There is no such thing as a typical engagement. Every client is unique. Every situation is different. There is
no preset step by step formula into which every client fits. However there are
certain broad patterns that a potential client can expect when they first sit down with us.
These are as follows:
Initial consultation – an engagement frequently begins with a short
initial face to face meeting which allows both of us to determine if there is
a good philosophical fit for the matter at hand and our respective personalities. Generally,
this is a no cost and no obligation meeting meant primarily to establish some boundaries on the scope of the intended effort. Four patterns may emerge from this process.
If the work is reasonably definable in this first session then an engagement letter is issued for that defined effort
(see Engagement Letter below). If there is a high level of complexity or uncertainty
requiring an in-depth discussion before we can proceed then the next step is a plan for a plan engagement (see Plan for Plan
below). Where possible, we try to define the scope of work and set a fixed price. In some instances the effort cannot be sized ahead of time and in those circumstances
an hourly engagement will be offered (see Hourly Engagement below). In some other
instances, the effort may be such that a contingency engagement is the best fit (see Contingency Engagement below). It may also be necessary to separate the engagement in parts and match the appropriate approach to each
sub-engagement.
Plan for a Plan – this is an hourly based short term engagement (two
to four hours). It involves a preset amount of time to enable an in-depth discussion
of the issues and develop a plan to proceed, once the complexities, uncertainties, and vagaries of the issue at hand are understood. Legal issues are inventoried. The deliverable
of this type of engagement is a written review of the issues with an opinion and either an engagement letter for the next
steps or a termination of the engagement.
Engagement Letter – this is a priced offer to proceed with a predefined
series of actions in support of a client’s legal needs. Characteristics
unique to the engagement are defined in the body of the letter. Those issues
that are routine are defined by the attached terms and conditions (see terms and conditions web page). These letters generally include a statement of purpose and desired effect, a detailed list of included
items, a highlight of items not included, prices, and next steps to initiate the engagement.
Any work that emerges which is out of the scope of the engagement generally will be handled as a separate engagement.
Hourly Engagement – in those instances where the body of work cannot
be defined ahead of time, an engagement may be offered based solely on hours spent.
In such a situation, activity is closely monitored and communicated with the client so that costs do not accumulate
without the client’s knowledge and approval. Limits or parameters can be
established so that work will suspend pending client authorization to continue once they have reviewed progress.
Contingency Engagement – in those instances where the work
involved is highly variable and the results unpredictable, an offer to share the risk may be made. Typically this could entail 30 percent of any pretrial settlement or 40 percent of any trial award, with
no legal fees if no recovery.
Expenses
– generally speaking, expenses incident to the engagement are passed through at cost and are the responsibility of the
client. These include filing fees, postage, copying costs, travel, and other
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You can reach us at:
Attorney
Bruce T. Leonard & Associates, LLC
Cumming Campus:
Alpharetta Campus:
5830 Bond Street
200 Milton Park Building
Suite
300
11175 Cicero Avenue Suite 100
Cumming, Georgia 30040
Alpharetta, Georgia 30022
Phone: (678) 215-5556
Fax: (678)
679-2431
btl@attybtl.com
