Deborah M. Shepherd - Manchester, NH

We do offer a free initial consultation. However, when this client made initial contact through the online service she wanted her case reviewed and not the free half hour consultation. At the time of the online contact, this client did not provide her next court date. When the appointment was made, again the court date was not provided. At the time of the first call between attorney and client, again the client did not know the court date. The services between the attorney and client started with the client wanting her documents reviewed for anything that might have been overlooked or other options. It was explained there would be an hourly rate charged to review the documents and for the conversation regarding the documents. This hourly rate was quoted and the client accepted. At the time of the phone consultation, as stated, the client did not know the date of her next hearing. As the phone consultation went on, it was becoming clear the client may want to switch attorneys for her next hearing. It was made clear to the client, I could not guarantee availability without knowing the date of the next hearing. At the time of the service, there was no complaint about the services rendered. The attorney provided as much valuable assistance regarding her circumstances as possible with the information provided. It was clear at the time the client was pleased with the services provided, paid for the services after the call ended, and called back later with the date of the next hearing to retain additional services. Unfortunately, the attorney had a planned vacation for that time. The reviewer is upset the attorney would not cancel her vacation to attend her hearing. Unfortunately, this was not possible to do. When the client called regarding the extra $41.25 on the bill, it was immediately removed and she did not pay for that charge.