Pricing

Initial Consultations:

$100 flat fee

(up to 0.50 hours)

The initial consultation gives you an opportunity to get answers to many of the questions you may have about your situation.

I may be able to provide advice on how you could proceed without my representation–enabling you to solve your own problem. If your problem requires additional information or further discussion (time and work), we will schedule an engagement session.

Then, we will discuss your responsibilities for placing a retainer or deposit on any additional (and anticipated) work. Please note that there is no obligation for either of us to proceed beyond the initial consultation.

“far too much law for those who can afford it and far too little for those who cannot.”

— Derek Bok, an American lawyer and educator, and the former president of Harvard University

As a small business and solo practitioner, I cannot offer free or pro bono legal assistance at this time. Simply put, I do not have the financial resources.

You can access the Free Legal Answers Program sponsored by the American Bar Association (ABA). The Program is a virtual civil legal advice clinic offered to qualifying users and is staffed by attorneys licensed in the Commonwealth. I also encourage you to use the Access to Justice guide published by the Virginia State Bar. This guide is designed to link low and modest-income individuals with legal services here in the Commonwealth.

Lastly, you should view the Legal Services links I’ve offered on the Resources page on this site. I’ve identified several non-profit organizations that work hard inside the Commonwealth–providing equal access to justice. Staff and volunteers at these organizations may provide you with legal advice and may even provide courtroom representation on some matters.

Engagement Session:

$950 per hour

(billed in increments of 0.10 hours)

This phase typically encompass a deeper dive into the issue you’re confronted with. Often times this is a face-to-face question and answer session.

An important outcome of this meeting is the legal strategy of our engagement. Typically, I will often provide you with an overview of the possible (and likely) outcomes. At the conclusion of this session, you should have a general sense of timing–how long this matter will take to resolve–and you should have a clear understanding of the next steps–what you or I will need to do–and when.

We may discuss options that include attempts to settle and we may explore alternate dispute resolutions such as mediation or arbitration. We may want to avoid a trial. Perhaps you have no intention of settling and want your day in court. This session aligns my strategy with your needs.

Typically (and within a few days) you will be provided with a written summary that encapsulates your case and provides a clear recommendation. This signals the end of this phase of our engagement. Again, note that there is no obligation for either of us to go beyond the initial evaluation. If, however, we both decide to proceed with representation, we will then discuss my fees and the anticipated cost of services beyond this phase.

Retainer Fee:

$1850 minimum

(estimated amount based on anticipated hours)

This fee is based on the the hourly rate. You should consider this fee similar to a “down payment” against which future costs are billed. Your retainer is typically placed in a special account and the costs of services are deducted from that account as they accrue. You will be refunded any remaining monies once your case or our work together has concluded.

Note that you can place an advance retainer on my services. This means that I am available “on call” to handle your requests for service over a longer period of time. Again, you will be refunded any remaining monies once your case or our work together has concluded.

One thing I disliked about being a lawyer was billing for my time.

— Andrew Yang, an American entrepreneur, lawyer, and philanthropist

Ongoing Representation:

$950 per hour

(billed in increments of 0.10 hours)

My practice is committed to provide accessible, efficient, and affordable services within the Commonwealth. I hope to correct distribution problems within our profession– what we often term “access to justice.”

When considering the civil justice “system” in the United States, The World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index ranks the United States 30th (out of 126 around the globe). The World Justice Project found several notable challenges that include:

Accessibility and Affordability,
Delay,
Discrimination, and
Enforcement.

If you do not have resources and believe that you’ll have problems paying for an attorney, please do not let this bar you from at least making contact. I often consider (or accept) sliding-scale work or representation in limited family law contexts. Lastly, I encourage you to use the Access to Justice guide published by the Virginia State Bar. This guide is designed to link low and modest-income individuals with legal services here in the Commonwealth.

Flat Fees: Variable

A flat fee is usually offered only if your request for service is relatively simple or routine such as a will or an uncontested divorce. Flat fee services are typically determined after the initial consultation or during the initial evaluation.

Below are some general guidelines on what services are typically offered as flat fee.

Drafting a Collections Letter
Drafting a Residential Lease or Rental Agreement
Drafting and Executing End of Life Documents
- Diminishing Capacity Letters
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
- Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order
- Living Will
- Organ Donor Designations
- Pet Protection Agreements
- Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment
- Power of Attorney for Healthcare or Healthcare Proxy
Drafting and Executing a Last Will and Testament
- Personal Property Memorandum
- Digital Assets Memorandum
Drafting and Executing a Power of Attorney
- Contingent
- Durable
- General
- Limited
  - Financial
  - Healthcare or Healthcare Proxy
- Springing
Handling an Uncontested Divorce
Reviewing Contracts

Referral Bonus: $450.00

(per each new engagement with a new client)

Credit to your account or additional services are offered to existing clients that refer new business. In standard fashion, I will provide your referral with a free consultation. If an attorney-client relationship is formed thereafter, and once an hour of billable services are rendered (and paid), I will credit your account with the referral bonus.

Referral Fee: $0

Referrals to other licensed attorneys in the Commonwealth (or another state) are provided for free. You may also be directed to the Virginia State Bar Lawyer Referral and Information Service (VLRS).