Trust Deposits & Billing
What is the difference between the traditional retainer and the trust deposits that Hemmat Law uses? How does Hemmat Law take cases?
It is true that most attorneys require a deposit of some kind to bring them onboard your case, and Hemmat Law is no different. But the form that deposit takes can make a big difference in the power dynamic between attorney and client.
In a nutshell
Retainers are nonrefundable fees often used to take and maintain availability for events in your case. Take care when signing them, as they can be nonrefundable.
Hemmat Law conducted the biggest Family Law secret shop ever performed in Washington, assessing 400 organizations to create the most comprehensive look into the state of the Washington family law landscape.
Retainers
We almost never charge them.
Large fees up front to take and maintain availability in your case.
Can be nonrefundable even if you fire or dismiss your attorney.
Imposes sunk costs on clients who might not want to ‘waste’ their deposits.
TRUST DEPOSITS
Our way of business
Deposit is used as a gas tank against future expenses
Not a fee – remains your property.
Fully refundable at any time.
Our Thinking
Why we don’t charge retainers to take cases:
We should earn your business every month – not hold your money hostage if the relationship isn’t working out.
Trusts allow you to remain in control of how your funds are spent, rather than committing to a huge expense up front.
If we accomplish your goals sooner than expected, you should get your extra money back.
What Hiring us Looks Like
Step 1: Contact Our Team.
Call or text our onboarding team to give us your story.
Step 2: Consult with our team.
Schedule an evaluation with our attorneys to get clarity. The attorneys will quote you a deposit and send you a representation letter at the end of your call.
Step 3: Mull Your Options.
Only hire us if you are comfortable with our ethos. Our team can refer you to other offices we would highly recommend in our absence.
Step 4: Sign your Engagement Letter.
Sign your representation letter electronically from your smartphone or computer. Once you and the attorney have signed, we will send you a custom payment link.
Step 5: Make your Deposit.
Make your trust deposit on your timeline, in any number of increments you wish. If you decide you don’t want to move forward, just let us know and we will return your funds.
Step 6: Meet your Legal Team.
You will be assigned a designated paralegal as an ongoing point of contact. They will guide you through your first legal steps.
Step 7: Get Emotional Support.
Our in-house emotional support coaches and counsellors will sit down with you for a free orientation to learn more about you and your personal goals. This will guide how we work with and for you. Learn More About Our Emotional Support Team.
Schedule with Us
Hemmat Law is a fully remote and cloud-enabled legal practice. Litigate and collaborate from any wireless device, and make secure payments on the cloud.
Learn how you can work with us securely.
HEMMAT LAW’S BILLING STRUCTURE
As your case is ongoing, we will issue you weekly activity reports. This lets you stay on top of case expenses.
Most offices bill in 30 days increments. Weeks pass without you knowing what you have spent, and clients are often surprised by invoices they didn’t expect. We don’t do that.
Billing Every Friday
The Hemmat Law Group accepts
