Fees
Our fee structure is flexible. The basic rate is $275 to $350 per hour for John Tollefsen's services. We quote fixed fees and accept contingency fees in some situations. Contingency fees are approximately 33.33% if the client pays the costs in advance but are negotiable. Contingency fees require large amounts of damages (in excess of $200,000) and solvent defendants. Some cases start as hourly but become hybrid (part-contingency or fixed fee) after the facts of the case are become more certain.
Low overhead
With legal costs at an all-time high, business as usual is the wrong answer. Law firms need to make maximum use of computers to increase productivity and lower costs. Hourly rates do not measure productivity. Clients cannot be expected to cover the cost of high priced, every increasing rents in downtown high-rise buildings. Clients can no longer be expected to pay for associate time often 24/7.
Tollefsen Law Office PLLC's low overhead offers several advantages over large law firms: Better response time because you have direct access to the lawyer. Greater personal attention from the lawyer you hired. Your case will not be delegated to an associate. Often lower overall legal expense is achieved because of the efficiency resulting from experience and the lack of pressure to obtain a minimum amount of billing per month. Since you are working directly with Mr. Tollefsen, there is less chance of billing misunderstandings and greater accountability of the lawyer to the client. Mr. Tollefsen has full access to a major legal research databases giving him library facilities equivalent to those of the largest firms.
Meetings in client office or home
Client location is usually not a significant factor any longer. Many courts allow filing of court documents electronically. The initial meeting, depositions, mediation, and trial are often the only time attorney and client meet face to face. Tollefsen frequently meets clients in their offices or homes to make the representation as convenient as possible for the client.
Special fee arrangements for businesses
Often businesses find themselves in need of significant legal services that are not part of their annual budget. Whether it is the cost of business organization, financing (including private placements), or litigation, TLO has plans for almost any business need. From monthly payments plans, retainer agreements, fixed fees, contingency and hybrid arrangements, TLO will do it best to find a way to provide the legal services you need.
Retainer Agreements
Retainer agreements can be customized to meet your needs. If you have a need for a lawyer from time to time, it is helpful to have one who knows you and your situation. It is often difficult to educate a lawyer quickly in an emergency. The retainer agreement can be flexible and combine fixed fees and hourly fees.
The least expensive retainer available from Tollefsen Law Office PLLC is billed at $1,000 per year. The retainer fee is paid in advance and placed in the firm's client trust account. If you use legal serviced during the year, those fees are deducted from your trust account. In addition, you will be scheduled for a one hour appointment with John Tollefsen each year to relate what happened in your life the previous year. This meeting allows you to keep your attorney apprised of your situation and spot issues you may have overlooked. You will be charged for this meeting at John Tollefsen's then standard hourly rate (whether or not you attend the meeting). At the end of the retainer year, you will be automatically billed the amount needed to replenish the retainer. If you do not pay the invoice within 30 days, the balance of your trust account will be mailed to you and Tollefsen Law Office PLLC will no longer be your law firm.
We want to be of service. If you have any ideas for improving our fee arrangements, please let us know.
John J. Tollefsen's Curriculum Vitae
