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Frequently Asked Questions - Legal Services
When would I need you as my lawyer?
If you or your business have a legal issue where you need advice from a lawyer as to your options, you should consult with counsel. Hessian & McKasy, P.A. is a business law firm in Minneapolis, MN that consults with clients and prospective clients about legal issues. It is prudent to consult with an attorney if you receive: 1) a demand from another party, 2) a notice from a government agency or 3) a court filing. A business owner may also need to seek legal advice when negotiating contracts or purchasing or selling property. When commercial and business legal issues arise, please reach out to us to see if we can assist.
What type of clients do you typically take on?
At Hessian & McKasy, P.A. we primarily represent businesses of all sizes. We assist businesses in Minneapolis, MN area and beyond with issues including business formation, the purchase and sale of a business or real estate, contract negotiation and employment matters. We also represent local units of government and individuals. On ERISA matters, we represent management and labor interests and handle a number of issues arising out of retirement, health and welfare benefit plans. On environmental matters, we assist companies and managers in responding to government agencies and avoiding environmental liability. For individual clients, we provide guidance and representation in the areas of real estate and property ownership, estate planning, and potential business ventures.
What types of cases are outside of your areas of practice?
Hessian & McKasy, P.A. is predominantly a business law firm. We also represent local units of government and individuals on certain matters. We handle cases dealing with real estate law, environmental laws and regulations, employment law, and more. We do not handle personal injury, criminal or family law matters.
What should I expect when I hire an attorney?
Before Hessian & McKasy, P.A. can undertake legal representation, we need to conduct a search to ensure that our business law firm does not have a conflict of interest. Attorneys are bound by the Code of Professional Conduct which prohibits a lawyer or law firm from taking a position that is adverse to another client.
Once we have determined that there is no conflict, we prepare a Retainer Agreement that specifies the terms of our representation. A Retainer Agreement, a written contract between the Hessian & McKasy, P.A. law firm and our client, specifies the scope of our representation. The Retainer Agreement also specifies our hourly rates, the attorneys who will work on the matter, our billing terms and other elements of the representation. For new clients we often ask that a retainer or an initial fee be provided in advance of beginning work on the matter. The retainer is deposited into the Firm's Trust Account. Funds from the retainer are applied to legal services that are provided to the client and reflected on our invoice. Any unused retainer amounts are returned to the client.
What should I look for in an attorney?
When hiring an attorney a client should look for a lawyer who they can trust and who has experience with the issues you are facing. At Hessian & McKasy, P.A. we have many longstanding client relationships. We represent clients in the Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN area and beyond on transactional and litigation matters. We understand our clients' goals and work closely with them to find cost-effective solutions.
How do you set your fees?
Generally we charge for professional services on an hourly basis. Our hourly rates vary depending upon the experience of the attorney assigned to the matter. Where possible we delegate specific tasks to associates and paralegals whose hourly rates are lower than those of shareholders.
What does Hessian & McKasy, P.A. specialize in?
Attorneys at Hessian & McKasy, P.A. have broad experience in many different fields of law. We often handle real estate law and business law, where we assist clients in transactional matters such as the sale or acquisition of a business or real estate. We represent clients in litigation in federal and state courts. We also represent clients before administrative agencies. We have considerable expertise and experience in the areas of employee benefits and environmental law. We assist clients with legal issues in Minnesota, in the Upper Midwest and across the country.
Where are you qualified to practice law?
Our attorneys are admitted to practice law in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. We practice before federal, state, and appellate courts and appear before administrative agencies on our clients' behalf.
