Thomas Ferreira here, your solution for all divorce and child-custody-related problems serving Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside and Camp Pendleton–indeed all of North San Diego County. The other day I was in court waiting for a long-cause Order to Show Cause hearing to start. when the talk among the attorneys strayed to how we, as attorneys, can help clients and still cover our overhead and make a decent living.
There’s certainly a range of billing practices out there, and different approaches to customer service. A typical lawyer business model is for the attorney to take the client in, and thereafter have a paralegal manage all client communication. I don’t do that! If I’m available for a client call, I’ll actually take your call, or my wife and practice manager will take the call and get your question answered promptly.
My practice is dedicated to solving your problems, not to generating billing. I was shocked to learn from my collegues that one lawyer had charged over $30,000 just to get the client to the first motion hearing (order to show cause)! That’s unbelievable, but I’ve seen that too, on cases I have taken over from other lawyers.
These attorneys do this by billing every little conversation, copy made, or clerical act performed. Again, we don’t do that. We know how difficult it is to afford legal services, and we make every effort to make your case affordable.
My practice manager and wife, Tammy, and I have both gone through the divorce process ourselves. Both of us have parenting plans with our exes. We’ve seen this process from your point of view and know how it feels to need an answer at 9:00 in the evening. If we can, we’ll take your call and answer your question. If not, we’ll return the call as soon as we can.
I’d like to end this post by asking for your comments on how we can improve our customer service. What can we do to serve you better? I invite all of our mediation clients and litigation clients to respond to this post and let us know! Please respond in the comment form below. I remain …
Very truly yours,
Thomas D. Ferreira, Esq.
Disclaimer: Thomas D. Ferreira is an attorney licensed only in the State of California. The information set forth in this blog or on our websites are not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, nor are they intended as legal advice on your specific matter. This information is not intended to apply to cases or jurisdictions outside the State of California, and those viewing this information outside of California, or having business before jurisdictions outside of California, should consult a local professional or lawyer. The information in this blog is not a substitute for the advice of competent counsel, and is not intended, nor should it be construed, as a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the results of your legal matter.