Welcome to the Kazi Law Firm! We are a boutique law firm steeped in Texas tradition personifying the warmth and congeniality consistent with southern hospitality. We believe in preserving integrity and professionalism with true Texan charm, staying true to our roots, while providing essential, affordable legal services to all. Located just north of Dallas, Texas in the rapidly growing suburb of Frisco; the Kazi Law Firm concentrates on contracts drafting and review, immigration law, will & estates, real estate law, landlord, tenant, mediation, and general business law needs.
Today I thought I would talk directly to my beloved bargain hunters! No one loves a good deal more than I do and boy, do I love the hunt! I enjoy getting the most “bang for my buck,” just like the next person. However, there are certain areas where I would not dare to “bargain hunt.” What are those areas? Law, medicine, dental, and accounting to name a few. I never cut corners when selecting a CPA to handle my taxes or my primary care physician to take care of my health needs. Similarly, there are hazards associated with hiring a budget attorney, which may lead to costly, lengthy, and negative consequences, which defeats the purpose in the first place.
Let’s talk about the appeal of a “budget attorney” so to speak. The initial costs savings benefit is obvious, but what else lures clients to the bargain-basement counsel, and what are the repercussions of that decision. It’s crucial to compare the two broad types of legal representation – bargain versus competent (not exorbitantly priced but reasonable):
Competent attorneys often wind up costing less in the long run as “budget” attorneys often provide a “low-ball” retainer quote that does not take into consideration the unique facts for that particular case.
While an attorney that quotes you a temptingly low retainer may seem attractive if you are concerned about your finances, you need to keep in mind that often hiring a competent attorney will cost you less in the long run. Every case has unique facts that have to be taken into consideration.
Remember that a more competent and experienced attorney will generally take less time to resolve your issue as a direct result of their skill level. Consequently, this translates into less time that the attorney spends on your case, which means less money that you will ultimately have to spend on representation. Remember that a competent attorney may cost you more upfront but that can save you substantial money in the long run.
Competent attorneys can afford to be more choosy about which clients they wish to represent while “budget” attorneys are more likely to accept any client that can pay the reduced retainer, without considering the merits of the case.
A competent attorney will more likely be straightforward with you regarding your case, its strengths as well as its weaknesses. A more experienced lawyer will not tell you what you want to hear, but rather the reality of the case and the potential outcomes. They will not make promises or give your false expectations. Budget attorneys tend to lure clients in with cheap initial retainers and then aggressively bill the case once the process gets started.
Another disadvantage of hiring a “budget” attorney is that a surprising number of them are not only incompetent but also unethical. I do not wish to disparage the legal profession as I consider it an honor to be an attorney. I truly believe that the majority of attorneys are both competent and honest. They are intelligent, hard-working professionals that are held to a higher standard in society. However, I would be remiss if I did not point out that not all attorneys are created equal – simply not all are competent or ethical. Now, don’t get me wrong. By no means are all budget attorneys incompetent or unethical, but I do know from my years of experience that there are some who will cut ethical corners for the financial draw of attracting more clients.
Attorneys that offer “low-ball” retainers often abandon their clients once another case that looks more lucrative comes along.
I have also noticed that some budget attorneys will abandon their clients if the case either starts getting more complicated than they had anticipated or they are presented with another case that appears to be more lucrative for them. Some may feel that they have nothing to lose by abandoning your case for another.
Some “budget” attorneys mishandle cases to the point where a competent attorney no longer wants to touch the case and untangle the mess left behind.
Other situations that commonly occur are cases where an individual has hired a discount attorney who has mishandled the case to such an extent that the client is no longer able to find competent legal representation. As I mentioned earlier qualified and experienced attorneys with a proven track record can afford to be more selective about taking on cases and are reluctant to take on problematic cases that have been previously botched.
It’s clear to see that with most things in life, “you get what you pay for.” This also holds true for legal representation. Be careful when seeking legal services and don’t compare apples to oranges. Attorneys are not superhuman and come with their own set of flaws, strengths, and weaknesses. You should hire a lawyer who is experienced, competent, ethical, and makes that human connection with you. Most times during the initial conversation with a lawyer, you can sense whether they are the right fit for you and your case. It’s imperative to work with someone you trust and believe in. The attorney-client relationship is special, if not sacred, and not one to be entered into lightly or callously.
I built my law practice on the premise of being a life raft in a sea of sharks. I want to be an advocate for those that have been wronged and are too intimidated to seek help. My firm is here to explore your options, guide you through your legal journey, and give you that safe space to ask questions! There’s no such thing as a stupid question…Only the ones you don’t ask. So, my question to my clients is not “do you have any questions?” But rather “what questions do you have?”
As always, the Kazi Law Firm is standing by to help you in your time of need. Don’t hesitate to contact us today. We specialize in real estate law, landlord-tenant disputes, immigration, and wills & estate planning. Family is at the core of our practice. Just as we treat our family with respect and understanding, we treat yours. Come join the Kazi Law Firm family today!
Why swim alone in shark-infested waters when you don’t need to?
