Not sure how to get started? Take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions we receive every day. If you can't find what you're looking for, give us a call at (301) 952-9000. We're happy to help!
Why should I consider PLG to handle my cases?
We adhere to military principles and values. We understand and have a shared experience of military services – including its joys, heartache, and frustrations. We understand the complexity and interrelated nature of military service to civilian legal matters – from divorce to personal injury, criminal, and litigation – and we have direct experience with the ways these have an impact on military service. Through years of civilian and military legal experience, we understand this impact and can help navigate you through your legal issues.
Is PLG only for active duty military members?
No, we serve both military and civilian clients. We are a private civilian law firm representing clients from every walk of life. In fact many of our clients have connections to the military, but have purely civilian legal issues.
What are PLG's business hours?
We are here to serve you Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. Please note, holiday hours may vary.
How can I reach PLG?
You can reach our team by:
- Phone: (301) 952-9000
- Mail: 5819 Allentown Road, Suitland, Maryland 20746 or 8253 Backlick Road, Lorton, Virginia, 22079
- Email: [email protected]
Where is PLG located?
Our primary offices are located at 5819 Allentown Road, Suitland, Maryland 20746 and 8253 Backlick Road, Lorton, Virginia, 22079. However, we handle federal and military cases worldwide and have attorneys located in Maryland and Virginia. We are licensed to represent clients in the following states: Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, New York.
How long has PLG been in business?
We have operated as Patriots Law Group of Lyons & Hughes, P.C. since September 2017. However, we have extensive legal experience involving state, military, and federal legal issues through private practice and military service.
What type of cases does PLG handle?
We are a full-service law firm that assists clients with every type of legal matter. Currently a bulk of our cases involve the following practice areas:
- family law,
- real estate law,
- business formation,
- employment law,
- federal and administrative litigation,
- Courts-Martial defense,
- Courts-Martial appeals,
- administrative discipline,
- discharge upgrades,
- Officer Grade Determinations (OGDs),
- security clearance review/appeals,
- and military pay cases — just to name a few!
PLG was formed on the idea that the military community is often far from home and without any way to find knowledgeable and trustworthy attorneys when a legal matter arises. This common military problem is not unique to any particular legal issue; therefore, we make it our duty to attempt to refer cases to trustworthy attorneys if we cannot handle them ourselves. We highly recommend you call regardless of your legal issue to see how we can help.
Do you charge for consultations?
Yes, we charge $350.00 for a one-hour consultation with one of our attorneys. This fee reflects the fact that we use the consultation as an opportunity to review, explain, and provide advice to potential clients rather than an interview of the client. Indeed, most firms offering a free consult use the meeting solely to determine if they want the case. In contrast, we treat every consultation as an opportunity to educate the client and provide advice to him/her on the next steps, so the client can decide how they want to proceed with the case. The level of information received during our consultations is designed to assist the client if they choose to proceed without counsel. Given the time, attention, and legal knowledge required to provide meaningful information and advice to every potential client, it is necessary that we charge for consultations.
What forms of payment does PLG accept?
We accept cash, checks, and credit/debit cards. Please note, a processing fee is added to credit/debit card transactions.
How does PLG bill?
We use several types of billing methods depending on the type of case we are handling:
- Hourly. Most of our cases are billed on an hourly basis where all time spent on the matter is tracked and billed based on the timekeeper's hourly rate. To keep the initial retainer as low as possible, we use an “evergreen” retainer method which requires each client to maintain a minimum balance in our client trust account at all times. For example, if the minimum retainer balance is set at $3,500.00, then each month the client must pay whatever amount is necessary to replenish the retainer back up to $3,500.00 after our billed fees are withdrawn. At the conclusion of the case, all unearned money is returned to the client. In these types of cases, a credit/debit card is required to be held on file in case the minimum retainer balance is not replenished on or before the 14th day of the month through other means (i.e., cash or check). Otherwise, on or about the 15th day of the month, the credit/debit card on file will be automatically charged to replenish the minimum retainer balance (processing fees apply).
- Flat fee. Other cases, particularly Courts-Martial defense and appeals, are billed using a flat fee basis. In this method the responsible attorney sets a flat fee and a defined scope of representation. The flat fee is paid at the commencement of our representation.
- Contingency. Finally, we handle some cases on a “contingency basis.” A “contingency basis” means we only get paid if we are successful. This billing method is most commonly used with personal injury cases and is only available if the responsible attorney evaluates the likelihood of recovery to be very high.
Other questions?
We're happy to help! Give us a call at (301) 952-9000 or email us at [email protected]