Frequently Asked Questions about Animal Law and Pet Law

This Frequently Asked Questions section is intentionally written in non-legal language.  There is a copy of the actual Fee Structure and Retainer Agreement available for your review under he Fee Structure section; however, this section attempts to explain Animal Law less formal "legal" language.

Animal Law, also called Pet Law,  is a growing area of he law.  Please see our "Your know you need an Animal Law Attorney if...." page to see why you need the help of an Attorney in situations such as Dog Bites, Violations of Dangerous Dog Statutes, Pet Seizures, Intentional or Negligent Injury to Pet,  Wrongful Death of Pet, Home Owner's and Condo Association Animal or Pet Issues, and Product Liability (dog bark collars, pet food recall, tainted products).

Most Animal Law cases range from 5 to 25 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.  Animal Law cases are billed at $150 per hour.  A Retainer Fee of $2,500, of which $1,000 is non-refundable is paid by you to Animal Law Attorneys, LLC, when you hire the firm, Animal Law Attorneys, LLC.  Please be advised that  no two cases are the same; and a complex case might require more hours than a less complex Animal Law case. 

It is impossible to predict exactly how much time your case might take, but the Animal Law Attorneys, LLC will work with you to keep your budget  in line while working on your case.  The firm will consult with you regularly regarding the legal fees.  Clients are billed monthly for legal fees and legal costs.

A Retainer Fee is a  specific amount of money that you pay at the start of your case.  This fee is deposited into a special bank account and is used to pay the legal fees and costs of your case which are paid for or earned by Animal Law Attorneys, LLC.

The Retainer Fee could be equated to a Deposit on your legal services.  For more detailed information, please read the Retainer Agreement on his website; however, this page is used to help answer Frequently Asked Questions.  You should not sign for or agree to legal representation if you do not have a good understanding of both the Fees Structure and the Retainer Agreement outlined in this website.

Hourly legal fees are paid to Animal Law Attorneys, LLC regardless of the outcome of your case.  It is an attorney's obligation to vigorously present your case and to represent you to the fullest extent possible whether in settlement negotiations, mediation, or at trial.   If you "win" your case through settlement or trial, the firm does not receive any monies from the settlement or verdict.  All legal fees are paid on an hourly basis each month by clients throughout the entirety of the case.

For example, if you are involved in a pet custody case, or in a landlord/tenant dispute, your case is more likely about your legal rights, not about suing someone for monetary damages.  This means Animal Law Attorneys will work on your behalf on an hourly basis and you pay for legal services by the hour.

Yes.  Due to the unique nature of Animal Law and the complexities involved, Animal Law Attorneys, LLC, requires an initial consultation fee of $125.  This applies to the initial phone call, and must be paid before talking to an Attorney.   (For best results, we suggest sending a well written email, so that the best use of time is made in reviewing your case).

 This consultation fee is paid for legal services in reviewing the facts and issues of your case and providing an opinion as to all of the strengths and weaknesses of your case.

Yes, hourly legal fees are payable on a monthly basis without regard to the outcome of the case.

Animal Law Attorneys, LLC understands that most people do not have unlimited funds with which to pursue their Animal or Pet Law case. Therefore, legal fee invoices are prepared and sent to clients on a monthly basis.  Payment arrangements can be made with the firm if absolutely necessary. 

It is impossible to make any guarantees regarding the outcome of your Animal Law case.  If your chances of winning your case are a major factor in deciding whether or not to hire Animal Law Attorneys, LLC, you should consider an Initial Consultation with Animal Law Attorneys, LLC.  A consultations with an Animal Law Attorney is $125 per hour and can be completed by telephone, in person, or by email.

It is impossible to predict whether you will prevail in your Animal Law case.   Attorneys will discuss your case with you during a Consultation, which costs $125 per hour.  After the Consultation, the Attorney will offer you insight regarding the strengths and weaknesses of your case, while leaving the final decision to you.  Remember, though, there is no way to guarantee that you will prevail.

Although Animal Law Attorneys, LLC, wishes they could help everyone, the firm is not able to provide legal services for free.  Animal Law Attorneys does reduce its hourly billing rates for not-for-profit organizations such as rescue groups.