copyright 2011 Ramsey, Baxley & McDougle
The following is required pursuant to Rule 7.2, Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct:
"No
representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services
performed
by other lawyers."
Disclaimer
This website is purely a public resource for general information. It is intended,
but not promised or guaranteed, to be
correct, complete, and up-to-date. This website is not a source of legal advice.
Accessing the material provided in this
website does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should not rely solely
on the information provided on this
website and should always seek the advice of a competent lawyer in your state. The owners
of this website will not represent
you if you are viewing this website in a state where this website fails to comply with all laws
and ethical requirements of your
state. Do not send the owners of this website or any of the lawyers listed herein any
information until you speak
with one of them first.
Business Hours:
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
closed from
12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
closed from
12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Attorneys
When retaining a lawyer, it is important that you establish how the lawyer will set his or her fee. This should be agreed upon before you get too far into the details of your legal matter. In determining a fee, a lawyer may take into account the complexity or difficulties involved in the work, the amount of time required, scheduling constraints imposed by the client or other circumstances, whether or not the fee is contingent, and the nature of the issues involved and the results obtained. Lawyers, like others, incur expenses to maintain their offices, provide support services, purchase materials and equipment, pay employees, and support themselves and their dependents. Many lawyers maintain law libraries and continually expand them to keep up with changes in the law. Failing to come to an agreement on the subject of legal fees and expenses early in the lawyer-client relationship can result in misunderstandings at a later stage of the relationship.
Lawyers generally charge in one of several different ways:
- On a flat fee basis, for handling a particular type of matter.
The lawyer may quote you a set amount or standard fee for a routine legal matter. You also usually are expected to pay court costs
and to reimburse the lawyer for out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel or copying costs. For example, many wills and simple divorces
are handled on a flat fee basis.
- On the basis of a percentage of the amount recovered, which is called a contingent fee arrangement.
This means that if your lawsuit is successful, the lawyer receives an agreed upon percentage of the amount recovered, plus out-of-pocket
expenses and court costs. Cases involving personal injury are often handled on a contingent fee basis.
- On an hourly basis for
time spent and expenses incurred on your behalf. Hourly rates of lawyers generally depend upon the lawyer's experience and the demand
for his or her services. There is no set hourly rate, and the rates vary. Many business matters are charged according to hourly rates.
-
On a retainer basis, where an individual or business employs a lawyer by giving him or her a down payment toward the fee for specified
legal services. In return for the retainer the attorney will work for you on any matter for which you may need his or her services.
Additional costs may be added to the final bill for services involving extra time and effort from the lawyer. Always request that
your lawyer give a receipt to you for the advance on the fee.
Ramsey, Baxley & McDougle
Attorneys at Law
212 West Troy Street
Dothan, Alabama 36303
Phone: (334) 793-6550
General Fax: 334-793-1433
Real Estate Fax: 334-671-9896
Dothan, Alabama 36303
Phone: (334) 793-6550
General Fax: 334-793-1433
Real Estate Fax: 334-671-9896
