BECOME A CLIENT: Our rates depend upon the contract you have with this firm. Generally, there are three types of retainer contracts.

Hourly contracts are generally used when the parties are unsure of the amount of time a particular legal task will take. In these circumstances, neither party is willing to commit to a fixed price. Mr. White's normal hourly rate is $300 per hour.

Contingency contracts are used when the matter at issue is expected to produce a sufficient sum of money, but the parties are uncertain of its amount. A case may be contingent as to liability or as to amount. We generally encourage the client to avoid contingency contracts when liability is certain, the expected amount is sufficient to pay reasonable lawyer fees and collection of the judgment is certain. In these circumstances, the client is generally better off with an hourly or fixed fee contract. However, sometimes even when liability is certain, the client will want to assure that the lawyer has an incentive to get the highest amount. In these circumstances, the client may still want to use a contingency contract.

Fixed fee contracts are generally best when the parties are expecting a particular result and the amount of legal work involved is reasonably predictable. In these situations, the lawyer takes the risk that the matter actually takes more time than is expected and the client takes the risk that it will take less. It is important to understand that if the lawyer gives an estimate, this does not turn an hourly or contingency contract into a fixed fee contract. An estimate may be given under an hourly contract, but it is still an hourly contract and the actual fee may be more or less than the estimate. If you want the lawyer to be bound to the estimate, you must make sure that the contract is a fixed fee contract.

Retainers generally are required in all hourly and fixed fee contracts and sometimes in contingency contracts. The retainer cements the lawyer/client relationship and insures the lawyer and the client of the seriousness of the matter at hand. A typical retainer in a small Chapter 11 case is $10,000.00.

Costs generally are those expenses which must be paid out of pocket for the matter to be properly pursued. They include all kinds of matters, such as depositions, service fees, copy costs, long distance telephone expenses and the like. Generally, the attorney will not advance costs. This matter is subject to the provisions of the parties' agreement.

You should make sure that the agreement between you and the lawyer is reduced to writing. Sometimes in the initial phase of the emergency cases, it is imprudent to pause for any reason and the contract is not signed until later. These emergency situations are rare indeed.

If you would like to consider becoming a client of White Law Chartered, you need to make an appointment, come in, and explain your matter. While communication by email is encouraged after a lawyer with White Law Chartered is retained, a lawyer client relationship with this firm cannot be established via email in the first instance A personal visit is normally required. The firm rarely, if ever, charges for the first half hour of consultation. Generally this is sufficient for the lawyer and client to know whether further services are needed.