A retainer is typically an advanced payment charged by an attorney or other professional at the onset of each client’s case. At Resolute Law, it is our standard practice to charge a retainer. The amount of the retainer is dependent upon the complexity and nature of the client’s case.

At Resolute Law, a retainer serves as collateral for the legal services yet to be provided. After work is performed on a client’s file, the client is billed. The billed work is then deducted from the retainer. If the amount of work to be done on a file will exceed the retainer, the client is asked to replenish the retainer before more work is completed on that file.

Retainers are kept in an IOLTA account in accordance with the ethical and professional rules governing attorneys for the state each client resides. IOLTA accounts are trust accounts. Therefore, a client’s retainer funds remain the property of the client up until the time an attorney bills for his or her time on a client’s case. Retainer funds are always kept in trust and never commingled with the funds of the firm or other professionals.

Resolute Law charges on a case by case basis. In some instances, Resolute Law charges a flat rate fee. For example, estate planning is often done on a flat rate fee. General litigation and employment law matters, on the other hand, are often billed by the hour against a retainer.

Other cases, like personal injury matters, are charged on a contingency fee basis.

A contingency fee is a payment structure for client’s whose requirement to pay is contingent upon the outcome of their case.

For example, a personal injury client that has filed a lawsuit against a defendant will only be charged a percentage of the funds either settled for or awarded in litigation, arbitration, or mediation.

Contingency fees are often the most favorable form of payment to clients. Contingency fees allow the client to pursue litigation with little to no risk. If the client’s case is unsuccessful and there are no funds awarded to that client, the client has no obligation to pay any attorney fees. If, on the other hand, a client’s case is successful, they will only have to pay a percentage of those fees to cover their attorney’s fees.

Alternative Dispute Resolution or ADR, typically refers to the resolution of legal conflicts outside of traditional litigation in a court room. Usually, ADR refers to informal negations, mediation, or arbitration.

Yes! Many clients prefer to meet via Zoom or over the phone to discuss their legal matters. Resolute Law offers both Zoom and telephone conferencing options for these clients.

Resolute Law is founded on the idea that our clients do not need a lawyer. Rather, they need results. If our experience has taught us anything, it is that a lawyer who is truly committed to his clients must have a heart of unwavering resolve in the face of his client’s most difficult circumstances.

There is perhaps no other North American animal that exhibits such values. The buffalo has roamed the American frontier for over a millennia. Through the indomitable spirit of their herds, they have survived conflict with bears, wolves, mountain lions, and mankind and they have stood resolute and unwavering in the face of blizzards, torrential rains, and unyielding winds.

Resolute Law has adopted the buffalo because this mighty creature represents Resolute Law’s aspiration to advocate for each of its client’s with resolute courage and unwavering resolve.