Initial Consultation

We do not answer isolated questions without first evaluating the background. In cross-border matters the decisive facts are often overlooked by prospective clients. For example, the initial marital property regime of a couple can change the analysis entirely, regardless of how assets are presently titled. An answer to the wrong question is not helpful; moreover, it can cause harm. Every initial consultation therefore begins with a review of your documents and your situation as a whole.

Purpose of the initial consultation

The purpose of the initial consultation is for us to

(a) learn about your legal needs on the basis of the information you provide;
(b) answer your questions to the extent possible without the benefit of additional research;
(c) identify your options and discuss their costs, advantages and disadvantages;
(d) discuss our fees and terms of representation, if an attorney-client relationship is to be established after the meeting; and
(e) determine the next steps, as appropriate.

What the package includes

Before the meeting

• You describe your situation and your questions in your inquiry.
• We quote the fee for the package on the basis of the scope of the consultation.
• We set up a secure client portal for you.
• You upload copies of the relevant documents to your encrypted client portal. (Please do not email us any documents or sensitive information.)
• We review your documents.
• We schedule a one-hour meeting, in person or by video conference.

During the one-hour meeting we

• analyze your situation,
• identify your options,
• recommend a course of action, and
• answer your questions.

After the meeting we

• send you, within two business days, a summary of the legal analysis, your options and our recommendations; and
• answer reasonable follow-up questions for two business days after you receive the summary.

Which documents to upload

Which documents are relevant depends on your matter. For estate planning, these are typically existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney and marriage contracts, and an overview of your assets showing where each asset is located and how it is titled. On the portal you will find an estate planning worksheet where you can enter the majority of the relevant information. For an estate settlement, the documents we need to review are typically the death certificate, the will or trust, an overview of the estate assets and any correspondence with courts, banks or tax authorities. Documents in German or French need not be translated.

Confidentiality

All information and documents you provide to us remain strictly confidential, whether or not an attorney-client relationship is established after the meeting.

No attorney-client relationship

The initial consultation does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It is a limited-scope service that helps you determine whether you wish to retain us. You are under no obligation to retain us, and we are under no obligation to provide legal services to you unless both sides agree to an engagement.

Engagement agreement

If, after the initial consultation, you decide to retain us and we agree to represent you, we prepare a separate and more detailed Agreement for Attorney Services, to be signed by both parties.

Fee and payment

We quote the fee for the initial consultation package individually, based on the scope of the consultation. The fee is payable before the meeting, by wire transfer to our law firm trust account. It is held as a retainer and remains your property until the consultation has taken place; afterwards it is transferred to our law firm operating account. You may cancel the initial consultation at any time before the meeting, and we will refund the fee in full.