Small Firm Rates

Mr. Barton’s standard billing rate is currently only a little more than half of his 2009 big firm rate.  He records and bills time in tenths of an hour.

Alternatives to the standard billing rate are available based on the nature of the case, custom, and client preference.

Discounts

In certain circumstances, Mr. Barton may agree to discount his rate on a matter or a certain portion of a matter by, for example, charging a lower hourly rate for document review, discovery, or depositions than for trial.

Blended Rates

In certain cases a client may prefer to share a percentage of any recovery for a reduced hourly rate up front.  Both the percentage to be shared, and the reduction in hourly rate are negotiable.

Caps on Fees

Some cases, large and small, may be appropriate for caps on total fees.  In such cases, the client can be sure that he will not pay in excess of the agreed upon maximum fee, regardless of the amount of time required to resolve the matter.

Flat Fee

Cases which are fairly straight-forward, such as a simple marriage dissolution with no custody issues and only minimal property to distribute, may be appropriate for a flat fee arrangement.

Straight Percentage

Personal injury cases are customarily taken based on a percentage of recovery, with a lower percent if resolved early, and a higher percent if taken to trial.  Costs are deducted from any recovery before fees are assessed.  In the absence of recovery, the client pays nothing.

Whatever the fee structure, you will be provided with a mutually agreed upon written fee agreement which you must sign and return before representation will be undertaken on your behalf.  You are encouraged to review this agreement with separate counsel before signing.