Client-Centered Services

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Hiring a lawyer can be intimidating, but I don’t think it should be.  My services are structured to provide information and options that make sense to you, and that fit your needs and expectations. 

First, you have three options to get started on a legal matter: no-cost introduction, reduced-rate initial meeting, or a flat-rate legal consult. Second, as a client you’ll have complete control of your own legal matter, which starts with transparent fees and online appointment scheduling and continues with clear and consistent communication.  And finally, even after your matter is resolved, Good Faith Legal is here for you: with free notary services, representation on future matters, or trusted referrals for issues that fall outside my practice areas. 

Getting Started

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Introduction (no charge)

Feel free to give me a call to see if I have the right resources to assist you, or just to answer that burning question: “Do I even need a lawyer?”

New Matter Meeting ($350)

Meet with me for one hour to review and discuss your legal matter, answer your questions, and decide on a strategy for representation.  Payment for the new matter meeting is due at the time of service.  After this reduced-rate first meeting, we’ll continue on either an hourly or flat-fee basis:

Hourly Rate ($405): For ongoing services, such as drafting or reviewing documents for final plat approval, setting up a business, or negotiating a contract, I will bill my time at my regular hourly rate and invoice you on a monthly basis.  Depending upon the scope of my representation, I may require an advance fee deposit (sometimes called a “retainer”), which is placed in a designated bank account and then debited each month and reflected on your invoice.

Unbundled Legal Services Consult ($650)

Sometimes you don’t want to “hire” a lawyer, you just want to go see a lawyer for a limited purpose, like you would a doctor or dentist.  Legal professionals refer to this as providing “unbundled legal services,” where an attorney and client agree that the attorney will help with a limited scope of an issue, but the client retains control and responsibility for the matter.  Some examples of unbundled legal services include:

City permitting: attorney reviews the city code and provides the client guidance on what is allowed or required, but does not represent the client throughout the process of obtaining the desired permit;

Code enforcement: attorney reviews the facts of a case and advises the client regarding the client’s rights and obligations, but does not advocate for or otherwise represent the client in resolving the matter with the city;

Pro se coaching: attorney guides the client through the process of representing himself in a court case, answers questions, assists with preparation and filing of forms, and helps the client find additional resources;

Contracts: attorney reviews a contract and discusses certain terms or legal impacts with the client, but is not involved in the negotiation or enforcement of the contract;

Small business: attorney provides guidance on steps for formation and state and local requirements, but does not assist in preparing paperwork or tracking the progress of the formation process.

For matters such as these, I offer a unique service called an Unbundled Legal Services (ULS) Consult.  When you book a ULS Consult, you’ll be invited to upload relevant documents and information regarding your matter.  Prior to our meeting, I will spend one hour reviewing relevant facts and laws based on the information you provided.  We will then meet to review the matter together and discuss my analysis and your questions.  The ULS Consult is billed at a flat fee of $510, which includes both my preparation time and our meeting time.  Payment for the ULS Consult is due at the time of service.

Ongoing Services

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Notary Services (No charge)

Folks, now you have a friend in the notary business.  I’m pleased to offer notarization of original documents, witness signatures, verification of oath or affirmation, and certified copies at any time.  There is no “per signature” cost, just bring what and who you need and I am happy to assist.  It’s best to book an appointment to ensure I’m not in another meeting, but drop-ins are always welcome.  Visit the Appointments FAQs for more information on how to schedule a notary appointment and what to expect.

Registered Agent Services ($260 per year)

A registered agent is a responsible third-party (often a lawyer or law office) who is registered in the same state as your business, and who is designated to accept service of process (lawsuits) and government correspondence on behalf of your company.  As your registered agent, Good Faith Legal also tracks reporting deadlines, maintains corporate records for your business, and provides free notary services for you and for your employees and customers.  See the Home Occupation & Small Business page for more information.

Registered agent services are provided on a flat-fee basis, billed annually.  There is no commitment, and you may cancel at any time.  I offer a 50% discount the first year for businesses formed with my assistance.  Clients interested in registered agent services should schedule a New Matter Meeting, and bring basic corporate documents and information to that meeting.

Fee List

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750300

Attorney Hourly Rate   $375/hr
New Matter Meeting One-hour initial meeting to consult about your legal issue $300
Client Conference Half-hour or one-hour meeting to discuss an ongoing matter $375/hr
ULS Consult One hour attorney prep time and 50-minute consultation for a limited-scope legal matter $650
Notary Services No limit to number of signatures each instance No charge
Registered Agent Services State-registered agent, report tracking, and mail forwarding $125/yr

Use the Appointments page to schedule a meeting at your convenience.