Why does your website sometimes say that you are unable to accept new clients?
From time to time, I enable an announcement bar stating that I cannot accept new clients until a specific date in the near future. I do that when I get the sense that I am falling behind on servicing the needs of my existing clients.
How many clients do you have at any given time?
I try to limit my caseload to about ten active clients at any given time.
What should I do if your website says you are not accepting new clients?
You are still welcome to set up an initial consultation. If your case needs immediate attention, I can offer you guidance regarding how to proceed, and can identify some organizations/attorneys best suited to your needs and circumstances. If your case does not need to be litigated immediately I can add your name to my waiting list.
No. This is because, in many cases, when a lawyer offers a free consultation, it is because they use them as an opportunity to "reel in" a potential client like a fish.
I try and do my best to resolve -- during that first consultation -- whatever issue a potential client is facing so that they never have to hire me or anyone else. I also explain to the potential client that, if they have the time and are willing to accept the risks, they can try and do some routine things themselves.
Your retainer amount could be anywhere from zero to $2,500 depending on how urgently work needs to be done on your case. For each week that you are willing to wait, your retainer amount can be reduced by the amount of your weekly payment, until the retainer amount reaches zero. For example, if your weekly payments are $250/week, and you are wiling to wait two weeks, your retainer would be $2,000. Using those same numbers, if you are willing to wait ten weeks, your retainer would be zero.
Do you offer flat-fee services?
No. I only work on an hourly basis because I have found that flat-fee arrangements rarely provide a good value to the client.
Can you prepare/review a prenuptial agreement?
I do not prepare or review prenuptial agreements.
Are there any other types of cases that you do not accept?
Yes. I decline to accept cases that conflict with my personal sensibilities. During our initial consultation, I will let you know clearly if I believe that I will not be able to do a good job for you. If that happens, I will do my best to refer you to another attorney who specializes in the specific type of case that you have.
My billing rate is $240/hour.
Will you raise your hourly fees annually?
From time to time, I do increase my hourly fees for new clients. However, I have never increased, and do not plan to increase. the rates for existing clients. So, you do not need to worry about any potential future increases.
Do you bill in 6-minute or 15-minute increments?
No, I bill for the exact amount of time spent on a task. So, if I spend 19 minutes on something, you will be billed for 19 minutes, not for 24 minutes (as per 6-minute billing) or for 30 minutes (as per 15-minute billing).
Will you charge me for meetings, phone calls, and emails?
Yes, I bill the actual amount of time spent on meetings and phone calls. I charge one minute for each incoming and outgoing email.
What if I can't pay the entire bill? Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. I offer flexible payment plans so that your costs can be predictable each month and you don't have to lose sleep over it. I prefer to have clients pay between $150-$180/week, because that keeps credit card transaction fees manageable.
Can you offer me a lower hourly rate?
I am unable to lower my hourly billing rate. However, I am willing to accept smaller weekly payments, so that you can pay your bill over a longer period of time. I can lower payments depending on your individual circumstances and the work that your case would require.
I don't earn a lot of money. Will you still work for me?
For family law matters, I prefer to work with clients who earn between $35,000 and $100,000 annually. If you earn less than that, I would rather help you at no cost through The Legal Aid Society of Orange County. If you earn substantially more than that, and can afford to pay for a typical retainer and regular rates for legal fees, you may wish to consider retaining a different (regular priced) attorney for your family law needs.
I do not have any income preference for clients who need assistance with intellectual property matters.
Are you an "aggressive" attorney?
I always represent my clients to the best of my abilities, but I try not to behave like other attorneys who advertise themselves as "aggressive." In that sense, I guess I am not "aggressive." I prefer to keep the long view, especially when there are children involved.
Are you an "Father's Rights" attorney?
I represent every client to the best of my abilities. In my view, the term "Father's Rights Attorney" is a marketing term that some attorneys use to take advantage of male clients who feel they have been treated unfairly by the legal system. This is why I do not consider myself a "Father's Rights Attorney." If anything, I would consider myself a "Client's Rights Attorney" — which is what every attorney should be anyway.
Do you have any reviews or testimonials that I can read?
Yes. Please feel free to read my reviews on Yelp, Facebook, Google+, or Avvo.
I take scheduled in-person and phone appointments on all 7 days, and at any time when I am not in court or with my daughter. To schedule an appointment, simply click the "Book Appointment" button below.
If your desired date/time is not available, please make an appointment for the first available time so that you can make a payment for the consultation. Then, contact me to provide your desired date and time so that I can attempt to accommodate your request.
Are you interested in any Advertising/Marketing services?
No, thank you. I do not advertise because I try to keep my practice small. This helps me do a better job for the small number of clients who find me themselves each month. More importantly, keeping my practice small allows me to have more time for my daughter.
Do you pay referral fees? How much will you pay me if I send you a client?
I do not pay (or accept) referral fees. Please refer clients to me only if you believe that I will do a good job for them, not because you might get something out of it.
Will you send me a client if I pay you? What will I have to pay you for sending me a client?
I do not accept (or pay) referral fees. I will refer clients to you only if I believe that you would be best suited to service their needs, not simply because I might get something out of it.