The Law Offices of

ANTHONY J. ROBINSON

"HOME OF THE SECOND OPINION"

  (626) 797-5001

We Accept for Payment:

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In Memory of 09-11-01

Lest We Forget

FEE STRUCTURE:

Our Basic Fee Structure:

        The first thing most new clients want to know is "How much is this going to cost me?"  Truthfully that question can be difficult to answer accurately. The only way we can give you an accurate estimate is after we have interviewed you and reviewed your case. During the initial interview, we will inform you of what we feel is the best approach to handling your case.  Since, there may be more than one way to handle a particular matter, we will advise you of each and every option that you have, the downside of each and the projected cost of each option.

        Basically we charge $325.00 per hour against a retainer.  The initial retainer is set to cover the initial services that we anticipate providing for you.  This may very quite a bit, depending upon the facts of your case and how quickly we will be providing services.  For example an uncontested divorce case is going to have a lower retainer  and total cost than a complex divorce case, with restraining orders, a custody evaluation and numerous hearing all within 60 days.  You could say that the  amount of the initial retainer will very depending on the complexity of the case, how soon and how extensive the services we will be providing, and your ability to finance your case.

        It is important to us that our clients clearly understand that whatever their individual case involves, they are expected to finance it.  This may sound cold hearted, but it really isn't. Taking personal responsibility for your own life, is the first step on the road to recovery and growth.  You should clearly understand that it is not just the amount of the initial retainer that we need to be aware of, it is about the total cost of the case.  Regardless of whether the case is simple or complex, you are expected to pay for your representation by our firm. We want our clients to understand that we are not in the business of financing your case. If you have any questions regarding our fee structure please feel free to call our office and discuss your concerns. 

        Due to overwhelming demand, starting March 1, 2007 we will be  accepting Mastercard,  Visa and American Express credit cards for the payment of legal services.   We also will accept many debit cards. We believe this will help our clients be able to afford the legal services they need by putting their legal fees on a credit card and paying it off over time.  This is just one more way that our clients will have available to them to afford the quality legal assistance that you need. We think that it is about time, the consumer has choices.

Divorce and Family Law Cases:

        Divorce & Family Law litigation cases are charged on an hourly basis. Our basic hourly rate is $325.00 per hour plus costs.  Obviously if you have a complicated or hotly contested case, it is going to cost you more than a simple case because of the time involved. Custody disputes are likely to be the most expensive aspect of Divorce and Family Law cases.  In some cases we can get the other side to help out with your fees and costs.  However, we cannot take on Divorce & Family Law cases on a contingency basis as  such fee arrangements are prohibited. 

Criminal Cases: 

        Our fees  in most Criminal cases are determined either on an hourly basis or a flat fee basis. Our basic hourly rate is $325.00 per hour plus costs. The amounts required for flat fee cases depend on the seriousness of the case and the amount of work we anticipate doing. In most criminal cases, payment in full is expected in advance of the commencement of representation. However, in some cases we can arrange payment plans when  appropriate.  If you have any questions as to whether you may qualify for a payment plan,  please feel free to call our office and discuss your concerns. 

Civil Cases:

        Some  civil case are handled on a contingency basis and some are handled on an hourly basis.  We evaluate each case and determine whether or not it would be appropriate for that particular case to be done on a contingency basis. However you should understand that most cases in this field are handled on a strictly hourly basis.

        For cases done on an hourly basis we charge our basic hourly rate of  $325.00 per hour plus costs. A contingency fee means that we don't get paid unless we settle the case or are successful in litigating the case at trial or arbitration. The actual percentage that we charge varies from case to case depending on the complexity of the case and anticipated difficulty in obtaining a recovery. 

        Defense of Personal Injury cases and civil cases are done at our hourly rate of $325.00 per hour plus costs.  Some cases such as Probate and Conservatorships the fees are set by the Court.  Our basic hourly rate is $325.00 per hour plus costs.  

