Cost Estimate

We’re often asked to estimate the cost of a case, whether it is a simple demand letter or a complicated jury trial. And we get it: costs are important.

Unfortunately, it is not always easy to estimate how much any particular case will cost. However, you can expect that throughout your case, we will discuss and collaborate with you on the costs and benefits of particular legal strategies so that you can make informed decisions at every step in the legal process. So, although litigation can be expensive, your input can help us to make the right decision not only for your case but also for your budget.

With that said, we can give you some general ideas about the costs of legal representation.

First, legal representation can be expensive, especially if formal litigation is involved.

Second, the costs of your case may depend largely on how complex your matter is or how the opposing party reacts to our strategy. If we are able to assertively and satisfactorily settle your matter early, costs will be lower. However, if the opposing party will not settle and files many motions or forces a matter to go through trial, the costs will be higher.

Throughout the legal process, there are several significant steps that will necessitate an increasing amount of work on your case—and a corresponding increasing in legal expenses.

Filing a complaint means that we must have a good-faith factual basis to assert your claims, which means that we need to review any evidence that you have to support your claim.

The “discovery” process after initial pleadings can also contribute to costs. Discovery is where each side in a case gathers evidence to be used at trial. Discovery includes written questions, document review, and depositions.

Motions practice throughout litigation can also be an expense, but one that is often worth it if we can significantly narrow the claims or resolve the case prior to trial. Throughout your case, we will discuss and collaborate with you on the costs and benefits of particular motions.

Finally, trial preparation and trial itself will incur significant costs. Our attorneys are thorough and prepared experts in the courtroom, in part because we carefully prepare outside of the courtroom.

Each of these phases can involve various smaller steps that will impact your bill. We will always stay in close communication with you about the costs of litigation so that we can collaborate on the best way to achieve your goals while being mindful of your bottom line.