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Your AttorneyWhile attorneys at Russell, Krafft & Gruber are knowledgeable in a range of legal areas, each attorney concentrates in particular fields after years of experience. When you have explained the legal matter which concerns you, your primary attorney will suggest the attorney best qualified to handle this area of work. Whether or not this is the attorney you meet with initially, your primary attorney will call upon the knowledge and expertise of other staff attorneys. Although results cannot be guaranteed, we will utilize the knowledge and experience of any or all of our attorneys to achieve your objective if at all possible. CostsOur policy emphasizes accommodating our clients whenever possible. Accordingly, we accept MasterCard and Visa. Just as we feel it is best that you understand our obligation to provide legal service, we want to make certain that you understand our fee structure. We consider a number of factors in determining the appropriate fee for legal services. These factors include: whether the fee is fixed or contingent; the time and labor required; the novelty and difficulty of the question involved, and the requisite skill to perform the legal service properly; the likelihood that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment by the lawyer; the fee customarily charged in our locality for similar legal services; the amount involved and the results obtained; the time limitations imposed by our client or by the circumstances; the nature and length of the professional relationship with our client; and the experience, reputation, and ability of the lawyer or lawyers performing the services. The fee charged must also cover overhead expenses since we do not bill separately for secretarial time, word processing and similar overhead costs. Generally, the most important factor that we consider is the time expended in providing legal services. However, it is impossible to determine in advance the amount of time that will be needed to complete a client's case. Clients are billed for services including, but not limited to, office consultations, telephone conferences, correspondence, court appearances, preparation of documents, research and costs. The hourly rate charged varies upon the attorney or paralegal who is providing the service. The following guidelines are intended to give you an idea of costs you might expect:Basic Fees. There are some types of cases, for instance, simple divorce, simple wills, power-of-attorney, living wills and bankruptcy, for which minimum fees have been established. When the work is more complex, requiring additional time and expertise, fees can increase proportionately. Contingencies. There are matters in which the fee will be determined by the amount recovered as is often the case in personal injury matters. Percentages. In certain other types of work such as estate settlements, our fees may be a percentage of the money or property values involved. Disbursements. In addition to legal fees, clients are responsible for payment of costs such as filing fees, service fees, court reporter and expert witness fees, photocopy, fax, postage, long distance telephone costs, and computerized legal research charges. We may require payment for costs before such costs are incurred. For example, you may be asked to deposit filing costs before a lawsuit is filed. If advance deposit is not possible, and it is necessary for us to advance costs on your behalf, you will be billed for such costs on your next monthly billing statement. Retainers. We may ask you for advance payment of a retainer fee. Additionally, as this fee is applied to regular billings, we may ask that you replenish the retainer or maintain a minimum amount. If any portion of such a deposit is not used, it will be returned to you upon completion of our work The attorney with whom you are working will advise you of the fee structure applicable to your case. Billing PracticesWhen we represent you on a contingent or percentage fee basis we will bill you in accordance with that arrangement, or upon conclusion of the matter. In other instances you will be billed periodically, usually monthly, or at an appropriate time in the progress of your case. All invoices are due and payable when presented to you. We will impose a finance charge of 1.5% per month (annual percentage rate 18% per year) on outstanding balances which remain unpaid for more than thirty (30) days. By agreeing to have us represent you, and by accepting our services, we consider that you have agreed to make payment accordingly. Failure to fulfill your obligation to us regarding payment of fees and costs may cause us to terminate the attorney/client relationship or pursue collection remedies, including reporting delinquent account information to the credit bureau. CommunicationWe at Russell, Krafft & Gruber make every effort to treat our clients as we would expect to be treated by a legal professional. That means we respond promptly to our clients' needs whenever possible. We remember that our clients' time is valuable. We will make every effort to keep you informed of the progress of your case. This may be accomplished by telephone, letter or memorandum, or informational copies of correspondence we send or receive. If you need or want additional information, please call the attorney assigned to you. On your part, if there is new or additional information or any change in circumstances related to your case, you should inform your attorney as soon as possible. If at any time you call our office and find that your attorney is not available, feel free to speak to other attorneys or paralegals who have been working with you in this matter. If your inquiry does not involve legal advice, your attorney's secretary may be able to assist you. If not, your call will be returned as promptly as possible. TerminationAlthough we value continuing client relationships, you have the right to terminate our services at any time. Likewise, if you have not cooperated with our reasonable requests, if you disagree with the course of action we recommend, or if you do not pay our invoices in a timely manner, we may discontinue our work for you. Whether initiated by you or us, such termination should be in writing. However, before making this determination, you should discuss any questions with your attorney, or, if you prefer, another member of our firm. Our GoalTogether, you and your attorney are working to accomplish a result that is satisfactory to you. Through our dedication to high standards, Russell, Krafft & Gruber has earned a reputation for reliability and responsiveness to our clients' legal needs. We emphasize the values associated with a traditional law firm while offering contemporary approaches necessary in today's changing legal environment. Our primary goal is to provide each client with personal attention and prudent counsel with emphasis on solving problems. Contact UsPlease call us at (717) 293-9293 if you have any questions or need additional information
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