Understanding Your Payment Options at Trident Legal

At Trident Legal, we know that clear communication, predictable costs, and flexible payment options make a meaningful difference for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Our goal is to provide high-quality legal services at reasonable rates, supported by transparent billing practices that help you plan with confidence.

Our Billing Philosophy: Clarity, Fairness, and Value

• Reasonable and Transparent Rates
• Detailed Billing Statements
• Value-Based Approach

Flat-Rate Services and Pricing Approach

Whenever possible, we aim to offer flat-rate pricing for predictable and well-defined projects. Over the years, we have developed proprietary internal formulas based on extensive data and countless completed matters that help us determine fair and transparent flat rates. In many cases, we will begin with an initial intake or consultation so we can understand the scope of your matter and provide an accurate flat-rate quote.

Flat-rate packages may include bundled services or additional discounts when multiple deliverables are requested together. Flat fees are due prior to the start of work and are earned upon receipt. This structure allows you to plan with confidence and ensures predictable pricing for matters such as LLC formations, EIN filings, Operating Agreements, and other standard business documents.

Hourly Services and Retainers

While we strive to offer flat-rate pricing whenever possible, some matters are not predictable enough to be covered by a flat fee. In these situations, we work on an hourly basis. Hourly billing allows us to support you effectively when the scope or demands of the work cannot be determined in advance.

When Hourly Billing Is Necessary

Certain types of legal work require hourly billing because the time and resources involved can vary significantly. This often includes:

• General advising and outside counsel support. Ongoing questions, strategic planning, or business guidance typically evolve over time and cannot be defined by a fixed scope.
• Matters involving opposing counsel. When another attorney or party is involved, the pace, volume, and complexity of the work are unpredictable and may depend on how the other side chooses to engage.
• Novel or complex issues. Some matters require research, drafting, or analysis that cannot be estimated without first understanding how the issue develops.
• Projects with shifting or expanding scope. As your business grows or new considerations arise, legal needs can expand beyond the original request.
• Regulatory or compliance questions. These often require ongoing monitoring or iterative steps that cannot be mapped out in advance.

Hourly billing ensures that you are only charged for the time and work actually required as your matter unfolds.

Retainers for Hourly Matters

Representations involving hourly work typically begin with an initial retainer. Retainer funds are held in our IOLTA client trust account and applied to your invoices as work is completed. Each time work is performed, we first apply available retainer funds and then issue a detailed invoice showing the time spent, the work performed, and any outstanding balance, if applicable. Even when your retainer fully covers the billing period, you will still receive a statement for your records so you can stay informed about the progress of your matter.

We may ask you to replenish your retainer as needed to maintain an active balance. This helps ensure that your matter can continue without interruption and that we have the resources necessary to advance your work. If invoices are not paid in a timely manner, or if we see a pattern of delayed payment, we may require you to provide a new or increased retainer before continuing work. This safeguards both your matter and our ability to represent you effectively.

Clients often find retainers helpful because they provide structure and predictability for ongoing legal work. Retainers are not an additional fee. They are simply funds held on your behalf and applied to your legal services as they occur. Any unused balance remaining at the conclusion of your matter will be promptly returned to you.

Invoices and Payment Timing

We issue invoices periodically throughout your engagement so you always have a clear understanding of the work performed and the status of your matter. Each invoice includes detailed descriptions of time spent, tasks completed, and any reimbursable costs or filing fees. We encourage you to review your invoices and reach out at any time if you have questions about the work or charges.

Payment is due upon receipt of the invoice. Timely payment ensures that we can continue working on your matter without interruption. If payment is not received within a reasonable period, services may be paused until payment is made. In some cases, we may require a retainer to be replenished or may request a new retainer to be held for future work if payment delays become a pattern. This allows us to maintain the quality and continuity of your representation.

Accepted Payment Methods

We aim to make payment as simple and convenient as possible. Clients may pay using:

• Check payable to Trident Legal, LLC
• ACH bank transfer
• Credit or debit card through our secure LawPay portal
• Financing options through LawPay PayLater, which may allow you to pay over time if eligible

Our secure online payment link is provided with each invoice, along with the option to select PayLater if it is available for your matter. All electronic payments are processed through LawPay, a payment system designed specifically for law firms that meets strict security and trust account compliance standards.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Out-of-pocket expenses are only charged when necessary for your matter. These typically include government filing fees, as well as fees for third-party experts or service providers that you have approved in advance. Additional costs may arise in specific situations such as certified mail or postage that requires an in-person delivery at the post office. If you request that we meet with you on site or travel for your matter, travel time will be billed at your standard hourly rate.

We will let you know in advance whenever possible if an expense is expected, and we make every effort to ensure that these costs remain transparent and directly tied to the needs of your representation.

Our Commitment to You

We are committed to providing legal services that are clear, fair, and accessible for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Our goal is to ensure that you always feel supported and represented throughout the entire lifecycle of your business. We understand that questions come up at every stage of growth, and we want you to feel comfortable reaching out whenever guidance may help you make an informed decision.

While all legal work is billed in accordance with the terms of your engagement, we work hard to keep our rates accessible and to provide as much clarity and predictability as possible. We encourage open communication and welcome your questions about your matter, your strategy, or your invoice. Our clients should never hesitate to ask for clarification or to seek input that may prevent issues down the road.

We value your trust and view our role as a long-term partner in your success. If at any point you have questions about your legal needs, billing, or available options, we are here to help you navigate the process with confidence and support.