We begin every client contact with a consultation to determine whether our practice is a good match for your needs. The consultation can be in-person in our office in Oakland, CA, or over Skype or other messaging service. This consultation generally lasts 1 hour, during which we discuss your goals, evaluate potential difficulties, identify a general strategy, and provide you with a cost estimate. It is also an opportunity for you to decide whether you would like to work with our firm.

Consultations are a confidential, obligation-free opportunity for us to get to know one another. An attorney-client relationship is only created upon signing a Fee Agreement.

We are committed to providing our clients with reasonable legal fees. Generally, we charge a flat fee determined by the type, stage, and complexity of the matter. Estimated fees, costs, and terms of payment are discussed at your initial consultation and laid out specifically in the written Fee Agreement.

For services under $1000, clients must pay 100% of the attorney fee at the time they retain the our firm. For services over $1000, clients must pay 50% of the attorney fee at the time they retain our firm. The remaining 50% is due at the time the application/petition is filed. If the client has been authorized to pay using a payment plan, the fee must be paid in full before the application/petition is filed.