Shibell & Mennie - Resources - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1 – Is there an attorney’s fee charged for the initial consultation or office visit?
Answer: There is no fee charged for initial consultation or office visit. Only those rare occasions where our representation is based upon an hourly retainer fee agreement will there be an attorney’s fee charged for the initial consultation.

Question 2 – What is a contingency fee?
Answer: A contingency fee means that our office will agree to represent the client’s interest and will charge no attorney’s fee unless there is a successful recovery for the client either through settlement or trial. The contingency fee that can be charged by our office is specifically governed by guidelines provided by the New Jersey Supreme Court. The usual contingency fee agreement provides for an attorney’s fee of one-third of the net recovery.

Question 3 – What is a retainer fee agreement?
Answer: A retainer fee agreement is one that is agreed upon between the client and our office in which we will agree to represent the client on an hourly fee basis. Usually, that requires an initial retainer to be paid by the client. Bills for the service will usually be provided to the client in an agreed upon timely basis usually quarterly or semiannually.

Question 4 – Do I really need a lawyer to represent me in Municipal Court?
Answer: Many people believe that they can best represent themselves in these types of cases by merely pleading guilty to the offense charged and then to explain to the Court the extenuating circumstances, or in the alternative, the client vehemently believes he is not guilty and would be best serve by representing himself. It is always in the best interest of the client to be represented by a lawyer who is well versed in the law and its procedure in order to obtain the best result for the client in these types of cases.

Question 5 – Do I really need a lawyer to represent me on the purchase of my home or business?
Answer: There are many informationals today that suggest to the public wither in print or through the media that a person is best served in representing himself on the sale or purchase of a home or business and there is no need to pay a lawyer. There are so many legal pitfalls for a prospective seller or purchaser of a home or business that it is always suggested that they be represented by a competent attorney of their choice. A client does not need to follow the dictates or suggestions of a real estate agent or agency without first consulting an attorney.

Question 6 – Do I have to listen to and follow my lawyer’s advice?
Answer: You should always follow your attorney’s advice. Our firm is a collection of highly professional attorneys with many years experience. Their advice should be followed. In fact, the contingency or hourly retainer fee agreement specifically indicates that the client should always follow the advice of his attorney.


Frequently Asked Questions Question 1 – Is there an attorney’s fee charged for the initial consultation or office visit? Answer: There is no fee charged for initial consultation or office visit. Only those rare occasions where our representation is based upon an hourly retainer fee agreement will there be an attorney’s fee charged for the initial consultation. Question 2 – What is a contingency fee? Answer: A contingency fee means that our office will agree to represent the client’s interest and will charge no attorney’s fee unless there is a successful recovery for the client either through settlement or trial. The contingency fee that can be charged by our office is specifically governed by guidelines provided by the New Jersey Supreme Court. The usual contingency fee agreement provides for an attorney’s fee of one-third of the net recovery. Question 3 – What is a retainer fee agreement? Answer: A retainer fee agreement is one that is agreed upon between the client and our office in which we will agree to represent the client on an hourly fee basis. Usually, that requires an initial retainer to be paid by the client. Bills for the service will usually be provided to the client in an agreed upon timely basis usually quarterly or semiannually. Question 4 – Do I really need a lawyer to represent me in Municipal Court? Answer: Many people believe that they can best represent themselves in these types of cases by merely pleading guilty to the offense charged and then to explain to the Court the extenuating circumstances, or in the alternative, the client vehemently believes he is not guilty and would be best serve by representing himself. It is always in the best interest of the client to be represented by a lawyer who is well versed in the law and its procedure in order to obtain the best result for the client in these types of cases. Question 5 – Do I really need a lawyer to represent me on the purchase of my home or business? Answer: There are many informationals today that suggest to the public wither in print or through the media that a person is best served in representing himself on the sale or purchase of a home or business and there is no need to pay a lawyer. There are so many legal pitfalls for a prospective seller or purchaser of a home or business that it is always suggested that they be represented by a competent attorney of their choice. A client does not need to follow the dictates or suggestions of a real estate agent or agency without first consulting an attorney. Question 6 – Do I have to listen to and follow my lawyer’s advice? Answer: You should always follow your attorney’s advice. Our firm is a collection of highly professional attorneys with many years experience. Their advice should be followed. In fact, the contingency or hourly retainer fee agreement specifically indicates that the client should always follow the advice of his attorney.