Questions I am frequently asked are:

Do you charge for your consultations?
Yes. I usually charge a reduced rate for a one-hour initial consultation.

How do you handle the initial consultation?
We get into the facts of your case. I ask questions based on the law. Then I assess the strengths and weaknesses of your situation and guide you in the best approach to take to it. Then I estimate how much I think your matter should cost if you want to move forward with it.
top of page

How is that different from other consultations?
I ask lots of questions to get as many facts as possible. The more information you give me, the better I can assess your case. Many cases, especially employment ones, boil down to a few crucial facts. Getting down to them takes time. It may even take longer than an hour. But even if you only want to limit the consultation to one hour (because of my reduced rate for it), we strategize your best-case and worst-case scenarios. My goal is to give you powerful information so that you can make your best decision.
top of page

Can't I get that information from the internet?
The internet is a valuable resource. You can get familiar with legal terms and issues and find the answers to many legal questions. But they may not apply to your case. Each state's law is different. You have to make sure you are finding South Carolina law. Even then, what you read may not be right. I've seen many websites that don't accurately state the law. Still, learning as much as you can before the initial consultation makes better use of our time and your money.
top of page

Would you charge only a contingency fee for my case?
No. I cannot charge a contingency fee in family law cases, except in a few rare circumstances. In employment cases, I charge a mixed fee based on my hourly rate and a contingency fee. I explain how that works in the initial consultation.
top of page

6) Do you charge a retainer?
Yes. I charge a retainer in all of my cases, even employment ones. The amount depends on each case and represents a sizeable investment from you in your own case and future. The more you are invested, the better team we make.
top of page

So, you mean I have to pay for the initial consultation even if you tell me that I don't have a case?
Yes. Because even if you don't have a lawsuit, you may still be able to salvage your job, your marriage, or take steps to minimize damage or exposure in your current situation. I guide you through alternatives that may be available to you.
top of page

Do you do phone consultations?
Generally, no. If you are local, it's best to come in and bring your paperwork with you for me to review. If you cannot come in, we can make arrangements for a phone conference.
top of page

How do the retainers work?
I deposit your retainer into my firm's escrow (trust) account. That means, it remains your money until my assistant or I perform work on your case or we've incurred costs on your behalf. I then earn that amount and transfer it from escrow. We let you know what your retainer balance is so that it does not go below a certain amount, based on each case. If there is any money left over that has not been used, I refund it to you. This is set out in the fee contract that both you and I sign.
top of page

What kind of costs do I have to pay?
These are set out in the fee contract that both you and I sign. They include court filing fees, motion fees, process server expenses, long distance phone calls, and others.
top of page