Frequently Asked Questions

Should I hire an attorney to represent me?

Yes. Although the constitution permits self-representation, it is not recommended. Attorneys are trained and experienced in the law, provide objective skilled advice, and are familiar with courtroom procedure.

May a friend or family member who is not an attorney represent me in court?

No. Wisconsin law prohibits the practice of law by non-lawyers. This is also true for juveniles. Thus, in no circumstance can a non-lawyer represent you in court.

What types of fee arrangements does Loberg Law Office offer?

The most common fee arrangements are the hourly rate, the contingency fee, and the flat fee. Under the hourly rate scheme, the attorney monitors and logs time spent on a client’s file. A bill is sent periodically or at the end of representation. Hourly rates vary and depend upon the attorney’s skill, experience, practice area, and geographical location.

Contingency fees are utilized in medical malpractice, personal injury, product liability, and worker’s compensation cases. Under a contingency fee arrangement, the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the amount recovered. Contingency fees are never used in family or criminal law matters.

The last fee arrangement is the flat fee. Under this arrangement, the attorney charges a predetermined amount for a type of case or service.

What is a retainer and must I pay a retainer?

Generally, a retainer is defined as a down payment on legal fees and costs. Loberg Law Office holds the retainer in the attorney’s trust account. The retainer is applied toward future fees and expenses. If the retainer is refundable, the unused retainer deposit is returned to you.

Alternatively, Loberg Law Office may require an advanced fee payment before commencing work on a case. These funds are placed in the Loberg Law Office business account and expenses are billed separately.

Does the losing party have to pay the winning party’s attorneys’ fees?

No, except in rare cases. In the United States, each party bears the cost of his or her own attorney’s fee, but the winner can collect some out-of-pocket litigation costs. This is referred to as the American Rule. However, some cases do allow fee-shifting. Under a fee-shifting scenario, the losing party must pay the winner’s attorney’s fees. Generally, the losing party is responsible for the winning party’s legal fees if the dispute arises out of contract or statute and the contract or statute expressly provides the loser is responsible for the winner’s legal fees.

How do I know if a have a good case?

Contact Loberg Law Office to discuss and analyze your claim. The attorneys at Loberg Law Office understand that every case is different depending on the unique facts and circumstances of each situation. The attorneys at Loberg Law Office rely on personal experience, skill, and sound judgment when evaluating each case. Please call or stop by our office for an in-depth discussion of your case.