The partners and associates of Zdarsky, Sawicki & Agostinelli LLP are aware that clients and attorneys consider numerous factors in determining whether to engage a particular law firm. Zdarsky, Sawicki & Agostinelli LLP has endeavored to provide both prospective clients as well as referring counsel with the advantages of utilizing a small firm together with the benefits and resources presented by a large firm. Advantages of a Small Firm Individualized and personal service. Cases are handled by senior attorneys known to the client. Zdarsky, Sawicki & Agostinelli LLP's attorneys are accessible, and the firm provides flexibility in scheduling and responsiveness. The firm accepts a limited number of matters, with full knowledge of the relative importance of the clients' business problems. Zdarsky, Sawicki & Agostinelli LLP is less likely to have the business conflicts that might preclude a large firm from accepting an engagement. Resources of a Large Firm The firm's attorneys are experienced litigators and business lawyers, who appear in court or as lead counsel in transactional matters on a regular basis. The firm's practice is devoted substantially to commercial and business matters, significant civil litigation, and related areas. The firm's attorneys have a practical understanding of the business process, and are result oriented. Zdarsky, Sawicki & Agostinelli LLP has established working relationships with litigation support professionals, including damages and valuation analysts, forensic accountants and economists. Zdarsky, Sawicki & Agostinelli LLP's attorneys maintain timesaving databases of documents, pleadings and research materials. Billing Rates Zdarsky, Sawicki & Agostinelli LLP has consistently attempted to keep the firm’s billing rates competitively below the rates of larger firms for similar work. At the present time the firm’s hourly billing rates generally range from $150.00 per hour to $275.00 per hour, depending on the particular attorney involved, although greater rates might apply in more complex matters. The firm, however, is open to discussing alternative billing arrangements and has handled engagements successfully on blended hourly and result oriented fee arrangements, as well as by using fixed fee arrangements. Of course, the client is responsible for expenses and out-of-pocket disbursements in all circumstances. It is the firm’s policy to have the work performed by the attorney best able to perform the task at the lowest available rate. Zdarsky, Sawicki & Agostinelli LLP uses standard engagement letters establishing a specific arrangement at the beginning of every client relationship. The firm sends detailed billing statements monthly outlining each item of service, the attorney rendering the service and the time expended, as well as a detailed statement of all out-of-pocket disbursements advanced for the client’s benefit. Frequently in litigation matters involving a substantial immediate expenditure of time, the firm will request payment of a retainer deposit, as an advance payment against anticipated service. All fee arrangements are individualized to the client and the case, taking into account the complexity of the matter, the expected services to be rendered, and the normal credit issues associated with such a relationship.