Why do you use the title “Dr.”? Are you a medical doctor?

 “Dr.” reflects a research doctorate in law (J.S.D./S.J.D.). It does not mean medical licensure.

Where are you licensed and where do you take cases?

The Law Office of Dr. R. A. Browne, Esq. is a virtual law practice serving Maryland and Washington, D.C. Many matters can be handled remotely, and if an in-person appearance is required, we will discuss logistics early.

What should I have for my first meeting?

Bring any relevant documents, identification, and a list of questions to make the most of your consultation.

How are legal fees structured?

Fees depend on the matter type and complexity. Some matters are well-suited to flat-fee or defined-scope packages, while others require hourly billing or another structure. You will receive clarity about the fee approach before moving forward.

What types of cases do you handle?

We specialize in Personal Injury, Consumer Protection, Small Business Counsel, Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets, International Trade & Customs, Real Estate Transactions & Disputes, and Contract Disputes & Litigation Support providing personalized support for each client.

What types of personal injury cases do you handle?

Common matters include auto, rideshare, and commercial vehicle collisions, slip-and-fall/premises liability, and serious injury or wrongful death claims. The focus is on building

a clear record and pursuing a fair resolution through negotiation or litigation when appropriate. 

How do attorney fees work in a personal injury case?

Many personal injury matters are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning the attorney fee is typically a percentage of the recovery (if there is a recovery). The exact percentage and terms are set out in the engagement agreement.

Can you estimate what my case is worth or what I will net after fees?

A reliable estimate usually requires reviewing liability facts, insurance information, medical records, and wage-loss documentation. We can discuss a realistic range of considerations after an initial document review.

What is “consumer protection” in plain language?

Consumer protection cases often involve unfair or deceptive practices, billing disputes, misleading advertising, warranty problems, or other conduct that causes financial harm to a consumer. 

What if a company refuses to refund me or keeps charging me?

Often the quickest path begins with assembling proof (receipts, screenshots, terms of service, emails) and then pursuing a structured escalation strategy, which may include formal disputes and negotiation. 

Do you charge hourly, flat fees, or contingency for consumer cases? 

It depends on the issue, the evidence available, and the likely path to resolution. Some consumer matters are well-suited to flat-fee work (for example, a defined-scope demand letter), while others are billed hourly. In certain types of consumer disputes, attorney fee recovery may be possible under specific circumstances, but it is never guaranteed. 

What does it cost to have you send a demand letter?

Many clients prefer a defined scope for an initial demand letter. Cost depends on complexity and how much document review is needed. We can usually quote this after you provide the contract, receipts, and your timeline. 

What kinds of small business legal services do you offer?

Common support includes entity formation, governance documents, compliance checkups, contract drafting and review, and practical guidance for reducing business risk.

Can you review a contract before I sign it?

Yes. Contract review can identify payment, termination, liability, confidentiality, and dispute-resolution terms that commonly create problems later.

What is the difference between an employee and an independent contractor? 

The distinction can affect taxes, liability, and compliance obligations. If you are hiring, it is worth getting advice early to avoid costly reclassification problems.

Do you offer flat-fee packages for small businesses?

Often, yes. Many business needs can be handled on a flat-fee or defined-scope basis (for example, entity formation filings support, a contract review, or drafting a standard client agreement).

Do you require a retainer for business matters?

Some matters begin with an advance retainer deposit, especially where ongoing work is expected. The amount depends on complexity and urgency. 

What kinds of crypto and digital asset matters do you handle?

Services commonly include token classification and risk analysis, compliance framework support, AML/KYC policy design, and review of agreements related to digital assets (including some smart-contract adjacent issues).

Can you advise whether my token or project is “compliant”?

A meaningful answer requires a fact-specific review of how the asset is structured, marketed, distributed, and used. We can help you identify risk areas and build a compliance strategy, but outcomes depend on the details.

Do you help exchanges or platforms with policies?

We can help evaluate compliance posture and develop practical documentation (policies, procedures, and workflows), especially around identity checks, fraud prevention, and recordkeeping.

What do you need to review my crypto project?

Typically: a plain-language project summary, tokenomics, marketing materials, drafts of terms, corporate structure, jurisdictions involved, and any existing policies.

How are fees structured for crypto and digital asset matters?

These matters are often handled hourly or in phases (for example, initial risk and document review, then drafting and compliance implementation). For some deliverables, a flat-fee option may be available.

