Attorney Robin R. Gregory, PLLC
A South Dakota Professional Limited Liability Company
(808)800-6500
Aloha,
I run a client-based law firm, knowing the legal system can be confusing and difficult to navigate. You are not alone; I stand by my clients in the Courtroom or at the negotiation table as the case demands. Although I cannot guarantee a specific outcome, I will represent you with diligence, in a manner that is professional, respectful, and caring.
I am licensed to practice law in the States of Hawai'i and South Dakota and I am admitted to the Federal Bar, District of Hawai'i. I concentrate my practice mainly on Family Law, Probate, Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements, Cohabitation Agreements, Powers of Attorney. In addition, I helped clients with Criminal Defense, and Small Claims actions. Give me a call for a free phone consultation to discover if my legal services match your legal needs.
Helping you navigate the legal system.
Attorney Robin R. Gregory, Esq.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Me
Q: How much is it going to cost?
A: Of course you want to know the cost. For many legal issues, there is not a "flat rate". Each case is different and some will cost more than others.
When we talk on the phone I will try to gauge the difficulty of your case and give you a quote for a reasonable retainer, which is not an estimate or prediction of the costs to complete your case. For most cases, you will be quoted an hourly rate. The total number of hours will vary by the necessary pleadings to be drafted, time to prepare for and attend a hearing or trial, the cooperation of the client, whether the matter is contested or not, and other factors. Generally, drafting documents and preparing for a hearing or trial are the most time consuming, therefore, the most costly tasks.
Q: What is a retainer?
A: A retainer is not an estimate or prediction of the costs necessary to complete your case. A certain amount of money is required before I begin work on
your case. The money, called a "retainer" is required by Hawai'i law to be deposited into an IOLTA Client Trust Account. This is an interest bearing account and neither you nor I will receive the interest. The interest earned on the account is paid directly from the bank to a fund to help the public with legal services. It is not money out of your pocket nor out of mine. The principal stays in the Client Trust account until I earn it. As I do work on your case, the money will be transferred to my business account. You will receive a monthly statement with your retainer balance, showing the work I have done on your case. When your retainer is at or below $500.00 (generally), you will be asked to refresh your retainer.
Q: What will my attorney do for me?
A: I will agree to represent you in a specific legal matter. Although no two cases are alike, generally, my representation includes drafting and filing documents, communications with the client and others, and court appearances as necessary. If your case goes to trial, an additional retainer will be required before the trial preparations commence.
Q: What are the client's obligations to the attorney?
A: It is the client’s responsibility to give me all pertinent information, to keep me informed of any developments, and to keep his or her contact information up-to-date. You need to show-up at hearings and other appointments and produce needed documents and information in a timely manner. If we are in negotiations with the "opposing side" or if we have a submission deadline, it is even more important that you check your emails and get back to me; I cannot act without your approval. It is the client's responsibility to pay his or her bills for legal services within ten days of receipt.
Q: Are communications between an attorney and his or her client confidential?
A: Case-related communications between you and your attorney are confidential and protected under the Rules of Professional Conduct and the Attorney-Client Privilege and your attorney cannot be compelled to divulge your information unless you use his or her services toward the commission of fraud or reveal a plan to commit a crime or cause bodily injury. This privilege is waived if you share information or communications with a third party or if a non-essential party is present while we communicate.
You probably have many other questions. Contact me and I will try to address your specific procedural questions. Please note I cannot give you legal advice unless I am your attorney. Thank you and have a great day.
Copyright Attorney Robin R. Gregory, LLLC 2017 Last updated March, 2019
Phone: (808)800-6500
Fax: (866)473-6905
robinlawrocks@gmail.com
