I offer one free visit on every case. There is no obligation of any nature, and you will not be billed for the first visit. The purpose of a first consultation is to identify your legal problems, discuss possible remedies or action which may be available, and discuss attorney's fees and costs. After gaining an understanding of your case, I will quote fees and anticipated costs. I generally decline further discussion of the case after the first visit unless retained. As I maintain a small practice and manage my caseload, I reserve the right to decline any first consultation or to decline representation in any case.

        If you feel the need to contact a trial attorney quickly, please pick up your telephone.  I've made that easy with the addition of a toll free phone number which is available throughout the entire United States and Canada.  You will reach either myself or voicemail - I have no secretarial screen.  When you call please bear in mind I may or may not have time to visit at that instant if you've not made a previous appointment.  If you reach my voicemail, please leave your name, date and time called, return phone number(s) and a brief message regarding the purpose of your call.  I periodically retrieve messages while away from the office and ask that you leave a number as I may not have access to your file at the time.  I don't memorize client phone numbers.  In criminal cases, I will only permit a client to discuss case facts while we are each on a land line - not cell or wireless.  Confidential or time sensitive matters or information should be limited to direct phone conversation with counsel.

        I am most willing to visit with prospective clients regarding representation by phone or in-person appointment without cost or obligation.  However, I will not provide information, legal opinions or legal advice in response to questions submitted from non-clients - email, fax or phone.  Please refer to the terms of first consultation.

        If a prospective client leaves an email message or contact phone, I will attempt to call once at each number provided, however once only.  Unless otherwise designated, if you are not available I would leave my name, number and date called on your answering machine or voicemail.  I do not identify myself as an attorney.  Whether you have an answering service or not, I only attempt one call regardless of importance you assign to the matter.  I will respond to your contact, however I accept no responsibility to make multiple return calls attempting to reach non-clients who are unavailable.  You are most welcome and encouraged to call again.

        Regarding documents, clients may mail, email, fax or bring to my office.  A secure document drop is accessible.  No one else has access. The drop slot is confidential and available to clients at any time day or night.  Dropping a check is acceptable as the canceled check provides an audit trail, however NO CASH may be dropped.  A receipt or printed billing statement must be issued for cash payment.  Due to lack of audit trail, I accept no responsibility for cash placed in the document drop slot.

        Except for potential evidentiary exhibits retained in hard copy, my files are maintained electronically by image scans. I argue court cases from a notebook computer as it is efficient.  To assure confidentiality, documents are mailed to the client or shredded subsequent to scanning.   I ask that clients retain copies of documents.  Each client is provided with a file folder for documents.  A fee would be assessed to later retrieve and print images of a client's file.  If requested, a data CD of all images in my electronic file my can be provided when I close file.

        Technology today is marvelous, however I can not warrant the privacy of conversations involving cordless, wireless or cell phones.  If the matter to be discussed is sensitive, I ask that we touch base from land lines or perhaps an office visit may be in order.

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        Although this page is lengthy, my goal is to have satisfied clients at the conclusion of representation.  I have found that clarifying expectations regarding contact or communication procedures avoids misunderstanding or frustration.

        All inquiries will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed to any third person absent consent of the client or prospective client.  However I accept no responsibility for disclosure through unauthorized interception during email transit, access by other persons sharing your email account password or interception of conversations involving cordless, wireless or cell phone technology.

        You have visited my website anonymously.  The site is not encrypted or otherwise secure, however no client information is retained in the website.  My websites do not surreptitiously glean information - my sites do not use "cookies" or otherwise gather personally identifiable information except that which a visitor knowingly provides by email or phone call.  I'm an attorney - not a techie or a telemarketer.  However, be aware cookies will be required at the professional payment checkout site if you make an on-line payment.  For future reference in communications with you, I print emails to scan or make brief notations in a phone log regarding conversations.  These are not shared with any other person or business absent express consent of the client or prospective client.

        To keep client documents confidential I utilize protections including burglar / fire alarm, computer virus detection, firewall, spyware filter, web bug filter, and email filters.

     CONFIDENTIALITY
        I usually check email multiple times daily - it will likely get my attention as fast as voicemail.  Email is not encrypted and may be subject to interception while in transit.  If you are not a client at present, by using email you may not be covered by the attorney-client communication privilege.  The attorney can not and will not warrant or guarantee confidentiality in the internet medium.  Confidential or time sensitive maters or information should be limited to direct phone conversation with counsel.

     VIRUS, TROJAN or WORM
        All incoming and outgoing email + attachments are automatically scanned by Norton AntiVirus and a spyware sweeper.  I open attachments received from clients or opposing counsel in a particular litigation case.  For clients or counsel, I can open or convert most word processing, image or spreadsheet files.  If you are not a client, please do not attach any files or documents to an email you may send me.  Due to the potential for virus, trojan or worm transmission, any email attachment received from a person I don't know is deleted without opening.

Thank you for considering my services.