Frequently Asked Questions About Business Law
We help entrepreneurs Start, Purchase, Improve, Protect and Cash Out from their businesses.
Whenever there is a significant business transaction or event, we help our clients deal with all of the issues and problems that come up (or might come up). We also help them consider all of the issues they need to think about and decide upon before doing a deal or entering a business, and make sure they have written agreements that accurately reflect that deal. Sometimes what isn't in the documents is as important as what is in the documents. Beyond legal issues, with Mr. Alexander's non-legal business experience he helps clients grow and improve their businesses using a strategic approach.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Generally no. Our initial consultation fee is $250.00 and it is payable at the time of the consultation. The initial consultation typically takes 45 minutes to one hour.
During the consultation, we’ll begin working on your matter, giving you advice and alternatives to move forward. You'll leave with a game plan and know what we can do for you.
If we decide to work together, we'll apply the initial consultation fee to the fixed price for the work. Of course, if we decide not to represent you there is no charge.
We have arrangements with certain professionals and community based organizations for people they refer. In those cases, there is no consultation fee.
Can I have a consultation with you over the phone?
Yes. Telephone consultations must be prepaid and arranged in advance.
If you'd like to briefly speak with me to see if there is a fit, we can set a 10 to 15 minute telephone call also.
What is your hourly rate?
We rarely price our services based on an hourly rate. We believe that hourly rate billing is not fair to the client or the professional.
Instead, We will provide you with a fixed price for the work after we’ve agreed what is to be done, but before you commit to paying for the work.
So when do we bill hourly? Only when we are unable to decide what you want done, but need help along the way. In that case, the hourly rate is $295.00.
Why work on a fixed price basis when almost all other lawyers bill by the hour?
First, the time we spend working on the matter has no bearing on the value of that work to you. We could be the slowest law firm in town. Should it cost you more?
Second, with hourly rate billing clients don’t actually know what the work will cost until after it is performed and they get a bill and have to pay for it. As a business person this never made any sense to Mr. Alexander.
Next, hourly rate billing penalizes the lawyer for being efficient. In other words, with hourly billing the better the lawyer is the less he should make. How does that make sense?
Finally, “the meter running” feeling that clients rightfully have drives a wedge between client and attorney. We want you to feel free to call us when you need help. A quick question can save lots of money and problems later on. With hourly billing clients worry about being nickeled and dimed to death. So they don’t call their counselor when they should.
How does fixed price billing work?
We provide you with a fixed price for the work after we’ve agreed what is to be done, but before you commit to paying for the work. If the price is acceptable to you, we put the arrangement in a representation agreement that we both sign.
Can I pay by credit card?
Yes.
What does it cost to . . . ?
Quoting a price over the telephone is very difficult for two reasons.
First, lawyers who bill hourly can quote any price because the quote isn’t binding. In other words, they can quote a lowball price to get you in the door. Then, when the bill comes and it’s much higher than the quote you’re stuck.
On the other hand, when we give you a price, it’s the price – as long as you don't decide to change the work. And, that's all you’ll be charged. So we have to be accurate when we quote a price, to take into account all of the issues and the things that have to be done to complete your work.
Second, depending on your particular situation, we won’t know what has to be done until we talk. Imagine you called your doctor and said: “I have a pain in my side. What will it take to get it fixed?”
Of course your doctor would say I have to examine you to see what’s wrong. It could be simple indigestion or something much worse.
The same applies with your business situation. Therefore, we must meet to go over your situation.
Why are business contracts so long and complicated?
Ed's Free Entrepreneur's No-Nonsense Business Legal Guide answers this question in the chapter under "Detailed Written Contracts".
GIVE US A CALL TO DISCUSS YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS. CALL (407) 649-7777