Fees for Initial Consultation

I would be happy to discuss your case briefly and estimate my fees by telephone. I DO NOT CHARGE for your first phone call with me! If you leave me a message on my answering machine, I will return your call as soon as I can. This is the best way to find out how much something will cost!

The fee for your first meeting with me in my office is $20 for the first 30 minutes. After the first 30 minutes, you may "stop the clock" and pay only $20 or you may choose to continue and pay my normal rate for attorney time (pro-rated to the minute so that you pay only for the actual number of minutes I am "on the clock" with you).

If we have agreed that your case will be handled on a flat-fee basis, then your $20 and any further payment you make for the initial consultation will usually be applied to that flat fee.

If  I am charging for my time, then the additional charges after your first 30 minutes will be at my normal rates.

For more detailed information about my fees, please see the "Fees - Credit Cards - Payment Plans" page.

- Mark W. Batchelder
© 2005 All rights reserved.