As attorneys, we ask how we would expect to be treated as a client, and then act accordingly. We strive for honesty throughout the attorney-client relationship and strive to ensure that our clients understand not only what we are doing on their behalf but why. Providing personal service to our clients does not mean inflating the costs of those legal services. We are proud of the legal abilities of the attorneys and staff in the law firm and diligently represent the interests of our clients to the best of those abilities.

Our attorneys practice in state and federal courts throughout Washington State, however, we are located in Thurston County. Cases requiring travel outside of Thurston County may come with additional cost. Each case is unique and the fee arrangements and expected costs will be discussed prior to representation.

Cases may be taken on an hourly basis, flat fee basis, contingency basis, or a blend of these arrangements. Our attorneys strive to be honest and upfront about expected costs and fees before you retain our firm. In some cases, it will be possible to tell you the precise cost of representation. In most circumstances, we can give you a reasonable expectation of what you will pay; however, there are often unknown factors at the outset of a case which could significantly affect the cost of legal services. If this is the case, our attorneys will provide you with this information and strive to keep you informed throughout your case concerning estimated costs and fees.

Our firm does accept cases based upon a contingency fee arrangement in appropriate circumstances. A “contingency” fee arrangement is one where the attorney provides legal representation in exchange for an agreed upon percentage of any financial recovery in your case. If there is no recovery, then no obligation to pay fees exists. In this situation, a client is still obligated to pay all “costs” of a case, including filing fees, expert witness fees, etc. The details of this type of fee structure will be outlined in detail in a fee agreement signed prior to representation.

It will be impossible to tell you whether your case is appropriate for this fee arrangement absent an initial consultation to discuss the facts of your matter in detail.

At the meeting, the attorney will listen to the details of your particular situation and ask questions relevant to determining your legal rights. For example, we may discuss your employment history and what facts currently led you to seek legal consultation. You should bring with you to the meeting any important documents that may have an impact on your case.

By the end of the meeting, we typically will be in a position to give you advice on how we might be able to proceed to protect your rights. The initial meeting does not obligate either party, and if you wish, we certainly encourage you to speak to other lawyers before deciding how to proceed.

Yes, even if you do not formally retain our law firm, generally any conversation with an attorney regarding possible representation, even in a consultation, is considered a “privileged” attorney-client communication.

Generally, there is a consultation fee where the purpose of the initial meeting is to discuss someone’s particular circumstances and what legal rights exist. You are paying to gain an attorney’s perspective on whether or not you have a case, what that case might look like, and the potential benefits and costs associated with legal action. Our attorneys may sometimes be willing to waive an initial consult fee based upon an individual’s unique circumstances. Call us to discuss the details of an initial meeting.