This page describes the fee basis on which we provide Legal Services and how we are compensated for our Services.
Be assured that we will do our utmost to serve
you effectively. We cannot guarantee the success of any given venture, but we will strive
to represent your interests professionally and efficiently. We may utilize associates and
legal assistants in the office in the best exercise of our professional judgment. If, at
any time, you have questions, concerns or criticism, please contact us at once. The Firm
reserves the responsibility of designating which employee shall perform the various
aspects of the representation.
We take into account many factors in billing for
services rendered, and we review all statements before they are issued to insure that the
amount charged is appropriate. The principal factor is usually our schedule of hourly
rates, time is recorded in one-tenth hour increments; most statements for services are
simply the product of the hours worked multiplied by the hourly rates of the attorneys and
legal assistants who did the work. We also take into account the rules of professional
ethics in effect in this Territory concerning legal fees.
Our schedule of hourly rates for attorneys and
other members of our professional staff is based upon years of experience, specialization
in training and practice, and level of professional attainment. Our present hourly rates
are $295.00 per hour for Karin A. Bentz, Esq. and to the extent that associates, law
clerks and/or legal assistants are involved their hourly rates are $185.00, $100.00, and
$75.00 per hour, respectively. The rates are subject to change on thirty (30) days written
notice. The firm uses a task based billing system for those clients which require that blling statements conform to those standards.
In addition, we will bill and expect payment for
out-of-pocket expenses such as long distance telephone and fax charges, express mail,
filing fees, computerized legal research charges, et cetera. Expenses related to providing
services shall be included in the monthly statement. Expenses include, among others,
photocopying, service of process, travel, witness and filing fees, investigative and
expert reports, long distance telephone, deposition expenses, computer time and computer
expenses, secretarial and paralegal overtime, database setup charges, governmental
charges, filing fees and similar charges.
Our statements generally will be prepared and
mailed during the first ten days of the month following the month in which services are
rendered and costs advanced. We expect payment within thirty (30) days of the statement
date. We currently accept American Express, MasterCard and VISA for payment. We require that all clients sign a written
retainer contract and pay a deposit before commencing ANY AND ALL services.
On a personal note, we are very pleased that you
are considering this Firm to represent you. I look forward to serving you and we shall use
our best efforts on your behalf.
CONTINGENT AND FLAT FEES
We also provide some legal services on a flat and contingent fee basis for both
plaintiffs and defendants. Please contact us for additional information on the various fee
basis on which we deliver legal services.
Disclaimer: These materials are presented with the understanding that the
publisher does not render any legal, accounting, or other professional service. Due to the
rapidly changing nature of the law, information contained in these publications may become
outdated. As a result, an attorney using these materials must always research original
sources of authority and update this information to ensure accuracy when dealing with a
specific client's legal matters. In no event will the authors, the reviewers, or the
publisher be liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from the
use of these materials.
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US Virgin Islands - St.Thomas attorneys with general trial and appellate practice, employment and commercial litigation, trademark infringement, corporate and real estate and personal injury law as practice areas.