| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Springer-Sullivan & Roberts LLP understands that choosing an attorney can be a daunting process. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about how our law firm typically operates. Please contact us if you have questions not addressed below. 1. Will you give me an itemized billing of all fees and costs? Yes, we strive to keep you informed about what has happened and will happen in your case. Sending you monthly billing statements helps to accomplish this goal by enabling you to see what we have accomplished in your case in any given month, and will also provide you with other essential information such as when your retainer has expired. We also understand that it is important for you to be able to predict the fees and costs that lie ahead, which the monthly statements will help you to do. Of course, we also encourage clients to contact us with any specific questions about their billing statements. 2. Will you charge me for copies and postage? In an age when being "green" is increasingly important, Springer-Sullivan & Roberts LLP endeavors to run a paperless office. We scan all case-related documents upon receipt both to conserve environmental resources and to enable us to not charge you for copies made in- house. You will only be charged for any large print jobs that are not feasible to do in-house. Springer-Sullivan & Roberts LLP does charge its clients for postage. When possible, we will email the documents that need to be forwarded to other counsel. We also attempt to reduce postage costs by communicating with you through email. We can scan letters, documents, and court filings to reduce the cost and time involved in keeping you informed. We also encourage our clients to scan and email or fax important information to us rather than mailing when possible. This information can be stored electronically to your file for future reference. 3. Do you accept credit card payments? For the convenience of our clients, Springer-Sullivan & Roberts LLP accepts payment by VISA, MasterCard, or Discover Card. 4. Will you refund any unused retainer? If so, how quickly? Some law firms require “non-refundable” retainers which means that if you leave their services prior to the use of all funds, your money will be lost. In cases where you are paying us on an hourly basis, Springer-Sullivan & Roberts LLP takes a refundable retainer on your case. If we are able to satisfy the scope of our representation of you more quickly than we anticipated so that we have not billed you for as much money as you paid in your retainer, we will refund to you the balance of your retainer upon the termination of our representation of you. 5. Will you take my case on a contingency fee basis? Once we decide that Springer-Sullivan & Roberts LLP are the right attorneys for your case, we will discuss the various possible fee arrangements. When possible, Springer-Sullivan & Roberts LLP is willing to take your case on a "contingency fee basis," that is, you will pay us a percentage of any money that we are able to secure on your behalf. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing. You can also choose to pay us hourly to perform work on your case or to consult with you on an as-needed basis. Sometimes it is not possible for Springer-Sullivan & Roberts LLP to take cases on a contingency fee basis because a client stands to gain nothing or very little financially. In these situations, Springer-Sullivan & Roberts LLP may charge you for the time spent working on your case based on our current fee schedule. In some cases, Springer-Sullivan & Roberts LLP will agree to do certain work for one flat fee or for a reduced hourly rate. Even in cases where clients are paying a flat fee, Springer-Sullivan & Roberts LLP will send monthly itemized explanations of time that has been spent on a case. 6. Will you advance the costs in my case? Clients are responsible for paying all reasonable costs related to their case. Springer-Sullivan & Roberts LLP will send you an itemized billing of all costs each month. In contingency fee cases, Springer-Sullivan & Roberts LLP will advance most costs. If we win your case, in addition to our fee, we will recoup any costs that we have advanced in your case. 7. Do you carry professional liability insurance? Springer-Sullivan & Roberts LLP believes strongly in client relationships. Therefore, we carry full liability coverage on our attorneys to protect our clients. Springer-Sullivan & Roberts LLP strives diligently to handle your case meticulously and to maintain the lines of communication with you so that you are always informed about and involved in the decision-making process of your case. Our goal is to take away your burden of worry that often accompanies these stressful situations, not to add to it. |
| 410 - 12th Street, Suite 325, Oakland, CA 94607 Tel: (510) 992-6130 Fax: (510) 280-7564 |
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