Susan BetzJitomir Esq.

You are not alone. We are here to help. There is no fee for an first consultation.

Nor are you just another face in the crowd. I am dedicated to understanding you and your problems, in their proper context.

Anger, frustration, and sadness are all perfectly normal emotions when you are embroiled in a legal problem or situation. I try to make is as painless as possible for you, but these things are by their very nature difficult. It is important to be comfortable with and have confidence in your attorney. If you don't, then you have hired the wrong person. Consider this issue carefully before making a decision.

The law can be mysterious and difficult to understand. Sometimes common sense has nothing to do with what the law may require, what constitutes evidence, or what a judge will listen to. An attorney can explain these things to you, and help you understand the best course of action that the law`will allow.

Most people don't want to fight, but if you have to, then chances are that you need a lawyer. No lawyer can  assure you with certainty what the outcome of your case will be, and to do so is unethical. You never know for sure what a judge or a jury will decide. All an attorney can do for you is outline your rights, your legal arguments, your opponent's legal arguments, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each. If the case were obvious as to the solution, and everyone were reasonable, you would probably not be in court in the first place. When you decide what you want to do, then your attorney can carry out your decision in court. We will keep you informed of any developments in your case.

I always try to resolve things first in a civilized manner. If that doesn't work, things can get ugly. You should know that. I never back down from an argument, and I LOVE trials. Rest assured that when your case comes to court, you will have your day.

You will have a lot of questions before the gavel comes down..... Who will answer them? What will it cost?

It is important to understand what you will be billed for-Certainly anything at all that the lawyer does.

To reduce costs, have a list of questions before you call or visit, and write the answers down.

For non legal questions, like scheduling information, verification that paperwork has been received,  to leave a message, or schedule an appointment, you can call during regular business hours and ask the office manager at no charge. Her name is Pam and she is always happy to help. For more complex questions that still do not require an attorney to answer, you can speak to the paralegal, Linda. Depending upon your retainer agreement there may be a charge to speak with her. If you really need to talk to the lawyer, you can, as soon as she can get back to you, but it will cost the full per hour rate, charged in one minute increments. ($150 an hour equals $2.50 a minute, $200 an hour equals $3.33 a minute) It costs less to leave a message with the office manager, and have her ask  the question. You will still be charged for the time I or another attorney spend answering it, but not for a full phone call.

Susan BetzJitomir Esq.

Phone/Fax (607) 535-5077