Connecticut Employment Law - Goldman Gruder & Woods - dispute resolutions, legal counsel

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: All GG&W attorneys were previously affiliated with larger firms. Why did you form Goldman Gruder & Woods, LLC?

A: Each of us found that we could increase client satisfaction in a smaller setting, unfettered by layers of junior partners and associates. The same lawyers who know the clients actually do the work. In other firms, one lawyer "makes the rain", a second lawyer supervises the work, and a third lawyer (or sometimes more lawyers) actually does the work. Clients have to pay for the cost of the lawyers talking to each other about the matter and reviewing and revising each other's work. Clients were becoming frustrated at our prior firms' expensive and inefficient service.

Q: Don't smaller firms lack the resources to handle difficult matters?

A: Quite the contrary for most matters. Usually, an excellent lawyer can handle a matter alone, particularly with the advent of on-line research, automation of legal forms and improved information systems. When one lawyer handles a matter, it is easier to gain clear sight of the client's objectives and a complete understanding of the entire matter. In larger firms, where many different hands touch one file, there is less chance that the matter can be viewed globally and a greater chance that a failure of communication can reduce the effectiveness of legal representation. Furthermore, delegation generally involves the senior (and best) lawyers pawning off more and more details to junior lawyers who are still being trained. These lawyers often have much to learn, are promoted based upon their billable hours and need to spend considerable time (and the client's money) covering their tracks. Obviously, some matters are so complex that a team of many lawyers must be involved. However, these represent a small fraction of all cases, and we do not accept such cases unless we are special counsel (generally for a limited purpose) to a team of lawyers in a large firm.

Q: If Goldman Gruder & Woods, LLC is so cost effective, why do some attorneys charge even less for closings?

A: First, closings and negotiations are conducted by our attorneys, not by staff. While we have excellent paralegals and staff and utilize them extensively, their work is supervised at all necessary levels. Lawyers who charge less generally delegate a higher level of work and client contact to staff.

Second, we are more accessible than other lawyers. We return calls promptly, often from our homes or cars, and often on weekends. We use voice mail to allow clients to leave complete messages (generally when we are on the phone with other clients), not to avoid calls, and then we call back! We have fax machines at our homes. In order to accommodate today's hectic schedules, we will meet with clients at their homes or offices. This is a part of who we are and how we insist that law be practiced. If you are sure that your matter will have no problems and will not require any measurable level of client service, then you might be able to save a little money with a different lawyer.

Q: What benefits do Goldman Gruder & Woods, LLC clients gain when the firm handles their closings?

A: According to Ken Gruder, Chairman of the Firm's Real Estate Department, our Firm provides the following advantages:

Prompt return phone calls unlike any other busy law firm.
Practical advice which will save clients' time and/or money.
Superior reputation with mortgage and real estate professionals and other attorneys to facilitate negotiations and the closing process.
Flexible availability to meet with our clients' busy schedules.
Unsurpassed breadth and depth of attorneys and staff.

Q: I have a business which I run from my house. I have been successful without a lawyer so far. Why do I need a lawyer?

A: Even the smallest business is subject to potential liabilities which could jeopardize the owner's other assets, including the owner's home. The formation of a corporation or limited liability company is an inexpensive way of protecting the business owner. As the business grows, tax, employment and contract issues arise from time-to-time. Goldman Gruder & Woods, LLC can provide cost-effective advice without breaking your budget. Michael L. Goldman, chairman of the Business Law Department, has run several businesses of different sizes and counsels many businesses on a regular basis. His advice to a business is inexpensive, and generally, this advice is sufficient until the business' growth necessitates and can afford more legal work. In this manner, you won't be charged for unnecessary legal work.

Q: I often have questions, many which I think are pretty simple and which I am almost embarrassed to ask. My last lawyer charged a fee every time we spoke. Now I am afraid to call him or her.

A: We do not charge ongoing clients for periodic phone calls. We WANT our clients to CALL us. If a phone call indicates the need for legal services, then we will provide you with an estimate of our fees before you are obligated. If your questions can be resolved with only a telephone conversation or two, we will not bill you.

You should NEVER HESITATE to call with even the simplest question. Almost every week, a client calls and says, "I wish I called you before [I signed that contract], but I naively thought I could handle it myself." This is unfortunate, because clients almost always save money if we can give proactive advice before a problem arises. If we commence representation from a damage control or litigation standpoint, the total cost to the client is almost always much greater.

