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Boutique Legal Services

Affordable. Accessible.

Law Office of
Douglas J. Tate

 

Bridging the Legal Gap Between Access and Success

in Western North Carolina

Since 2017

 

FEE
STRUCTURE

LANDLORD-TENANT REPRESENTATION

Complete Simple Summary Ejectment

 

Without Appeal: $906.00 (one defendant)

$750.00   Attorney Fee

$ 126.00   Court Fees (Filing, Writ of Possession)

$  30.00   Sheriff Service Fee (per defendant)

If a case starts "Without Appeal" and becomes "With Appeal," only an additional Attorney Fee of $250 will be charged.

With Appeal: $1,176.00 (one defendant)

$ 1,000.00   Attorney Fee

$    146.00   Court Fees (Filing, Motion, Writ of Possession)

$     30.00   Sheriff Service Fee (per defendant)

With Writ of Execution: $460.00 (includes Sheriff Service Fee)

Unbundled Services or A la Carte

$120.00 per hour

OR​

Flat Fee Rates:

$150.00   Lease Review

$200.00  Residential Lease Drafting

$300.00  Summary Ejectment Consult

$350.00  Summary Ejectment Coaching

$650.00  Summary Ejectment Trial

$850.00  Summary Ejectment Appeal

Courthouse Settlements

Often cases settle at the courthouse and those settlements are often memorialized in a confession of judgment or lease amendment.  If the confession of judgment or lease amendment does not result in the outcome predicted by the settlement, there is no additional charge to evict the tenant when you purchase "Complete Summary Ejectment Representation."

TENANT AND OTHER INDIVIDUAL REPRESENTATION 

Income-sensitive sliding scale rate: $95 to $195 per hour.

 

The U.S. Federal Poverty Guideline for 2019 is used to determine the amount per hour you will be charged. Flat fee agreements also available.

Practice Areas
My Vision

OUR
COMMITMENT

BRIDGING  THE GAP IN LEGAL SERVICES

 

Individuals and small businesses have few choices when it comes to hiring lawyers. Nearly 80% of litigants of low and moderate means are unrepresented in matters involving basic needs. I am dedicated to bridging the access to justice gap between those who qualify for free legal services and those who can afford market rate legal services. Affordable legal services for individuals and small businesses is key to narrowing the access to justice gap. 

A DIFFERENT KIND OF FEE STRUCTURE

Instead of billable hours at market rates, I am dedicated to affordable, upfront and honest pricing. Most fees are on

a flat fee or sliding scale basis. You will only pay for the legal services you want and choose the level of representation you need. Whether consulting, coaching, drafting, or litigating, I will work with you and your budget so you can afford

the legal services you need. 

A DIFFERENT SORT OF TRANSPARENCY

Technology is leading the way for clients to know what is being done on the client's case. Many lawyers have been reluctant to use this software. MyCase Software provides clients a secure electronic portal to important documents and billing records.  The portal is accessible on your smartphone or home computer 24-7, 365 days a year. You will be

informed of what is going on with updates and alerts as matters progress on your case. 

A DIFFERENT TYPE OF RELATIONSHIP
 

Lawyers want to "represent" you. I want to fix your problem. No one goes to a mechanic for representation on 

a timing belt. You go to a mechanic to have the timing belt fixed. If I can fix your problem and get you back on the road, I will have done my job.

ABOUT

Douglas J. Tate, J.D.,
Practice Owner

After working for one of the largest law firms in the world, a boutique law firm and one of the most respected law firms in western North Carolina, I established my independent law firm to meet the needs of underserved clients.

 

Now based in Greenville, South Carolina, my practice has served Asheville, Waynesville, Hendersonville, and Western North Carolina since October 2000.

ACCOLADES

North Carolina Business Magazine's Legal Elite 2015 and 2016

Pisgah Legal Services Pro Bono Service Award 2012 and 2013

28th Judicial District Bar President

LICENSING

North Carolina March 1989

EDUCATION

Emory University School of Law, J.D., 1988

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, A.B. in Journalism and Political Science, 1985

Attorneys
Modern Architecture

P.O. Box 291, Rutherfordton, North Carolina 28139

douglas@tatelaw.net

(828) 230-0850

General Inquiries:

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Contact

CONTACT

© 2025 douglas j. tate

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