How do you screen clients?
Through the initial exchange of emails, review of your confidential client questionnaire and our ten-minute initial consultation to discuss your specific goals and objectives we can determine if your case is a good fit for our practice, our fees are inline with your budget and expectations, and if we have the current resources to devote to your project. During that call, you will have the opportunity to interview Lee Brettin about his background and experience as it relates to your project, scheduling availability, and the specific next steps.  If we mutually decide that your needs are a good fit for our practice and that we can deliver the results you are looking for within your time frame then we will firm up our arrangement with you via an agreement outlining terms and conditions of our services.

How much do your legal services cost?

Hourly rates vary depending on the nature of the undertaking.  Our current fee schedule is $275.00/hr. for general legal services; $175.00/hr. for paralegal services; $85.00/hr. for administrative services and $350.00/hr. for litigation.  First hour is $300.00. Minimum project billing for a new client is $500.00, usually paid in advance.  Once you are in our system as a client, the minimum charge is waived on future projects.

Do you ever work on a flat fee basis?
Each legal project is unique. In that regard, we try to creatively undertake as many routine tasks on a flat fee basis as possible. Many basic real estate and business transactions quite easily fit the flat fee billing model.  Depending on complexity and the number of ‘moving parts,’ some projects necessitate an hourly billing format.  In other cases, we are able to complete part of a project on a flat fee and other components on an hourly basis.

What are your flat fees for Off-Market / FSBO sales or to represent a real estate buyer?
Basic real estate sale transactions are normally done on a flat fee basis. Flat fee pricing is variable depending on when in the process we engage. Every transaction is unique. In some instances we engage with our clients when they are first considering a purchase or sale. In other cases we engage after an offer has been tendered, parties identified or on a document review basis. The following are general guidelines. Fees start as low as $1,500.00 for representing a home or single tenant commercial building buyer or seller on a no contingency, no due diligence sale under $500,000.  For no due diligence, no contingency sales between $500,001 and $800,000, the fee is $2,000.00; for no contingency, no due diligence sales between $800,001 to $1,100,000 the fee is $2,500.00. For sales over $1,100,000, please call to discuss.  Typically, residential transactions with basic financing, title and inspection contingencies will increase the flat fee by $500.00.  Payment is generally split with half due in advance of writing or reviewing an offer, and the balance due upon opening escrow.  On sales of listed properties, we are often able to apply the equivalent amount of the selling broker’s commission – often 2.5% to 3% of the listing price – to the buyer’s closing costs and loan points, up to the full sale commission thereby potentially saving clients thousands of dollars over hiring a traditional broker to perform the same basic service.

Please note that the forgoing pricing model is intended for basic real estate sales.  Transactions where a party may need our counsel to obtain entitlements or satisfy feasibility studies, or those that present issues of compromised or clouded title, the need to negotiate complicated ownership or partnership issues, prepare financing documents, and sales involving so-called “pre-built” homes, or the review of condominium disclosure documents for new sales or resale certificates for pre-owned condos entail additional work that may take the project out of the above price structure.  These are typical add-ons to off-market sales that in some cases may make sense to include in a flat fee bid or in other cases may be more fitting of a hybrid flat/hourly fee proposal. During our free consultation we will be able to give you a solid quote on either a flat fee or hybrid pricing basis, depending on the needs of your project.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN CONTACTED “OFF MARKET” BY A BUILDER, INVESTOR OR FLIPPER FOR YOUR IN-CITY UP-ZONED HOME, CALL ME BEFORE RESPONDING TO AN UNSOLICITED OFFER OR AGREEING TO ANYTHING.

Do you accept credit cards?
Most major cards are accepted.

Will I need to pay a retainer?
In some cases, we ask for a retainer or advance payment to reserve immediate time for your project if it is to be completed on an expedited basis.  In other cases, we may ask for a deposit to be placed in our lawyer IOLTA trust account.  IOLTA trust funds are client monies until they are earned and are usually applied to your final invoice.  In most all cases, a new client will need to pay a retainer or deposit prior to our commencing work on a project.  Existing or return client are not asked for a new IOTLA deposits.

How fast can you go to work for me?
Once we have a signed engagement letter back with your deposit or retainer, we can schedule your project.  On expedited matters with a rush deadline, we are often able to complete our initial consultation, circulate and sign the engagement letter and start work on your case the same day. In all cases, timing on commencement of work and estimated initial turn-around will be agreed-to in advance.