We believe informed clients make empowered decisions. Here are answers to what we hear most often.
What makes Defy Legal different from other law firms?
Defy Legal is a practice built on the belief that everyone deserves fierce, strategic legal representation, not just those who can afford large firm rates. Attorney Natischa Rose Volpe brings experience across criminal defense, civil litigation, consumer protection, tenant rights, and disability appeals, giving clients a well-rounded advocate who understands how these issues intersect in real life.
How do I get started?
The first step is a complimentary consultation, where we will talk through your situation, what outcome you’re hoping for, and whether Defy Legal is the right fit. From there, if we move forward together, you’ll sign a fee agreement and pay an initial retainer to get the work underway.
How does billing work and what is a retainer?
A retainer is an upfront deposit held in a client trust account on your behalf. As work is performed, earned fees are drawn from that balance and you receive itemized invoices detailing each task and the time spent. Any unused retainer is returned to you at the end of the representation.
Time is billed in tenths of an hour (0.1 = 6 minutes), rounded to the nearest tenth. At $300 per hour, a 0.1 increment is $30 and a 0.5 increment is $150. We believe transparent billing is part of respectful representation.
Do you offer payment plans or reduced-fee services?
We understand that legal needs don’t wait for financial stability. We evaluate payment arrangements on a case-by-case basis and will always be upfront about what we can and cannot accommodate. Reach out and let’s have an honest conversation about your situation.
Do you offer sliding scale fees?
Yes. Defy Legal offers sliding scale fees for clients who qualify based on income and circumstances. We believe that the quality of your legal representation should not be determined solely by the size of your bank account — and we put that belief into practice.
What is Defy Legal’s commitment to access to justice?
Access to justice is at the core of why this firm exists. Too many people face life-altering legal situations — an eviction, a criminal charge, a denied disability claim — without any meaningful representation because they can’t afford standard rates. We are committed to making sure that income is not the deciding factor in whether someone gets a fair fight.
If cost is a barrier for you, please tell us. We will do our best to find a structure that works, and if we are not the right fit, we will help connect you with other resources in the community.