How it works
How a dispute moves, start to finish
Every court and arbitrator keeps its own calendar, so cases run months, sometimes longer. These are the stages, and what I need from you at each one.
- 01
Step 1: A half-hour call
About half an hour, free. You tell me what happened; I check for conflicts and tell you whether I can help.
- 02
Step 2: The papers and the place
You send the contract, invoices, emails, texts and photos. I visit the site, the shop or the property when it matters.
- 03
Step 3: A written plan and budget
What we're asking for or defending against, the likely cost of each stage, and the points where settling makes sense.
- 04
Step 4: Demand or answer
Either a letter to the other side, or a written answer to the lawsuit you've been served with, filed on time.
- 05
Step 5: Discovery
Both sides trade documents and take depositions. This is usually the longest and most expensive stage.
- 06
Step 6: Mediation or trial
Most cases settle, often at mediation. If yours doesn't, I try it to a judge, a jury or an arbitrator.
Fees
The budget comes before the bill
Most cases are billed by the hour, and you get a written budget for each stage before it starts. If a stage is going to run over, you hear it from me before the bill does.
Some smaller collection matters can be a flat fee. Court filing fees, deposition transcripts and expert fees are separate costs, and the engagement letter says who pays them.
Timing and cost questions
How long will my case take?
A demand letter can settle things in weeks. A lawsuit that goes to trial usually takes a year or more. I'll give you a realistic range once I've read the papers.
Will I have to testify?
If the case goes to deposition or trial, probably. I'll prepare you beforehand and sit beside you the whole time.
Can I get my lawyer's fees back from the other side?
Only if a contract or a statute allows it. Many business contracts do; I'll check yours.
Start with a free first call
Tell me what happened and I'll tell you what the first stage would look like.