Litigation is uncertain—often expensive and stressful. And, because outcomes are impossible to guarantee, litigation should not be taken lightly.

At McManis Faulkner, our attorneys work to understand client needs and goals, to identify and explain choices—and ultimately to help the client understand the pros and cons, the costs and risks, and then determine whether a case should be pursued or defended.

MF’s fee structure depends on case type and includes both hourly and contingent fees. When appropriate, we customize our fee arrangement in a hybrid fashion, with varying combinations of hourly and contingent fees or other types of billing.

For hourly cases, MF clients receive an invoice each month, showing fees and costs for the previous month. We bill hourly rates for our attorneys as well as paralegals and law clerks, and when two or more firm members participate in an activity at the same time, we bill for each person’s time.

The firm also bills clients for the outside costs incurred in their cases, such as filing fees, deposition costs, copying charges, travel, and so on. These costs are the actual costs charged to MF.

MF customarily requires a retainer, the terms of which vary by case.

Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can.  Point out to them how the nominal winner is often the real loser – in fees, expenses and waste of time.  As a peacemaker, the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man*.  Never stir up litigation.  A worse man* can scarcely be found than one who does this.
--Abraham Lincoln

(*In the 21st Century, this would be “ person”.)