FEES AND SERVICES

We realize that concern over legal fees is a major reason that many clients in need of legal services either do not seek legal representation or choose attorneys based on their fees instead of their credentials. At Johnson Law Firm, pllc, we try to eliminate some of the worry over fees by discussing it up front with clients and answering any questions on the subject.

First, no potential clients should let concern about legal fees prevent them from talking to us about legal services. There is never any cost for an initial review of a case, and we are willing to consider various methods for payment. We accept most major credit cards.

Legal fees usually are determined on a case-by-case basis, and fees always are negotiable at the beginning of the representation. Some cases are best suited for contingency fees, others for set fees, and others for hourly billing.

Following are descriptions of the different types of fees, and some examples of each:

· CONTINGENCY FEES. When we represent victims and their families in accident, injury and death cases, or when we represent creditors in debt collections, we normally are compensated through contingency fees. In these cases, we don't get paid unless the client gets paid. Typically, after a client signs a contract for representation, we will receive 33 percent of any settlement before a lawsuit is filed, 40 percent of any settlement after a lawsuit is filed but before trial, and 50 percent of any settlement or judgment after trial begins. Costs of litigation must be paid separately by the client, either out of pocket or from the proceeds received from settlement or trial.

· SET FEES. Some cases and services are best suited by set legal fees. These fees are payable at the beginning of the representation. Court costs and other costs of litigation are billed separately and must be paid by the client. Following are some examples of typical set fees:

· CRIMINAL DEFENSE AND DUI. We typically receive a minimum of $5,000 to defend against felony criminal charges when the defendant faces a single charge and has no prior felony convictions. We usually receive a minimum of $1,500 for misdemeanor criminal charges, including DUI (first offense). Upon payment of these fees, we represent the client through trial, if necessary, without further payment.

· PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY, DIVORCE, ADOPTION. These types of cases usually are handled with set fees. The fees depend on the complexity of each case and the needs of the client.

· HOURLY RATES. Certain cases are best handled with hourly billing. These cases may include defending clients in civil litigation, pursuing intellectual property rights, and any other cases where the client and we agree that hourly fees are appropriate. Currently, we charge a minimum of $125.00 per hour for general services, and a minimum of $150.00 for certain specialty services. When we agree to represent a client on an hourly basis, we usually receive a non-refundable retainer in a negotiated amount, and bill the client monthly for fees, if any, above the amount of the retainer.

Court costs and other litigation costs must be paid separately by the client.