Initial Consultations
What happens at an initial consultation?
Your initial consultation is an opportunity for the lawyer and the client. The client has the opportunity to learn about the attorney’s services while the attorney has the opportunity to evaluate the client’s case. Primary concerns of the lawyer will be whether or not the attorney practices in the client’s area of law and gauging the client’s likelihood of achieving success.
What should I bring to the initial consultation?
Generally, speaking you should bring anything you believe is relevant. For example, if you are seeking a modification of a previous custody, visitation or support order, you should bring the order with you. If you have a criminal issue you should bring any information provided to you by the police including the ticket and any notices of court dates. If you have supporting pictures or other documentation, bring that.
Specifically, if you have already been served with a Summons and Complaint you should bring these documents. Without these documents your consultation will be much less productive and the possibility important information will be missed increases.
What if I work during the day?
The Law Offices of Eric Durand understand that often times a free afternoon is a rare luxury. As such, Eric offers evening consultations for your convenience.
Fees and Contracts
Is there a fee for the consultation?
No. There is no fee for consultations at this law firm.
Do I have to pay at the consultation?
No. A prospective client does not have to pay up front at the consultation. However, the client must understand that absolutely no work will be performed on a case until a contract for services is completed and the agreed upon payment is made.
How much does it cost?
Lawyers work on a several different types of arrangements. The most common are 1) Flat Fee- common for criminal defense, Wills and Trusts, and uncontested family court matters, 2) Hourly- common for criminal defense as well as contested family court matters, and 3) Contingency Fee- common for personal injury cases.
Of these three the only certain payment arrangement is a flat fee basis. If your case is not a flat-fee case it is difficult, if not impossible, to accurately estimate the costs involved in a particular case. Furthermore, it is a questionable ethical practice to do so.
What if I can not afford a large retainer?
This is also a common question. Generally, retainer fees need to be paid at once, before work on a case commences. However, in certain circumstances I am willing to offer payment plans to clients with such a need.
Can someone pay for me?
If someone pays for you to receive legal services it is of paramount importance that person understands they do not become privy to your case. Just because someone pays your legal fees does not mean they are entitled to anything more than anyone else. This means your attorney will not discuss the details of your case with anyone including the person kind enough to offer financial assistance.
How can I pay?
Accepted methods of payment are cash, money order, and credit card. Credit cards carry a 3% usage fee. Personal checks are acceptable but the contract will not be accepted by this firm until the check clears.
What to Expect from your Lawyer
How will my lawyer communicate with me?
The number one complaint clients have of their lawyers is lack of communicaiton. It is my goal to turn this common problem into an uncommon strength. In my practice I favor using email communications for a few reasons. First, an email can be read and answered at any time and almost any place. This means the attorney does have to plan a block of time to communicate with a client and thus does not have to charge as much time to the client.
Second, emails are not live action communication. Very often lawsuits entail complex and emotional issues that can be better communicated by a person with sufficient time to focus on their question or message. Contrarily, a phone call may pit a frantic client with an attorney who is gathering up trial materials and rushing out the door. In this exchange no useful information can be communicated or received. This is why I schedule phone calls during certain times of the day to ensure I have the necessary time and concentration to devote to each client.
Finally, while email is the preferred method, I also utilize written or typed letters, face to face meetings, and of course phone calls to interact with my clients.
Will I receive copies of Court documents?
Yes. The Final Order is the culmination of your case. A client will always receive this at the end of their case. During the case a client will receive other documents such as copies of temporary orders, notices of evidentiary or pre-trial hearings, and other important information.