For Our New Clients
The firm avoids a practice which is too departmentalized. Client matters are evaluated by a senior partner, usually in consultation with one or more attorneys having aplicable specialized knowledge. An attorney or team of attorneys, depending on the scope and complexity of the case, is then assigned. Each matter is supervised with a view to achieving asuccessful and realistic conclusion at reasonable cost. The firm believes in the efficiency of direct communication, and clients, their advisors and special counsel are encouraged to call on any of the firm's members and associates for assistance in appropriate circumstances.
We also believe that quality of service includes attention to cost. Fees and hourly rates are appropriately reviewed with clients. Typically the criteria that determine legal fees are complexity of matter, time expended, attorney experience, special excpertise, and results achieved. A variety of billing methods are available, estimates given periodically, and bills explained as requested. The firm strives to formulate a billing cycle for each client that satisfies the combined objectives of client and firm.
This webpage will give you information about out standard account management procedures. If you have questions about them or if you identify potential problems with our procedures, please let the lawyer responsible for your account know as soon as possible so that the engagement letter can provide for any necessary exceptions. You should also discuss the billing format you prefer to receive.

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Staffing
Your matter will usually be handled by one or more lawyers with a Partner in charge. Normally the Partner in charge is the one through whom you have retained the firm. That Partner may, however, designate another whom you will meet in the early days of the engagement to discuss staffing details. This Partner will always be able to give you immediate information about the progress of any open engagement. .

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Conflicts of Interest
A preliminary check of the firm's confidential client information has been made to determine whether or representation of your interests would create a conflict of interest. No conflicts have been disclosed. However, the procedures rely heavily on your name and the name of your company. If you or your company use additional names, please identify them to your lawyer immediately in order to permit us to complete our check as accurately as possible.

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Fees and Expenses
The firm sends monthly invoices to its clients which are due and payable on receipt. A reminder statement will also be sent if there are outstanding invoices. Absent an understanding to the contrary, our policy is to require prompt payment if full of all invoices. An interest charge of .75% per month will be assessed against the balance of any account that remains unpaid for more than 30 days.
The firm's fees are based on several factors: the time spent; the experience, reputation and ability of the lawyers assigned; the results obtained for the client; the time requirements imposed by the client; and whether work on a particular matter will require the firm to decline representation of other clients. Hourly rates are the principal determinant of the fee. These rates are discussed with you at the outset of our representation and are subject to change with reasonable notice.
During the handling of your matter, the firm will be incurring certain expenses in your behalf. Examples of these are court or agency filing fees, expert witness fees, consulting fees, photocopying, computerized legal research, travel expense, messenger services, long distance telephone charges, staff overtime, and overhead on certain services. The firm bills these expenses in arrears if your account is current. When the amounts involved are large or if your account is not current, you may be asked to advance sums for these expenses, pay them directly, or invoices may be forwarded to you for direct payment. The Partner in charge of the engagement will consult with you in advance about major expenses.

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Code of Professional Responsibility
The Code protects both clients and lawyers. We must retain the right to terminate our representation for any reason consistent with the Code of Professional Responsibility, including delinquency or nonpayment of fees and expenses.
The firm is committed to a high standard of service. Any questions you may have about our services should be directed to the lawyer responsible for your account.
Questions about your statement or payment status will be answered by John Stedman, the Administrator of our office at (914)-666-5600 ext. 326.

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Statement of Clients Rights
As of March 1, 2002

1. You are entitled to be treated with courtesy and consideration at all times by your lawyer and the other lawyers and personnel in your lawyer's office.
   
   
2. You are entitled to an attorney capable of handling your legal matter competently and diligently, in accordance with the highest standards of the profession. If you are not satisfied with how your matter is being handled, you have the right to withdraw from the attorney-client relationship at any time (court approval may be required in some matters and your attorney may have a claim against you for the value of services rendered to you up to the point of discharge).
   
   
3. You are entitled to your lawyer's independent professional judgment and undivided loyalty uncompromised by conflicts of interest
   
   
4. You are entitled to be charged a reasonable fee and to have your lawyer explain at the outset how the fee will be computed and the manner and frequency of billing. You are entitled to request and receive a written itemized bill from your attorney at reasonable intervals. You may refuse to enter into any fee arrangement that you find unsatisfactory. In the event of a fee dispute, you may have the right to seek arbitration; your attorney will provide you with the necessary information regarding arbitration in the event of a fee dispute, or upon your request.
   
   
5. You are entitled to have your questions and concerns addressed in a prompt manner and to have your telephone calls returned promptly.
   
   
6. You are entitled to be kept informed as to the status of your matter and to request and receive copies of papers. You are entitled to sufficient information to allow you to participate meaningfully in the development of your matter.
   
   
7. You are entitled to have your legitimate objectives respected by your attorney, including whether or not to settle your matter (court approval of a settlement is required in some matters).
   
   
8. You have the right to privacy in your dealings with your lawyer and to have your secrets and confidences preserved to the extent permitted by law.
   
   
9. You are entitled to have your attorney conduct himself or herself ethically in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility.
   
   
10. You may not be refused representation on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin or disability.

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Statement of Client’s Responsibilities
As of August 1, 2003

Reciprocal trust, courtesy and respect are the hallmarks of the attorney-client relationship. Within that relationship, the client looks to the attorney for expertise, education, sound judgment, protection, advocacy and representation. These expectations can be achieved only if the client fulfills the following responsibilities:

1. The client is expected to treat the lawyer and the lawyer’s staff with courtesy and consideration.
   
   
2. The client’s relationship with the lawyer must be one of complete candor and the lawyer must be apprised of all facts or circumstances of the matter being handled by the lawyer even if the client believes that those facts may be detrimental to the client’s cause or unflattering to the client.
   
   
3. The client must honor the fee arrangement as agreed to with the lawyer, in accordance with law.
   
4. All bills for services rendered which are tendered to the client pursuant to the agreed upon fee arrangement should be paid promptly.
   
   
5. The client may withdraw from the attorney-client relationship, subject to financial commitments under the agreed to fee arrangement, and, in certain circumstances, subject to court approval.
   
   
6. Although the client should expect that his or her correspondence, telephone calls and other communications will be answered within a reasonable time frame, the client should recognize that the lawyer has other clients equally demanding of the lawyer’s time and attention.
   
   
7. The client should maintain contact with the lawyer, promptly notify the lawyer of any change in telephone number or address and respond promptly to a request by the lawyer for information and cooperation.
   
   
8. The client must realize that the lawyer need respect only legitimate objectives of the client and that the lawyer will not advocate or propose positions which are unprofessional or contrary to law or the Lawyer’s Code of Professional Responsibility.
   
   
9. The lawyer may be unable to accept a case if the lawyer has previous professional commitments which will result in inadequate time being available for the proper representation of a new client.
   
   
10. A lawyer is under no obligation to accept a client if the lawyer determines that the cause of the client is without merit, a conflict of interest would exist or that a suitable working relationship with the client is not likely.
    
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