THE MAU LAW FIRM

Construction, Real Estate & Business Attorneys at Law.
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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
 
The following are a few of the frequently asked questions that we commonly encounter.

Q: Appointments and Walk-ins?
A: Appointments are based on our current calendar availability and must be scheduled in advance.  Walk-in's are not accepted.
 
Q: Fee Arrangements?
A: The Mau Law Firm operates similar to most mid-size and large law firms in the Bay Area, with a required retainer fee and competitive hourly billable rates.  Our current hourly rate structure is only issued to clients or prospective clients.  A typical retainer fee would be anywhere in the four to five figure range, and goes into a client trust account as a deposit against fees and costs. 
 
Q: Contingency Fees?
A: Please read!  The firm generally does NOT perform work on a contingency fee basis, i.e. a basis where the firm receives a percentage (typically 35% or more) of any funds actually recovered.  Firms that commonly do accept contingency fees are often in the area of personal injury, and are generally not specialized counsel in Construction, Real Estate and Business Law! 
 
A common misconceprtion is that a contingency fee equals "free" representation, where the reality is that a client must usually still pre-pay all court costs, service costs, deposition costs, expert fees and other out-of-pocket expenses, and a retainer fee is still required.  On some cases a quick settlement can occur, which would also result in an immediate large percentage fee.  These factors can make it economically unwise for most businesses to seek out this type of fee.
 
Q: In Construction Law, who are your traditional clients?
A: We represent general contratctors, subcontractors in a variety of trades, construction supply companies and property owners with current or past construction projects, insurers and sureties.  We also are involved in and represent construction industry associations. 
 
Q: In Real Estate Law, who are your traditional clients?
A: We represent commercial and residential property owners, Homeowner's Associations ("HOA's") for condominiums, town-homes and other planned community developments, landlords / tenants for  issues including evictions and eviction defense, and service vendors to property owners.