What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Yes, retainers are required in all cases, to pay for legal services. There is both an attorney and a paralegal hourly rate in family law cases. All legal services provided are recorded and an invoice is provided to the client on a monthly basis. Payment, prices, and fees are all discussed in great detail and length during the intake appointment with the client. To ensure services are clear and payment is fully understood, a formal contract is drafted and signed by the client and me, the attorney, with both receiving a copy of the engagement letter and fee agreement. If you request, you can preview an example engagement letter and fee agreement ahead of time, as well. For more information about retainers, fees, and payment options, please see the "Practice" section on the Majeski Law website and call for a consultation.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
With any new client, I always recommend a brief phone consultation. The consultation allows the individual to explain the situation, assess my knowledge and experience, ask any questions about me and/or the firm, and ensures that there is no conflict of interest.
Then, to retain my services, an intake appointment is scheduled with the new client at the office. (If the client requests, intake appointments can also be held via video conference, or in a location of the client's choosing, and if needed, outside of normal business hours.)
During the intake appointment, the client-attorney relationship is established, the engagement letter and fee agreement is discussed and signed, the retainer is deposited, and we start working on the case. Together, with the client, we'll identify his/her goals, attend to pressing matters, and plan the next steps to proceed.
Typically, the intake appointment lasts about an hour and an half. However, it's really up to the client. I'll dedicate as much time as the client wants/needs for the intake appointment to ensure that all his/her questions are answered, s/he has a better understanding of the case, feels comfortable, and knows the next steps.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I earned my Bachelors in Psychology and worked on a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. However, my interest for Law continued to grow so I pursued an additional degree. In 2008, I graduated from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. My background and 10 years of professional experience working with families, individuals, and adolescents in the mental health field lead me to dedicate my practice to Family Law. Within the same year of graduating, I passed the Bar and was admitted as an Attorney and Counselor of the Supreme Court of the State of Minnesota. In 2009, I founded Majeski Law, LLC., a Minnesota divorce and family law practice.
For the past 9 years, in addition to serving clients, I've also been an active member of the Minnesota, Ramsey County, and Washington County Bar Association and Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. Since 2014, I have served as Co-Chair for the Family Law Section of the Ramsey County Bar Association. I have received and continue to receive a number of awards, such as, the Top 40 under 40 Minnesota Family Lawyer and the President's Award by the Minnesota State Bar Association - demonstrating my commitment to my clients. In addition to being a top contributor to AVVO on Divorce and Family Law matters, I continue to provide pro bono services at the Washington County Legal Clinic in Stillwater, Minnesota. Lastly, my dedication is illustrated by my continual participation in legal education, conferences, seminars and trainings. (All of which are reported to the Minnesota Bar Association).
How did you get started doing this type of work?
After graduating from Law school, passing the Bar, and being admitted as an Attorney, I started working as an Attorney at a non-profit (Volunteer Lawyers Network, Ltd.) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. For the next couple years, I worked pro-bono, serving individuals, who couldn't afford legal services, in a number of civil cases. Although I'm not currently taking additional pro bono cases at my firm, I continue to volunteer and provide free legal advice at the Washington County Legal Advice Clinic in Stillwater, Minnesota.
What types of customers have you worked with?
My law practice is focused solely on Family Law. Therefore, I primarily work with individuals, spouses, parents, and third parties, such as, grandparents. I typically work with individuals who are going through a divorce or separation, but I also work with individuals after a divorce or separation, or for other reasons, such as: paternity, child custody, child support, parenting time, restraining orders (order for protection), pre-nuptial agreements, annulments, etc…
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
A client came to me wanting to move the child to a different school district, while the ex-spouse did not want the move to happen. Although the ex-spouse was very resistant, in the end, my client was able to move the child to a different school district. Yes, my client was happy, but it was also truly in the best interests of the child. Because of switching to another school district, the child had access to needed services that weren't available in the previous school district. It took a while, but even the ex-spouse is coming around after seeing the benefits of the move.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
When you're looking to hire a divorce or family law attorney, the most important thing is that you find someone who is a good fit for you and your case. You want your attorney to have a clear understanding of your goals and interests, and be committed to serving you. In addition, your attorney should be knowledgeable and experienced in the specific area of law that your case concerns, Family Law. Also, it's important that you have a clear understanding of the firm's policies, such as the client-attorney relationship and the fee agreement. In fact, there should be some sort of formal contract that clearly documents the details of the professional relationship, along with services and fees. Lastly, check out the firm's website. We're constantly blogging and trying to provide helpful tips and articles on our website - so it can be a helpful resource.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Before talking with a divorce or family law attorney, identify your concerns, goals and expectations. By doing so, you'll be better able to articulate your case and find an attorney who fits your needs. In addition, it's helpful to identify what you're looking for in an attorney before hand. For example, is communication and being able to easily reach your attorney important? Or proximity to the lawyer's office, gender of the attorney, years of experience, etc…? Then, use your list during the consultation to narrow down your search.
