how much is it to have an lawyer to write a cease and desist

by Jack Hermann DVM 10 min read

When an attorney is hired to draft the letter, one can expect the following average costs for a cease and desist letter from an attorney: Solo-Practicing Attorney: $750 – 1,200 to draft and send demand letter Partnership Law Firms: up to $1,500 to draft and send demand letter

ContractsCounsel's marketplace data shows the average hourly rate for a cease-and-desist letter lawyer ranges from $200 - $350 per hour.Feb 2, 2022

Full Answer

How much does it cost to write a cease and desist?

How much does a cease and desist letter cost? Most lawyers are going to charge on an hourly basis, and these hourly rates can range anywhere from $50 to $950 per hour. For something such as a cease and desist letter, plan on spending $125 to $300 per hour to have a letter written up.

What is a cease and desist letter?

A cease and desist letter, also known as a C&D, is a letter written in order to stop certain activities such as trademark violations, harassment, stalking, slander and more. The purpose of this letter is to tell the recipient that all activity must be stopped or else legal action may ensue.

When do you need a lawyer to write a C&D?

The purpose of this letter is to tell the recipient that all activity must be stopped or else legal action may ensue. While a C&D can be written by any individual, it is highly recommended that a lawyer is brought in to make sure the letter is written properly.

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Can I write my own cease and desist letter?

How to Serve a Cease-and-Desist Letter. No specified method of delivery is required for a cease-and-desist letter. Because it is not a legal document, you can write and send the letter yourself without the help of a legal professional, or you can hire an attorney to write and serve the letter for you.

Is a cease and desist letter worth it?

A cease and desist letter is useful because it might stop its recipients from continuing their harmful action. If they don't, you have written documentation that you have notified them of the possible consequences of ignoring your request.

Who can legally send a cease and desist letter?

The action or behavior at issue could be business-related or personal. The letter can be sent by someone trying to protect their intellectual property, real property, business, or it could be used to stop harassment. You may be surprised to learn just how versatile this one legal document can be.

How much does it cost to send a cease and desist letter?

Hourly Rates for Cease-and-Desist Letters ContractsCounsel's marketplace data shows the average hourly rate for a cease-and-desist letter lawyer ranges from $200 - $350 per hour.

How do I submit a cease and desist?

How to Write a Cease and Desist LetterInclude your name and address.Include the recipient's name and address.Demand the recipient to stop the harassment.Send it via certified mail, return receipt requested.

Can a cease and desist letter be considered harassment?

A cease and desist harassment letter is a written document that demands the recipient stop a certain behavior immediately. This behavior is constituted as harassment in some way.

How do you stop someone from slandering you?

You can file a lawsuit for libel or slander, or you can seek a restraining order from the court. But the cheapest step is to first send a cease and desist letter that tells the party to stop or face the consequences.

How long is a cease and desist order good for?

A cease and desist letter may serve to warn an offender that legal action may take place if they don't stop the activity. The offender is generally given a set time frame—usually 10 to 15 days—to cease and desist. A cease and desist letter must comply with laws in the jurisdiction in which it is sent.

How much will a cease and desist letter cost?

Perhaps the biggest reason people choose not to hire a lawyer to send a cease and desist letter relates to cost. Legal costs often lack transparency – people have little information on what they should reasonably expect a cease and desist letter to cost. The final bill will also vary widely depending on where you live and the firm you hire.

What about Pro Bono?

Another type of legal engagement you may have heard of is pro bono work. “Pro bono” is from a Latin phrase meaning “for the public good.” Pro bono work is generally undertaken by an attorney free of charge, usually for a social cause. For example, many attorneys work pro bono for non-profit charities and foundations.

Conclusion

Sending a cease and desist letter to someone giving you trouble can be an effective way to resolve the situation. Having an attorney send a cease and desist letter, however, can be costly, and legal fee structures are complicated and unpredictable.

What is a cease and desist letter?

A cease and desist letter is a letter you send to someone demanding they cease a certain behavior or activity that is harming you. A "cease and desist order" is an official order, handed down by a court, a judge or a governmental body. The two are very often confused.

Is a letter from an attorney a legal document?

A letter from an attorney is not a legal document in the sense that it can force a person to stop. The purpose of a letter from an attorney is to threaten legal action is the behavior or activity is not stopped - and therefore you would eventually pursue a cease and desist order and financial damages accordingly.

What is a cease and desist letter?

A cease and desist letter is often the first step in stopping a trademark infringement ‚ copyright infringement ‚ or patent infringement. It is a warning letter from a lawyer putting a person or organization on notice to stop using a trademark, copyright or patent without authorization.

