Initial Case Evaluations & Consultations
For Individuals and Families
When you contact Footbridge Law for the first time by telephone, e-mail, or through our website, we ask that you briefly explain your situation to David so he can assess your needs and determine whether he can help you. During the call, David may recommend scheduling an initial consultation to discuss your matter in greater detail. Initial consultations may be conducted by Zoom, Teams, or telephone, depending on your preference. Initial consultations generally last up to one hour. The fee for an initial consultation is $250.00. Payment may be made through the firm’s website. In-person consultations at Footbridge Law’s office also are available in Boulder and other Denver metro area locations for a higher fee.
For Employers
If you are an employer looking for immigration assistance for your organization and your employees, we recommend you call the office at 720-908-3317 to speak to David about work visa options, the firm’s process, and a fee quote.
Retaining Our Firm/Legal Fees
At the conclusion of the initial consultation or assessment, if David believes that he can assist you, he will quote you a fee or fees for his legal services. If you decide to hire Footbridge Law, David will send you a fee agreement for his services. Individuals become clients of Footbridge Law only after signing a fee agreement and paying an initial deposit or retainer on their case. Footbridge Law handles most immigration matters on a “flat fee” basis and most mediation matters on an hourly basis.
Immigration Process
Once you or your organization have signed a fee agreement and paid the initial deposit or retainer, you are now a client of Footbridge Law and David Harston. To start your case, we typically require additional information and/or documentation from you. We employ various procedures to collect your information and documents including our secure client portal, interviews, electronic questionnaires, and other forms. Your data and documentation is stored in a secure, encrypted location. Once all required information and documentation is provided, Footbridge Law will review your documents and begin drafting your immigration case. If we have questions or require additional documents as we draft your case, we will contact you. Once drafted, Footbridge Law will send you the forms and other required documents via secure, encrypted communication for review and signature. When you return the signed paperwork to our office, we will assemble, copy, and ship your filing via Federal Express to the appropriate government agency.
Dual Representation
Many immigration matters involve “dual representation.” Dual representation occurs in immigration matters when there is both a petitioner (U.S. employer or petitioning family member) and a beneficiary (the sponsored employee or family member). The matter is considered “dual representation” because the filing of any immigration paperwork has legal implications for both parties.
Mediation Process
After the parties sign a fee agreement for mediation services and pay an initial retainer, David may ask the parties to provide written submissions and other relevant documents outlining their positions and desired outcomes. We employ various procedures to collect your information and documents including our secure client portal, interviews, electronic questionnaires, and other forms. Your data and documentation is stored in a secure, encrypted location. After reviewing the initial submissions, David will schedule an initial meeting with you and your representatives (as applicable), followed by individual or joint sessions, to further understand the dispute, your goals, and the issues at stake. Mediations may be through Zoom or in-person and may last a few hours and up to several weeks, depending on the nature and complexity of the dispute.
During the initial meetings, David will explain the mediation process including the mediator’s role of neutrality and the importance of confidentiality. David will be impartial and will not take sides. He will encourage open communication, explore potential compromises, facilitate negotiations between the parties, and help you to identify common ground and explore possible solutions. He will discuss various options and scenarios with you including the potential consequences of failing to reach a settlement. Rather than offering opinions or suggested outcomes, David will guide the conversation, clarify misunderstandings, and encourage each side to explore their options.
If the parties reach an agreement, David typically will assist in drafting the terms of a settlement agreement. A copy of the signed settlement agreement will be provided to all parties. You are never forced to settle. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the dispute may proceed through other means such as litigation or arbitration.