Rates & Process

Rates

Cheryl bills hourly. For privately retained matters, she is happy to discuss budget and anticipated scope in advance and, when possible, provide an estimate after reviewing the relevant materials. Because the time required depends on the issues and how a case develops, she does not work on a flat-fee basis.

Cheryl regularly works on appointed cases and is approved through the Santa Clara Independent Defense Counsel Office, San Mateo Private Defender Program, Contra Costa Independent Counsel Conflict Program, Santa Cruz and Monterey conflict panels, the Bar Association of San Francisco, and various public defender offices throughout California. She works within applicable panel rates and funding arrangements and has also been approved directly by judges in some counties to provide research assistance in serious and complex cases.

Communication & Logistics

Cheryl works remotely from Germany and communicates with California counsel by email, telephone, and videoconference. Case materials can be exchanged electronically using secure methods appropriate to the sensitivity and volume of the materials.

Cheryl does not work directly for clients or represent criminal defendants directly. She provides legal research, writing, litigation support, and related intellectual property to other attorneys.

The nine-hour time difference can be particularly useful for time-sensitive matters: counsel can send an issue after court, allowing Cheryl to research, analyze, or draft during California's overnight hours.