How to Begin and Conflicts: What to Expect When You Call
A member of our staff will ask you preliminary questions to determine if a conflict of interest exists that would prevent us from meeting with you. This information will also be used to determine the complexity of your case and which attorneys are available to represent you. If a consultation is scheduled, the attorneys will already have this information and will more efficiently discuss relevant issues based on the information you provide. All information will remain completely confidential.
Family Law: If you are calling regarding a family law matter (divorce, separation, paternity, premarital or post-marital agreements, post-dissolution modifications, etc.), our staff will ask you questions about yourself and your case, including your name, the other party’s name, your contact information, employment information, length of marriage or relationship, anticipated date of marriage if you are calling for advice relating to a premarital agreement, and information regarding additional complexities such as assets and properties of the marriage, the ages of your children (if any), and if anything has been filed with the court.
Business Law: If you are calling regarding a business or real estate matter, we will ask you questions about yourself and the nature of your case, including your name, the specifics of your business transactions, and the names of the other parties involved.
After you’ve answered some initial questions, a member of our staff may determine we are unable to take your case because of several reasons, for example:
- There is a potential conflict with the other party, an involved business or, if the case has been filed, a conflict with an attorney or expert in the case.
- We do not normally serve the jurisdiction where your case may be litigated.
- We may not be available due to current case load or the issues in your case.
If we determine there is no conflict, and the attorney you requested or another attorney is available to meet with you, our staff will call you back to schedule an initial consultation at our office. You will be charged for the initial consultation at our regular hourly rate for consultations. During the initial consultation, you will have an opportunity to discuss your current situation and ask any questions you may have. You will become familiar with the attorneys you meet with and their approach to your case.
Following the initial consultation, if you and our attorney(s) agree to work together, you will be asked to review and execute an Hourly Fee Contract and provide an initial retainer in an amount determined by our legal team. We are proud to provide assistance to our clients in our offices in San Ramon and Menlo Park.