Our fees
Generally:
We base our fees on an evaluation of these factors:
(a) the time and effort required and spent;
(b) the difficulty and importance of the matter;
(c) whether special skill or service has been required and provided;
(d) the amount involved or the value of the subject-matter;
(e) the results obtained;
(f) fees authorized by statute or regulation; and
(g) special circumstances, such as the loss of other retainers, postponement of payment, uncertainty of reward, or urgency.
Time and Effort required:
We consider the time required, not necessarily the time spent. For some matters, we can quote a “flat fee”. You can see our usual quotes for business law, estate planning and real estate by following the links in our website.
If the work becomes more complicated than anticipated through no fault of ours, we will let you know and request additional fees for the additional work. For example, if we quote a fee on a home purchase, and through no fault of ours, there are deficiencies in title or the condition of the home, requiring additional work or litigation, we will request additional payment for the additional services.
Estimates:
For some matters, we cannot estimate the total cost because the time required is unknown or beyond our control. For example, if it is litigation, and we do not know how the other side will plead or approach the case, we cannot estimate the time required. Or, if we are drafting a shareholders agreement, and it will be reviewed by three or four other shareholders who may request a number of amendments, we cannot estimate the time required. In these situations, we will quote an hourly rate, depending on the complexity of the work.
Saving money by completing our “e-forms”:
We believe that, for many things, you can educate yourself about basic law. Then, complete one of our confidential E-Law forms and we’ll have most, if not all, the information for a final document.
We may need only one meeting. We’ll confirm that you understand everything and that it’s what you want. If changes are needed, we’ll do them right away on our computer. Because we’ll save time, we can reduce our fees.