many legal matters involve stressful situations, and being involved in a legal action can be stressful in itself. I may be able to refer you to appropriate counseling or support services, such as domestic violence advocates, therapists, or sexual harassment support groups. These people will be more effective (and may well be less expensive) than I would be at providing this type of service.