Can you provide a budget before work begins? 

After an initial intake, we can often provide a phased estimate and identify what facts or documents would change the budget.

Are there third-party costs?

Potentially. Depending on the project, there may be costs for outside vendors, audits, compliance tooling, or other services. We will clarify what is legal work versus a third-party service.

What is international trade and customs law in practical terms?

It often involves getting goods across borders legally and efficiently, including

classification, valuation, country-of-origin questions, licensing needs, and responding to government inquiries 

Can you help with import classification and valuation issues?

Yes. Classification and valuation decisions can affect duty rates, admissibility, and audit risk. Matters often start with product details, technical specs, invoices, and supply-chain documentation. 

What if my business received a customs inquiry or is facing penalties?

Time matters. Early steps include preserving documents, identifying who communicated what, and building a clear fact record so you can respond strategically. 

Do you charge hourly or flat fees for trade and customs matters?

Many trade and customs matters are billed hourly, particularly time-sensitive responses to inquiries. Some defined tasks may be suitable for flat-fee pricing after we review the scope (for example, a targeted document review or a classification-related analysis).

What factors affect the cost of a customs or trade matter?

Common drivers include urgency, volume of products/shipments, the completeness of your documentation, supply-chain complexity, and whether a matter is preventive (planning) or reactive (responding to an inquiry). 

Can you help us set up a compliance program without open-ended billing?

Often, yes. Compliance work can frequently be structured into phases with specific deliverables and decision points.

What real estate matters do you handle?

Matters include purchase and sale agreements, leasing issues, landlord-tenant disputes (including security deposit conflicts), title concerns, boundary disputes, and certain quiet-title or property-related actions.

What if I have an HOA/condo dispute?

HOA and condo disputes often turn on governing documents, notice and enforcement steps, and a clear paper trail. We typically begin by reviewing the declaration/bylaws, notices, and communications.

Can you draft or review a lease?

Yes. A lease review can help avoid common issues involving maintenance duties, default provisions, assignment/subletting, notice requirements, and dispute procedures.  

Can you help with a real estate contract dispute before it becomes a lawsuit?

Yes. Many real estate conflicts can be addressed with structured negotiation, demand letters, and strategic use of mediation when appropriate. 

What does it cost to review a purchase agreement or lease?

Many document reviews can be quoted as a flat fee based on length, complexity, and timeline. If negotiation is expected, we may recommend hourly billing or a hybrid approach. 

Do you handle limited-scope help, like a demand letter or contract review only?

Yes. In many situations, yes. Limited-scope representation can be a cost-effective way to address a specific problem early. HOA and condo disputes often turn on governing documents, notice and enforcement steps, and a clear paper trail. We typically begin by reviewing the declaration/bylaws, notices, and communications.

What is a contract dispute, and when should I talk to a lawyer?

A contract dispute arises when parties disagree about performance, payment, deadlines, quality, or termination. You should reach out early if there is a looming deadline, a significant financial impact, or communications are deteriorating.

Do you send demand letters?

Yes. A strong demand letter usually presents a clear timeline, cites the key contract terms, attaches supporting documents, and makes a realistic resolution proposal.

Do you handle mediation or arbitration?

Yes. Many agreements require mediation or arbitration, and these processes can sometimes resolve disputes more efficiently than full litigation.

What if the other side is threatening to sue me?

Preserve all documents and communications immediately and avoid making admissions in writing. An early review can help you assess exposure, defenses, and negotiation strategy.

What does it cost to have a lawyer evaluate a contract dispute?

Cost depends on how much review is required. A dispute evaluation is typically most efficient when you provide the signed contract, amendments, key communications, invoices, and a one-page timeline.

Can you handle a demand letter as a defined-scope project?

Often, yes. Many clients prefer a flat-fee scope for an initial demand letter, with a separate decision about next steps if negotiation fails. 

If we have to litigate or arbitrate, what costs should we expect? 

Beyond attorney time, cases can involve filing fees, service fees, deposition costs, expert fees, and if arbitration is required, arbitration forum fees. We will discuss which of these are likely based on your contract and facts.

Can you provide a budget or litigation plan?

Yes. After initial review, we can propose a phased plan (early assessment, pre-suit negotiation, filing, discovery, resolution preparation) so you can make informed cost decisions at each stage.