FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Thank you for considering Schurman Law Office. If you decide to contact me, I look forward to meeting with you and discussing your case with you. I hope that the following information will help you understand my role as your attorney.

How much do you charge to talk to us?
I charge up to a maximum of $75.00 for an initial one-half hour conference.

How will I be billed by you?
The law office maintains a complete record of the legal work that I have done in connection with your case, together with the dates as to when the work was performed and the amount of time spent on each matter. A statement will be periodically mailed to you for the work done on your case. My bill will also include a list of any costs paid by my law office, such as filing fees, recording fees, abstract fees, and any expenses, I incur on your behalf, such as long distance telephone calls, costs of photocopying and mileage.

Will I be charged for telephone calls I make to you?
Telephone calls made to me related to your case will ordinarily be charged to you, as well as telephone calls that I make to you.

When will there be a discussion of fees?
You are encouraged to ask me questions about my fees at any time and particularly at our first office conference. I want you to fully understand what charges I will make to represent you. My fee agreement will often be put in writing in order to avoid any misunderstanding.

Most of our legal work is billed on an hourly basis. My hourly rate for attorney fees is $145.00 per hour. In some cases, you will have to pay a down payment (which is called a retainer) to cover our fees and expenses before legal services are rendered. The minimum amount of this retainer is $500.00. The retainer may be higher depending on the type of case you are involved with.

Our estimates of fees are rough approximations of what our charges will likely be based upon our past experience. However, estimates do not include research work that may be needed, unanticipated developments in your case, litigation, or unexpected action to counter steps taken by the other party, or costs and expenses.

Will you keep me informed about my legal matter?
I will send you copies of all letters, documents, legal pleadings, and other materials that are received by my office or sent out regarding your case. I do my best to return client calls promptly. I will make every effort to keep you advised at all times regarding your case.

Will your office keep my legal matter confidential?
By law, a lawyer generally cannot be compelled to give information given to him by a client, unless the client agrees to allow the lawyer to do so. I know the importance of keeping my client’s legal matter completely confidential. Any information given to me will not be disclosed without your permission.