BerlikLaw, a leader in innovative, win-win billing arrangements, focuses its practice on keeping its clients out of legal trouble and helping them resolve lawsuits expeditiously, economically and efficiently.
Throughout my nearly 15 year legal career, I have represented small and large technology companies, banks, and other businesses in dispute-resolution proceedings and litigation at locations around the country. In early 2009, I decided to form BerlikLaw so that I could offer my clients increased responsiveness, greater value and flexibility, more predictable fees, and better service.
1. Won $1.1 million jury verdict on behalf of web-hosting company against the world's largest management-software company, which had breached letter of intent to hire client for various web hosting services. Survived subsequent motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict.
2. In the "rocket docket" of the Eastern District of Virginia, successfully obtained a temporary restraining order (TRO) and preliminary injunction under the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act on behalf of prominent media company. Successfully enjoined threatened termination of company's website and obtained order directing transfer of domain names and registrar account to client.
Main
1818 Library Street
Suite 500
Reston
VA
20190
Yes, in personal injury cases. For other matters, initial consultations are $250.
Yes. While most cases are billed on an hourly basis, the firm is very flexible when it comes to "alternative" billing arrangements, including blended rates, volume discounts, flat fees, contingency fees, capped fees, safety valves, success fees, and more. Fee arrangements depend on the nature of the case and a variety of other factors.
$325 ($300 for new clients who mention Nolo).
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Yes
Dutch and Chinese.
The focus of my practice is on the efficient resolution of business disputes, including intellectual property litigation, commercial litigation, employment matters, and contract disputes. I chose these areas mostly for the intellectual rigors and challenge, but also because, as an entrepreneur myself, I want to see Northern Virginia businesses succeed.
While the rates at BerlikLaw are very reasonable, sometimes hiring an attorney is not the most cost-effective way of solving a legal dispute. I routinely advise individuals on whether a particular legal matter could best be handled without my professional assistance (e.g., using resources such as Nolo and FindLaw to become educated about the law in the relevant area). When I accept representation of a client, I ensure that they understand the law and the proposed strategy at every step along the way.
To the extent there are tasks, in the course of a legal representation, that can be performed by the individual client without the assistance of the attorney, I encourage my clients to perform such tasks so that legal fees can be minimized. Professional legal review can always be performed after the documents are prepared.
In most cases, I am willing to coach clients. However, for ethical reasons, the coaching will not involve the drafting of papers to be filed with any court.
Prior to forming BerlikLaw, I spent most of my career working with powerhouse law firms like Troutman Sanders (an international law firm of over 750 attorneys) and Mintz Levin (a 500 lawyer firm based in Boston, Massachusetts).
I am a better lawyer for having lived all over the world, experiencing the cultures of the people of the Netherlands, Singapore, and England. A broad "world view" is often beneficial when negotiating with people from different backgrounds.
The firm's philosophy is to give clients sound, reliable legal advice, regardless of whether that advice amounts to "good news" for the client. For example, the firm typically advises against litigation when court proceedings would not be consistent with helping the client achieve their business objectives at a minimum of expense. When the firm does undertake litigation, the firm approaches every case as though it will be tried rather than settled, despite the fact that most cases do, in fact, settle. In our view, early trial preparation leads to better results whether at the settlement table or in court, and sends a message to the adversary that the outcome of the case will be guided only by sound business considerations. The firm also believes in giving clients accurate fee estimates and in keeping clients informed of all case progress. I take a practical, client-focused approach to my cases; I discourage useless motions practice and unfocused discovery tactics. Instead, the emphasis is on quality over quantity: getting results for our clients as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
Personal interests:Photography, digital photo editing, computers and technology, biking along the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, skiing, tennis, and spending time with my wife and three children.
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