What are your
billing procedures?
The
firm's standard billing policies are available
upon request. Generally, cases are assigned and
work divided in order to employ attorneys with
the lowest billing rates which have the required
level of competence and experience to effectively
represent the client's interests.
What is a "board certified" lawyer?
While all lawyers are allowed to advertise, only
certified lawyers are allowed to identify themselves
as "Florida Board Certified" or as a "specialist".
Certification is the highest level of recognition
by the Florida Bar of the competency and experience
of attorneys in the areas of law approved for certification
by the state Supreme Court. Not all qualified lawyers
are certified, but those who are board certified
have taken the extra step to have their competence
and experience recognized.
Each board certification specialty area is detailed
by the chair of that specialization area. More
information on board certification, including a
listing of board certified lawyers, may be found
on The Florida Bar's web site, www.flabar.org.
What happens in the initial interview?
The initial interview in our office is conducted
by an attorney who makes a judgment as to what
can be done about the problem presented. You will
be given an overview and specific advice about
your specific situation. The attorney may recommend
alternatives outside of legal action, and may also
consult with another attorney in the firm who has
more experience about a particular issue. A general
estimate is made of the cost of pursuing different
avenues for resolving the problem presented.
How much is this going to cost me?
Legal fees and costs vary greatly depending on
the complexity of your legal or factual issues.
The cost also depends on how willing you and the
other side are to work cooperatively in resolving
the dispute. Some matters are resolved for several
hundred dollars in a short time. Other matters
take years and tens of thousands of dollars to
bring to a conclusion. Personal injury and wrongful
death cases are handled on a contingent fee basis
so that no fee is due unless there is a recovery.
An attorney can give you an estimate of what it
will
cost to
pursue
your
case at the initial consultation.
What is the best approach in working with
an attorney?
Lawyers are people too. Let us know when we are
doing a good job as well as when you are not happy
about something. We will do the same for you. Lawyers
tend to want to serve clients who are polite, friendly
and appreciative before serving unpleasant clients.
We probably won't respond as well to you if we
are the substitute target for misplaced hostility,
resentment, anger and bitterness.
We must treat each other with mutual consideration
and courtesy at all times. We ask that you be responsive,
reasonable, honest, polite, pleasant, receptive
to our advice, and that you pay our bills promptly.
Will the information I give to by attorney
be kept confidential?
Yes, all information you provide to your attorney
or our staff in a case is confidential and is protected
by attorney-client privilege.
Will the attorney keep me informed throughout
the case?
Attorneys have an ethical obligation to keep their
clients informed about the status and progress
of the case. We will send you copies of all relevant
documents, letters, and court pleadings received
or sent in your case.
What kinds of payment plans are available?
Our office accepts cash and checks only. We can
also offer monthly payment plans. You should discuss
payment options with the attorney at your initial
consultation.
If your question has not been answered
here, please contact
us.
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