90 FOURDEFENSE
Civil litigation defense · Limited scope · Southern California

Sued?
Skip the retainer.

Served? We'll file your response.
Motion? We'll draft it.
Court date? We'll be there.
One flat fee. No retainer. No hidden fees.

Need help with a lawsuit right now?

Rather talk? Call (949) 841-4373

Question 1 of 3

What's going on?

Question 2 of 3

Is your deadline or court date in the next 7 days?

In most civil cases you have 30 days to respond once you're served. The clock is already running. Don't wait.

Question 3 of 3

Where's your case?

We can't take this one.

90 Four Defense handles cases filed in Southern California only. The self-help center at your county's superior court can help with forms, and your county bar association runs a lawyer referral service.

Here's how we can help

Every case comes with a written defense game plan for the rest of your case: defenses that may apply, how the case is likely to move, your deadlines, and your options including settlement. When the work is done, a letter confirms the attorney's role has ended.

Court filing and service costs come from a separate $250 deposit held in trust; unused funds are refunded. Nothing outside the tier is done without a new written agreement.

Inquiry · Page 1 of 2

Where can we reach you?

Inquiry · Page 2 of 2

Who's suing you?

We only use this to check for conflicts. Don't tell us about your case yet.

Do you already have a lawyer on this case?

Got it. Here's what happens next.

First a conflict check, then attorney review. If the matter is a fit, you'll receive a written agreement with the service, the fee, and what stays with you. You are not a client until it's signed.

Deadline close? Call (949) 841-4373

The short guide

Contents

Chapter I

Your case. Your call. We handle the part you need.

An attorney handles one specific task in defending the lawsuit against you, and you represent yourself for everything else. Before any work starts, a written agreement states exactly what's included and what stays with you.

The attorney

  • Does the task in your written agreement
  • Gives you a written defense strategy
  • Tells the court what the attorney is handling when filing or appearing for you

You

  • Every part of the case not in the agreement
  • Later deadlines and court dates
  • Decisions about settlement and next steps

When the attorney files or appears for you, a Notice of Limited Scope Representation (form CIV-150) is filed. When the task is done, the attorney asks the court to be relieved (form CIV-151).

Chapter II

Two prices. That's it.

Standard
$1,700
One defined task
Premium
$2,600
Expanded scope, same problem
SituationStandardPremium
Lawsuit ResponseI was just servedReview the complaint, then prepare, file and serve your answerA demurrer or motion to strike instead, or an answer plus one settlement letter
Motion PracticeDrafting or opposing a motionDraft, file and serve one motion or oppositionThe motion or opposition plus the hearing on it
Hearing RepresentationI have a hearingPrepare for and appear at one hearingThe hearing plus one related paper filed before it
Every case comes with a written defense game plan. Not included: discovery, cross-complaints, summary judgment, trial, appeals.

Not sure what you need? Book a 15-minute consultation with an attorney for $100.

Chapter III

No retainer. No hidden fees.

No retainer, no hourly billingYou pay one flat fee for the service you choose, when you sign the written agreement. It's held in a client trust account until the work is done.
$250 expense depositCovers court filing and service costs, held in trust. Unused funds are refunded; anything above it is charged at cost and shown to you first. Fee waivers are available to those who qualify.
Short deadlinesMatters due within 7 days are taken only when the schedule allows. If it isn't possible, you'll be told promptly.
RefundsIf the agreed service isn't completed or the engagement ends early, you're entitled to a refund of any unearned portion of the fee.

90 Four Defense is not affiliated with any court, government agency or legal aid organization.

Chapter IV

Four steps. Start to finish.

  1. Reach out. Two minutes. Your contact info, your deadline, and who's suing you.
  2. We check for conflicts. Before we talk details, we make sure we can take your case.
  3. You see the price. A written agreement with the task, the fee, and what stays with you.
  4. We get to work. The task gets done and you get your written defense game plan.

What we don't handle

  • Full representation for a whole case
  • Trials and appeals
  • Criminal or immigration matters
  • Cases outside Southern California
  • Plaintiff-side cases
  • Small claims (lawyers can't appear there)
  • Matters with a conflict of interest
Chapter V

Straight answers.

Will you represent me for my whole case?

No. Each service covers one defined task. You remain self-represented for everything else.

What happens after the work is done?

You get your written defense game plan and a letter confirming the attorney's role has ended. More help later starts with a new written agreement.

Can you tell me if I'll win?

No one can promise an outcome. The attorney will explain your options and what each involves.

What if I can't afford a service?

You may qualify for free help from local legal aid or the court's self-help center.

Got sued? Start here.