Frequently Asked Questions

Q #1: Does it cost anything to have the Richard Law Firm review my case?

A: No. There is no charge for your initial conference with our office.

Our fee structure is based on the type of matter we handle for you. If your case is an injury case and we accept your case, we will charge a percentage fee based upon the recovery we obtain. For hourly cases, we will provide you with a written engagement agreement which describes our rates and billing process in detail.

Q #2: How do you decide whether you will take my case?

A: We look at each case individually. We like getting justice for ordinary people. We look for cases where we have the best opportunity to help someone and to make a difference.

We also look for cases where our skills match the client’s need. We like cases that present an opportunity to change harmful behavior by a governmental entity, a large corporation, or an insurance company. Please contact us so that we can help you decide if we are the right fit for your case.

Q #3: How do I contact the Richard Law Firm and obtain more information about reviewing my case?

A: You can send us an email at WeCanHelp@arichardlaw.com or by calling us at 307-732-6680.

Q #4: What if I want to bring a claim on behalf of a family member who has died?

A: In cases where the claim is by a family for the death of a loved one, a family member must be appointed as the victim’s personal representative. The personal representative then acts on behalf of the surviving family members.

Q #5: How will I know what’s happening with my case?

A: We value your trust. We want you to be informed and involved. We are in touch with our clients frequently by e-mail, phone and in-person. Working with our clients is critical for our preparation. We make it a priority to keep you informed about the progress of your case, and share important documents and correspondence with you. We send monthly invoices itemizing the work we do and the costs and expenses, and we are available to answer any questions. Our monthly invoices are easy to understand and allow our firm to provide our clients with honest, cost-effective legal counsel. We encourage you to stay in close touch and ask us questions as we move your case forward.

Q #6: What are your fees for handling my case?

A: There is no charge for your initial conference with our office.

Our fees are based on the type of matter we handle for you.

If your case is a personal injury case that we decide to accept, we will charge a fee based upon a percentage of the recovery obtained either by settlement or jury verdict.

Clients in civil cases such as construction and land-use are billed on an hourly basis.

In guardian ad litem cases, we require an upfront retainer and each side is responsible for paying their half of that retainer.

In mediation cases, we require that each side pay half in advance of the mediation session.

We take certain plaintiffs’ cases on a contingency fee basis. In those cases, we keep our clients informed about our work and the costs as we move your case forward. At the end of the case, we provide our clients with a statement of distribution, which shows the fees, costs and the recovery to the clients.

When we take a case, we provide our clients with a written representation agreement. Our fee arrangement, hourly rates, and typical costs are described in the written agreement.

A Special Note About Cost Fairness:  We are known for our honesty and integrity. Unlike some other law firms, we do not mark up costs.  Instead, we bill our clients only for the actual costs. For example, computerized research services are billed at cost. We do not separately charge for most long distance calls, unless the call is a conference call or the cost is over $20.00. Express mail, overnight delivery and packages are billed at cost, photocopies and printing costs are charged at reasonable rates, and travel expenses are billed at cost. Detailed information about typical costs is provided in our engagement letter.

Q #7. How much is my case worth?

A: We evaluate each case individually. It takes a significant amount of work and time to arrive at a proper valuation of your case. However, there are many variables in litigation and trials and you must know that there is never a guarantee of any recovery.

Q #8. I don’t live in Wyoming. Can you help me with my case?

A: The Richard Law Firm is only licensed to practice in Wyoming. If, however, you do not live in Wyoming, we can associate with competent local counsel. Because we work with local counsel in your state, we can help you.

Q #9. How long will it take before we go to trial?

A: We want to get your case to trial as soon as possible. However, the opposition may not want your case to get to trial quickly. We will need time to gather the evidence and develop your case. Once we know which court we will file your case in, we will be able to better estimate the time it will take to get your case to trial. Depending on the specifics of your case, it can take a year or more to get a case to trial before a jury.