INITIAL INQUIRY

Thank you for reaching out. On my website, you will find many free resources — articles, reviews, and videos — offering general guidance on various issues.

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For highly specialized or complex areas of U.S. law, such as international taxation (Subchapter N), U.S. sanctions law, or corporate law, I charge a minimal, non-refundable $100 Initial Inquiry Assessment Fee. This covers the professional time needed to review your documents and facts, assess whether your matter fits within my practice, define the scope of work and pricing, and conduct a mandatory conflict check. ​This fee is designed for situations where a preliminary review requires professional time and care, including but not limited to:

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1. The matter involves extensive documents or materials. Some cases come with a large volume of contracts, corporate records, or tax documents. For example, a client may submit several years of corporate tax filings, financial statements, and correspondence, all of which need careful review before any meaningful advice can be provided.

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2. The client presents materials in a chaotic or non-structured form. Clients sometimes submit information in piecemeal or unorganized formats, such as scattered emails, PDF scans, or spreadsheets without clear labeling. Organizing and reviewing these materials takes professional time and is essential to accurately assess the matter.

 

3. The legal issues are highly specialized or complex. Certain areas of law, such as U.S. international taxation, sanctions compliance, or complex corporate structures, involve detailed rules and nuanced analysis. Advising on whether a foreign-owned U.S. entity is subject to reporting under Subchapter N or sanctions obligations requires expertise and careful review of multiple regulatory frameworks.

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4. A mandatory conflict of interest check is required. Before providing advice, it is necessary to ensure there are no conflicts that would prevent representation. For example, if I or my firm has previously advised a competitor or related party, I must review prior engagements before accepting the matter.

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5. The client seeks advice on non-urgent or non-important issues. Some inquiries do not require immediate resolution and may be more exploratory in nature. For instance, a client may ask about minor restructuring options or potential tax planning ideas for next year, where no immediate legal action is needed.

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6. The client does not have funds available for capital-intensive matters or is relying on external side financing with unrealistic expectations. For example, a client may plan to pay for a complex tax compliance project once a third party releases funds or after selling certain assets. Professional review is still required to provide initial guidance, even if the client’s timeline or budget is uncertain.

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7. The client is unfamiliar with customary U.S. attorney-client practices. U.S. law practice often differs from other jurisdictions. Some clients may expect extensive free, personalized advice before engagement. Providing a small initial assessment fee ensures that the first professional review is compensated while still offering free general resources on the website.

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8. The client has limitations in available payment methods. Some clients cannot use standard U.S. banking or payment platforms. For instance, international clients may face restrictions on wire transfers, cannot issue U.S. checks, or do not have access to Zelle, PayPal, or Venmo. The assessment fee ensures that initial work is compensated despite these logistical limitations.

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The Initial Inquiry Assessment Fee ensures that any subsequent consultation is focused, productive, and cost-effective for both parties.

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The fee is non-refundable but may be credited toward future services if we proceed with formal engagement.

 

Payment methods: 

Zelle: viacheslav@kutuzov.us

PayPal: viacheslavkutuzov