About The Firm (continued)
- written estimated budgets for approval by clients; and
- monthly or even more frequent status reports.
Respect For the Client's Desires
Some clients want frequent reports. Some only want to be told “when its over.” None, in our view, wants or deserves to be ignored. None wants phone calls and e-mails to go unanswered. All want and are entitled to be treated with respect. Some want counseling. Some want only pure legal advice. Indeed, the desires and needs of our clients are as diverse and unique as they are.
Clients have rights - including the right to be provided information to make informed decisions, and the right to hear back from their attorney within a day or even less in the event of true emergencies.
We at Dennis Law, P.C. are responsible for providing objective and professional services for our clients, and to give them "homework" so they can help us help them. But we are always mindful that the clients are our bosses -- that we work for them. We are also mindful of a guiding principal in the legal service business - if you can’t get a hold of us when you need us - you won’t need us anymore.
Cost Containment
Clients are understandably reluctant and often unable to give their attorneys a blank check for services - whether for document drafting - for document review - for dispute resolution- for litigation - or for any other matter. Indeed, many small business clients are now requiring that lawyers provide them with what big insurance companies and corporate clients have long required:
While it can be difficult for lawyers to anticipate all of the time and expenses that may be required in particular or evolving matters, we know that our clients understand the concepts of budgeting, estimating, cost containment and reporting -- something every one of them has to do in operating their own businesses. We know that clients appreciate and want fee/expense certainty where possible -- reasonable estimates -- rate flexibility -- and creative fee arrangements in more uncertain areas such as litigation.
We also know that in balancing the lower cost of hiring new and less costlier attorneys, against the cost of more experienced but expensive lawyers, more and more clients are opting for the former. Not because they do not want experienced lawyers, but because they cannot afford them!
We understand that. At Dennis Law, P.C., you get experience without having to fear seemingly unlimited fees and expenses. At Dennis Law, P.C., you can find a rate and plan in your comfort zone.