David John O'Connell

David O'Connell

Dear Alyona: I understand your grievance, which you made clear yesterday when we consulted on the telephone, and when you asked for a discount in a follow email. As I replied, in an email in which I granted the further discount from your fee, you had an opportunity to read and approve my consultation agreement, which stated my hourly rate. Your husband's instructions were to look for any traps in the agreement, and i took the time and effort to do as I was asked. A lawyer doesn't just "read" a proposed contract, he must analyze it, in order to give advice to protect the client. And, I note that you do not question the advice and analysis I offered, just the amount of money you had to pay for the service. In future, I suggest that you read an attorney's engagement terms before agreeing to retain his or her services. D.