Gary O'Brien

You are entitled to be treated with courtesy and consideration at all times by your lawyer and the other lawyers and personnel in your lawyer’s office.


To Gary O’Brien, this means respect for you and your matter, both of which are taken seriously regardless of how big or small.  As a token of respect, Gary O’Brien aims to answer every phone call instead of allowing voicemail to do the important job of talking to clients.  Of course, sometimes it is not possible to answer the phone, so Gary O’Brien strives to return all calls the same day.  In addition, courtesy and consideration means that no question is too simple or stupid and all inquiries will be treated with respect.

You are entitled to an attorney capable of handling your legal matter competently and diligently, in accordance with the highest standards of the profession. If you are not satisfied with how your matter is being handled, you have the right to withdraw from the attorney-client relationship at any time (court approval may be required in some matters and your attorney may have a claim against you for the value of services rendered to you up to the point of discharge).

Gary O’Brien believes that Competence and Diligence are the foundation of any respectable law practice.   Gary O’Brien couples Competence and Diligence with pragmatic, economical solutions for his clients.

You are entitled to your lawyer’s independent professional judgment and undivided loyalty uncompromised by conflicts of interest.

This is where Gary O’Brien and Podvey Meanor P.C. have an advantage over large firms.  Large firms frequently have conflicts of interest and request waivers for such conflicts.  This is less likely to be an issue with Gary O’Brien and Podvey Meanor P.C., but if it is, we assure you that any potential conflicts will be fully disclosed and if you are not comfortable, we will make a referral to other competent counsel.

You are entitled to be charged a reasonable fee and to have your lawyer explain at the outset how the fee will be computed and the manner and frequency of billing.  You are entitled to request and receive a written itemized bill from your attorney at reasonable intervals.  You may refuse to enter into any fee arrangement that you find unsatisfactory.  In the event of a fee dispute, you may have the right to seek arbitration; your attorney will provide you with the necessary information regarding arbitration in the event of a fee dispute, or upon your request.

Gary O’Brien will tell you at the outset of a matter the fees to be charged and how they will be computed.  Gary O’Brien will bill monthly unless otherwise agreed at the outset of a matter.  Monthly billing helps both client and lawyer keep track of the cost of a matter and budget accordingly.

You are entitled to have your questions and concerns addressed in a prompt manner and to have your telephone calls returned promptly.

Gary O’Brien strives to answer all phone calls, however, when that is not possible, messages will be returned the same day or the next morning.  Gary O’Brien takes all questions and concerns seriously and treats all matters with respect.

You are entitled to be kept informed as to the status of your matter and to request and receive copies of papers.  You are entitled to sufficient information to allow you to participate meaningfully in the development of your matter.

If you have to call Gary O'Brien to find out the status of your matter, then Gary O’Brien is not doing his job.  You will be copied on all correspondence related to your matter.  No substantive decisions will be made without your consent.  Gary O’Brien will brief you on the risks and benefits of each issue and counsel you in making all substantive decisions.

You are entitled to have your legitimate objectives respected by your attorney, including whether or not to settle your matter (court approval of a settlement is required in some matters).

Gary O’Brien respects all clients and considers all their objections and concerns.

You have the right to privacy in your dealings with your lawyer and to have your secrets and confidences preserved to the extent permitted by law.

To the extent permitted by law, your conversations and correspondence will be kept confidential by Gary O'Brien and Podvey Meanor P.C., because they understand that without this confidence many clients will not be comfortable sharing important details of a matter.  Sometimes, these details can alter the outcome of a matter.

You are entitled to have your attorney conduct himself or herself ethically in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility.

It goes without say, that Gary O'Brien and Podvey Meanor P.C. always conduct themselves in accordance with the highest ethical standards.