Attorney Fee Agreements and Costs – General Information

If you would like to know more about Kolko & Associates, P.C., and the professional services we offer, or you have specific questions about an immigration case, we encourage and invite you to call or email our office.  

Initial Consultation

The firm has a long tradition of not charging an initial consultation.  This way, you have the opportunity to discuss your matter personally with Mr. Kolko during a 30-60 minute consultation that is offered at no charge.  

If you and Kolko & Associates, P.C. decide to formally work together on your case or legal matter(s), the next step in the process is deciding on a fee arrangement and signing a written Fee Agreement. 

At Kolko & Associates, P.C., there are two basic types of fee arrangements: 

Flat Fee Agreement

Most of the immigration cases at the firm are performed on a flat fee basis.   This means that the client pays a set attorney fee that includes all of the reasonable and customary legal services related to the case.   The amount is determined by the attorney after an evaluation by the firm of the specific facts and legal issues in the case(s).

In addition to the attorney fee(s), the client pays for filing fees, office costs and administrative expenses.  These may include such things as immigration, government or application filing fees, fingerprinting costs, medical examinations, photocopying, express mail fees, regular postage, outside expert expenses, etc. 

For a flat fee agreement, one-half of the attorney fee is paid when the firm starts working on the case.   The balance of the attorney fee and all costs/filing fees are due prior to the case being completed and submitted for filing.  Upon request, the firm may agree to an alternative payment arrangement.

Hourly Retainer Agreement 

There are certain cases such as deportation and removal cases that are not appropriate for a flat fee arrangement.   

In those situations, the firm charges by the hour for the professional work that the attorney and staff complete.   This means that the client pays an hourly rate for actual time that is worked on the case.  In addition, the client pays for actual costs and expenses. 

For these cases, detailed time records are kept by the firm and regular billing statements are issued.   The firm will require that a “retainer” be deposited into the attorney trust account, which amounts will then be used to pay the attorney fees and costs as they are charged.   

Depending upon the type of complexity of the matter, the firm will determine the amount of the initial retainer or deposit.   The Fee Agreement will require that as the retainer deposit is used, the client will always keep a minimum amount on deposit with the firm in the retainer trust account.

Once the firm discusses your case with you, you will be informed which fee arrangement is appropriate for your case.  At that time, the firm will prepare a written fee agreement for you to review, approve and sign.  A signed copy of the fee agreement and a copy of your payment will be provided to you for your records.     

At the present time, the firm accepts payments by cash, check, credit card, and bank or wire transfer.   

Should you have any questions about a proposed or existing Fee Agreement with Kolko & Associates, P.C., please feel free to call or email Mr. Kolko directly.