Frequently Asked Questions

Berkley Mengel PLC

Zealous Advocacy for our Clients' Best Interests

Confident Aggressive Representation Personal Service

Royal Oak and Jackson, Michigan, Attorneys

We believe the attorney-client relationship should be one of mutual trust, respect, realistic goal setting, good communication and ethical practices.  Our goal is to provide quality, prompt and affordable service. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

When is it best to contact Berkley Mengel PLC?

Call us before you do anything that will affect your legal rights.  In other words, call us before you sign the contract, before you sign for the loan or purchase agreement, before you are contacted by the insurance adjuster, before you give your statement to the police, before you settle your claim.  By contacting us early, we can explain your legal rights and consequences to you before you make your decision.  Calling us before a legal crisis occurs may prevent costly mistakes afterward.

What are your practice areas?

We are a full-service law firm. You can call upon our attorneys to assist you whenever you need legal representation. If you need assistance in an area of law that we do not handle (such as tax, bankruptcy or copyright law) we have a network of other attorneys we can recommend to you. For detailed information on the types of cases we take, see our "Practice Areas" listing on this web site.

How do I make an appointment?

Simply call our office. You may be able to speak to an attorney at that time, or you can arrange an office appointment.

Do you take every case?

No. The attorneys at Berkley Mengel PLC will be honest with you about the legal merits of your case.  If, in our professional opinion, you do not have a case, we will tell you so.  We will also suggest that you get a second opinion if you still have doubts.

What about fees?

Initial consultations over the telephone are usually free.  At the time of your first meeting with us, your lawyer will discuss fee arrangements with you. Some cases are taken on a flat fee basis, while others are billed hourly. Some cases (particularly those involving personal injury) are taken on a contingency basis, which means you pay an agreed upon percentage of any settlement or award obtained. We also accept payment by major credit cards. 

Can I refer others to Berkley Mengel PLC?

Yes. In fact, we encourage you to refer your family and friends to us. Since we believe it is unprofessional for attorneys to do mass advertising, most of our clients come to us from other satisfied clients and through word-of-mouth referrals. Your case, however, remains strictly confidential.