Most GGW attorneys used to practice in larger Connecticut law firms. Why did you form Goldman Gruder & Woods, LLC?

Each of us found that we could increase client satisfaction in a smaller setting, unfettered by layers of junior partners and associates. The same lawyers who know the clients actually do the work. In other firms, one lawyer "makes the rain", a second lawyer supervises the work, and a third lawyer (or sometimes more lawyers) actually does the work. Clients have to pay for the cost of the lawyers talking to each other about the matter and review and revising each other's work. Clients were becoming frustrated at our prior firms' expensive and inefficient service.

Don't smaller firms lack the resources to handle difficult matters?

Quite the contrary for most matters. Usually, an excellent lawyer can handle a matter alone, particularly with the advent of on-line research, automation of legal forms and improved information systems. When one lawyer handles a matter, it is easier to gain clear sight of the client's objectives and a complete understanding of the entire matter. In larger firms, where many different hands touch one file, there is less chance that the matter can be viewed globally and a greater chance that a failure of communication can reduce the effectiveness of the legal representation. Furthermore, delegation generally involves the senior (and best) lawyers pawning off more and more details to junior lawyers who are still being trained. These lawyers often have much to learn, are promoted based upon their billable hours and need to spend considerable time (and the client's money) covering their tracks. Obviously, some matters are so complex that a team of many lawyers must be involved. However, these are a small fraction of all cases, and we do not accept such cases unless we are special counsel (generally for a limited purpose) to a team of lawyers in a large firm.

What benefits do Goldman Gruder & Woods, LLC clients gain when the firm handles their closings?

According to Ken Gruder, Chair of the Firm's Real Estate Department, our firm provides the following advantages:

• Prompt return of client phone calls, unlike most other busy law firms.
• Practical advice that will save clients' time and/or money.
• Superior reputation with mortgage and real estate professionals and other attorneys to enable negotiations and the closing process to go smoother.
• Flexible availability to meet with our clients' busy schedules.
• Unsurpassed breadth and depth of attorneys and staff.

I often have questions, many which I think are pretty simple and which I am almost embarrassed to ask. My last lawyer charged me by the hour every time we spoke. Now I am afraid to call him.

We do not charge on-going clients for periodic phone calls. We WANT our clients to CALL us. If a phone call indicates the need for legal services, then we will provide you with an estimate of our fees before you are obligated. If your questions can be resolved with only a telephone conversation or two, we will not bill you.

You should NEVER HESITATE to call with even the simplest question. Almost every week, a client calls and says something like, "I wish I called you before I signed that contract, but I naively thought I could handle it myself." This is unfortunate, because clients almost always save money if we can give proactive advice before a problem arises. If we commence representation from a damage control or litigation standpoint, the total cost to the client is frequently much greater than if we had been consulted earlier on in the process.

I dislike hourly billing, since the lawyer is encouraged to spend more time on a matter in order to increase his or her income.

Much of our business is based on a fixed fee which is discussed with and agreed to by the client and put in writing before the matter commences. Even when we charge on an hourly basis, with the client's agreement, we generally do not charge for routine phone calls or internal discussions between our attorneys. Sometimes, two attorneys from our firm will attend a meeting, but in that case, we will generally only charge for only one attorney.

Most importantly, we communicate with the client regularly on all aspects of the matter, including our charges. We believe that if we communicate properly and do our job effectively, we can charge a fair fee for our services, and the clients will be satisfied with our charges.

How do the litigation services of Goldman Gruder & Woods, LLC differ from that of other firms?

We are realistic and honest about our client's matters from the very onset. We carefully gather all necessary facts, conduct any necessary prior research and present realistic potential outcomes before the client spends a large sum of money on legal services. If your objective requires a true "long shot", we will let you know before you spend your money. If your matter can be resolved inexpensively without protracted litigation, we will so advise you promptly. If we believe that your matter will involve intense prolonged litigation, we will provide you with a realistic estimate, including the expenses that will be necessary for investigators, expert witnesses, deposition fees, etc. You will be able to review our assessment and make a decision.

Does Goldman Gruder & Woods, LLC have a "firm philosophy" which is different than that of other law firms?

Yes. Years of experience and careful observation have yielded the following principles upon which our firm is based.

• Clients are our lifeblood. We want you to be satisfied with us.
• We work for our clients, and we feel privileged to do so.
• We like our clients, and they like us.
• We enjoy what we do. We couldn't possibly work so hard if we didn't. We will do better work so long as we always enjoy our jobs. Therefore, we maximize our contact with clients, charge them fairly, and are as responsive as possible.

How do I know when I need a lawyer?

Many people do not know when they need the services of a lawyer other than the obvious times, i.e.; when they are buying or selling a house, contemplating divorce or become injured. But there are other times as well. Everyone needs a Will, even if only to name guardians for their children (not to mention in order to reduce probate headaches and minimize estate taxes). People may also desire living wills and springing powers of attorney should they become incapacitated. Those starting small businesses should consider corporations or other entities to protect their personal assets. In addition, people signing leases, employment contracts, and being terminated from their jobs (whether or not they are offered severance packages) should consult with a lawyer.

GGW is equipped to handle all of these types of matters.

Will I have to pay an initial consultation fee?

In most instances, you will not, although on occasion someone requests that we research a complex legal issue for a fixed fee. Usually, our initial meeting with clients is provided as a courtesy with the understanding that not every client who walks through the door will retain our services. Choosing an attorney is a very important and personal decision. We encourage people to "shop around," which is a cost of our doing business. Besides we are confident that most people who meet with us and other lawyers will choose us should they in fact need representation.

If I have a problem but don't think it is important enough to call a lawyer, what should I do?

We encourage phone calls and questions. If your matter does not need our expertise, we will tell you and give you the proper guidance. Many times what a client views as a small matter is really quite serious. If you don't need us to do legal work, we are still happy to have had the opportunity to catch up with you.

If I want to refinance my house, don't I have to use the bank's lawyer?

GGW is authorized bank counsel to over thirty-five (35) banks and other mortgage lenders. We are probably on your lender's list. If not, we can be added as approved counsel with little difficulty.

Aren't most lawyers providing the same service (for instance when buying a house)? Isn't the only difference the price of their services?

This is not true at all. The three ingredients of an effective lawyer are his or her competence, efficiency and affordability. We pride ourselves on being highly competitive in all three areas. Some lawyers may charge less but the quality or the promptness of the service may be inferior.

If I am involved in a motor vehicle collision or accident of some kind, will my medical bills be paid?

Generally, your medical bills will be paid following a motor vehicle collision by your own health insurance carrier, but sometimes, the coverage of the vehicle you occupied at the time of the accident will cover your medical bills. This will allow you to seek and receive treatment in order to recuperate. The insurance carrier which provided payment of your medical bills may or may not be entitled to seek reimbursement if you make a claim against the party at fault. Therefore, you need to obtain legal advice immediately following an injury to protect your rights and preserve your claims.