In most cases we do not offer free consultations. We only offer free consultations for personal injury cases. Standard consultation rates are $375.00.
FAQS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Do you offer free initial consultations?
2. How long Is the initial consultation?
The initial consultation is up to 60 minutes.
3. Why do you charge a consultation fee?
The initial consultation fee is for the time set aside to review your issue (intake form, documents, facts, and preliminary research to prepare for the consultation etc…); the time set aside to meet with you; providing you with guidance and direction, based on the information provided in the intake form, other documents, and the consultation; and advising you of your rights, if applicable. It also takes into consideration that meeting with you will likely preclude the possibility of later being able to accept the case from the other party because I have already met with you. The initial consultation does not actually make me your attorney for the case.
4. What takes place at the initial consultation?
At the initial consultation, we will discuss the facts of your case or issue, to determine whether or not you have a viable claim and/or if I can assist you with your claim or matter. This is also the time where we can both get to know each other and determine whether or not we are a good fit to work together. It is also a time for you to decide whether or not you want to retain me for your case.
5. When will I know whether or not you will or can take my case?
In most cases, I will be able to determine whether or not I will take your case at the initial consultation or strategy session on the matter; however, there are instances where conflicts checks, additional investigation and research are necessary before I can make a final determination on whether or not I will take your case.
6. Will you answer all of my questions at the initial consultation?
During initial consultations, I will answer some general questions and provide limited, general information based on the brief overview of the facts you provide during the session, the completed intake form, and any additional information you provide.
The initial consultation is NOT a final opinion on your legal issue. Every case is different and has its own unique set of facts, which requires a comprehensive review of the applicable law, as it applies in that particular case. Therefore, you should not expect the initial consultation to result in a final legal opinion or rely solely on general information provided during the initial consultation to make final decisions on your legal issue(s).
7. What do I bring to the initial consultation?
Any records or documentation you have related to your situation or legal issue. If you are unsure of whether or not an item is relevant, bring it with you.
8. How do I prepare for the initial consultation?
Please return your intake form, at least 48 hours before your appointment.
Please also organize all of your documents and records, prior to the session so that we can make the most efficient use of the time we have together and you get the most benefit from it. Have your questions and timeline (if applicable) written down and organized.
9. What takes place after the initial consultation?
If I you decide to retain me and I decide to take your case, we will enter into a representation agreement, which describes, the scope of the representation, my duties and obligations as your attorney, your obligations as the client, the fee and payment arrangements, the specific matter or matters for which I will be representing you and/or anything else specific to your case.
We will also discuss your expectations for me as your attorney, your expectations for the outcome of the case and the reasonable expectation of the case and representation, based on the facts as you have provided them.
10. What if I can not make it to my initial consultation?
I value your time, just like I know you value mine, so if for some reason you are unable to make your scheduled session, I just ask that you please provide me with at least 48 hours notice.
11. Can we do the initial consultation by phone?
Yes, this office can conduct initial consultations and strategy sessions by phone in most instances.
12. What is a strategy session?
A strategy session is somewhat similar to an initial consultation; however, it is for any consultation you have after the first one. A strategy session is up to 60 minutes long.
During the strategy session, I will answer questions and provide limited, general information based on the brief overview of the facts you provide during the session, the completed intake form and any additional information you provide.
The strategy session is NOT a final opinion on your legal issue. Every case is different and has its own unique set of facts, which requires a comprehensive review of the applicable law, as it applies in that particular case. Therefore, you should not expect the strategy session to result in a final legal opinion or rely solely on general information provided during the strategy session to make final decisions on your legal issue(s).
13. What are your rates?
Rates vary depending on the case. We will discuss the cost and payment arrangements during the introductory call or strategy session. Some of the things considered when determining the fee may include (this is not an all-inclusive list):
- The difficulty and/or complexity of the case.
- The time and labor involved in handling the case and any time constraints and/or limitations imposed by the situation or placed by the client.
- The fee typically charged for comparable legal services in the area.
- The type of fee arrangement (i.e., hourly rate, flat rate fee, contingent, or other).
- The extent and nature of the business relationship with the client.
- The amount involved.
14. What forms of payment do you accept?
Preferred Methods of Payment are cash or check; however, this firm accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. You can make payments in the office, by mail, via phone, or online.
15. If I hire you, will you keep me informed of the status of my case?
Yes. It is your case and I involve my clients every step of the way, whether by phone, email, text, face to face meetings (as needed), the client portal or mail. I will keep you abreast of the progress or changes as your case moves along.
Once you retain my office, you will be set up with your own personal log on so that we can correspond securely via a client portal. We will be able to send messages and documents to one another via the client portal. You can also make pay your invoices via the client portal.
Please log in regularly to check the status of your case, review messages and/or documents concerning your case. You will receive an alert when something new has taken place on your account.
17. Do you offer payment plans?
Payment plans are available on a case by case basis for specific types of matters only. If you are approved for a payment plan, you are required to make your payments as agreed. Failure to make your payments on time, will be grounds for immediate withdrawal from your case. Payment plans must be paid via regularly scheduled automatic debits, no exceptions.
16. Will you return my calls?
It is my goal to have all calls returned within 2 business days or sooner. In rare circumstances that may not be possible, but rest assured you will be contacted as soon as possible. I may also respond to your phone call by, email, text message, the client portal or other method. If I am unable to return your call directly, someone from my office will contact you.
TESTIMONIALS
If you are looking for an Attorney that works extremely hard for you and will leave no Stone unturned, you have made the Right Choice with Tonya Gibbs. In the Court Room we had all the Confidence in the World the case would turn out in our favor, and it did. We feel confident that she could handle any situation that we would need an Attorney for.
She Handle Your Case with Thoroughness and Competency – I have found Ms. Tonya Gibbs very knowledgeable, competent, hardworking, and honest. She readily keeps you abreast of the status of your case. She has handle several cases in the last two years for me, and I have been completely satisfied with the outcome of them. If another legal matter comes up, I will contact her office again.