Fees & Billing Practices

Most of O&G's legal services for individual clients are rendered on an hourly fee basis. Except for potential class actions, O&G charges for initial consultations on an hourly basis. Fee arrangements beyond the consultation depend on the circumstances.

Some clients prefer a contingency fee arrangement under which the firm receives a percentage (typically, one-third) of any recovery. O&G generally does not represent clients on a pure contingency fee basis, though it does so sometimes with respect to pre-litigation negotiations (e.g., negotiating severance pay and benefits) and occasionally in litigation (e.g., sexual harassment cases and class actions).

O&G occasionally works under a modified contingency arrangement, receiving only a percentage of standard hourly rates, plus part of any recovery. Collecting the balance of the hourly fee, plus any additional award, is contingent upon recovery. Such an arrangement balances the risks and interests of the client and the firm differently from a straight hourly or pure contingency arrangement.

Under most fee arrangements, the client is required to pay for certain out-of-pocket expenses that O&G incurs in representing the client. These include long-distance telephone charges, photocopying and telecopying expenses, necessary secretarial overtime, messengers and court services, special postage and express delivery charges, court filing fees, court reporters and deposition transcripts, and expert witness fees.

Whatever fee arrangement is agreed upon, O&G's practice is to provide a retainer agreement to the client outlining the terms. The client is expected to sign and return the agreement promptly, together with a retainer deposit, if applicable, which is applied to future fees and expenses. The retainer amount depends on numerous factors, including the projected charges in the near term. O&G may require supplemental retainer deposits as the need arises. Any unused portion of a retainer deposit is returned after the matter is concluded.

O&G sends bills every month, except when the amount is small or in other limited circumstances. Clients are expected to pay any amounts due within 30 days of receipt; interest may be charged thereafter. Any questions about bills will be addressed promptly and fairly.