Q: I dislike hourly billing, since the lawyer is encouraged to spend more time on a matter in order to increase his or her income.

A: At least 75% of our business is based on a fixed fee which is discussed with and agreed to by the client and reduced to writing before the matter commences. Even when we charge on an hourly basis, with the client's agreement, we do not charge for routine phone calls or internal discussions between our attorneys. Sometimes, two attorneys from our firm will attend a meeting but we will only charge for one attorney. Furthermore, we do not impose "general overhead" charges as do other firms.

Most importantly, we communicate with the client regularly on all aspects of the matter, including our fees. We believe that if we communicate properly and do our job effectively, we can charge a fair fee for our services, and the clients will be satisfied with our charges.

Q: How do the litigation services of Goldman Gruder & Woods, LLC differ from that of other firms?

A: We are realistic and honest about our client's matters from the very onset. We carefully gather all necessary facts, conduct any necessary prior research and present realistic potential outcomes before the client spends a large sum of money on legal services. If your objective requires a true "long shot", we will let you know before you spend your money. If your matter can be resolved inexpensively without protracted litigation, we will so advise you promptly. If we believe that your matter will involve intense prolonged litigation, we will provide you with a realistic estimate, including the expenses that will be necessary for investigators, expert witnesses, deposition fees, etc. You will be able to review our assessment and make a decision.

Q: Does Goldman Gruder & Woods, LLC have a "firm philosophy" which is different than that of other law firms?

A: Yes. Years of experience and careful observation have yielded the following principles upon which our firm is based.

Clients are our lifeblood. We want you to be satisfied with us.
We work for our clients, and we feel privileged to do so.
We like our clients, and they like us.
We enjoy what we do. We couldn't possibly work so hard if we didn't. We will do better work so long as we always enjoy our jobs. Therefore, we maximize our contact with clients, charge them fairly, and are as responsive as possible.

Q: How do I know I need a lawyer?

A: Many people do not know when they need the services of a lawyer other than the obvious times, i.e.; when they buy or sell a house, contemplate divorce or become injured. People should be aware that it is very important to have wills to provide guardianship of their children and to minimize estate taxes. People may also desire living wills and springing powers of attorney should they become incapacitated. Those starting businesses should consider forming corporations, LLCs or other entities to protect their personal assets.

GG&W is equipped to handle all of these types of matters.

Q: Will I have to pay an initial consultation fee?

A: In most instances, no, although on occasion someone requests that we research a complex legal issue for a fixed fee. Usually, our initial meeting with clients is provided as a courtesy with the understanding that not every client who walks through the door will retain our services. Choosing an attorney is a very important and personal decision. We encourage people to "shop around," which is a cost of our doing business. Besides, we are confident that most people who interview other lawyers and our firm will choose us should they in fact need representation.

Q: If I have a problem but don't think it is important enough to call a lawyer, what should I do?

A: We encourage phone calls and questions. If your matter does not need our expertise, we will tell you and give you the proper guidance. Many times what a client views as a small matter is really quite serious. If you don't need us to do legal work, we are still happy to have had the opportunity to catch up with you.

Q: My family has the same lawyer who represented my parents. Why would I need to see anyone else?

A: Like many other professional fields, the practice of law has changed dramatically over the past several years. The days of the general practice lawyer have all but disappeared. One lawyer cannot do everything, but with our team of lawyers, we have attorneys who specialize in the most common fields of practice -- real estate, corporate, business law, divorce, litigation, bankruptcy, zoning and personal injury. We are not the family lawyer, but rather, the "family firm", and we treat individuals as we would our own family members and friends.

Q: If I want to refinance my house, don't I have to use the bank's lawyer?

A: GG&W is authorized bank counsel to many, many banks and other mortgage lenders. We are probably on your lender's list. If not, we can usually be added as approved counsel with little difficulty.

Q: Aren't most lawyers providing the same service (for instance when buying a house)? Isn't the only difference the price of their services?

A: This is not true at all. The three ingredients of an effective lawyer are the level of professional competence, efficiency and reasonable fees. We pride ourselves on being highly competitive in all three areas. Some lawyers may charge less but the quality or the promptness of the service may be inferior.

Q: If I am unable to drive or get to your office, do you make "house calls"?

A: Yes! The profession has come full circle. Today, one professional can distinguish himself from another by the service he provides. If it is necessary to meet you at your house or elsewhere, we will make every effort to do so.