At Berk Law Group, we understand that legal fees can be a major concern. We strive to provide high-quality legal services with transparency and flexibility to help you make informed decisions about your case and your budget.
Our fees depend on the type and nature of your matter. Except in rare cases, we charge $400 for an initial consultation, which typically lasts about one hour. Beyond the initial consultation, we offer flexible fee arrangements that can fit each client’s needs. Although we are open to discussing other arrangements, typically the possible fee arrangements include the following:
Hourly:
In an hourly fee arrangement, the client simply pays us at our hourly rates – currently ranging from $150 to $600 per hour, for the actual amount of time spent on the matter. Depending on the matter, we may also assign tasks to one of our paralegals for which we typically charge $200 per hour. We typically require an advance against fees (commonly referred to as a “retainer”), the unused portion of which is refunded. We bill in increments of tenths of one hour (6 minutes) and send you our detailed invoices monthly. For contested or disputed matters and in light of the complexity of and time required to properly attend to such matters, we usually require an advance of at least $20,000.
We believe that teamwork and collaboration produce better and overall more efficient results for our clients. So, where appropriate, our attorneys work together and collaborate on our client’s matters. Unless time spent collaborating and strategizing among attorneys is prohibited by law, we charge for such services. Our fees are and will be reasonable in all cases. If you have any questions about our billing specifically or services in general, do not hesitate to let us know.
Flat fee:
Under a flat fee, the client pays one pre-set amount for a given project or set of tasks. The flat fee typically does not include costs, such as court filing fees.
For example, we regularly offer flat fees (usually $5,000-$10,000, depending on the scope of the services covered by the flat fee) to prepare and file the necessary paperwork for the appointment of a personal representative, special administrator, guardian, and/or conservator. As applicable, the flat fee may also include us preparing various other initial documents, including drafting, filing and publishing required notices and attending the initial uncontested hearing. If the matter becomes contested or we are asked to assist with other tasks, we typically charge hourly for those services.
Contingency:
In a contingency fee arrangement, we receive a percentage of any recovery (calculated before costs are deducted) and no fee if there is no recovery. Depending on the matter, the firm may advance costs (such as filing fees, deposition costs, expert witness fees).
Mixed/hybrid:
A mixed/hybrid fee is, for example, where we receive a reduced hourly fee or a flat fee, plus a contingency fee.
What Is an Advance and How Does It Work?
In hourly and flat fee matters, we typically require an initial advance, which is a deposit to be held in our client trust account. We bill monthly and apply charges against the retainer. If the retainer runs low, we may require replenishment. Unused funds are refunded.
How Are Fees Billed and Tracked?
We bill monthly, with detailed invoices listing the date, description, time spent, and charge for each task. This gives you full transparency into the work performed and the associated costs. We also encourage clients to ask questions about billing at any time.
What About Costs?
Costs are different and usually treated separately from fees. Costs may include court filing fees, expert witness charges, and depositions, among other things. Unlike some law firms, we do not charge for small copy or scanning jobs.
Can You Estimate the Total Fees and Costs of a Case?
Litigation and contested matters vary widely. Much of what we are required to do depends on the cooperation and compliance by others. We often cannot predict total costs, but we may offer a budget or estimate for phases of a case and update you as the matter progresses.
How Can I Manage Legal Fees?
- Be organized and provide requested documents promptly.
- Consolidate communication for efficiency.
- Allow us to delegate tasks to paralegals or staff when appropriate.
- Be responsive and proactive in moving your matter forward.
Do You Accept Credit Cards?
Yes. We accept most major credit cards for payment of advances and invoices, but charge a processing fee. We also accept checks and ACH transfers.
What If I Still Have Questions?
Please feel free to contact us. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you determine whether our firm is the right fit for your legal needs.
