How much does it cost for an initial consultation?
Nothing. Your first consultation is free. Sometimes additional consultations are necessary before we can determine if/how we can represent you. You will not be charged anything until we have both agreed and consented to the terms of representation.
How much does it cost to hire Stiles Law Firm?
It depends on the type of work, complexity and likelihood of success. Some cases are handled on a contingency basis. Most are handled by paying an hourly rate that you will agree to prior to hiring Stiles Law Firm.
What does it mean to handle a case on a “contingency basis”?
You do not pay for time Stiles Law Firm spends working on your case. Stiles Law Firm gets paid only from any recovery we get for you. If we do not get a recovery, you owe us nothing. This includes case expenses which are paid by Stiles Law Firm and reimbursed only from a recovery.
How is it determined if my case will be handled on a contingency or hourly basis?
We will agree on this after the initial consultation and prior to you hiring Stiles Law Firm to represent you.
I do not know if I really need a lawyer. How do I know if I should call Stiles Law Firm or not?
It is entirely your decision. Since the initial consultation is free, you have nothing to lose by contacting Stiles Law Firm. Even if we are not able to help you, we may be able to offer ideas for how to reach lawyers that can help.
What types of cases does Stiles Law Firm take?
We handle primarily probate, guardianships, debt collection and general business disputes. We also have a long history handling maritime, Jones Act, wrongful death and various class action cases. We do not handle criminal, divorce or child custody cases.
Why should I choose Stiles Law Firm to represent me?
We take a limited number of cases so that we can give our full attention to all of our clients. If you want your law firm to be focused on your case, you want Stiles Law Firm to represent you.
What to Expect
For many, this is the first time they have ever needed to hire an attorney. We want you to be as informed as possible about what to expect. Regardless of your legal issue, our initial consultation is free. We want to learn about your legal needs to see if we can help. We also want to be up front and set reasonable expectations about what can be accomplished, and, to the extent possible, the potential costs involved. This also gives you the opportunity to see if you like and want us to represent you as well.
What happens next depends on the type of case you have. A contract will be signed that sets out the scope and fee structure for our representation. Some cases are handled on a contingency basis. This means that we get paid only from a recovery we get for you, if any. If there is no recovery, you owe us nothing for our time or expenses. Most cases are handled on an hourly basis. The rate fluctuates based on the type and difficulty of work involved. If we are hired on an hourly basis you will provide a retainer (money) from which payments will be drawn. You will receive monthly invoices describing the work performed and expenses charged against your retainer. No matter the type of case, we will keep you updated as your case progresses. Our clients are actively informed as to the status of their case at all times. Your case is as important to us as it is to you.