• Frequently Asked Questions

How do we work with clients?

Although each situation is different, and we tailor our approach to each client, this is our general approach.

• Step 1: Initial meeting
  In this initial meeting, we will ask you a lot of questions about your situation. We will take notes and we will listen. Then, we will give you an initial legal opinion, and an overall, high-level roadmap for resolution of your case.
• Step 2: Develop Game plan
  Based on the specifics of your case, we will do whatever legal research is necessary. This may include a review of relevant case law, further review of relevant documents, etc. Once we have all the facts, we will work jointly with you to develop a plan. We will clearly explain the agreed-upon path to resolution in plain English.
• Step 3: Implement plan
  At this point, we implement the plan to begin to bring closure to your legal matter. There are several courses of action, depending on the nature of your case and your preference in approach. We will usually attempt to negotiate a resolution if appropriate. If unsuccessful we may take court action, mediate or arbitrate. Court action includes filing documents, presenting your position and arguing before a judge who will decide the matter. Mediation involves meeting with a professional specially trained to assist those with divergent opinions in reaching compromise and agreement. Alternatively, we may jointly agree that arbitration is the best way to proceed. Arbitration differs from mediation in that it includes advocacy and ultimate decision making by a neutral arbitrator and involves many of the same elements as court proceedings except it is less formal.
• Step 4:Review for Client Satisfaction
  We will ask you for specific feedback to determine your level of satisfaction with our services.

How will I be billed?

The Ruben Law Firm is dedicated to bringing you exceptional legal services at as reasonable a cost to you as possible. Up front, we will give you our best estimate of how much our services will cost, and will keep you informed if there are any changes to the budget estimates. Every legal matter is different, and there are often unanticipated aspects that contribute to your overall costs. Our goal is to communicate as well as we can so that there are no surprises.

You will be billed for time spent on your legal matter. Generally, there are guidelines for certain procedures. You will not be "punished" if we work slowly or rapidly. You will not be billed for costs of every call and every copy. These expenses are handled by billing you 6.0% of your monthly fees.

When you receive a bill from the Ruben Law Firm, you will not need a magnifying glass to understand what you have been billed for. Everything is clearly spelled out. You will know exactly what services you are paying for.