How We Work With You

1. Initial Consultation

It starts with a conversation. Personal injury consultations are free. For all other matters, there is a $150 consultation fee — no pressure and no obligation to hire the firm afterward. Call, email, or use the contact form to schedule. Bring whatever documents you have related to your situation (citations, court paperwork, contracts, correspondence) along with a general timeline of events. If you're not sure what's relevant, bring what you have; sorting out what matters is part of the conversation. Reach out during office hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with evenings and weekends available by appointment) and we respond as soon as possible, generally within one business day.

2. An Honest Assessment

You'll get a plain-spoken read on where you actually stand and what your realistic options are — not a sales pitch designed to get you to sign. If a case is weak, you'll hear that. If there's a faster or cheaper path than full representation, you'll hear that too. The goal is a client who makes an informed decision, not just a signed engagement letter.

3. Direct Attorney Access

You work directly with the attorney handling your case — from the first conversation through resolution. You won't be routed through support staff or handed off to a paralegal for updates on your own matter. That's a deliberate choice: a solo, local practice means one point of contact who actually knows the details of your case.

4. Fees Discussed Plainly, Upfront

How the firm charges depends on the type of matter. Criminal defense and family law cases are typically handled on a flat-fee or hourly basis; personal injury cases are handled on contingency, meaning no attorney's fee unless money is recovered on your behalf. Whatever the structure, it's discussed openly at the consultation, before any engagement agreement is signed — no surprises later.

5. Working the Case

What happens next depends entirely on the type of matter — a criminal case moves through arraignment, pretrial proceedings, and (if it doesn't resolve earlier) trial; a divorce moves through Michigan's mandatory waiting period and, if contested, hearings; an estate plan moves through drafting and execution. Every case is different, and specific next steps are laid out clearly as your matter moves forward — not left vague.

6. Resolution

The goal throughout is the best realistic outcome for your specific situation — not the outcome that's easiest for the firm. Once your matter resolves, you'll understand exactly what happened and why, with no unresolved questions left hanging.