2 /5 Alex Chu: **Policy requires payment before basic service information**
I contacted this firm to inquire about estate planning. Their policy requires a $275 consultation fee before they will provide any fee estimates or identify which attorney would handle the case.
When I requested a ballpark cost range (even a wide one) and asked to know which attorney Id be working with, I was told they are "forbidden and unqualified" to provide this information without payment first (and even said that no attorneys would do this).
I understand attorneys’ time is valuable and that every case is unique, but it’s perfectly reasonable for a potential client to want at least a rough idea of fees and who they’d be working with before committing to a paid session. Many reputable estate planning attorneys in Washington do provide this information, and it’s a basic expectation in most professional fields.
This policy raises transparency concerns for me as a client. While the firm may be competent, prospective clients should be aware they will not receive any basic information on fees, billing structure, or attorney assignment unless they first pay for a consultation. In my experience, other local firms are more forthcoming and client-friendly in their approach.
