Two ways to pay. One rule decides which.
If the fee is already earned, it goes through the first door. If it is money we hold for you before it is earned, it goes through the second. If you are not sure which applies to your payment, call and ask. There is no penalty for asking.
The rule, in one sentence.
Earned money goes to the operating account. Unearned money goes to the trust account. A flat fee for work already delivered, or an invoice you have received, is earned. A retainer or an advance deposit for work not yet done is not, and it is held in trust until it is.
Pay a flat fee or an invoice
For money that is already earned: a published flat-fee engagement, an outstanding invoice, or a milestone named in your engagement letter. Card and Zelle are accepted here.
Pay a retainer or a trust deposit
For money that must sit in our trust account until it is earned. Funds submitted here are held in our trust account and applied to your matter as fees are earned. Send these by check, wire or ACH on written instruction only. Do not send trust money by Zelle or by card.
Funds sent through the wrong door may be returned, and a re-processing fee may apply. If you are not certain which door applies, call 512-612-6454 before you send anything and a human will tell you.
Accepted payment methods.
Which methods are available depends on which door your payment goes through. Every method requires a matter or invoice reference so the payment lands against the right file.
Card, through hosted checkout
Visa, Mastercard and American Express, through a secure hosted checkout served over HTTPS. Card details are handled by the processor and never touch this website or this firm. Card checkout for flat-fee engagements is being finalised; until it is switched on, contact the firm for an invoice link.
Zelle
Bank to bank transfer with no processing fee. Zelle payments are irreversible and carry no purchase protection, so we accept Zelle only for invoices and fully earned flat fees, never for retainers or trust deposits. Contact the firm for current Zelle details and include the matter reference in the memo line.
Check, wire or ACH
The only methods accepted for retainers and trust deposits. Trust account details are provided in writing on request, and only in writing. Include the matter reference on the check or in the wire memo.
Every payment path asks for a matter number or client name. Please do not put case specifics, opposing party names, or any other sensitive matter detail in a payment reference or memo field. A matter number or your own name is all we need, and all that should ever appear there.
What you should know before you pay.
Payment alone does not create an attorney client relationship
Sending a payment does not by itself make this firm your lawyer. Representation begins only after conflicts clear, a written engagement letter is signed by both sides, and the matter is opened.
Trust funds are held in trust
Funds submitted through Door 2 are held in our trust account and applied to your matter as fees are earned. You receive an accounting of what has been applied and what remains.
Privacy and confidentiality
As a convenience to our clients we accept payment through certain online payment processing services. The use of these services carries potential privacy and confidentiality risks, because information passes through a third party. If you would prefer not to use them, pay by check and tell us.
No card surcharge
We do not add a surcharge or convenience fee to card payments. If that ever changes, it will be disclosed on this page and in your engagement letter before it is charged.
Attorney fees and official fees are separate
Every published figure is an attorney fee. USPTO, U.S. Copyright Office, WIPO and other official or third party fees are billed separately at cost and are not marked up.
Refunds and disputes
If a payment is made in error, tell us and we will return it. Please raise any billing question with the firm before opening a card dispute, because a chargeback against a trust account creates problems for both of us.
Not sure which door applies?
Call and ask. It takes a minute, and it is a great deal easier than unwinding a payment that landed in the wrong account.