James D. Bryant, Lawyer/CPA
Suite 116
1831 E. 71st
Tulsa, OK
74136
(918) 995-2096
FAX 895-9206
Jim@JBryantLaw.Com
Instant Messaging:
Microsoft : Jim@JBryantlaw.com
Yahoo: TulsaDivorceLaw
Less than twenty years ago, you had few choices in finding a family lawyer. You could find the most expensive lawyer in town, hoping that expensive necessarily meant cost effective. You could use a general practice lawyer who does not keep up with the ever changing Oklahoma family law cases and statutes. You could find a family lawyer who was viewed as "second tier" because they were not associated with one of the largest firms in town. Your final alternative was to just pick a name in the yellow pages and hope for the best.
Downtown lawyers still charge downtown prices. Many experienced family lawyers downtown charge between $300-400 an hour. Premium, gilt edge offices used to be the symbol of how excellent law was practiced.
Technology has changed this paradigm and offers you a new choice. An excellent attorney today focussing his practice on family law can easily compete with the large firm if that lawyer is qualified and embraces certain key technologies.
Before hiring a family lawyer, ask at least these three sample questions:
Q: How do you stay in touch with your clients?
A: Phone, fax, e-mail, instant messaging, texting should all be a given by now.
Q: How do you use software in your practice?
A: The cost-effective lawyer should scan documents as they come in and organize those scans so that every element of your case is instantly available when you call. Software such as Summation or West Livenote is essential in a complex case.
Q: Do you feel like your firm pays the lowest overhead possible?
A: While this question may seem presumptious, it is germane to your decision. If lawyers spend more for parking, premium office space, marble and staff they do not need, it will be your money paying those costs. Why should you trust your own lawyer's judgment as to the economics of your case, if he does not use 21st Century technologies to lower overhead?
My Solution:
I have an office at a convenient location (71st & Utica) to meet clients. Free, accessible parking, is provided. I use as little space as possible. I scan every document that comes in the door, backing these scans up locally and to secure encrypted remote servers. I use paralegals on an as-needed basis only when using a paralegal will reduce your bill.
I love technology. I designed this web page myself. I have software to assemble many family law documents almost instanteously from the information you provide on questionnaires. For complex cases, I use litigation support software so that I can code deposition transcripts by issues and instantly search all documents in your case which, of course, have have been OCR'd.
The Result:
I have practiced law in two of the largest firms in Tulsa and I will be your lawyer in every step the case takes in front of the Court. I will never send a junior associate to appear in front of a Judge in your case.
My hourly rate is $180 an hour and I live quite comfortably. My clients pay less because so many tasks are automated. Every word in every document of your case can be instantly retrieved when needed. Quality is never compromised.
In summary, you pay less and are represented with excellence. I earn more because I refuse to pay for overhead that is not helpful to your case. Divorce lawyers, in particular, should search for such cost-effective "win-win" solutions to all problems.
James D. Bryant, Lawyer/CPA