What can I Do for You?    





























  

  A word on fees 


 

I mainly serve clients with problems in:

• Consumer and employee law:  I prefer to help people anticipate and avoid legal problems by understanding how the law affects them and what they need to do to get the results they want.
  
  But sometimes legal problems can't be avoided, such as when someone treats you unfairly and you need to respond.  Sadly, among the many reputable businesses who pride themselves on treating everyone fairly, there are a few others, who often try to take advantage of their customers and even their employees at every opportunity. 
  
  Many lawyers promise to be aggressive and to fight for you to the bitter end.  It's an easy promise to make, and it can even be helpful sometimes.  What I find is that what's most important is finding an attorney who puts helping you first, even when it means avoiding a fight (and reducing your legal costs).
  
  Sure, in rare cases, a legal brawl is the only thing that will do the job to protect your rights.  But a lot of time, not.  If you find yourself being treated unfairly or taken advantage of, my goal as your attorney is do what's best for you to see that you are made whole, as quickly and inexpensively as possible.
  
  
• Elder law:  Life-care and end-of-life planning and preparations for seniors and adults with disabilities.  This includes working with families and caregivers to ensure that the planning is carried out properly.  And working with younger adults and families throughout their lives to ensure that their interests are protected in the event of disability and their wishes are carried out after death.
  
  
• Counsel and guidance for nonprofits about organizational form, incorporation, strategic planning, and organizational policies and procedures, all designed to reduce risk and maximize organizational effectiveness while creating satisfied customers and stakeholders and eliminating causes of complaints.
  
  As wise nonprofit leaders know, the "nonprofit" is just a tax status.  Nonprofits have to be every bit as sharp, well-organized, and responsive as for-profit businesses; AND they have to comply with additional restrictions and limitations that stem from the decision to incorporate as a nonprofit.
  
  I offer nonprofits experienced counsel in the realm of organizational design, development, documentation, and demonstrated operational management techniques.  From the initial idea through the successful launch and operation of your nonprofit, I can advise you about the pitfalls and the opportunities both.
  
  

  Also accepting matters relating to

• Strategic planning and communications

• Legislative and administrative issues
• Policy tracking and advocacy
  
• Dispute mediation
  
• Privacy
  
• Government transparency
• Freedom of Information/Public Records
  
• Open Meetings Act issues
• Civil liberties
  
• Unemployment insurance benefits
• Other administrative appeals
  
• Veteran's benefits
  

 

Like any professional service, legal counsel and representation isn't free.  However, I understand the pressures clients face when seeking legal help.  Before we work together to address your legal issues, I will be happy to reach a fee agreement that you can feel good about: one that is clear, fair, and predictable. 

  Because I want to be able to take as much time as a client matter needs, I will generally offer you a fixed, value-based fees for a defined task whenever possible, such as when drafting documents and providing consultations.  In those cases when I am unable to commit to a fixed fee, I will explain why not, and we will collaborate on a fee agreement that makes sense for the particular matter before proceeding any further.