FAQ

Who will do the work?

One of three people: Me, Myself, and I. There is nobody else, for anything.

What else am I paying for in addition to the hourly rate for research and writing related to your work?

Nothing. Legal search engine use and other use of technology, as well as exchanges between us via telephone or email in the normal course, are all included in the hourly rate. Electronic copies of key cases and statutory provisions are also provided free of charge. Not only that, but under ABA Formal Opinion 00-420, for costs billed to a client for the legal services of a contract lawyer, “a surcharge to the costs may be added by the billing lawyer if the total charge represents a reasonable fee for services provided to the client.”

Do you perform conflicts checks?

Yes, each and every time. If I need to request additional information to sufficiently answer the question, I will.

Have you ever been disciplined by any legal body?

Good question, and a smart one to ask. No, I have not.

Do you do rush projects?

Yes. If you need a project back within 72 hours, I can in nearly all situations do the project for you at 1-1/2 times the normal rate. Within 48 hours or ASAP, if physically possible, all work is billed at double (2x) the normal rate.

Do you do work for hire in jurisdictions other than Illinois?

Yes, I do and I have, with great success, including litigation matters in California, Georgia, and Wisconsin, as well as Delaware corporations, among others. I am able to provide legal research and writing services for any U.S. jurisdiction.

I have a case involving commerce on the Internet. Are you versed in this?

Very. I have worked on a number of cases involving this burgeoning area of the law for many years, and am intimately familiar with the controlling (and evolving) case law and elements defining Internet jurisdiction. Some of that knowledge can be found under my “Publications” page.

I am working on a book requiring general legal research on a specific area of the law. Do you provide these kinds of services?

Yes, and for several years I provided just such services and written summaries or chapters that comprised extensive portions in a number of publications and books for a west coast foundation. Such research and writing (also applicable to Internet blogs and websites) is billed at a rate of $60.00/hour.

I have a child custody, guardianship, or visitation rights appeal. Can you handle this case?

Family law appeals of this nature, due to the compelling rights at stake, typically have telescoped deadlines for filing (often only 5 days instead of 30 for the notice of appeal), and should be done by an attorney in the petitioner’s jurisdiction who specializes in family law, or the best interests of the child and the other parties may not be adequately represented.