Meridian Law

Meridian strives to be the most client-centric firm in Tennessee. Open and clear communication, transparent billing practices, and managing client expectations are key elements in fostering a positive, client-lawyer relationship. For these reasons, Meridian works hard to provide regular updates, set realistic expectations, and ensure that our clients feel heard and valued.

When a potential client contacts Meridian, we obtain additional information about their legal needs to determine if it is something with which we can assist them. Our intake specialists and paralegals are trained to obtain specific information based on the nature of the legal issue. That information is conveyed promptly to one or more of Meridian’s attorneys. If they determine that the matter is something with which we may be able to assist, they will contact the potential client to obtain more information about the matter and to provide our rates and required retainer. If they determine that it is something with which we cannot assist due to the type of matter, our current caseload, or because it would not be cost-effective to do so, we strive to promptly refer them to another firm or referral service that may be able to assist them. In short, our goal is to determine as quickly as possible if we can assist them, and if not, to get them into the hands of someone who can.

Meridian determines this on a case-by-case basis. We are very selective about the cases we accept on a contingency basis. Most of our fees are charged by the hour, as a flat fee, or occasionally as a blend of hourly and contingency rates. If you are looking for an attorney to handle your matter on a contingency basis, let us know that up front, and if we are not able to accommodate you, we will be happy to refer you to one or more attorneys who may be able to do so.

Meridian’s intake specialists and paralegals typically handle initial calls from prospective clients. Once they have obtained the basic details of your matter and your relevant contact information, one of our attorneys will review it to determine if we may be a good fit. If so, they will reach out to schedule an initial consultation. If not, we will refer you to other attorneys or referral services who may be able to assist you with your matter. Allowing our intake specialists and paralegals to handle initial communications with prospective clients allows our attorneys to focus more time on handling our clients’ needs. Our first obligation is always to serve the needs of our existing clients, which is exactly what you would expect if you become one.

Yes. Meridian is not formally retained to represent you until we have confirmed that we do not have any conflicts that would prevent us from representing you and you have signed and returned our representation agreement, and, for non-contingency cases, paid the requested retainer or flat fee. Regardless, the information you provide to our team, including our intake specialists and paralegals, is kept confidential. We have an ethical obligation not to disclose that information to others even if you ultimately do not retain Meridian to represent you. Again, however, sending us information, including unsolicited information, does not form an attorney-client relationship or preclude us from representing an adverse party.

We hate to give a lawyerly response like, “it depends,” but that is the honest answer. Every case is different, so it depends on the type of case, the law and facts, and the actions of the judge and opposing party. Meridian strives to resolve all matters as quickly as possible and to obtain the best possible outcome for its clients, but there are many factors beyond our control. Statistics indicate that nearly 95% of all civil matters settle before trial, but we prepare as if our cases will be tried since doing so typically results in better outcomes for our clients.