Manner of Practice

Mr. Browne does not represent every person who consults him. He will frequently offer a free 30-60 minute consultation to determine whether there is a good attorney-client fit. Several things can be accomplished in such an initial consultation. Mr. Browne gets to satisfy himself that the client has a meritorious claim or legal problem, and that the claim or problem is within one of Mr. Browne's practice areas. The client gets to ask his or her questions. Attorney's fees and office procedures are fully discussed. Both attorney and client get to determine whether to move forward with an attorney-client relationship.

Assuming both attorney and client agree to move forward together, the next step is a written Attorney-Client Fee Agreement, which are required respectively by Bus. & Prof. Code Sections 6147 and 6148 for contingency fee cases, and for hourly representation matters.

Fortunately for Mr. Browne, Ms. Lorrie Orchard has been his Legal Secretary for almost 40 years. Lorrie knows Mr. Browne's clients and their matters. Frequently she can assist a client or advise of the status of a client's matter in a manner that will save the client a billable phone call, as Mr. Browne does not bill for Ms. Orchard's time.

As a matter of office practice, a client of Mr. Browne's will receive copies of all letters and paperwork affecting his or her matter that comes in or out of the office.