FAQs

What do clients say about the firm?

Click here to read a letter from one of our clients. 

Click here to read a letter from another one of our clients.

Click here to read a letter from another one of our clients.

How do I pay for my legal fees?

For litigation, we handle cases either on an hourly fee basis, or on a contingency fee basis. A contingency means that if there is no monetary recovery, you owe us nothing for our legal fees. For estate planning work, we work on an hourly fee basis.

In the event of a contingency fee, how do I pay for the expenses of the case?

We will typically request a deposit of $500-$5,000 in our trust account to cover our out-of-pocket expenses such as court-filing fees and deposition costs.

Who will work on my case?

Typically one or two lawyers and one or two legal assistants will work with you directly.

If there is a trial, will I need to be present?

Yes.

What is a deposition?

During your case, you may have to give a deposition. A deposition is basically a formal interview by the opposing lawyer, under oath, which is recorded word for word by a court reporter. Before your deposition is taken, a lawyer will prepare you. When your deposition is taken, a lawyer will be present throughout to represent you.

How is settlement handled?

Most cases (over 90%) are settled before trial. We will regularly inform you of our evaluation of your case for settlement, and cases will be settled only with your full participation, advice, and consent.

How Long Does It Take For A Case To Go To Trial?

Justice delayed is justice denied. Cases in Oregon used to proceed for as long as five years. By direction of the Oregon Supreme Court, courts in all Oregon counties should bring all cases to trial within one year.

What Is “Trial by Ambush”?

In federal court, each party must reveal its witnesses in advance of trial. In Oregon state courts, witnesses are concealed until trial.