Edward J Nugent
Nugent & Palo LLC
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FEES
The Lawyer/ Client Relationship
Without a doubt the relationship between lawyer and client is the most important aspect of getting the legal representation you want. You should meet with more than one lawyer so that you can be sure to select the one that is best for you and your case. Nothing is worse than hiring a lawyer, only to find out later you cannot get answers to your questions or feel you are being treated as just another case.
You should feel comfortatble talking to your lawyer. Your lawyer should be able to listen to you and understand what you want and expect. Your lawyer should be able to answer your questions clearly and in a way that you understand. You should feel comforable enough to be able to ask for a clearer explanation if you don't understand. The lawyer should be able to explain the legal system.
After getting the facts from you and investigating the case against you, the lawyer should be able to give you an analysis of your case and discuss possible options. When you need to make important decisions, the lawyer should be able to thoroughly explain your options and the good and bad points of each option. While the lawyer may offer advice as to the decision the lawyer thinks is best and explain why the lawyer thinks it is the best decision, the final choice is yours. After all it is your life and your future. The lawyer should respect your decision.
Fees can often cause the a conflict in the lawyer/client relationship. You should understand exactly what the fee arrangements are. You should know what costs are included in any fee and what costs you might be expected to pay. You should insist that you be consulted about the need for incurring major additional costs before they are incurred. You should insist that any fee agreement be in writing.
Often lawyers will ask that a fee be paid in advance or that a deposit be made to cover anticipated fees. Sometimes payment arrangements can be made. The fee and payment of the fee depends on a number of factors unique to you and your case.
Without a doubt the relationship between lawyer and client is the most important aspect of getting the legal representation you want. You should meet with more than one lawyer so that you can be sure to select the one that is best for you and your case. Nothing is worse than hiring a lawyer, only to find out later you cannot get answers to your questions or feel you are being treated as just another case.
You should feel comfortatble talking to your lawyer. Your lawyer should be able to listen to you and understand what you want and expect. Your lawyer should be able to answer your questions clearly and in a way that you understand. You should feel comforable enough to be able to ask for a clearer explanation if you don't understand. The lawyer should be able to explain the legal system.
After getting the facts from you and investigating the case against you, the lawyer should be able to give you an analysis of your case and discuss possible options. When you need to make important decisions, the lawyer should be able to thoroughly explain your options and the good and bad points of each option. While the lawyer may offer advice as to the decision the lawyer thinks is best and explain why the lawyer thinks it is the best decision, the final choice is yours. After all it is your life and your future. The lawyer should respect your decision.
Fees can often cause the a conflict in the lawyer/client relationship. You should understand exactly what the fee arrangements are. You should know what costs are included in any fee and what costs you might be expected to pay. You should insist that you be consulted about the need for incurring major additional costs before they are incurred. You should insist that any fee agreement be in writing.
Often lawyers will ask that a fee be paid in advance or that a deposit be made to cover anticipated fees. Sometimes payment arrangements can be made. The fee and payment of the fee depends on a number of factors unique to you and your case.
Cases may be taken on a flat fee or hourly fee basis.
Flat Fee or Hourly Fee
Flat Fee: A flat fee is a set fee for the case. It may include some costs, but not others. Costs may include fees for expert witnesses; fees for private investigators; service of subpoenas; and similar expenses.
Flat fees are earned at different points in the case. Those points should be part of any written fee agreement.
A flat fee may not be possible in some cases.
Factors that go into deciding the type and amount of fee include:
The seriousness of the charges;
The complexity of the case;
The ability to estimate the amount of time the case might take;
Your prior criminal history, if any;
The possibility the prosecution might add additional charges;
and other such factors.
Hourly: An hourly rate is based on a set dollar amount per hour of work. The billing unit per hour is usually one tenth of an hour multiplied by the hourly rate.
Flat Fee: A flat fee is a set fee for the case. It may include some costs, but not others. Costs may include fees for expert witnesses; fees for private investigators; service of subpoenas; and similar expenses.
Flat fees are earned at different points in the case. Those points should be part of any written fee agreement.
A flat fee may not be possible in some cases.
Factors that go into deciding the type and amount of fee include:
The seriousness of the charges;
The complexity of the case;
The ability to estimate the amount of time the case might take;
Your prior criminal history, if any;
The possibility the prosecution might add additional charges;
and other such factors.
Hourly: An hourly rate is based on a set dollar amount per hour of work. The billing unit per hour is usually one tenth of an hour multiplied by the hourly rate.
Because each case is different we invite you to contact us about your case. We will be happy to meet with you and quote a fee. If you choose not to retain our services, you will not be charged for this meeting.
