List of Legal Services Offered and the Costs Associated with Each Service

*This firm does not take cases on a contingency basis.  Payment is required at the initiation of every case.  Prices below are subject to change.

*Eviction Representation & Unlawful Detainer Action includes: Attorney’s representation, filing fee, summons fee (up to two defendants), and the sheriff’s fee.

**Rush Fee: In addition to the cost for services, a rush fee will be applied to all emergency services and representation.  

***Please be aware that the initial retainer will in most situations not cover the full costs of litigation and will need to be replenished during the course of litigation.

 FLAT FEE CASES DO NOT INCLUDE COSTS FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS FEES

General Information and Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Representation 

Dear Prospective Client,  

Thank you for selecting Montanez Law Firm (hereinafter "ATTORNEY") to potentially represent you (hereinafter the prospective "CLIENT") in your legal matter. This letter outlines general information regarding how the firm works and answers some frequently asked questions.  If you have any other questions, they could be addressed at the scheduled consultation.

Attorney’s fees. Our fees will be billed on either a: (1) hourly basis or a (2) flat fee basis.  This firm does not take cases on a contingency basis. Please note that our fees may be subject to periodic review and adjustments. We will provide you with a detailed monthly invoice, which will include the time spent on your case, disbursements, and applicable fees.

Hourly Rate. Our law firm’s hourly rate is $440.00 per hour for managing attorney time, $350.00 per hour for associate attorney time,  $180.00 per hour for paralegal time, and $125.00 per hour for staff time. The hourly rate will be billed based on the amount of time spent on your case. The CLIENT understands that the ATTORNEY cannot predict the total fee since the time involved, the actions of the other party or that party’s lawyer, and unforeseen circumstances are not predictable.  Work on an hourly basis will generally require an advanced payment of legal fees (often referred to as a “retainer”).  A list of services and retainers are outlined below in paragraph (4).  Advanced fees will be deposited into a client trust account and will be used to cover our fees and expenses as they are incurred. We will provide you with regular statements detailing the use of the retainer and any remaining balance on a monthly basis. The CLIENT understands that any sums beyond the retainer fee will be charged on an hourly rate. The initial retainer shall be paid at the initiation of the attorney-client relationship and at the commencement of services rendered to the CLIENT.

Court Fees. While some fees are on a flat or  hourly basis, it is important to note that certain expenses and costs associated with your case may be your responsibility regardless of the outcome of the case. These expenses may include court filing fees, expert witness fees, deposition costs, sheriff’s fees, summons fees and other similar expenses. We will inform you in advance of any significant expenses and seek your approval before incurring them.  

Fee Estimates and Retainers: While it is difficult to provide an exact estimate of the total costs involved in any legal matter, we anticipate that the total fees and expenses for your case will fall within the range of the table provided above. However, please note that unforeseen circumstances or complexities in your case may affect the final costs.  The commencement of most cases will require an advanced fee (“retainer”) to be deposited with the Firm.  The table above sets out the usual retainer for each type of action.

Payment Terms. Unless otherwise agreed upon, all invoices are due upon receipt. As the CLIENT, you shall make timely payments for the services rendered and the expenses incurred. Failure to make payments promptly may result in the suspension or termination of our services.

Potential New Client Meeting: The purpose of a potential new client meeting is to establish a meaningful and productive attorney-client relationship and to gather essential information about the CLIENT's legal matter. All potential new client meetings are 15 minutes and are of no charge to the prospective CLIENT. Potential new client meetings are designed for the CLIENT to interview the Attorney, engage with the Attorney and decide whether the Attorney is best fit to represent the CLIENT. If you do not anticipate hiring the attorney for representation in your legal matter then a potential new client meeting is not for you.  

Prompt Communications. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and timely responses to all of our valued clients. We aim to respond to our clients as promptly as possible. We understand the importance of effective communication and the significance of promptly addressing our clients' inquiries and concerns. Whether it's a phone call, email, or any other form of communication, we aim to ensure that your queries are answered and your needs are met in a timely manner. As such, please give our office until the next business day to return any and all missed calls and/or messages that await a response. Should you ever need to contact us with any questions, requests, or feedback, please be assured that we are committed to responding to your inquiries as promptly as possible.

Updates.  As a law firm, we are committed to keeping you informed about the progress of your case. We strive to provide monthly, quarterly, and/or bi-monthly updates regarding the status of a case. Please note that the timeline for updates is estimated based on the status of each individual case and the progression of the legal proceedings. Updates are subject to change due to various factors, including court availability, opposing party actions, and the complexity of the case.  Should any significant developments or adjustments to your case occur, we will promptly inform you and discuss the implications.

Confidentiality: We will maintain the confidentiality of all information you provide to us in accordance with our professional and ethical obligations. However, please be aware that there are certain exceptions to confidentiality as required by law or court orders. Our team is bound by professional and legal obligations to protect the privacy and confidentiality of our clients. We adhere to the highest ethical standards and take significant measures to safeguard your personal and case-related information. Rest assured that any information you provide to us, whether through conversations, documents, or other means, will be handled with the strictest confidentiality.

Please review this letter carefully and let us know if you have any questions or concerns. If the terms and conditions outlined herein are acceptable to you, kindly consider us in handling your legal matter. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you and look forward to working together to achieve a favorable outcome in your case. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Respectfully,

Montanez Law Firm