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The Law Offices of Joe DiPaola, Esq.
California Commercial and Residential Real Estate Law Practice
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FEES AND COSTS
The Client's financial responsibility has two parts. The first part is attorney's fees for the attorney's services rendered in the case/matter. The second part is costs, which generally represent expenses that the Client will incur in connection with the case/matter.
A. ATTORNEY'S FEES:
Rates are competitive with rates charged at other law firms.
1. Mixed Hourly-Contingency Attorney's Fee Arrangement:
Some cases/matters are handled on a mixed hourly-contingency fee basis. The Client pays an initial retainer of $4800.00 (in two installments) towards fixed hourly fees. Once that is applied, the balance of any attorney's fees are paid as contingency fees out of the proceeds of any settlement, arbitration award, judgment or other resolution that generates a recovery for the Client. If there is no recovery for the Client, then there are no contingency fees. Mr. DiPaola's contingency fee rate is twenty-five percent (25% ) of gross cash and non-cash proceeds recovered. Accordingly, the client's total fee obligation is $4800.00 plus 25% of gross proceeds recovered. Client signs a Mixed Hourly-Contingency Fee Retainer Agreement.
2. Hourly Attorney's Fee Arrangement:
Some cases/matters are handled on a straight hourly fee basis. The Client pays an initial retainer of $4800.00 (in two installments) towards hourly fees. Once that is applied, the Client agrees to be responsible (on a monthly basis) for further fees as they come due. Mr. DiPaola's hourly rate is $240.00 per hour (billed by the quarter hour).Client signs an Hourly Fee Retainer Agreement.
B. COSTS:
Costs are generally court costs, and expenses for products and services provided by/obtained from third parties in connection with the case/matter. Some typical costs are:
(1) Court filing fees;
(2) Court reporter/deposition fees;
(3) Postage, messenger, overnight delivery fees;
(4) Photocopying;
(5) Long-distance phone charges;
(6) Fax transmissions;
(7) Process service fees;
(8) Expert witness fees; etc.
Charged at ACTUAL COST ONLY
The Client pays an initial costs deposit of $1000.00, and agrees to be responsible for further costs as they come due.
C. TRAVEL:
(1) Mileage: $0.35 per mile
(2) Tolls; Parking; Meals; Hotel; Plane Fare
Charged at ACTUAL COST ONLY (Budget/Coach travel used whenever possible; receipts)
(3) Attorney's fees for travel: ONE WAY CHARGE ONLY
There is never any "premium billing". There are never "add-on" charges. Everything possible is done to try to keep the Client's fees and costs to a minimum.
Initial phone consultation (707-693-0400) is free.
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