FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(FAQs)
ABOUT THE FIRM
What is a non-litigation law firm?
A non-litigation law firm focuses on legal guidance, planning, and advisory services - not courtroom representation.
At Lewis Legacy Law Studio, our work happens at the table, not in the courtroom. We help clients plan ahead, understand their legal rights, review and draft documents, and navigate systems before situations escalate into disputes that require litigation.
What does Lewis Legacy Law Studio NOT handle?
Lewis Legacy Law Studio does not handle court appearances, litigation representation, contested divorce, custody disputes, criminal matters, personal injury, immigration, or real estate transactions.
If your situation requires any of these services, we will tell you clearly and refer you to the right person.
Do you only serve New York clients?
Not entirely. Certain New York-specific matters - such as estate planning documents, advanced directives, business formation, and court-related guidance - are limited to New York clients.
However, certain services are not jurisdiction-specific. Contract review and advisory, creative contract counsel, and HIPAA Authorization and FERPA Waiver guidance within our Turning 18 Legal Blueprint may be available to clients outside of New York.
Not sure whether your matter falls within our service area? That's exactly what the discovery call is for; we'll tell you honestly whether we're the right fit or point you toward someone who is.
What does "plain-language" legal guidance actually mean?
It means we explain what things actually mean - not what they technically say. No Latin. No legalese. No leaving a session more confused than when you arrived. Plain-language guidance means you understand what you signed, what your rights are, and what your next step is before you leave.
WORKING WITH ASHLEE
What happens on a discovery call?
A discovery call is a free 15-minute conversation - no pressure, no commitment. It's a chance for you to share what you're navigating and for us to tell you honestly whether Lewis Legacy Law Studio is the right fit. If we are, we'll walk you through next steps. If we're not, we'll point you toward someone who is. You will never leave a discovery call empty-handed.
How do I know which service is right for me?
That's what the discovery call is for. You don't need to know which package applies to your situation before you reach out - that's our job. Share what's going on and we'll help you figure out the right path forward.
What if I need something you don't offer?
We'll tell you clearly and refer you to the right resource. Lewis Legacy Law Studio does not absorb matters outside our scope; we refer out warmly and document every referral so nothing falls through the cracks.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes. All Lewis Legacy Law Studio sessions are conducted virtually - by video or phone - making it accessible regardless of where you are in New York or beyond.
HOW TO BECOME A CLIENT
What happens after I submit an intake form?
Once your intake form is received, we review it and follow up within two business day to confirm next steps: either scheduling your discovery call or moving directly to your first session depending on the service.
How do I officially become a client?
Once we've connected on a discovery call and confirmed the Studio is the right fit, we'll complete a brief conflict review and send you an engagement letter outlining the scope and terms of your service. Your engagement officially begins when that letter is signed. From there, we get to work.
What do I need to bring to my first session?
Generally: any documents relevant to your matter and a list of your questions or concerns. The more context you can share upfront, the more your session time can be spent on guidance rather than background. Your intake form will help us understand what to ask for before we meet.
How long does a typical engagement take?
It depends on the service. Some engagements - like a standalone contract review or document review session - are completed in one session. Package engagements like HWL or ICLB typically span two to four weeks from intake to document delivery or final session. We will always give you a clear timeline at the start of your engagement.
FEES & ENSURING FINANCIAL ACCESS TO OUR SERVICES
Why are your fees flat rather than hourly?
Because legal fees should be predictable. Hourly billing means the clock is running every time you ask a question, send an email, or need something explained twice. At Lewis Legacy Law Studio, flat fees mean you know exactly what you're investing before any work begins no surprises, no anxiety about watching the meter run. The goal is for you to focus on getting the guidance you need, not on how much each minute costs.
What is the Adjusted Fee Access Program?
The Adjusted Fee Access Program is Lewis Legacy Law Studio's income-verified sliding scale for clients who need quality legal guidance but cannot afford standard package rates.
It is not pro bono and it is not charity; it is a structured access pathway with a firm floor and limited monthly availability.
Eligibility is determined during the intake process. Not every service is available at adjusted rates, and capacity is intentionally limited to ensure the quality of every engagement is maintained.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. A payment plan is a scheduled arrangement for paying your standard service fee over time; it does not reduce the fee, it spreads it out.
This differs from our Adjusted Fee Access Program, which is an income-verified sliding scale that may reduce your fee based on documented financial need.
Payment plan availability is discussed during your discovery call and confirmed in writing before your engagement begins.
Why do your service pages show "starting at" pricing?
Pricing shown across our service pages reflects starting rates. Final fees are confirmed during your discovery call based on the full scope of your matter. Complex situations, additional documents, or circumstances outside standard package scope may affect final pricing.
This is not a bait and switch; it is an honest acknowledgment that every situation is different. No fee is finalized without a direct conversation, and nothing is confirmed without a written agreement. You will always know exactly what you are investing before any engagement begins.
LEGACY & OUR PHILOSOPHY
Why are your service packages named the way they are?
Every Lewis Legacy Law Studio service package carries a name that means something. The names are not marketing labels, they’re tributes.
Each package is named in honor of someone whose life, values, or story shaped the work behind it. The full stories behind each name will be shared over time. For now, know that every package was built with intention - and the name is part of that intention.
Why is it called a "studio" rather than a law office or firm?
Because a studio is where something is created with intention. A traditional law office or firm can feel formal, fixed, and intimidating before you even make contact.
A studio signals something different - that the work here is thoughtful, personal, and crafted around what each client actually needs. The name is a reflection of how Lewis Legacy Law Studio approaches legal guidance: with care, with craft, and with purpose.
Why does a law firm care so much about the word legacy?
Because most people encounter legal services at the worst possible moment - after something has already gone wrong. A document wasn't in place. A conversation never happened. A plan was never made.
Lewis Legacy Law Studio was built around the belief that legal guidance should come BEFORE those moments - not after. Legacy is the reason to plan ahead. The law is the tool to protect it.
What does Lewis Legacy Law Studio believe about legal access?
Lewis Legacy Law Studio believes that quality legal guidance should not be a luxury reserved for those who already have access to money, networks, and systems.
Plain language, transparent pricing, and structured access pathways are not extras - they are built into how this practice operates. We cannot serve everyone. But we can serve our clients with intention, care, and respect for what their legal matters actually mean to their lives.