My standard billing rate is available upon request. My assistant Janet is also billed at a standard rate available upon request when she works on substantive matters. I do not bill time when Janet is performing secretarial tasks.
Retainers are generally requested for new clients for most matters. For estate plans, I request one-half of the quoted fee. For other matters, it is subject to agreement between the client and myself.
Flat fees are generally used in estate planning. The fee will range from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending upon the services to be rendered. For estate planning clients, I meet in an initial conference and quote the fee at the end of the meeting. If the client decides to proceed, I request a retainer of one-half of the total fee. The balance is due when all work has been completed. If the client decides not to move forward with the recommended plan, there is no charge for the initial meeting.
In securities work, the flat fee for a private placement offering is $17,500 and up. The amount of the fee is determined by the type of offering, the size of the offering and the structure utilized. A significant retainer may be requested for new clients that will be used to satisfy the agreed fee. Should a client decide not to move forward on a securities offering, the time devoted to the matter up to that decision is billed on an hourly basis.
Costs are billed to clients. However, unlike most attorneys, I do not bill costs that I consider simple overhead. For example, I do not bill for copies, facsimiles, long-distance phone charges, courier services, computer research or like items. Clients are billed for direct, out-of-pocket costs advanced on behalf of the client. Included in these items are filing fees, document recording costs, mass mailing expenses and overnight delivery charges.
On matters that are billed on a time and cost basis, monthly bills are submitted. All bills are due upon receipt. Failure to pay a bill in a timely manner can be the basis of withdrawal of services consistent with ethical obligations to the client. If the client is experiencing financial difficulties, I am willing to work with him or her in setting up a monthly payment plan.
I encourage all clients to candidly discuss any issues related to fees billed. It is my sincere desire to provide quality legal services at competitive fees. It is the best interests of both the client and myself to have open dialog with respect to fee matters.
