INITIAL OFFICE CONSULTATION

Upon reaching the conclusion that a new, prospective client needs an attorney, an initial office consultation should be scheduled in order to determine if the client wishes to retain Atty. Rich and if LOMLR is the appropriate legal resource for the particular matter. The initial office consultation includes the following: Getting to know each other, case background, fee and retainer negotiations and, often, advice and discussion of next steps.

The initial office consultation is billed at the rate of $120.00 per hour / $60.00 per half hour. That is lower than the lowest rate in LOMLR's sliding scale fee schedule and gives the prospective client valuable attorney time while discounting for the off-the-cuff nature of the information that will be provided.

It has generally been our experience that initial consultations in Children’s and Family Law matters take about one and one-half hours. Therefore, the cost will be approximately $180.00. That fee is to be paid at the time of the initial consultation. In some limited circumstances the consultation may be conducted over the telephone or by email. The same hourly rate applies and payment must be made in advance for the estimated one and one-half hour consultation.

In most cases it will be worthwhile to have the attorney review documents and become familiar with the issues before the initial consultation. If requested be sure to send the relevant documents to LOMLR in advance of your consultation. You also might find it helpful both in preparation for your initial consultation and in preparation of your case to keep a journal, write a chronology or prepare a summary of the events and contacts with the relevant people involved in your case. If you have done so or can do so in advance of the initial consultation, send those documents as well. Note that time spent reviewing documents in preparation for the initial consultation will be billed at the initial consultation rate and will be expected to be paid for at the time of the initial office consultation or in advance of the telephone or email consultation. A minimum of one-half hour will be billed for advance document review. An average of one and one-half hours should be expected for more than a few pages of advance document review.