Sacramento, CA lawyer Robin Klomparens explains how her firm charges for their services. She mentions that her firm offers several billing options depending on the type and complexity of the matter. While the firm strictly complies with all ethical rules, the fee structure is designed to be transparent and fair to clients. For straightforward projects—such as wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents—the firm often uses a flat-fee arrangement. In some cases, if a project is relatively simple or has a clear scope, they may estimate the number of hours required and set a fee cap, assuring the client that their costs will not exceed a certain amount.

However, for more complex matters—such as litigation, audits involving the IRS or Franchise Tax Board, or intricate business transactions—it’s often difficult to provide a precise quote in advance. In those situations, she and her team explain this to the client clearly, sometimes providing a typical range based on similar prior cases to help set expectations.

Her firm is also highly intentional about cost efficiency. Work is strategically assigned to the lowest appropriate billing level to minimize expenses for clients. For instance, much of the routine or document-heavy work in a business transaction may be handled by a skilled paralegal, who bills at a much lower rate than an attorney. Associates also take on substantial portions of work when appropriate, with partners stepping in primarily for oversight, complex analysis, or key decisions. She notes that sometimes a senior partner can answer a question in ten minutes that might take a junior lawyer two hours—so the firm always strives to use its talent efficiently.

Before any invoice is finalized, she personally reviews the bill to ensure that the time spent and fees charged are reasonable and aligned with the value of the work performed. When necessary, adjustments are made in the client’s favor. She adds that clients consistently praise the firm for being both cost-effective and highly efficient—delivering high-quality work at fees that are significantly more reasonable than those charged by many other law firms.