Legal Engagements

How We Take On New Clients

Michel Law is a selective, boutique practice. We do not accept every matter we are contacted about. Our process is designed to ensure that every client we take on receives our full attention, expertise, and commitment — and that we are genuinely the right firm for their matter.

Our engagement process typically proceeds as follows:

• You contact us through our website, by phone, or by email to describe your legal matter
• We conduct an initial conflicts check and preliminary review of your inquiry
• If the matter appears to be a fit, we schedule a confidential consultation with Fabrice K. Michel
• Following the consultation, both parties determine whether to proceed
• If we mutually agree to proceed, a written engagement letter is prepared and executed
• An initial retainer payment is made to formally open the matter

The Engagement Letter

Before any legal work commences, Michel Law will provide you with a written engagement letter that sets out the terms of our representation. The engagement letter will specify:

• The scope of the legal services to be provided
• The identity of the attorney(s) primarily responsible for your matter
• Our fee structure — whether hourly, flat fee, or other arrangement
• Billing practices, including billing intervals and payment terms
• The initial retainer amount required to open your matter
• How and when the engagement may be terminated
• Any other material terms specific to your matter

You should review the engagement letter carefully before signing. We encourage you to ask questions about any term you do not understand before executing the agreement.

Fees and Billing

Michel Law charges fees commensurate with the complexity, sophistication, and demands of the matters we handle. Our fee structures vary by matter type and may include hourly billing, flat fees for defined scope engagements, or hybrid arrangements. All fee arrangements are set out clearly in your engagement letter.

Retainers

Most engagements require an initial retainer, which is deposited into our client trust account in accordance with New York Rules of Professional Conduct. Retainer funds are applied against earned fees and costs as billed. You will receive itemized invoices on a regular basis detailing all time and expenses applied against your retainer.

Expenses

In addition to attorney fees, you may be responsible for out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred on your behalf, including court filing fees, process server fees, expert witness fees, deposition costs, copying and courier charges, and other litigation or transactional expenses. These costs are detailed in your engagement letter and reflected in your invoices.

Online Payment

Existing clients may pay invoices securely online through our client payment portal. Payment instructions are included with each invoice. If you have questions about your bill or payment options, please contact our office directly.

Scope of Representation

Our representation is limited to the specific matter described in your engagement letter. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, our representation does not extend to related matters, appeals, post-judgment proceedings, or other legal issues that may arise in connection with your matter. If the scope of your matter changes, we will discuss and document any modifications to the engagement in writing.

Conflicts of Interest

Before accepting any new engagement, Michel Law conducts a conflicts check to identify any potential conflicts of interest with existing or former clients. If a conflict is identified, we will advise you promptly. In some circumstances, conflicts may be waivable by written consent of all affected parties; in others, they may preclude our representation entirely.

Confidentiality

All communications between you and Michel Law in connection with your legal matter are protected by the attorney-client privilege and the duty of confidentiality under New York Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.6. We will not disclose your confidential information to third parties without your informed consent, except as required by law or as permitted under the Rules of Professional Conduct.

We take the security and privacy of your information seriously and implement appropriate measures to protect confidential communications and documents.

Termination of Representation

Either party may terminate the attorney-client relationship at any time, subject to the terms of the engagement letter and applicable Rules of Professional Conduct. If you wish to terminate our representation, please notify us in writing. If we withdraw from your matter, we will provide you with reasonable notice and take steps to minimize prejudice to your interests, including providing you with your file and a summary of the status of pending matters.

Upon termination, you will be responsible for fees earned and expenses incurred through the date of termination. Any unused retainer funds will be returned to you promptly.

File Retention

Following the conclusion of your matter, Michel Law will retain your file for a period of seven (7) years, after which files may be destroyed without further notice. If you wish to obtain a copy of your file, please contact us in writing. We reserve the right to charge a reasonable fee for copying and retrieval of file materials.

Questions About Our Engagement Process

If you have questions about how we take on new matters, our fee structures, or any aspect of the engagement process, we welcome a confidential conversation.