I send your demand letter with an attorney-reviewed draft complaint attached.
You tell me what happened. After a conflict, jurisdiction, and preliminary merits screening, I draft the demand letter on my firm letterhead and, where legally and strategically warranted, prepare an attorney-reviewed, case-specific draft complaint or arbitration demand in parallel, attached as settlement leverage, so the other side sees that filing is a real, prepared next step. Nothing is called court-ready until that document has completed attorney review. $1,200 minimum, sent USPS certified mail with signature requested. The $1,200 minimum covers standard matters with claims up to about $30,000; larger disputes start at $3,000 and major claims at $5,000. Full package details on my demand letter service page.
Ask my AI Legal Analyst about the $1,200 demand package
Scopes your matter and recommends the right package: the $1,200 minimum Demand & Filing-Readiness Package, the from $3,000 or from $5,000 dispute action tiers for larger claims, or the $1,500 negotiation phase. A full review of your documents is the $240 Written Attorney Consultation, not this chat. AI-generated legal information, not legal advice.
Conflict, jurisdiction, and preliminary merits screening, then an attorney demand on firm letterhead with a factual chronology, damages schedule, and exhibits, sent USPS certified mail plus email, with up to two client revision rounds before sending. Where legally and strategically warranted, an attorney-reviewed, case-specific draft complaint or arbitration demand is prepared in parallel and attached as settlement leverage; it is not filed automatically, and nothing is called court-ready until it has completed attorney review. Review of the other side's first substantive response, a narrow counter-response if strategically appropriate, and one deadline follow-up are included. $1,200 is the minimum fee for claims up to about $30,000, subject to conflict, jurisdiction, merits, and written scope review.
Claims of roughly $30,000 to $75,000, or disputes with material factual, contractual, or procedural complexity, are the Commercial Dispute Action Package, from $3,000. Claims above roughly $75,000, multiparty disputes, and urgent or injunctive matters are the Major-Claim Dispute Action Package, from $5,000. Both carry the same filing-readiness scope with deeper record, damages, and forum work; these are starting fees, and I confirm the final fixed scope in writing before any work begins.
No. In the demand package the draft complaint or arbitration demand, where legally and strategically warranted, is prepared and attached as settlement leverage, not filed automatically. It shows the other side that filing is the realistic next step. Actually filing the complaint, initiating arbitration, or appearing as counsel of record is a separate California-only engagement, quoted separately.
Every band of the demand package already includes review of the other side's first substantive response and a narrow counter-response if strategically appropriate. If the matter turns into multi-round negotiation after that, the $1,500 Pre-Litigation Negotiation Phase covers additional counter-letters, written settlement negotiations through settlement or impasse, and one settlement-agreement or mutual-release review. Filing, arbitration initiation, and court appearances are quoted separately.
A first draft of the letter and draft complaint is usually two business days after I receive the documents. Rush 24 to 48 hour turnaround may be available for an added fee. I confirm scope, the flat fee, and the timeline before starting.
The agreement or contract, invoices or proof of what is owed, prior correspondence with the other side, any notice or demand already exchanged, and any forum or arbitration clause that governs. Upload them in the chat or email them to owner@terms.law.
What's included in the $1,200 Demand & Filing-Readiness Package
The letter states your demand. The attached draft complaint shows the other side what happens if they ignore it.
Demand & Filing-Readiness Package
- Conflict, jurisdiction, and preliminary merits screening before the matter is accepted
- Attorney demand letter on firm letterhead, with legal research, state-specific statutory citations, a factual chronology, damages schedule, and exhibits
- Attorney-reviewed, case-specific draft complaint or arbitration demand where legally and strategically warranted, prepared in parallel and attached as settlement leverage (marked DRAFT, not filed)
- USPS certified mail (signature requested) + email to the other side
- Damages calculation and a response deadline with escalation language
- Up to two client revision rounds before sending
- Review of the other side's first substantive response with a short next-step recommendation, and a narrow counter-response if strategically appropriate
- One deadline follow-up if the recipient does not respond
Claims of roughly $30,000 to $75,000, or materially complex disputes. Same filing-readiness scope with deeper record, damages, and forum work. Starting fee, subject to conflict, jurisdiction, merits, and written scope review.
Request this package - from $3,000 →Claims above roughly $75,000, multiparty disputes, urgent or injunctive matters, or large records. Starting fee; final fixed scope and fee confirmed in writing before work begins.
Request this package - from $5,000 →Which band is mine? The $1,200 minimum covers standard matters with claims up to about $30,000; larger disputes start at $3,000 and major claims at $5,000. Full ladder details on my demand letter service page.
If the matter later turns into multi-round negotiation or a settlement agreement needs review, that is the separate $1,500 Pre-Litigation Negotiation Phase (email me). Filing the complaint, initiating arbitration, or appearing as counsel of record is a separate engagement, quoted separately, California only.
Demand letters I have drafted
These are anonymized examples from recent client work. Every letter is done by me personally, with state-specific legal research and a draft complaint attached.
Marketing agency owed $28,000 for completed deliverables
Client ghosted after final delivery. I drafted a demand letter citing breach of contract with a draft complaint for unjust enrichment. Client paid $26,500 within 9 days.
Landlord withheld $4,200 security deposit
Landlord claimed "general wear and tear" damage. I cited California Civil Code §1950.5 and demanded treble damages. Landlord returned $3,800 plus $1,000 in statutory penalties.
