Attorney Fee Agreements and Costs – General Information

If you would like to know more about Kolko & Casey, 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

Our attorneys are available to meet with you and provide a professional legal consultation specific to your case and particular situation and needs. You will have the opportunity to discuss your matter personally with one of our experienced attorneys during a consultation meeting.  The attorney will carefully review your immigration, employment, family and criminal history and your short and long term goals.  The attorney will explain what immigration benefits you may be eligible to pursue and explore the possibility of using the Firm to handle your particular legal matter.

If you and Kolko & Casey, 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 & Casey, P.C., there are two basic types of fee arrangements: 

Flat Fee Agreement

Our Firm handles many cases 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 of the specific facts and legal issues in the case(s).

The Client is also responsible for paying any applicable filing fees to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS), Department of State (DOS) and/or Immigration Court.

Hourly Retainer Agreement 

Our Firm also handles many cases at an hourly rate. This means that the Firm charges by the hour for the professional work that the attorney and staff complete on the client’s case.  In addition, the client pays for actual costs and expenses. 

For these cases, detailed time records are kept by the Firm and monthly billing statements are issued.   The firm requires that a “retainer” be deposited into the client trust account (COLTAF 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.     

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 & Casey, P.C., please feel free to call or email one of our attorneys directly.