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Thank you for your kind remarks.
I've gotten several requests for information, and to answer the question, "How do I set up a retainer relationship with an attorney?", here's a general response:
Each lawyer sets his own terms. I, myself, do not charge a retainer. Note that a "retainer" is a special payment which is earned at the time when it is paid in order to secure the relationship with the attorney, usually for a specific period of time, and not a payment for services. An attorney will often charge what's called "an advance against costs and fees" in order to be sure there's money available to charge against as such things arise. That money does not become the property of the attorney until costs or fees are incurred, and has to be kept in a special bank account reserved for other people's money.
I generally don't charge for "top-of-the-head" responses to questions, particularly by email (keep in mind, though, that email is not a secure means of communications). When I actually "do work", I usually charge by the hour, though I often charge a fixed-fee in criminal cases where I have a good idea of what it's going to take to get the case to trial.
I limit my practice to defense in civil and criminal cases, and prefer cases that actually go to trial. Too many people settle cases or accept plea bargain offers to resolve cases they should have won, in my opinion.
When I do the firearms law seminar, I generally hand out business cards and a document that functions as information for law enforcement as to why the person detained should not be expected to answer any questions until I am consulted. I'll probably put a copy of that document on my website in PDF, though not today. Today, I'm working on NRA instructor certification in all-day training course ("Personal Protection Outside the Home").
By the way, the next firearms law seminar will be held on the evening of Saturday, July 18 in Linden (Warren Co.) at the Apple House. More information is available from the event organizer, Virginia Pistol, at:
http://www.virginiapistol.com/VA%20law%20lethal.html