Scope-setting: how a matter starts
I begin with a written inquiry and an initial conflict screening. If the matter is suitable, I set out the proposed work, deliverables, exclusions, fee, and timing in a written engagement agreement. Sending an inquiry does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
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Written inquiry
Email owner@terms.law with a concise description of the matter, the names of the parties and relevant businesses, and the outcome you seek. Plain prose is sufficient. For initial conflict screening, provide general background rather than highly sensitive documents. I can request additional information when appropriate.
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Conflict check
Before substantive work begins, I check the proposed parties and related entities against existing matters to assess potential conflicts. If a conflict prevents representation, I address the inquiry in writing without disclosing confidential information about another client.
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Written scope and fee
If I can accept the matter, I provide a written engagement agreement identifying the agreed deliverables, included revisions or response review, excluded services, fixed fee, payment terms, and expected timing. The agreement follows the conflict and scope review and controls the accepted engagement.
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Payment and start
Work begins after conflicts clearance, execution of the written engagement agreement, receipt of the payment required to commence the matter, and delivery of the necessary intake materials. Any applicable installment or milestone terms are stated in the engagement agreement.
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Delivery and scope close
I deliver the agreed work in writing. Revisions, response review, or follow-up expressly included in the package remain within the original scope. The engagement concludes when its agreed services are complete. Additional or expanded work is addressed through a separate written scope and fee before it begins.
Fees
The amounts below are starting fixed fees. Following conflict screening and assessment of the requested scope, I confirm the applicable fixed fee, deliverables, exclusions, and timing in a written engagement agreement. Matters outside a standard package may require a separately scoped written quote. Additional information about available services appears on the pricing page. No particular outcome is guaranteed.
Additional published services and starting fixed fees:
Demand Response & Defense: from $2,500.
Written Negotiation Phase: from $3,000 for a 30-day written negotiation phase.
Healthcare SaaS Legal Package: $2,750.
Court Answer (drafting only): $3,500.
Court Motion or Opposition (drafting only): $5,000.
For court drafting services, I do not appear in court; filing and service are handled by the client or separate counsel. The written engagement agreement confirms the specific scope and fee for each matter.
Communication cadence
Email is the communication channel for new inquiries and ongoing engagements. I use written correspondence to clarify facts, request documents, communicate substantive matters, and deliver work. If an inquiry involves a potential filing deadline or other time-sensitive issue, identify the relevant date in your message. Sending an inquiry does not establish representation or responsibility for monitoring a deadline.
For the standard services below, the published turnaround periods apply after the written engagement is in effect, required payment has been made, and necessary intake materials have been received:
- Written Attorney Consultation: two business days.
- Contract Review / Redline: two business days.
- Complex Draft / Review: two business days.
- Coordinated Two-Document Bundle: two business days.
- Demand Package: two business days after documents are received.
The written engagement agreement confirms the deliverables and timing for the specific matter. Incomplete intake materials or changes to the agreed scope may require revised timing.
Document handling
Documents may be exchanged by email or through a restricted-access folder arranged for the matter. For particularly sensitive records, including financial information, source code, or regulatory correspondence, I can provide written instructions for secure transmission and appropriate access restrictions.
I generally retain closed-matter files, including correspondence, drafts, and supporting exhibits, for seven years after the matter closes, subject to applicable legal obligations or a longer retention period agreed in writing. Original documents may be returned on request. Requests for copies of available file materials are handled in accordance with the engagement terms and applicable professional duties.
The primary intake address is owner@terms.law. Where a service page provides a matter-specific intake form, that form may also be used to submit initial information. Submitting information through either channel does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
Conflict policy
My conflict review considers the prospective client's identity, relevant business affiliates, counterparties, and related entities in light of current and prior matters. Additional information may be needed to evaluate a potential conflict. A conflict may prevent me from accepting the engagement.
Where applicable, I address consentable conflicts under California Rule of Professional Conduct 1.7 and obtain any required informed written consent before proceeding. Some conflicts cannot be waived. Conflict screening does not involve disclosing another client's confidential information.
Confidentiality
I have professional obligations to protect confidential information relating to a representation under California Rule of Professional Conduct 1.6 and applicable law. Attorney-client privilege protects qualifying confidential communications made for the purpose of obtaining or providing legal advice, subject to applicable exceptions. The duty of confidentiality continues after an engagement closes.
Sending a preliminary inquiry does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Certain communications with a prospective client may nevertheless be protected before a formal engagement. For initial screening, provide party names and general background rather than sensitive documents unless additional information has been requested.
Disclosure of confidential client information is governed by client authorization, applicable law, and professional obligations, including the limitations and exceptions under California Rule of Professional Conduct 1.6.
California Rules of Professional Conduct
The California Rules of Professional Conduct govern my practice. The following provisions are particularly relevant to fees, advertising, communications about legal services, and contact with prospective clients:
- CRPC 1.5 governs fees and prohibits unconscionable fees. The agreed scope, fee, and payment terms are addressed in the written engagement agreement.
- CRPC 7.1 prohibits false or misleading communications about a lawyer or legal services. Descriptions of services and prior outcomes on this site do not promise any particular result. Each matter depends on its facts and circumstances.
- CRPC 7.2 governs advertising. Terms.Law identifies me by name, California bar number, and jurisdiction of admission. Advertising and referral arrangements are subject to applicable professional standards.
- CRPC 7.3 governs solicitation of prospective clients. New matters may be submitted through written inquiries and are considered subject to conflict screening, scope review, and a written engagement agreement.
The case studies describe prior matters for general information. Past outcomes are not predictions or promises concerning a new engagement.
Submit a written inquiry
Email a brief description of the matter, the parties involved, and the outcome you seek. I use that information for an initial conflict and scope assessment and respond in writing concerning whether the matter may be considered for engagement.
Email owner@terms.law