Smith & Wade, LLP - Our Story

A Reputation for Professionalism & Service

At the Smith & Wade law firm, Our commitment is to partner with our clients’ needs in every case we handle and to provide professional advice and representation in each of our areas of practice.

While our firm offers seasoned trial attorneys when necessary, our continued focus is on finding the most effective and efficient legal solution to our clients' needs.

To this end, our attorneys have extensive experience resolving disputes through negotiation, mediation and arbitration.

We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional personalized service to individuals, small businesses and corporations and welcome your inquiry.

Overview of Smith & Wade Fee Structure

The Smith & Wade law firm welcomes clients for office consultations. The first thirty (30) minutes of said consultation is at no charge.

Thereafter, a charge may apply. Your attorney will tell you if there will be an additional charge and, if so, how much it will be.

Some cases are billed on an hourly basis. Your attorney will disclose to you what the hourly rate will be in your case. Hourly charges apply for various activities including the drafting of documents, appearing in court, conducting depositions, engaging in telephone conferences, or otherwise consulting with the client and opposing counsel, among other things.

Some cases are more suited to a contingency fee arrangement. If there is a recovery at some point during a case, the attorney’s fee is derived from the recovery. In many cases, it may be 1/3 of the recovery if the case settles at some point prior to trial.

It is quite common for the percentage to go to forty (40) percent of the recovery if the case goes to trial or settles after trial commences.

Many cases will involve expenses that are not part of the attorney’s fees. Some common examples include filing fees and the costs of depositions, medical records, mileage, and parking. You will be responsible for these expenses at some point, either before they are incurred, as they are incurred, or at the close of your case.

Your case may require the payment of an expense retainer, which is an advance payment on these types of expenses. You may be billed for the expense of depositions as they are conducted in your case.

Under certain circumstances, the firm may pay these expenses as they are incurred, with the understanding that you will pay the firm at the close of your case.

If you have questions or concerns about the attorney’s fees or expenses in your case, please feel free to ask your attorney.