This is obviously an important question and one that causes concern for individuals when seeking representation.  Services are priced in several different methods depending primarily on the type of matter the case involves. For example, Real Estate closings (cooperatives, condominiums, residential, commercial), Wills and Trusts,  and Theatre or Film production are all generally on a flat fee basis.  The fee set is arrived at by looking at the time, size and complexity of the matter.  In some rare cases, such as personal injury, we would use what is know as a contingency fee whereby there would be no upfront payments, only a percentage of the total amount of the award received in such a case. The majority of cases however, are billed on an hourly basis whereby monthly invoices are prepared based on work performed and detailed by tenths of an hour. My hourly rate is currently three hundred and fifteen ($315.00) per hour.  I do however use the services of Associates and Legal Assistants (non-lawyers) which are billed at lower rates. I try whenever possible to utilize these services to keep the overall cost of the fees to you as low as possible without sacrificing quality. In all matters I think you will find that I am reasonable and try to work within the means of a particular client whenever possible.  Further, an advanced retainer is requested and initial invoices are deducted from that balance.

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In all instances, after we meet and decide that we would like to work with each other on a particular matter, I prepare what is known as a Retainer Agreement.  This Agreement sets forth all of the terms between the firm and the client, including fees, services to be rendered, deadlines and method of termination of services. In all cases, a prospective client would receive a draft of such an Agreement and the terms thereto can be modified and negotiated to fit the specific needs of the client. 

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Generally, after an initial phone conversation to discuss the facts of the matter in which you need representation, I would propose that we meet at my office (if convenient) for an initial consultation.  All initial consultations are free of charge. From that meeting we can both decide if we feel we can work with one another, if your matter actually requires the retention of an attorney, and whether in deed I have the skills and expertise in the area in which you need assistance.

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Because of the personal nature of the lawyer/client relationship and noting the emotional circumstances surrounding many legal matters and actions unique to the individuals involved, I encourage my clients, when necessary, to contact me whenever they may need me, whether at home, on my cellular phone or by e-mail.  If I happen to be out of town for an extended period, I either check in with my messages periodically or place an Associate in charge who is versed in the details of the case and make him available for you to contact.

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No.  First, I am not qualified or experienced in all areas of the law. My primary areas of concentration are broken down into the categories featured on the home page buttons. In those cases for which I would not be the right person to represent your interests, I do know many attorneys in a variety of areas of practice and would try where possible to recommend an attorney who I feel would be appropriate to handle your particular matter and needs.

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Here’s one of those situations where I consider my services to be particularly unique.   As an attorney, my primary function to you is as a counselor.  I consider it an obligation on my part to make sure that you understand everything that relates to your matters which are being represented. This is a team project.  I cannot work in isolation from you and as the saying goes an “educated client is my best client”.  Further, as an Adjunct Professor at the Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University, as well as the many lectures that I have given over the years, I am used to dealing with students.  It is a particular joy for me to get my students to understand their subject matter fully and analytically. I have the same feeling and zest when approaching my relationship with my clients and their specific needs and interests.

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My life is like an open book.  I will always be happy to furnish references and wherever possible try to match those references to issues that are similar in the matter for which you are seeking representation.

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