FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Can We Help?
We've compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions. If your issue has not been addressed below, please contact us for further information.
Why Davis, Bengtson & Young?
With extensive experience in civil litigation, trial work, and mediation, our firm has earned a strong reputation for success as well as the esteem of the legal community and the clients it serves. We employ a collaborative and client-centered approach to each case, incorporating clients’ specific expectations and goals into our legal strategy.
We approach each case uniquely, recognizing that client needs are not uniform and cannot simply be classified into standard and commonly predictable categories. Therefore, instead of a "one-size fits all" approach, we analyze how to best achieve your success.
Our firm offers you:
- Experience
Years of litigation and trial work provide the background and experience necessary to help clients and businesses navigate civil lawsuits from start to finish. This same background enables our attorneys to provide effective pre-lawsuit advice and counsel to clients concerning the actual or potential legal liability involved in the client’s particular situation. - Integrity
Our focus on ethical advocacy has consistently earned us the legal community's highest accolades: Preeminent AV Peer Review. - Reputation
Our attorneys are frequent recipients of coveted and prestigious awards and are widely recognized as being among the very best litigators in Northern California. - Community connection
Our firm members assume active roles in our community - such as president and other executive roles in the Santa Clara County Bar Association, elected members of governing boards, and volunteer positions in organizations ranging from local little leagues involvement to marine mammal rescue. Our attorneys frequently lecture and make presentations to local law schools and participate in high school connectivity and mentorship programs. - Client-centered
Our personal approach is intended to demystify the process and empower clients to take an active role in their case. We have never applied a standard approach to advocacy and take pride in our role as our clients’ representative, advocate, and legal resource. We take our clients’ goals, objectives and expectations into account each step of the way.
We approach each case with a client-centered philosophy. That means that we will be accessible to you and will keep you informed at all stages of the litigation. We have found that clear communication is the cornerstone of effective representation. Our goal is to make sure that you are part of the process each step of the way.
You have the right to discharge your attorney at any time. You will typically be responsible costs incurred and for reasonable fees owed at the time of discharge. If litigation has already begun, you will be required to prepare and file a "substitution of attorney" form, indicating that the attorney is being replaced either by another attorney or by the client in pro per (when the client opts to represent him or herself). This form must be signed by both the client and the current attorney and then filed with the court.
Initial Consultation
To schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys, you are more than welcome to contact our office via email, through the website, or by phone. From there, our staff and attorneys will be able to discuss next steps with you directly.
Before we formally begin representing you, it is important to have an initial consultation-an introductory meeting where we assess your case and discuss the anticipated issues, strengths, challenges, and potential developments that may come to fruition throughout the case. During this initial consultation, we also typically take a preliminary look at any relevant information (paperwork, records, etc.) and discuss terms of our representation.
At the end of the consultation, we will either accept representation and become your lawyers or refer you to another trusted, local attorney who may be better suited to your needs. Regardless, our goal is to have you leave the consultation with more information and perspective on your situation than before.
Fee Information
In general, our fees can be tailored on a case by case basis. The appropriate structure will be determined, explained, and agreed upon prior to our retention. We utilize several common types of fee arrangements, from contingency fee, flat rate, to an hourly rate. Click on any arrangement to learn more.
- Contingency Fee
A contingency fee depends upon the successful outcome of a claim. That is, you only pay a fee if there is a recovery in your case - which is typically determined as a percentage of the recovery. Contingency fee agreements can benefit clients who may not be able to afford to pay an attorney until the case has been resolved. - Flat Rate
In some instances, the time necessary for certain projects can be predictable. Under those circumstances, a flat fee may be the desired option. As with all fee arrangements, a flat fee is agreed upon at the outset. Depending on the project and the amount of the flat fee, some or all of the fee may be due prior to the commencement of work. - Hourly Rate
This is a more traditional attorney fee arrangement, whereby the attorney bills on an hourly basis at certain billing increments for any work performed on the project or case. Hourly rates will be discussed and agreed upon at the outset. We will also discuss an anticipated budget reflecting a preliminary estimate of total costs and fees throughout the life of the matter. - Hybrid
In some instances, a hybrid arrangement utilizing a combination of fee structures may be a desirable option. Under such circumstances, we work with the client to clearly articulate the arrangement in writing prior to retention.
GET IN TOUCH
For more information, please contact us by phone, via email, or complete the form. We will contact you at our earliest convenience.