Law Office of J. Phillip Boston
Personal Injury Specialist-Former Ins. Co. Atty.
Firm Overview
The main focus of my firm is representing clients on personal injury and wrongful death claims. I have extensive experience in representing clients with numerous injuries-such as brain injury, neck and back herniated discs, ear and balance disorders, shoulder and hip fractures, burns, severe scars, and psychological injury. In addition to automobile accidents and premises injuries, I focus on tractor-trailer collisions and boating injuries.
In addition to representing clients with serious injuries, I do not hesitate to represent injured clients who have suffered "soft tissue injuries" (which includes non-fracture injuries). I rarely represent clients whose sole or main treatment is chiropractic.
Additionally, I represent clients concerning pedestrian accidents, slip and fall injuries, animal attacks, certain products liability claims, and legal malpractice claims involving dishonesty and failure to communicate.
My litigation sub-specialty is the representation of clients who have been threatened and harassed by third-party (not the original creditor) debt collectors-under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
A secondary focus of my practice is representing clients in uncontested divorces, and in preparing simple wills and "Living Wills." I have been a Georgia Certified civil mediator for over 20 years, and I regularly mediate civil cases through Court programs.
Main
490 N. Milledge Avenue
Athens
GA
30601
- (706) 549-9500
- (888) 371-4805
Fees
Yes, and at no charge. I will meet with a client reasonably as long as it takes to thoroughly review a matter and answer all relevant questions.
Normally I handle personal injury cases on a 33 1/3rd percent contingency attorney's fee. On come very difficult cases, particularly slip and fall/premises liability claims, my fee may be 40 percent. Occasionally, in special circumstances, my fee will be less than 33 1/3rd percent. My fee for uncontested divorce depends largely upon whether children are involved, and to a lesser extent whether a home sale will be required. My fee is normally between $500.00 and $1500.00.
As indicated above, I largely work on a contingency fee (no fee unless you collect) or by a set fee for non-personal injury matters. My hourly fee, for providing legal opinions, drafting letters, etc. on non-personal injury matters is $150.00 per hour.
Office Information
Monday through Friday. My hours are flexible. I am willing to meet with clients after hours and on weekends. Regularly, I travel to their homes for meetings.
I do not have an office manager.
Yes
No.
Other Offices
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Other Offices
Mr. Boston has arrangements with numerous law offices in the metropolitan Atlanta area to meet with prospective clients and current clients.
Other Offices
A thorough free consultation is offered to potential clients who convey that they do not anticipate a contested divorce.
Mr. Boston prepares thorough, non-boilerplate, Settlement Agreements to cover all relevant issues that might develop in the future. Your case will only be handled by Mr. Boston, and not by staff.
Clients are not rushed during the uncontested divorce process. Mr. Boston realizes that while many couples will eventually agree to all details, a reasonable amount of negotiation and back and forth often will be necessary.
Of course, a free consultation, addressing potential problems with agreements between you and your spouse, may lead to your realizing some matters cannot be resolved. In that case, Mr. Boston will provide the names of other attorneys for your consideration.
Is your firm willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?
I will look at each client's needs on a case by case basis.
What are your policies about dividing work within the firm to make the process most cost-effective for the client?
In personal injury matters, all work is performed by me, and is cost-effective for clients as all attorney's fees are on a contingency basis. Other legal matters, also only performed by me, are regularly performed with a set-fee and are, therefore, cost-effective for my clients. I do not rely upon paralegals.
How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?
I regularly encourage and use the mediation process to help resolve personal injury claims. I have found that arbitration (with binding awards made by arbitrators) is regularly detrimental to personal injury clients. Arbitrators are generally conservative in valuing cases in general. Moreover, since they receive much of their income from insurance companies, they rarely make a fair award).
Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?
I am a member of a N.E. Georgia pro bono legal services plan. Throughout my career, I have regularly devoted a considerable amount of time on a weekly basis to giving general legal advice to callers involving issues that I assume they would not be able to retain an attorney to resolve.
What distinguishes your law firm from others?
Many personal injury and domestic relations attorneys provide excellent service to their clients. However, I do believe, from the comments of potential clients and clients over the years, that many attorneys are rude or arrogant. My goal is to make every client believe he or she is my only client. I am focused on returning my clients' phone calls and e-mails promptly, and keeping them regularly advised of their case. It is my job to fully explain the legal process and answer their questions. Most clients want their case resolved quickly and without a trial. The best way to reach that goal is to prepare and handle every legal situation as though the case will go to trial; which the opposing party will respect.
What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think that is a very important that clients understand the basics of their legal situation, how insurance companies evaluate and negotiate claims, and how the judicial system works — as well as alternatives such as mediation. I encourage clients to educate themselves, and ask questions to me.
Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I encourage clients to provide me all information they believe is relevant or even minimally related to their situation. I encourage clients to keep a diary of their medical treatment.
Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I regularly give general advice to potential clients whom I can not represent, and particularly to those who I do not believe will be able to find an attorney to represent them.
Phil Boston
Following undergraduate study and law school at the University of Georgia, I served as a judicial law clerk (staff attorney) for judges Crumbley, Ison, Boswell, and Kilpatrick in the Superior Court of Clayton County, Georgia. (A law clerk, normally a newly admitted attorney, performs research and provides legal opinions to a judge). Following my clerkship, I was employed with the insurance defense law firm of Irwin, Bladen, Baker & Russell, in Atlanta, Georgia. My position involved the defense of clients accused of negligence.
After employment with the insurance defense law firm, I started my solo practice, and have been so employed since 1989. I practiced in metro Atlanta, as a sole practitioner, until 2000. My office has been located in Athens since 2000, where I reside with my wife, Sharon. I regularly represent clients throughout north and middle Georgia including the Athens/Atlanta area.
I am a native of Calhoun, Georgia.
In personal injury matters, all work is performed by me, and is cost-effective for clients as all attorney's fees are on a contingency basis. Other legal matters, also only performed by me, are regularly performed with a set-fee and are, therefore, cost-effective for my clients. I do not rely upon paralegals.
- Bar Number:
Georgia , 1984
* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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