Stripe froze $47,000 in reserves from a SaaS business
Business had 0.2% chargebacks. I drafted a demand letter citing the payment services agreement and state money transmission laws. Stripe released the full reserve within 14 days.
Homeowner paid $22,000 for a kitchen remodel
Contractor abandoned the job 60% complete. I sent a demand letter with a draft complaint citing contractor license bond requirements and CSLB violations. Contractor returned $9,000 and finished remaining work.
What my demand letters include
Every demand letter is custom-drafted based on your situation. Here is what I include in every single one.
Types of demand letters I draft most
How it works
Tell me what happened
Email me a short summary. Attach any contracts, invoices, or correspondence.
I confirm scope and timeline
I reply with questions if needed, run the conflict and scope check, confirm the flat fee for your band ($1,200 minimum), and set the timeline.
I draft the letter and the draft complaint
The demand letter cites the specific laws that apply and calculates your damages. Where legally and strategically warranted, I prepare in parallel an attorney-reviewed, case-specific draft complaint or arbitration demand and attach it as an exhibit. Nothing is called court-ready until that document has completed attorney review. You get up to two revision rounds before anything goes out.
I send it USPS certified mail to the other side
Sent via certified mail with tracking. You get a copy of everything. Many matters resolve within the response deadline, though I cannot guarantee a specific outcome.
The letter states your demand. The attached draft complaint shows them you are prepared to file.
Tell me what happened. I draft the letter and the attorney-reviewed draft complaint, you review up to two rounds, and I send the package via USPS certified mail with signature requested.
Request This Package: $1,200 →What clients say about my demand letters
700+ reviews on Upwork
"Sergei drafted a demand letter for $12,000 in unpaid invoices. The client paid within a week of receiving it. The attached lawsuit draft made all the difference. Worth every penny."
"Stripe had $31,000 of my money locked for 4 months. Sergei's demand letter cited specific provisions of their ToS and payment services regulations. They released the funds in 12 days."
"My landlord kept $3,500 of my deposit with bogus deductions. Sergei's letter cited CC §1950.5 and demanded treble damages. I got my full deposit back plus an additional $1,500 in penalties."
Frequently asked questions about the $1,200 package
What does the $1,200 Demand & Filing-Readiness Package include?
Conflict, jurisdiction, and preliminary merits screening. Attorney demand on firm letterhead with a factual chronology, damages schedule, and exhibits. USPS certified mail (signature requested) plus email delivery, with up to two client revision rounds before sending. The appropriate attorney-reviewed, case-specific draft complaint or arbitration demand where legally and strategically warranted, prepared in parallel and attached as settlement leverage, expressly marked DRAFT, not filed. Review of the other side's first substantive response with a short next-step recommendation, a narrow counter-response if strategically appropriate, and one deadline follow-up if there is no response. No hidden fees. $1,200 is the minimum fee for standard matters with claims up to about $30,000, subject to conflict, jurisdiction, merits, and written scope review. Nothing is called court-ready until the draft pleading has completed attorney review.
Is the draft complaint actually filed with a court?
No. The draft complaint or arbitration demand is prepared and attached to the demand letter as settlement leverage, not filed automatically. It shows the other side that filing is a real, prepared next step. Actually filing the complaint, initiating arbitration, or appearing as counsel of record is a separate engagement, quoted separately, California only.
What if my claim is larger or more complex?
The $1,200 minimum Demand & Filing-Readiness Package covers standard matters with claims up to about $30,000. Claims of roughly $30,000 to $75,000, or disputes with material factual, contractual, or procedural complexity, are the Commercial Dispute Action Package, from $3,000. Claims above roughly $75,000, multiparty disputes, and urgent or injunctive matters are the Major-Claim Dispute Action Package, from $5,000. The upper tiers are starting fees with the same filing-readiness scope and deeper record, damages, and forum work; I confirm the final fixed scope in writing before any work begins.
Do your demand letters actually work?
Most disputes settle after receiving an attorney-drafted demand letter with a draft complaint attached. The combination of legal research, statutory citations, and a credible filing threat makes the other side take it seriously. I cannot guarantee a specific outcome, but the response rate is high.
How long does it take?
Usually two business days after I receive the necessary documents. It can often be faster if your matter is urgent. I confirm scope, the flat fee, and the timeline before starting.
What happens if the other side responds or wants to negotiate?
The package includes review of the other side's first substantive response with a short next-step recommendation, and a narrow counter-response if strategically appropriate. If the matter turns into multi-round negotiation, or a settlement agreement or release needs review, that work is the separate $1,500 Pre-Litigation Negotiation Phase. I confirm scope with you before any additional work.
What if the other side does not respond at all?
If they do not respond, the package includes one deadline follow-up, and you decide the next step; any draft complaint prepared with your package makes escalation faster. Options include attorney-prepared pro se filing ($1,250), a separate quoted engagement for me to file in California, or a referral to local counsel in other states. The letter and any attached draft establish your legal position either way.
Can you send demand letters to companies in other states?
Yes. I send demand letters nationwide via USPS certified mail with signature requested. Each letter cites the laws of the state that governs your dispute. I'm CA-licensed, so for filing outside California I refer you to local counsel.
What information do I need to get started?
Email me a short summary of what happened, the amount you are owed, and any supporting documents (contracts, invoices, emails, photos). I will ask follow-up questions if I need more.
Did you receive one of my letters? Read this page.