General Provisions: For all services,I will provide a written estimate,and then we will negotiate,agree to in writing,and then I will begin work,on each project,based on per project fees,or my actual time,if paying hourly. I will then provide monthly or semi-monthly invoicing and billing for my services in connection with this engagement,based on pre-agreed to estimates for either (i) fixed fee per project,or (ii) other agreed to arrangements,such as tracking of my accrued time on an hourly basis. Fees can be paid by PayPal (g.kevin.townsend@gmail.com) or Cashier’s Check.
Fixed fee arrangements will be based on a pre-agreed to estimated range of cost,which I will attempt to minimize where possible. If we agree to an hourly basis for fees for a particular project,this will also include a pre-agreed to estimated total cost range,which I will also try to minimize where possible.
If we agree to an hourly basis, my hourly time associated with the representation will be charged at my standard hourly billing rates,which currently are $195 per hour for IP drafting,filing and prosecution advising, opinion,licensing,agreement,or business development work,and litigation evaluation,preparation or consulting work,or as otherwise agreed to.
Charges will also include,but are not limited to,agreed to telephone conferences,correspondence,research and non-local travel time. By acceptance of this engagement,I am authorized to spend such time or fixed fees as we agree to,as needed to accomplish the agreed to work.
In addition,my hourly rate does not include disbursements that may be made in connection with providing these services for printing and photocopying charges,for long distance telephone calls,for telecopy charges,for hand delivery and messenger service charges,required filing fees,mileage and travel costs and any other charges that may be specifically applicable and incurred on your behalf. These disbursements will be billed separately from fees on my invoices.
Retainers/Prepayments: In some circumstances,I may propose and we may agree to payment in advance for specific projects,and/or certain out-of-pocket costs or expenses,including retainers,which will be kept in a separate client trust account,which will be set up and maintained according to local and federal laws,as well as local and state legal ethics and professional responsibility provisions and requirements. Any money provided in such a retainer trust bank account will be continuously available for refund by you or the Company,minus any initially agreed to fees,costs or disbursements,subject to hold if there is legitimate dispute as to owed amounts,subject to resolution by mutual agreements of my Firm and you or the Company,agreed to mediation or arbitration,or appropriate court or similar body with jurisdiction and/or legal authority to resolve such a dispute.
Invoicing/Billing:It is my firm’s practice to render statements for professional services and related charges on a monthly or semi-monthly basis;however,project-based alternatives may also be used. I expect payment to be made on a semi-monthly basis,without regard to consummation of any proposed transaction or the outcome or success of any matter.
Fees can be paid by PayPal (g.kevin.townsend@gmail.com) or Cashier’s Check