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My method is to render my services both in a professional way and in a friendly manner. When a client
requests kind of generic information which is easily available using Internet
technology available in France, my policy is to give it free. For instance, most French Codes may be
consulted on line and their provisions in French language may be copied and pasted in an e-mail within
no significant time. I do not charge this service. If client desires French texts translated to English,
I use first an
automatic translating machine ; concerning legal texts the outcome may be hardly understandable and
I revise the texts in English to make them correct and meaningful. I charge only the time devoted to
correction for this service.
It happens quite often that current small personal matters do not require much time to be solved.
Hereunder is an exchange of e-mail messages, which is self-explanatory:
Marlinn X*** wrote: > Dear Mr. Lesecq, > I enjoyed visiting
your website, and I appreciate the unique service which you are offering.
I have some questions, but not international business, just a US citizen
seeking some advice regarding a small civil case which I experienced in
France, and which seems to now follow me into C*** . I am not certain
whether you can advise in these types of matters, but if so, I would be
interested in knowing more about how you practice, your fees, and method
of receiving payment. > Anyway I found
your website very nice. > Best Regards, > Marlinn
Dear Marlinn, Thank you so much for
your kind message to my Virtual Law Office! Please, tell me what
your small civil case is about. It is very likely it falls within my
broad experience in French law. For the time being, do'nt worry about
fees. Very often, I have seen small cases which could be solved so
easily that they did not justify fees at all. Otherwise, I would submit
you for agreement in advance a fee proposal proportionate to the nature
of your case and the way it may be handled. I look forward to hear
from you. Best regards, Christian
>Dear Christian, >I apologize for the
late reply, as I have only just returned to the office today. Thank you
so much for the information. We are most grateful to you for your kind
assistance. We have very much appreciated your timely and thorough
advice, and we will retain your coordinates for future reference. >I will ask my
husband to arrange payment of your fees, although I am not yet certain
whether he will send a US check, or via wire transfer. >We have very much
enjoyed your unique cyber-cabinet, we are most pleased with your
efficient and friendly service. Best of luck in continuing your venture! >Best Regards, >Marlinn
Some researches do take time on internet. For
instance case law of the courst such as Court of cassation or Council of State which
are available on their respective web sites or on "Legifrance". Also various researches
about anything when using search engines with key words. Then I charge fees on a
time spent basis much lower than other lawyers because my overhead expenses are minimal.
I use now extensively, more than e-mail, voice comminication on the internet, Skype or
Yahoo Voice Messenger. Verbal communication is a very efficient time saving device,
sparing typing time.
My experience is that the Honesty System works quite well from both sides. Not unusually, I have been compensated to my satisfaction prior to any fee request. In the ordinary course of business, I function on the basis of an understanding taking into consideration an estimate
of time to be spent, and eventually the value of the results achieved, among
other factors which may be relevant. In many cases, clients have been happily
surprised by the moderation of the fees we mutually agreed upon in the end.
Revised on February 3, 2007
I operate on the Honesty
System