CorePoint Law LLC:

Client Site

CLIENT PORTAL

• Smokeball Client Portal• Portal App: iPhone | Android

PAYMENTS

• Trust Deposit
• Invoice Payment

INSTRUCTIONS

A. Using the Payment LinksIf you wish to make a retainer or deposit payment to your Trust Account, you may click on the link above to "Trust Deposit."If you wish to make a payment for an outstanding unpaid invoice, you may submit this via the link above to "Invoice Payments."These links utilize eCheck or Credit Card. If you prefer, payments may also be forwarded using Zelle or PayPal to: [email protected].

B. Using the Client PortalThe Client Portal is hosted by Smokeball, our firm's practice management software. Click on the link above and enter the email address which you used to sign up with our firm. You will then be able to view and access documents in your case such as invoices, messages with your attorney, upcoming case dates and deadlines, and exchange documents securely.There is a mobile app available as well, which may be downloaded for iPhone or Android via the links above, by which you can access the Client Portal.

FAQ

1) What are the different fee structures used?Different types of case have different fee structures that are appropriate. Typically, they are hourly, contingency, flat-fee, or hybrid. Upon consultation, we may discuss which structure makes the most sense for your case.2) How does hourly billing work?Payments are made to a Trust Account at the beginning of the case ("retainer"), and periodically as the case progresses ("deposits"). These funds are not the firm's money until fees or expenses are billed in your case, at which point they are deducted from the Trust Balance. Otherwise, trust deposits are held in a special account legally protected under Illinois law ("Interest on Lawyer Trust Account") ("IOLTA"). The existing balance at any time is refundable if you leave the firm for any reason, or upon the conclusion of your matter.3) How does the initial retainer work?If your matter is on an hourly fee structure, you will deposit an initial retainer to your Trust Account, to drawn for billable fees and expenses. The actual bill is based on the hourly fees, not the trust deposits you make, and this depends on how long your case lasts.You will receive updated bills approximately every month showing how much is deducted from your Trust Account and how much Trust Balance you have remaining.CorePoint Law’s standard billable rate is $250/hr.4) What are the estimated fees and timelines?Remember, upon a consult, you will be given not only a "fee estimate" but a "fee structure" (hourly, contingency, flat-fee, hybrid) that is most appropriate. You will be given a plan for the matter and estimate of the timeline. If the case is based on an hourly billable structure with initial retainer, you also discuss how much the initial retainer should be.5) Do you represent both civil Plaintiffs and Defendants?Yes.6) Do you represent criminal Defendants?No.7) Could I use a flat-fee structure?Certain types of non-litigation projects with a well-defined scope may be billed on a negotiated flat-fee basis given the nature of the matter. Discuss with our attorneys if your matter is appropriate for a flat-fee structure.8) What is the difference between fees and costs?The hourly/flat/contingency structures listed above refer to attorney fees. Other expenses such as court fees, process servers, depositions, etc., are called "costs of suit" or "case expenses." Costs and fees are the equivalent of a mechanic's "parts and labor." Costs are paid by the Client, but the manner of how they are billed may vary on a case-by-case basis.9) How do expert witnesses work?Lawsuits require expert testimony when an issue of proof involves something only an expert could testify to. This may include malpractice cases, where a qualified peer must testify as to the alleged negligence, or in business litigation when the damages calculation requires accounting or appraisal. CorePoint Law has relationships with expert witnesses in various specialties and will facilitate obtaining and preparing necessary experts for your case.10) Can I make back my attorney's fees?This is a widely-misunderstood issue. In England, the loser of a lawsuit paid the other side's attorney's fees. But the default rule in America is that each party must bear their own fees, unless an exception applies (e.g. a contract or statute which specifically contains a fee-shifting provision). Consult with our attorneys to determine if this applies to your case.

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