How working with us actually works
Good legal counsel shouldn't come with a mystery bill. Here's our engagement process from the first call to the finished work — and exactly how we charge.
How it works
A simple, transparent way to work with a lawyer
No mystery, no runaway bills. Here's exactly what to expect from the first call to the finished work — and the three ways we charge.
- 01
Free consultation
We start with a no-obligation call to understand what you're building and what you actually need. No jargon, no pressure.
- 02
Scope + a clear quote
We scope the work and give you a fixed quote for defined matters, or propose a retainer for ongoing counsel — so you know the cost before we start.
- 03
Engagement letter
We put the scope, fees, and terms in a plain-English engagement letter. You sign, and we're officially your lawyers.
- 04
We do the work
We handle the drafting, filing, negotiating, and closing — keeping you updated and answering questions along the way.
- 05
Done — and still a call away
You get the finished work and a lawyer you can call again the next time something comes up, without starting from scratch.
How we charge
We match the fee structure to the work — so the way you pay fits the kind of help you need.
Defined work
Flat fee
For clearly-scoped matters — an incorporation, a founder agreement, a contract — you pay one fixed price agreed up front. No hourly surprises.
Fractional general counsel
Monthly retainer
For startups and growing businesses that need ongoing legal support, a flat monthly retainer gives you a lawyer on call — like a fractional general counsel, at a fraction of the cost of hiring one.
Open-ended matters
Hourly + deposit
For open-ended or unpredictable work, we bill hourly against an initial deposit, with regular updates so there are never any billing surprises.
FAQ
Questions about fees & engagement
How does a fixed or flat fee work?
For clearly-scoped work — an incorporation, a founder agreement, a specific contract — we agree on one fixed price up front before any work begins. You know exactly what it costs, with no hourly surprises or hidden fees.
What is a monthly retainer, and who is it for?
A monthly retainer is a flat recurring fee that gives you ongoing access to a lawyer for advice, reviews, and day-to-day legal work. For startups and growing businesses, it works like a fractional general counsel — a lawyer on call — at a fraction of the cost of hiring one in-house.
When would I be billed hourly?
For open-ended or unpredictable matters where the scope isn't fixed, we bill hourly against an initial deposit (retainer). We provide regular updates on time spent so you always know where things stand and there are no billing surprises.
Is the first consultation really free?
Yes. The initial consultation is free and carries no obligation. We use it to understand your situation, explain your options in plain English, and — where the work is defined — give you a quote before you commit to anything.
What happens after I decide to move forward?
We send a plain-English engagement letter setting out the scope, fees, and terms. Once you sign, we're officially your lawyers and we get to work — keeping you updated through to the finished matter.
Ready to get started?
Book a free consultation. We'll review your situation, explain your options, and give you a clear quote — no obligation.