Our fee policyHow our fees work
Many people want to talk to a lawyer but worry that "the meter starts running the moment you open your mouth" or that they won't know what it will cost in the end. Our approach: evaluate first, then quote; the quote states clearly what is and is not included; work begins only once you agree. Below we explain our billing methods, the initial evaluation and payment options all in one place.
Two ways we bill
| Billing method | Typical matters (general) | How it is calculated |
|---|---|---|
| Flat fee (fixed total) | Immigration filings: family-based immigration, marriage-based green cards, adjustment of status, naturalization, H-1B, L-1, E-2, EB-5, EB-1A, NIW and similar applications; Illinois real estate purchases and sales; notarization and apostilles; wills, living trusts, prenuptial agreements, company formation and other document matters | A single quote per matter, with the total set in advance. If the work turns out to be more than expected, the attorney fee generally does not increase; the stages and work included are set out in the engagement agreement. |
| Hourly (by the hour) | Immigration court (removal defense), federal court litigation, divorce property division, contract and business disputes, and other matters where the workload is hard to estimate in advance | Billed for the attorney’s actual time, at the hourly rate stated in the engagement agreement. An advance deposit is usually required; it is placed in the firm’s client trust account, drawn down as work is performed, and you receive itemized billing statements. |
Some matters may combine the two, for example a flat fee for the initial document work and hourly billing for court appearances. The method that applies is the one in the quote following your initial evaluation and in the engagement agreement.
Flat fees: what the quote spells out
- What work is included: for example, preparing and reviewing forms and evidence, drafting the attorney letter, filing the application and following up on the case.
- What work is not included: for example, whether responding to a Request for Evidence (RFE), attending an interview with you, or an appeal or refiling is billed separately will be stated in advance.
- Third-party costs are paid separately: government filing fees, medical exams, translation, courier, title company and recording fees and the like are not attorney fees and are paid by you separately; government fees are usually paid directly to the government agency.
- The outcome does not affect the fee: application outcomes are decided by government agencies; the firm does not guarantee results, and attorney fees are not contingent on approval.
How the initial evaluation works
- Request an appointment: fill in a brief summary on the booking page, or call (312) 519-1115 or add the attorney on WeChat: WangLawpllc.
- Confirm the time and evaluation fee: we will contact you to confirm the time, the format (in person at our Chicago office, or by phone or video), the materials to prepare and the evaluation fee. The initial evaluation is paid; if you then formally engage the firm for that matter, the evaluation fee can be credited toward your attorney fees.
- Conflict check: before the evaluation we run a conflict check, for example whether the opposing party is a client of the firm.
- Evaluation: David Wang speaks with you personally (in English, Chinese or French), analyzes the available options, the main risks and the general process, and tells you whether a flat fee or hourly billing applies.
- Quote and engagement: if you decide to engage us, we send a written engagement agreement stating the scope of services, the billing method and amount, and the payment arrangements. The attorney-client relationship is formed, and work begins, only after the agreement is signed and payment is made.
Bringing the relevant documents makes the evaluation more productive: passport, visa and I-94, prior applications and approval notices, letters from courts or government agencies, contracts and so on.
Payment methods
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Zelle (recommended) | Fast and free of fees; suited to U.S. bank accounts. |
| Wire transfer | Suited to larger amounts or payments from outside the United States. |
| Check | Make it payable to Wang Law Firm, LLC. |
| Credit card | Card payments are accepted. |
The receiving account details are those stated in the engagement agreement or invoice the firm issues in writing. Advance payments are handled under the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct; funds that must be held in trust are deposited into the firm’s client trust account (IOLTA).
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn’t the website list specific prices?
The same type of application can vary greatly in difficulty: prior visa refusals or violations, whether the evidence is complete, whether additional explanations are needed and so on all affect the workload. We would rather give you an accurate quote once we understand your situation than quote a low price up front and keep adding charges.
How much is the evaluation fee? Can I get a free consultation?
The initial evaluation is paid; we tell you the specific amount when we confirm your appointment. If you formally engage us, the evaluation fee can be credited toward your attorney fees. The articles, calculators and self-assessment tools on this website are free to use and are a good way to learn the basics first.
Can a flat fee go up partway through?
Within the scope of work stated in the engagement agreement, the attorney fee is the agreed total. If work outside the scope of the agreement arises (for example, an RFE response, attending an interview, an appeal, or a major change in the facts of the case), we will discuss it with you and obtain your consent before starting the additional work.
If my application is not approved, will the attorney fee be refunded?
Application outcomes are decided by government agencies; the firm does not guarantee results, and attorney fees are not contingent on approval. If the engagement ends early and the work is not completed, the uncompleted portion is handled in accordance with the engagement agreement and the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct.
Are government filing fees paid to the firm or to the government?
Government fees are not attorney fees and are usually paid by you directly to the government agency (for example, online or submitted with the application). We will tell you the amount, the payee and the payment method.
I am in China or another country. How do the evaluation and payment work?
The evaluation can be done by phone or video; payment can be made by international wire transfer or credit card. If you pay from China, follow China’s foreign exchange rules; we do not advise on Chinese law.
Related reading
- About the attorney and booking a consultation
- Services
- How to choose an immigration lawyer
- Government fees and processing times
Want to know which billing method applies to your matter? Book an initial evaluation › Phone (312) 519-1115, attorney’s WeChat: WangLawpllc.
Attorney advertising. This page describes our general billing methods and is not a quote or promise for any specific matter. Fees are governed by the written engagement agreement signed by both parties; reading this page or submitting an appointment request does not create an attorney-client relationship.