In many ways, the law today has passed out of the reach of the average person. There are always lawyers available to serve the very wealthy, and through the Legal Services Corporation, there are lawyers available to serve those near the poverty line--never close to enough lawyers for the poor, but the poor do have access to free legal services.
But the average middle-class individual or family increasingly finds that they can’t afford a lawyer for everyday needs--wills, small business incorporations, problems with school administrators--or that many lawyers are unwilling to take on these "small" matters when there are bigger, higher-paying matters available.
Equal access to justice and the legal system is a necessary corollary of our equality under the law, and I am committed to providing reasonably-priced legal services to individuals, families, and small businesses.
As part of this commitment, I make house calls. It can be difficult for business owners or working parents to find time out of their day when they can get away from work, leave the kids with a sitter, drive halfway across town to wait in a lawyer’s office for a short meeting. Instead, I can come meet you at work, or we can have a working lunch, or we can discuss your will at your dinner table while your kids play in the next room. No babysitters needed. No need to close your small business while you leave for two hours.
I am also committed to making my services affordable and available, and to that end I not only keep my hourly rate at the low end of regional rates, but I am willing to work out alternative billing arrangements and, in some cases, lower my hourly fees. I have to cover my own costs of doing business--insurance, office supplies, bar memberships, continuing education--as well as make a living, so I don’t have the luxury of being infinitely flexible. I discuss costs honestly and upfront; if you’re concerned about the cost of legal services, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail so we can discuss your situation and see if we can reach a mutually agreeable fee arrangement.
I believe the law should not be used as a blunt instrument to beat or intimidate others into submission, but rather as a way to resolve conflicts and ensure the smooth functioning of society. I practice, as much as possible, in a collaborative fashion with my clients and my fellow attorneys. Even when a situation is necessarily adversarial--such as when a lawsuit is unavoidable--it is possible to be a strong and committed advocate for one’s client without devolving into the legal equivalent of bickering. It is possible to disagree without being disagreeable, to argue zealously without becoming hostile. I strive to bring this level of professionalism and respect to every interaction with my clients and with other members of the legal profession.