Attorney communication time?

[dadoftwo]

Agree with Bubba... My attorney was part of a large firm but has started his own with just him and another attorney, but he took his paralegal with him. Either way I've had no difference in response time. Often if I have a question I talk to the paralegal if I think she can answer it instead. I never get charged for a quick fifteen minute phone conversation with her, and she's honest with me about whether or not she knows something definitively. Then, if my question needs to go to my attorney, I've sorted out exactly what I need to know so that my conversation with him is much shorter - and cheaper - than it probably could have been! And he doesn't even charge me for all of the conversations we have, but I let him know how much I appreciate him, ask when he's taking out the boat next, the Yankees . . . Make yourself a likable guy that they want to help.

Lesson learned for me is make friendly with the attorney and the office staff (ask about her kids, what's she doing for the weekend, even brought her Starbucks once because she mentioned how much she liked their frozen something-or-others) and become one of the clients they "like." You'll see the difference in their response time and your bill.

[BubbaGumpShrimp]

All the receptionist at my attorneys firm knew me by my voice, and half the time I called they would cut up with me about stuff, but Im one of those guys that kinda makes an impression when I meet people for some reason.

It never hurts to get on good terms with the first person who answers the phone instead of < edited > and whining about not being able to get in touch.

Yeah...that's just it. I dealt with the paralegal the first few times I called. She was responsive enough...though she may have gotten offended the last time I dealt with her because I had to correct her $h1tty spelling (a red flag...in my opinion).

This brings up another concern. Attention to detail. They should have that stuff (whatever they're submitting) proofread before it leaves their office. When I get something, it should be to give final approval to send it...not to do an initial proofread. If I want to pay to proofred < edited > spelling and grammar, I'll go take another college course with young undergrad dummies. I'm paying to get divorced...not rehash English 101.

But yeah...I do make it a habit to be polite to everyone I speak with.

[Chosen2Dad]

It really depends. I am on my second lawyer. First was would get a hold on me on the weekends, bill for everything. Didn't see the progress of 12k.

Changed lawyers...I hang out with her brother. But response time varies. She is happy to hear me. Understands my psychological needs as well as legal. She called me this weekend even though I didn't have her personal number. And she doesn't bill for every minute/phone/etc on her 6 minute clock.

But it varies. I was supposed to hear from her early in the week and I didn't. She told me she was in trial W-F as I am waiting on In-house rules to deal with my S2. I'm supposed to hear from her tomorrow. So we'll see.

[BubbaGumpShrimp]

Mine has been very good about billing so far. She didn't charge me for the initial $200 consultation (it only went 15 minutes) or the two brief phone calls that we've had so far. I'll discover pretty soon if she was worth the retainer (I'm anxious to see what I hear from her tomorrow).