 Landlord-Tenant Cases:

        If you surf the web looking at Landlord-Tenant Attorneys websites, you would think that they are almost paying you for the honor of going to Court for you. You will find ads offering complete "uncontested" services for between $200.00 and $300.00. To the uninitiated, paying more would seem like a foolish proposition. 

        However, once you learn the reality of the situation, you will quickly see that most of these ads are pure unadulterated hype. The truth is that the vast majority of landlord tenant cases are contested, so for most of you the low price is meaningless.  If you read these ads closely, you will find that any additional service such as obtaining a copy of the complaint, setting the case for trial, and preparation for trial, etc. etc. all cost extra.

        Once again your dear old sweet mom was right when she told you that , "you don't get anything for free."  We have always felt that hype in advertising is just not right. We don't believe in deceptive hype advertising and we will never resort to  hype advertising.  We don't apologize for  our fees because  we don't have to. We provide first rate services and we charge accordingly.  You get what you pay for, just  like your mom told you. 

        Our fees  in most Landlord-Tenant  cases are determined either on an hourly basis or a flat fee basis. Our basic hourly rate is $325.00 per hour plus costs. The amount that is  required as a retainer for flat fee cases depend on the amount of work we anticipate will be necessary. Because of the summary nature of these type of cases, payment in full is expected in advance of the commencement of representation.  

What constitute Attorneys Fees:

        Hourly attorneys fees are charged for  any and all time spent on the following items: Court appearances for trial or hearings; office conferences; depositions; case research and management; telephone conferences; drafting or reviewing letters, correspondence, notices, pleadings, deposition and/or court transcripts; discovery materials; opening, preparing, reviewing, maintaining and closing case files; consultation with attorneys and their staff, investigators, accountants, appraisers, child custody evaluators, medical or psychiatric evaluators, interpreters, negotiators, consultants, expert witnesses, custodians of records, and other such persons; preparation or interview of witnesses; preparation for hearings and trial, conferences, meetings; waiting time and travel time to and from such meetings or court.

What Constitute Costs:

        Examples of cost items are  filing fees, parking fees, process service fees, costs of investigation and discovery, accountant fees, appraiser fees, child custody evaluation fees, medical or psychiatric evaluation fees, lab fees, paternity evaluation costs, interpreters, negotiator or consultant fees, expert witness fees, record procurement, beeper service,  photography, deposition fees/charges, costs of trial/arbitration, postage, sanctions, and photocopying. When we have to  travel within or outside of the County of Los Angeles, the mode of travel, travel classification, and accommodations shall be determined by our firm and  and constitute a cost. 

Payment Plans:

        We do have payment plans available and can help you arrange financing in some  appropriate cases. Sometimes we can get the other side to help out with your fees and costs. You should be aware that if you are approved for a payment plan, we will expect you to stick to it. If you don't we will not continue providing services until you resolve the problem.  If you are thinking that it doesn't matter if you pay your bill, you are sadly mistaken.  While I don't want to put a fine point on this issue, everyone that is considering hiring our firm should be aware that we pursue our accounts receivable just as  "aggressively"  as we do any other part of our practice.  We are always willing to discuss the  exact fee structure for each individual civil  case, just give us a call at (626) 797-5001. 

Credit Cards:

        Due to overwhelming demand, starting March 1, 2007 we will be  accepting Mastercard and Visa credit cards for the payment of legal services.  We believe this will help our clients be able to afford the legal services they need by putting their legal fees on a credit card and paying it off over time. In the beginning we will not be taking American Express or Discover, although if we have enough demand for these additional cards,  we will add them. So let us know your preferences through our "Feedback page."  

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                                                        Send mail to AJR@ANTHONYJROBINSON.COM with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2002-2008 Law Offices of Anthony J. Robinson.  Any unauthorized duplication or reproduction of any and all contents are in violation of all applicable laws.  Last modified: December 03, 2008 Version 7.40