What happens if you don't obey a cease and desist letter?

Since it is clear that we are aggressive intellectual property litigators ‚ the letter will also inform the violator that failure to obey our cease and desist letter will result in legal action which is usually a trademark lawsuit, copyright lawsuit, or patent lawsuit. While a cease and desist letter may be used as a warning against any ...

What does "stop and desist" mean?

Cease and Desist Meaning 1 Cease: This legal term refers to a demand that a certain action be stopped. 2 Desist: This refers to a demand that the misconduct in question never be restarted. This could be important in situations such as Amazon trademark infringement, where it may be easy for an infringer to just start a new seller’s account and continue the infringing activity.

When sending a cease and desist letter, is it important to remember that?

When sending a trademark cease and desist letter, it’s important to remember that trademark infringement requires a likelihood of confusion. This makes it important to explain in the letter why consumers may confuse two uses. Additionally, it is important to allege priority of use.

What is the difference between "cease" and "desist"?

The words cease and desist are similar but have slightly different meanings. Cease: This legal term refers to a demand that a certain action be stopped. Desist: This refers to a demand that the misconduct in question never be restarted.

Can you respond to a cease and desist letter?

You’re under no legal obligation to respond to a cease and desist letter. Failure to do so, however, could hurt you in the long run. If the sender of such a notice doesn’t have a realistic legal claim, for instance, they may see your failure to respond as a weak legal standing.

How long does it take to write a cease and desist letter?

Most cease and desist letters will take up to two to eight hours to write up a letter due to the fact the attorney will have to conduct research for you as well as ensure that you have the right to send one out legally.

What is a cease and desist letter?

A cease and desist letter, also known as a C&D, is a letter written in order to stop certain activities such as trademark violations, harassment, stalking, slander and more. The purpose of this letter is to tell the recipient that all activity must be stopped or else legal action may ensue.

How much does a lawyer charge per hour?

Most lawyers are going to charge on an hourly basis, and these hourly rates can range anywhere from $50 to $950 per hour . For something such as a cease and desist letter, plan on spending $125 to $300 per hour to have a letter written up.

What happens after a C&D is sent out?

After the C&D is sent out, the attorney will be able to follow up and keep you updated with the process.

What happens if the party fails to respond to a letter?

If the party fails to respond, an attorney can take the issue one step further taking it to court, which would result in higher fees.

Can a lawyer do a C&D?

There may be times when a C&D isn’t necessary and the lawyer won’t pursue the case since all attornies have ethical obligations to follow.

Can an attorney write a letter?

Even though an attorney can write a letter, ask them if it’s going to be effective. For example, many websites will simply ignore your request and you could be faced with a high bill and no action. When considering a letter, known what litigation you may ensue, even if this isn’t your goal.

Why is a C&D letter important?

To add to my colleagues' good advice, I'd add that the research and evaluation of your and the other party's respective claims is crucial because a C&D letter can give that user grounds to sue you creating a controversy that now has to be resoilved by the courts...

Do lawyers charge by the task?

There is really no way to answer this question. Lawyers generally do not charge by the task--they charge for their time. Without knowing the facts and circumstances, I cannot begin to estimate how much time would be required to adequately represent you in this matter. But one thing that frustrates many lawyers is that cllients often have unrealistic expectations regarding cost and time. And if any lawyer tells you...

What does "without a cease and desist letter" mean?

Without a cease and desist letter, the individual or business has not been put on notice to stop any behavior. Without having the individual or business on notice, the unlawful behavior will likely continue which could cause harm to you or your company depending on... read more.

What is a cease and desist letter?

A cease and desist letter is a written notice requesting an individual or business engaging in unlawful, unwanted, or harmful conduct to stop and refrain from such behavior now and in the future. This letter is typically used to ask someone to immediately end their... read more.

Can a thoughtfully tailored letter open the path to resolution?

In many instances, a thoughtfully tailored letter can open the path to resolution. Competitors offer you form letters for download and distribution. However, these obvious nonspecific correspondence do not carry the same value and inherent power that a narrowly tailored correspondence sent from a lawyer offers you.

Can you comply with a cease and desist letter?

People tend to avoid litigation at all costs and typically comply when they receive a cease and desist letter. However, sometimes they fail to comply. When someone fails to comply with a cease and desist letter, there are a few options still available to have your... read more. Contact Us.

Can an opposing party disregard your correspondence?

The opposing party will completely disregard your correspondence if you send it. They are aware that there is little, if anything, you can do to cease or desist their infringing behavior. However, the value of a lawyer writing this correspondence offers you the leverage and the teeth that other websites cannot.

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