Why we charge flat fees — not hourly.
Hourly billing puts the attorney's interests and the client's interests in conflict. The longer something takes, the more you pay. That's not how we operate.
Flat-fee pricing means you know the full investment before you commit. No surprise invoices at the end of the month. No watching the clock. No anxiety every time you send an email.
We quote a flat fee, we scope the work, you sign the agreement — and the number doesn't change unless the scope does, and only with your approval.
Every engagement is quoted in full at the Strategy Session. No estimate ranges — a flat number for a defined scope of work.
USPTO filing fees, state filing fees, and court fees are passed through at cost — quoted at the time of engagement, never added silently after.
If the scope of your engagement changes, we discuss it with you first. No additional charges without explicit agreement in writing.
Your $500 Strategy Session investment applies directly toward your retainer if you engage the firm within 14 days. It doesn't disappear — it becomes your first payment.
Invoices are sent through Clio — our client management platform. Here's exactly how the process works from agreement to payment.
After your Strategy Session, you'll receive a fee agreement through Clio outlining your flat fee, scope of work, and payment terms. Review and sign electronically.
Your invoice arrives by email from Clio Payments. It will show your flat fee, any government filing fees, and the payment options available to you.
Click the payment link in your invoice email to pay securely through the Clio client portal. You can also log in directly at clients.clio.com to view and pay invoices.
Once payment is received and your fee agreement is signed, your engagement begins. You'll receive access to the Clio client portal for real-time matter tracking throughout.
Log in to the Clio client portal to view your invoices, matter status, documents, and messages.
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover accepted through Clio Payments.
Direct bank transfer via ACH through the Clio payment portal. Preferred for larger engagements.
Buy now, pay later financing through Affirm. Select Affirm at checkout in the Clio payment portal to apply.
Structured payment plans available on select engagements. Ask about eligibility during your Strategy Session.
Affirm offers buy now, pay later financing that lets you spread your legal investment over time. Approval is subject to Affirm's credit review. Rates and terms vary by applicant. Affirm is a third-party service — see affirm.com for full terms. You can access the Affirm payment flow through the video walkthrough below.
Watch: How to pay your invoice and activate Affirm.
This short video walks you through the full payment process — from receiving your invoice to completing payment through Clio, including how to activate Affirm financing if you choose that option.
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One hour with Attorney Stokes. A clear diagnosis. A prioritized action plan. And a $500 credit toward your retainer if you engage within 14 days.
