FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing depends on the type of case you have. I would need to speak with you first. It can be as low as $1999 but may be much more based on the circumstances of the case, its location, my availability, and any other factors that may make representation more complex. I also offer payment plans where, typically, I split my fee into five payments.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We would have an initial consultation (over the phone, in person at my office, or remotely on Zoom), and I would discuss with you, with 100% confidentiality, the facts of your case and I do my best to answer all your questions. There is NO PRESSURE to hire me. Some clients like to be heavily involved throughout their case; others prefer to be contacted only as necessary. I accommodate either preference. Ultimately, the majority of my clients' cases resolve without the need for them to even go to court. However, some cases require more client involvement than others. And some require fighting all the way to a jury trial. In those cases, I work extensively with clients to prepare them for trial. For example, if I believe your case would benefit from you taking the stand and testifying, before trial, I'd pretend to be the DA and cross-examine you like a prosecutor so that way you'd feel as prepared and comfortable as possible before stepping foot into a courtroom.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
EDUCATION J.D., University of San Diego School of Law B.A., University of California, Los Angeles WORK EXPERIENCE (Most relevant & summarized) - Private Practice (7 years) - San Mateo County Private Defender Program (5 years) - Deputy District Attorney for the Amador County District Attorney's Office (3 years) - Deputy District Attorney for the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office (1 year) TRAININGS - Monthly Continued Legal Education (MCLE) training on criminal and DUI law and trial advocacy techniques (over 20 hours a year) that are too numerous to list here CLERKSHIPS - Twice for the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office - United States Attorney’s Office, Criminal Division, Major Frauds Section (San Diego, CA) - San Diego City Attorney’s Office, Civil Division - Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire LLP (San Diego, CA) LAW SCHOOL HONORS - "First Place" in three Mock Trial competitions - “Best Closing Argument” Award - “Honors” (top grade) in Negotiations - “Honors” in Lawyering Skills (Legal Research, Writing, and Oral Advocacy) - “Best [Legal] Brief” Award