Frequently Asked Questions

What does the firm charge for its services?

Lawyers' billing arrangements vary generally based upon the type of legal matter involved. Most commonly, lawyers charge by the hour for work done on the case. At Keating & LaPlante, LLP, you receive a monthly statement which sets out the service performed and the time spent on your case during the prior month. Some cases, however, involve what is known as a "flat fee." This is a fixed amount charged for handling your legal matter start to finish. Finally, in some cases, particularly involving a claim for personal injuries, a lawyer will charge a "contingent fee." In a contingent fee agreement, a lawyer is paid a percentage of the amount recovered for the client. If no recovery is obtained, then the client owes no attorneys fee.

The type of fee that Keating & LaPlante, LLP will charge you for their services will be discussed at your initial consultation. If you chose to have us represent you, you will be presented a written fee contract setting out exactly what you are to be charged.

Do you charge for initial consultations?

A lawyer has only his time and advice to sell. Because of that, if we meet with you, discuss your problem and advise you as to the best way to handle it, we charge for our services based on the time spent. If we simply discuss whether you want to employ us to represent you, then there is no charge for the initial consultation. If you have any questions as to whether there will be a charge for the initial meeting, please ask at the time you schedule an appointment.

In what geographical area, do you practice?

We are admitted and licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in Indiana, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. If your case requires action in any other jurisdiction, we will associate with an attorney in that location or will refer you to a lawyer who practice in that area.

I have an important case. Shouldn't I hire a big law firm?

You should hire whichever lawyer you trust to completely and professionally represent you. In light of our experience in a wide variety of legal matters, we believe in most cases there are no advantages to hiring a large law firm. If during our efforts to represent you, your legal issues require an extraordinary amount of time, we would advise you that perhaps additional counsel should be considered. Our size allows us to give personal attention to your case at a reasonable cost.