For most people, hiring an attorney occurs only a few times in life—often at the most challenging times. Locating and engaging an attorney can be a confusing process. Thus, we have compiled a brief overview of our process with answers to commonly asked questions. Here are the basic steps:
Consultations
Our firm offers initial 30-minute consultations free of charge. During the consultation phase, we work to understand the client’s issue and provide a preliminary legal analysis. In some cases, we may offer a course of action or recommendations sufficient to resolve the client’s issue, but we cannot guarantee such.
Occasionally, one of our attorneys may complete some preliminary research and contact the client to provide that information. If so, that follow-up is considered part of the initial consultation and is provided at no additional cost. Our firm will always advise a client or potential client before performing any work which will incur costs or fees.
Confidentiality and Attorney-Client Privilege
In general, the duty of confidentiality and the attorney-client privilege encourage clients to trust his or her lawyers. The duty of confidentiality places ethical restrictions on a lawyer’s disclosure of information relating to the representation of the client. The attorney-client privilege is the evidentiary principle that confidential communications between attorneys and clients are made for the purpose of obtaining or rendering legal advice.
The attorney-client privilege, most importantly, encourages clients to tell his or her lawyers everything relating to their situation—both good and bad. With complete information, lawyers can provide the best and most appropriate advice. Accordingly, client matters and communications are held confidential, consistent with the laws of New Mexico, Florida, and Minnesota. We cannot disclose any information about our clients or their legal matters to third parties unless such is necessary under law, for example, to prevent immediate injury or death.
Attorney Billing
Hourly Work – Most of our firm’s work is conducted on an hourly basis. Typically, we require a deposit prior to beginning work. Deposits are held in our Client Trust Account in New Mexico, the location of our home office. As work is performed on behalf of the client, the funds are withdrawn from the accounts and used to pay our firm. Of course, any unused client funds are refunded at the completion of our work. The hourly rate and deposit requirements are laid out in the Attorney-Client Agreement that must be signed by the client prior to the start of work by our attorneys.
Flat Rate – For certain legal matters that we encounter frequently, we may offer a flat rate for the completion of that specific issue. In such cases, the scope of the work will be clearly defined before accepting payment. Any matters not specified in the Attorney-Client Agreement will be billed separately, in addition to the flat rate agreed.
Contingent Fee – Our firm does limited work on a contingent basis, primarily personal injury cases. However, state laws limit the types of legal matters that law firms may handle on a contingent basis. As a result, we are unable to use a contingent-fee arrangement for many types of cases, including contract, estate, and administrative. Most matters involving the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are administrative in nature, and therefore, not eligible for contingent fee.
AOPA Pilot Protection Services – For members of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) who subscribe to the AOPA Pilot Protection Services, some or all of our fees may be covered by AOPA. Please contact AOPA Legal Services for more information about the plan: https://pilot-protection-services.aopa.org/
Note: The AOPA Pilot Protection Services is a forward-looking legal services plan, similar to other types of pre-paid legal plans. Plan Members must have coverage in place prior to an occurrence requiring legal assistance. Members who join after an occurrence (accident, FAA violation, etc.) will likely be denied coverage for that specific event.
Client Rights
Attorneys work for, and are representatives of, their clients. Clients have the right to decide when to hire an attorney, when not to hire an attorney, and when to disengage from an attorney. Multiple phases of legal cases require client decisions, including when to file a lawsuit, what approach to take in certain matters, and when to settle their case. Lawyers provide guidance and recommendations to clients; key decisions, however, are always made with the client’s informed consent.
For More Information
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC are all experienced pilots and attorneys who have the resources to help get you back in the air. For more information about the merits of your claim and your legal rights, please schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.
Law Firm LinkedIn Profile