Click here to view our firm's guiding principles.

The principals, associates and staff at Lerch, Early & Brewer work together to assist individuals, businesses, municipalities, and non-profit organizations in a wide variety of legal matters. Our success over the years is attributable to our commitment to the guiding principles which direct our firm:  To demonstrate the highest standards of honesty and integrity in every aspect of our practice, while maintaining a strong commitment to our community.  We believe that this approach builds trust and respect not only with our clients, but with all parties involved in the legal process.

Since 1950, when predecessor firm Wallace & Lerch was founded, Lerch, Early & Brewer has kept pace with the changing times. “We are proud that many of our current clients have been with the firm for decades,” explains Harry Lerch, the firm’s senior partner. “The greatest measure of our success is that our growth has resulted primarily from client referrals. In the years ahead, we hope to strengthen our relationships with longstanding clients, and to develop rewarding relationships with new ones.”


Fees and Billing

We believe that the financial terms involved in our representation of a client always should be discussed with candor at the outset of the attorney-client relationship and at any later date when it is of concern to the client. While it is not always possible to predict precisely what a particular matter will cost, we try to explain what work is likely to be involved, what complications may arise, and who among our attorneys and support staff will be charging time and at what hourly rates. In appropriate cases, we may work on a contingent fee basis.  However, our fees typically are time-based, at hourly rates comparable to other firms in the Washington, D.C. area.  This information is confirmed in writing in the form of a retainer agreement or letter. Our billings generally are handled on a monthly basis. In all cases, we account to the client in detail for our fees and charges.