Jerry N. Quick Attorney at Law

The most frequently asked question I get is “How much will it cost me?”  While this is a valid question, this is the most difficult question to answer for any lawyer.  Generally, the cost depends on the complexity of the case; the time required by the Lawyer in preparing the case; and the expenses required to properly prepare your case.  Each case is different, and each case requires different time to be spent and different expenses that may be incurred.

There are cases in which I charge a flat fee; regardless of time or expenses.  I charge a flat rate for representation of a DUI, or other misdemeanor case before a District Court or a Municipal Court.  There is a flat rate for a Divorce that is not contested; plus expenses.  There is a flat rate charge for Wills, unless the Client wants to do a complete Estate Plan.  Flat rate fees are due at the time of consultation; unless there is a different agreement.

I also handle contingency cases.  A contingency case is where the Lawyer furnishes his time and pays all expenses of litigation in handling the Client’s case.  When the case is over, expenses are paid from the proceeds received for the Client, and the Attorney receives a percentage of the remaining balance of the proceeds; the attorney does not receive any expenses or fees, unless the attorney recovers monies for the Client.  These cases usually involve serious personal injury, tort claims, and other similar cases.

The last is referred to as a fee case.  This is where I charge an hourly rate, plus expenses.  Time expended includes consultations with the Client (in person and by phone), preparation of various pleadings, time for research, Court time, time spent on negotiations, talking with witnesses, and other times spent in representing the Client’s best interest.  Expenses include Court cost and other Court fees, cost of Discovery including depositions and subpoenas for documents and/or witnesses, experts, investigators, paralegals, and other expenses that may be necessary to prepare the case for Trial.  The Client will approve the expenses, and will pay for the expenses before they are incurred, with the understanding that failure to take the necessary steps to prepare the case could affect the final outcome of the case.

The first step in preparing the Client’s case, is to spend the time necessary to get the information needed to represent the Client.  Be sure that the Client understands what the Client needs to do, and any additional information needed from the Client.  The next step is to research the Law; as it will apply to the Client’s case.  While I may be familiar with the Law involved, it is very beneficial to make sure that the Law has not been changed by a Court ruling, or by new Legislation.  The next step would be to prepare the Pleadings that may be necessary to protect the Client’s best interest and do all discovery in preparation for Trial.  The Client deserves to have an attorney who is familiar with the facts, educated concerning the applicable Law, and prepared and organized for Trial.

I realize that hiring an Attorney to represent you can be expensive.  For that reason, I am willing to do what I can to work with you concerning the payment of Attorney fees.  Each situation is different, so I would have to discuss your situation with you to determine what can be agreed on.  Whether you choose me or another Attorney to represent you, there will still be fees and expenses involved.  Customarily, there is a lot riding on your case and you need to look at more than the money required to adequately prepare your case.  It could wind up costing more after the case is over, than what the original cost would have been.  There is an old saying, “You get what you pay for.”