Fees

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The A, B, C's of Costs and Fees

At the outset it is important to understand how we bill. We offer two options:

an hourly fee agreement, wherein work is billed at a set hourly price and drawn out of a retainer (a security deposit for legal fees held in trust);

or

a flat fee agreement, in which a set price is offered for legal representation in a particular matter (our most popular option).

How Much Will It Cost?

It is no secret that legal services can be expensive. Legal representation is a specialized service because each client and case is different. The general rule is that the cost is directly proportional to the following elements:

1) The complexity of the case;
2) The type of case;
3) The experience of the attorney involved; and
4) The time constraints involved;

The first element which controls the cost, complexity, is self-explanatory but is difficult for many non-lawyers to gauge. In our initial consultation, we review the facts of your case in an attempt to better understand your legal issues. Our flat fee (or retainer) will then be adjusted upwards or downwards according to the legal issues we perceive.

The second element which controls the cost, case type, concerns the area of law: family, immigration, criminal or personal injury. We have general rates set for each legal area we practice. These rates can be found by calling us at (337) 981-3577.

Thirdly, the experience of the attorney is a factor which is directly proportional to our rates: more experience equals higher compensation. This is because greater knowledge and experience in an area of the law allows us to be more efficient and effective. However, this does not mean that your overall cost will increase. Usually, we can obtain favorable results quicker and with less time because of our experience.

Finally, the last factor is the time constraints involved. The sooner we are hired and the more time we have to prepare your case, the less your initial fee will often be.

What Can I Do To Lower My Costs?

While it is unlikely for you to completely control your legal costs (you are only one party of the litigation), there are many things that you can do to prevent you from incurring unnecessary expenses, such as the following:

1) Do NOT wait until the last minute to hire an attorney for your case;

2) Do NOT hide unpleasant information from your attorney about your case;

3) Do NOT hide information which you think may be irrelevant from your attorney about your case;

4) Do NOT act stubbornly or unreasonably or maintain unrealistic expectations;

5) DO keep court-certified copies of any legal papers relevant to your case;

6) DO keep a "journal of action" regarding your legal matter, noting telephone calls and actions you have taken;

These are some of the many ways you can lower your legal fees.

A Relationship Of Trust

We understand that in this economy that money is often tight. Towards that end, we strive to offer reasonable rates and to bill as efficiently as possible. However, we cannot work for free or for unreasonably low rates. At the core of any legal representation is a relationship of trust. While you trust that we will represent you with vigor and professionalism; we must trust that you (the client) will pay us. A higher retainer ultimately lowers this risk. Our retainers are generally lower because we trust that you (the client) will have the means and ability to pay and are trustworthy and serious about compensating your attorney for his work.

Fees

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