Interview with Jonathan H. Stevens, owner of Pro Se Legal Services

Cybele Werts:
You've just opened up a new law practice in Burlington called Pro Se Legal Services, specializing in what is called "unbundled" legal services. Could you explain what this means?

Jonathan Stevens:
Unbundled legal services refers to a trend in the legal profession to allow clients to select exactly what they would like their lawyers to do, and, more importantly, what their lawyers will not do. Because of the expense of using a lawyer, many people are finding that it makes sense to represent themselves, particularly when the cost of using a lawyer is more expensive than the legal problem itself.
 
CW:
Why do you think that business owners would prefer to buy legal advice a la carte?

JS:
Business owners make cost/benefit evaluations all the time. While it's true that there are risks to representing yourself, sometimes the cost of reducing the risk exceeds the benefit.
Business owners are usually organized and focused, and, with a little coaching, can competently represent themselves.
 
CW:
What kinds of services do you offer?

JS:
I offer three types of service. First is counsel and advice. I can help people organize their efforts in dealing with legal issues. Second is legal research. I have a access to case law, statutes, regulations, rules of court, and other materials that are often crucial to successfully handling a legal problem. Third is document preparation. Often resolving a legal problem requires the preparation of legal paperwork.

CW:
What are some of the kinds of work you've done in this area for local clients?

JS:
I've done a wide variety of legal projects ranging from complex corporate disputes to speeding tickets. I have also assisted people with issues in family court.
 
CW:
What does it cost to hire an attorney who offers these kinds of legal services?

JS:
Typically attorney's charge according to how much time they have spent. Often they require a substantial retainer fee, sometimes several thousand dollars, to commence work on a new case.

CW:
What are some examples of how much it might cost to hire you as opposed to a full-service lawyer?

JS:
I work on a pay-as-you-go system, and, therefore, I don't require a retainer fee. You only pay me for work that you specifically contract me to do. The cost of using my services will be a fraction of the cost of conventional legal services.
 
CW:
What are the challenges of someone representing them self in court?

JS:
There is an old saying among lawyers: "A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client." The challenge for anyone, lawyer or not, representing themselves in court is remaining cool and objective. For non-lawyers, the difficulties are compounded by unfamiliarity with the rules and customs of court procedure.

CW:
How can you help them with that?

JS:
The courtroom is an alien landscape for non-lawyers, but for a lawyer it is familiar turf – just another worksite. We can inform clients what to expect and how to handle some of the expected and unexpected problems that can arise.
 
CW:
You've worked as an attorney for 25 years in the Burlington area. What have you found are the most common issues that people need help with?

JS:
When it comes to personal legal problems the two areas that crop up most often are family issues, (e.g. divorce, child-support, property division, etc.) and, believe it or not, traffic violations. In business, the problems most often are focused in either employer/ employee relations, or in issues arising out of relationships with third parties such as customers, or vendors.
 
CW:
You have a pretty solid legal background, with Master of Studies in Law, cum laude from the Vermont Law School and a Juris Doctor from the land-Marshall College of Law. Why do you prefer to work with small projects and small businesses?

JS:
Vermont businesses owners are usually organized, motivated and flexible. Often the solution to legal problems requires this exact set of qualities.
 
CW:
You specialized in small business and internet law. What are the issues that most concern business owners around these areas right now?

JS:
Small businesses have such a wide range of issues that it's difficult to identify a single group of problems. It can be anything from shareholder disputes to creditor/debtor problems. When it comes to the internet, the issue of ownership of ideas and images and other media seems to be the most hotly disputed area right now. This is referred to by lawyers as "intellectual property" law. For example, what should you do if someone is using one of your photographs on their website without permission. The whole Napster issue was just the beginning of a new era of infringement.
 
CW:
You are an instructor in paralegal studies at Burlington College in addition to your private practice. What do you find exciting about this work?

JS:
Knowledge is power. I enjoy empowering people.
 
CW:
Thanks very much for chatting with me, and good luck with your new business!