Legal Research Can Be Invaluable

Here at Calkins Law Firm, our seasoned business attorneys readily know the answers to many, if not most, of the legal questions and issues we encounter. That's the natural result of diligence and experience.

But from time to time, even our resident experts find that legal research can be invaluable and well worth the (often modest) cost to clients. In fact, thanks to the efficient and immediate online research tools available to our attorneys, performing legal research is relatively quick and inexpensive on the whole. Clients are always pleased and surprised to learn that the cost for this vital step is so accessible.

Here's just one example of how helpful a bit of research can be. In speaking with a prospective client I learned that she was trying to decide whether to proceed with a contemplated transaction. The sticking point was whether or if successor liability might flow from a prior transaction.

I asked her, "Why speculate?" I then let her know that with the tools available to our attorneys today and based on our experience of performing legal research online for several decades, the issue could be researched quickly and inexpensively. I estimated it should cost her no more than $1,000. When a serious question can be cleared up, that's a small price to pay. I advised that the effort and minor expense would be well worth it to know the answer to a pressing question.

Truth be told, at first blush, no, I didn't believe that she would be saddled with successor liability. But assuming always leaves open opportunities for being wrong. And only relying on one's own knowledge closes the door to further honing. Plus, we could know for almost certain whether successor liability would apply in her situation with just a limited amount of legal research.

The Calkins Law Firm Difference

If prior experience with old-style law firms taught us anything, it was that research is expensive. Historically, and perhaps still to this present day, firms would generate bills in the many thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars for "legal research." One instance that stands out was when a firm charged a client $10,000 for researching a very limited question. Another felt justified in billing $25,000 for an afternoon of research and the drafting of a two-page memorandum summarizing said research. 

We're pretty sure it's not just us--that level of expense is more than a little bit ridiculous. The good news is that thanks to technological advances and our up-to-date techniques, Calkins Law Firm clients don't have to deal with antiquated or costly practices. We can often have an answer to a question either on the spot or with a very minimal and affordable amount of legal research. And that's truly invaluable. If our common-sense approach to appeals to you, please reach out--we're always ready to help.