Limited-Scope Services

APEX Law Firm offers limited-scope legal services as an alternative to full representation. The biggest advantage to this is the savings. You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in legal fees by representing yourself in court, while paying only for the specific things with which you need the most help.

Limited-scope services can provide you with the following:

• Legal advice. If you have a legal issue for which you need sound legal advice, you can pay a consultation fee to speak with an attorney and receive legal advice pertaining to your specific issue. You can ask questions, discuss strategy, and get educated on what the law says and how a court is likely to rule. Legal advice may also include strategy and procedure if necessary.
• Document drafting. Pleadings, discovery requests, legal memoranda, judicial forms; these are all examples of documents that may be required in court. Most non-lawyers may not know how to properly draft these documents or have trouble filling out complex judicial forms. Hiring an attorney to draft the documents for you saves you time and money while providing you with peace of mind knowing that they are done right and will provide you with the best chance of obtaining the best possible outcome. Document drafting also includes writing a letter to another person or entity concerning a legal dispute. We can assist you in drafting your own letter by helping you focus on the most effective language, or we can draft the letter for you. We can even send the letter to the intended recipient on your behalf. This can be an effective tool in motivating others that wish to avoid litigation in coming to an amicable resolution.
• Document review. If you need an attorney to look over documents you prepare for accuracy, make recommendations on improvement, and ensure that you have everything needed for your specific situation, document review is the most economical means to ensure you get it right. Document review also includes reviewing contracts, leases, consumer agreements, or anything the client may be required to sign or has questions about.
• Legal consulting. Most small claims cases and many family law cases are handled by pro se parties. Unfortunately, most people that represent themselves are forced to because of high legal costs, and few have the knowledge or confidence to do it right. But… imagine having the ability to handle your case confidently from start to finish because you have an experienced lawyer coaching you every step of the way. Learn how to identify the most important issues, research the law, introduce evidence correctly, conduct direct and cross examination effectively, and present the best argument possible. Through legal consulting, you’ll have the edge over your opponent. And if your opponent has an attorney, you’ll be ready and confident that you can hold your own.
  Legal representation for specific events. If you can’t afford full representation for your entire case, but don’t feel confident enough to handle a specific court event, mediation, or negotiation, you can hire an attorney to represent you for individual court events or to negotiate the best settlement on your behalf. For example, a bail hearing in criminal matters, a civil restraining order hearing, an oral argument on a motion to dismiss or summary judgment, a divorce hearing, etc., or if you just need someone to negotiate the best settlement with an insurance company. The attorney will file a limited-scope appearance for the specific event you wish to be represented for and provide full legal services for that matter only or can contact an insurance company and negotiate a settlement for you in a personal injury matter. Upon completion of the representation, the attorney will file a certificate of completion with the court and will have no further obligation in the overall matter. This provides an efficient and economical way to handle court proceedings without having to pay for full-case representation.

Limited-scope services are generally done on a flat-fee basis, meaning that you will pay only one agreed-to amount for the specific service provided; no more, no less. The exception to this is negotiating a personal injury settlement. This would be done on a contingency basis, meaning an agreed-to percentage of the settlement amount. Depending on the complexity of the case and the desired service, most limited-scope services typically cost between $300 and $1,500 but may cost more or less depending on specific factors. For example, drafting a letter to an opposing party may cost less than $300, while representing a client in multiple court hearings for a specific issue may cost more than $1,500.

If you hire APEX Law Firm for limited-scope services and discover that your case requires full-time legal representation, your flat fee will be credited towards any ongoing legal fees.

Best legal matters to use limited-scope services:

• Small Claims.
• Divorce/Custody.
• Housing Matters.
• Contract Review.
• Personal injury settlement negotiation.
• Criminal matters.
• Diversionary programs.
• Initial bail hearings.

Cases that require full legal representation.

• Complex civil litigation matters.
• Serious criminal defense matters.
• Contested divorce and custody matters.
• Catastrophic or serious personal injury cases.
• Complex housing matters.