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Legal assistants are used to draft common documents for attorney review, when we determine that this can reduce overall fees.
In addition, we expect reimbursement for all costs and expenses incurred by us in the course of representation including, but not limited to, court fees, fees fixed by law or assessed by public agencies, long distance telephone calls, telefax charges, messenger and other delivery fees, postage, in-office photocopying at $0.20 per page, parking, consultants' fees and other similar items.
OTHER MATTERS: In accordance with requirements of the California Business and Professions Code and our normal procedures, we believe it is important to provide a description of our policies regarding representation.
Confidentiality. The attorney-client relationship involves a particular strong duty and expectation of confidentiality. This is protected both under the Code of Professional Responsibility of our industry and also under the American legal jurisprudence. We recognize that many of the matters we handle involve issues that may be sensitive for personal reasons, as well as for their legal and commercial effects.
Scope and Duties of Work. When we first undertake representation of a client, we discuss the exact scope of the work requested. Wherever possible, the scope of the work is set forth in writing. Then, if we are engaged, our job is to address those issues that we determine, in our professional judgment, to be appropriate and within the scope of the tasks you ask us to undertake. We take reasonable steps to keep you informed of progress and to respond to your inquiries.
Whenever possible, we provide our clients with an estimate our fees. However, our experience is that it is very difficult to estimate fees and that consideration of legal issues commonly leads to decisions to consider other issues not initially contemplated. We believe that an important part of a relationship with a professional advisor involves trust that the advisor will determine what steps should properly be considered.
Initial Trust Fund Deposit. We normally ask for a deposit to be held in our Client Trust Fund, upon initiating a new client relationship. We normally will ask you to replenish the Client Trust Fund when amounts have been applied from that account to pay our statements.
Statements. We will present you with detailed statements indicating all work performed and expenses incurred, generally on a monthly basis. Our statements are payable upon receipt, but in no event later than 30 days thereafter. It is the firm's policy to charge interest on accounts remaining unpaid after 30 days. Interest is charged at the rate of 1% per month simple interest (12% per year).
Discharge and Withdrawal. You may discharge us at any time. We may withdraw with your consent or for good cause. Good cause includes your breach of this agreement, your refusal to cooperate with us or to follow our advice on a material matter or any fact or circumstance that would render our continuing representation unlawful or unethical.
When our services conclude, all unpaid charges will immediately become due and payable. After our services conclude, we will, upon your request, deliver your file to you, along with any funds or property of yours in our possession, including any final balance in the Client Trust Fund.
Disclaimer of Guarantee. Because of the nature of the matters we handle, we do not guarantee the outcome of cases although, of course, we will express an opinion about probable results.
Errors and Omissions Coverage. The firm maintains errors and omissions insurance coverage applicable to the services to be rendered pursuant to this agreement.
Of course, we would welcome any questions you may have regarding the nature of our practice and representation.
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