Frequently Asked Questions

Who will work on my case?

A partner of the firm with expertise and experience in the area of law involved will be in charge. We work as a legal team using the experience and talents of our firm to most efficiently and effectively get the intended results, be responsive to you and give excellent service. Partner supervision of client matters is the rule, not the exception at OWD.

What are the terms of representation?

When you hire us, we will send you a client representation letter in accordance with California Business & Professions Code §6148 and the Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of California. This letter once accepted and returned by you will constitute the written agreement between us for our legal services. It will set forth how the attorneys fees and costs will be billed and other material terms of our representation.

What will it cost?

This depends on the particular matter we will handle for you. We will explain the basis on which attorneys fees will be charged, provide an estimate if desired, and communicate with you on an ongoing basis regarding costs. If your matter is billed on an hourly basis, the hourly rates of the attorneys and paralegals working on your matter and the basis for charges will be explained.

Do you take credit cards?

Yes. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover are accepted for payment.

What legal matters do you handle?

See practice areas. If we do not, or cannot, handle your matter, we will make a referral to another attorney if requested.

Do I get a first consultation free of charge?

We do not usually give a first consultation free of charge since legal advice is normally given at the first meeting. Depending upon your matter, such as a contingency fee case, no fee will be charged for this meeting.

What is a “conflict of interest check” and what constitutes a conflict of interest?

Under the Rules of Professional Conduct, attorneys cannot represent multiple parties who have adverse interests. When you first call our office, you will speak to a secretary who will take your name and the names of other parties involved in your matter. We then run a confidential internal check in our computer system to insure that no one at our firm represents someone against whom you have a claim or dispute, or vice versa. If we represent someone in an adverse position to you, we would have a conflict of interest and would not be allowed to represent you. In some but not all cases, if all parties waive the existing conflict of interest in writing, we can proceed to represent you; however, this is decided on an individual case basis.