Attorney Fees and Expenses
Because your trust in us is of paramount importance, we want to be completely clear regarding the fees that we charge and how they are computed.
- How Attorney fees are set
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How Attorney fees are set
One of the more common frustrations clients have with their attorneys is how they arrive at the fees that are charged. “Is this going to cost me an arm or a leg or both? And how is that computed?” Rule 1.5 of the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys says that a lawyer’s fees must be reasonable.
We try to set fee arrangements to reflect, among other things our consideration of the following factors:
• The time and labor likely to be required
• The uniqueness and difficulty of the legal and factual issues involved
• The skill required to competently deliver the legal service
• The extent to which the representation will preclude other employment
• The fee customarily charged for by lawyers of similar experience, reputation and ability
• The interests of the client and/or the amount of any claim involved
• The clients goals and objectives
• The results obtained
• Any time limitations involved
• Nature and length of our relationship with client
• Whether the fee is fixed, or contingent
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- Consultation Fees
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There is a $100.00 fee for an office or telephone consultation. out of office consultations are available at a charge of $200.00 within the Shreveport and Bossier city areas. During the consultation we will discuss your situation in detail to determine if we can help. If we agree to accept your case, we will discuss financial arrangements for payment of fees and expenses. An additional $50.00 charge applies to after hours consultations.
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- Fees for Representation
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Flat Fees:
Flat fees work well for clients in routine or minor criminal cases. The client knows ahead of time exactly what his legal fees (less out-of-pocket expenses) will be. This allows the client to vigorously pursue vindication of their rights without worrying about whether he is running up a tab in legal fees that he cannot ultimately pay. Normally, the fee is paid in full when we are retained and expenses are billed monthly as they are incurred. A separate deposit to cover the anticipated expenses is required when substantial out-of-pocket costs are anticipated.
Hourly Billing:
Hourly billing works well for clients in more serious, ambiguous or complex matters. These kind of cases tend to be protracted over longer periods of time and often require substantial expert and investigative expense. One advantage of hourly billing is that it allows us to stretch the amount of funds available to the client by delegating appropriate work to associates, legal assistant and paralegals at lower hourly rates than the lead attorney. In these cases the client places an advance deposit of funds into our trust account. The size of the advance deposit we will require depends on a lead attorney. In these cases the client places an advance deposit of funds into our trust account. The size of the advance deposit we will require depends on a number of factors, including the circumstances of the case, whether the client is merely under investigation or has been arrested and formally charged, complexity of the matter, as well as the amount of anticipated work and expenses. We bill on a monthly basis for work performed and expenses incurred.
Replenishment of the Advance Deposit -
Should the Advance deposit it fall below a specified amount the client is required to replenish it by depositing additional funds.
Return of Unearned Funds -
Any amount remaining in trust at the conclusion of the case is returned to the client.
Minimum Retainer Fees -
These apply in some cases handled on an hourly basis. When a minimum retainer fee applies, the minimum fee and which is due and payable regardless of the length of time the dispute takes to settle by plea or trial or dismissal. The minimum retainer is paid in exchange for the Attorney accepting the representation of the Client and for rendering advice on a plan of action.
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- Financing of Attorney Fees
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We understand that no one plans on having to hire an attorney. We also understand that the services of competent counsel are never cheap or inexpensive. As a result most people have at least some difficulty in making financial arrangements to hire a lawyer on short notice.
In cases where we are charging an hourly or flat fee, we are often asked to finance attorney fees. It has been our experience that it is generally preferable for clients to secure financing from regular credit sources such as a bank, credit union or lending company when it is necessary.
We can refer clients to reputable and professional lenders who understand the needs of a person facing criminal accusations to find funds to defend themselves. As an option, our office accepts credit cards. And, in appropriate smaller cases, we will arrange for a short term payment plan.
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- Out of Pocket Expenses
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Out-of-pocket and litigation expenses include things like investigator and expert witness fees, costs for transcripts, depositions, photographs, exhibits, court costs, filing fees, long distance charges and copy costs. A client is responsible for these in addition to the Attorney fee.
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- Making Fee Payments
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Clients can make their fee payment(s) via credit or debit card. To make a payment on your account or case, you can call our office during regular business hours – 8AM – 5PM Monday through Friday at (318) 227-1460. Or you can mail your payment to us:
Law Offices of Elton B. Richey, Jr.
400 Travis Street, Suite 1805
Shreveport, LA 71101
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- Click here to download a copy of Louisiana State Bar Association’s New Rule 1.8 concerning attorney fees and advancement of costs.
- You can find all of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Louisiana Attorneys here.
