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PHILOSOPHY OF PRACTICE
Mr. Smith is engaged in a practice which focuses upon the acquisition, use, and transfer of real estate, other property, and capital. He deals on a daily basis with closings and other real estate matters; business organizations, contracts, and transactions; wills, trusts, and estate planning; and decedent's estate administration. Most work involves planning for, structuring, and accomplishing transactions. A smaller amount of work involves resolving disputes and extricating clients from problems and unprofitable or other undesirable business situations or relationships. His goal is for clients to avoid litigation, and his belief is that good planning and thorough work prevent litigation. If litigation arises, he refers cases to experienced trial attorneys.He is supported by a staff with complementary attitudes and skills. Their experience, training, and direct dealings with clients enhance service. They too are interested in each client's success and know the importance of timeliness, thoroughness, and accuracy.
Your initial contact with Mr. Smith will involve establishing a clear understanding of the scope of his work for you. You will discuss the legal alternatives which your circumstances present and the work to be done in order to realize your objectives. He will estimate the fee and disbursements involved. He will confirm this discussion and the fee and expenses in an engagement letter. Should unexpected developments arise during the course of the work, he will tell you as soon as he knows of them and advise of any additional fees and expenses. He apprises clients of the progress of the matters entrusted to him by timely telephone calls and letters and by periodic billing.
In most matters his fee is based upon the time and responsibility involved. He charges at hourly rates for time expended or an agreed fee as appropriate to the type of work. On some matters he requires a retainer. Depending upon the nature and time demands of the work, the retainer may be fully earned when paid or may be deemed an advance payment toward the final fee, which he will hold in trust, making disbursements as work is performed. Short-notice work, after-hours work, emotion-charged or otherwise difficult negotiations, court appearances, and special undertakings are charged for at higher rates than work which is performed on reasonable notice and during regular business hours.
His "tools of the trade" include a library of case reports, encyclopedia, and specialized volumes of legal literature, computers, and other equipment assuring the thorough, accurate, and efficient production of work.
This site was designed to introduce you to Mr. Smith and to his practice. He invites your inquiries for further information about his work and fees.
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