We're Here For YouAt Muilenburg Law LLC, we offer expert legal services and advice, drawing on our in-depth knowledge of VI law and the St. John community gained from over 40 years of on-island legal experience between our partners. When you need a law firm you can trust, we're here to help. We welcome you! |
Directions to Our Office
We are located in Mongoose Junction above the Sun Dog Café. Parking for visitors is located at the side and rear of the building; please park in a space marked “customer only.” Park and walk towards the Sun Dog Café open-air restaurant. Take the stairs up from the middle of the Sun Dog Café dining patio, where you’ll see a sign on the wall with our firm name on it. Go up the stairs to the second floor office suites (Friends of the Park Office is on third floor). Our suite (#5) is at the opposite corner from the front door. Our hours are 11-3pm, M-F; please call ahead to confirm appointments at 340-693-8255. |
What to Expect
Engagement
Here is some of what to expect when you hire our firm to assist you with your legal matter:
- An engagement agreement between the client and the firm is signed.
- A retainer is collected and held in an Escrow account by the firm, to be applied at the close of the matter.
- Legal services will be provided by the Partner, Associates and/or Staff.
- We send you a monthly invoice, with an expectation of payment within 10 days.
Matters
While all matters are different, and can vary considerably depending on the parties involved, here are some common elements often encountered in two different types of matters ~
- Real estate transactions These matters can vary tremendously depending on the situation and the parties involved. We may prepare the purchase agreement, or it may be prepared by your realtor if one is involved. We will typically prepare the additional documents needed for closing and process them with the VI government authorities, but our work will vary depending on whether you are the buyer or the seller.
- Probates involve a lengthy court process, the timing of which is usually up to the court and can sometimes take years to resolve. We will do everything we can to facilitate timely progress. We will typically need to get from you a copy of the will and death certificate, and other documents that are needed. The efficiency of the probate process often depends on the other parties involved and their level of cooperation. Frequently we will be filing a petition for probate or a similar set of documents that will involve signatures by all family members involved.
Instructions for Signing Documents
Guidelines to Follow
There are specific ways that legal documents should be handled. We are providing this information for your convenience, so that you can easily follow these guidelines when printing and signing all legal documents. Thank you!
- Print single sided only. (Double sided documents sometimes will have to be reprinted and re-signed.)
- Always sign in blue ink only.
- Sign exactly as the names appear in the signature block.
- If a notary space is designated on the document, please do not return until the document is notarized, stamped and sealed by a licensed notary.
- If witnesses are required, please make sure that you have the witnesses signatures before returning the document to our office.
- If you have any questions while printing and signing your documents, please do not hesitate to contact our office for assistance.
FAQs / Hiring a Lawyer:
1) What are a lawyer's primary responsibilities?
Lawyers, by virtue of a state's or territory's bar admission, are expected to both uphold the law and protect the rights of their clients. In addition to understanding the relevant law, parties and business considerations, an attorney must communicate clearly with clients, work competently to resolve clients' needs and be ethical in handling of a case/matter.
2) What do lawyers actually do?
The practice of law is more than just appearing in court on behalf of a client. Many lawyers mainly argue cases before a judge, others never step foot in a courtroom. We handle a wide range of litigation, transactional and other matters. Whether in or out of court, lawyers spend a great deal of time in an office handling a variety of tasks pertaining to their clients' matters - such as researching new developments in the law, preparing legal documents, and giving legal advice.
3) What types of law do we specialize in?
We provide legal representation in a variety of practice areas including but not limited to the establishment of corporate entities, real estate transactions, land use/land development, trusts and estates, probates, litigation, business or personal conflict resolution, environmental law, maritime law, bankruptcy, family law, insurance claims and disputes.
4) What is a retainer fee and how is it used?
A retainer fee allows the firm to commence work on your matter. This money is held in an escrow account for you, separate from our regular operating account. In other words, a retainer is a "down payment" on legal services. You will receive monthly billing statements that clearly describe the work being performed by the firm, and you will pay on a monthly basis as we continue to work on your matter. Your retainer funds may be applied to any late payments or your final billing. However, many clients prefer to leave their retainer in escrow for their future legal needs.
5) How much will this cost?
We are happy to discuss expected costs with you, which can very significantly. Our fees are based on hourly increments (0.2-hour minimum), for all our time spent on the matter, including but not limited to communication, document review and preparation, strategy analysis and consultation necessary to advance your goals.
6) How long will my matter take to complete?
Every situation is unique. The length of a matter, from the initial consultation through to the resolution of the matter depends on many variables, so it is not possible to say exactly how long a matter may take. The duration of a matter is often dictated by the court or government requirements as well as the efficiency of all parties involved in the matter. Some courts, especially in the USVI have a backlog.
7) How does the intake process work?
We will ask that you fill out a simple, standard intake form, and provide you with an Engagement Letter that is unique to you and your matter. Once you have read through, please sign and return the Engagement Letter and intake form, along with your retainer funds, and we will be able to begin working on your matter immediately.
Community Disaster Relief - Helpful Links
The Paycheck Protection Program is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which consists of $349 billion in government-backed loans to help small businesses maintain their payrolls. Applications were accepted through August 8, 2020. Here are helpful links for more information about this program.
Funding and Relief Resources:
Federal stimulus package details
Learn more about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security
(CARES) Act, the relief package that provides lump-sum checks to
many Americans, defers payroll taxes for eligible small businesses,
and more.
What is the Paycheck Protection Program?
Help determine loan eligibility, learn how to apply and how much you
may be able to borrow, and get information regarding repayment or
forgiveness terms.
How the PPP Flexibility Act changes PPP rules
The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA) addresses
many of the concerns voiced by U.S. small businesses around
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness. The new law,
signed by the president on June 5, attempts to ease the burden placed
on businesses that have received PPP loans.
General Business Resources
Federal Reserve provided up to $2.3 trillion in loans
Read more on the increase of federal relief to households and employers.
Intuit Aid Assist
Check your eligibility for U.S. federal relief loans in 10 steps or less with this free website and interactive tool.
Federal stimulus package details
Learn more about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security
(CARES) Act, the relief package that provides lump-sum checks to
many Americans, defers payroll taxes for eligible small businesses,
and more.
What is the Paycheck Protection Program?
Help determine loan eligibility, learn how to apply and how much you
may be able to borrow, and get information regarding repayment or
forgiveness terms.
How the PPP Flexibility Act changes PPP rules
The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA) addresses
many of the concerns voiced by U.S. small businesses around
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness. The new law,
signed by the president on June 5, attempts to ease the burden placed
on businesses that have received PPP loans.
General Business Resources
Federal Reserve provided up to $2.3 trillion in loans
Read more on the increase of federal relief to households and employers.
Intuit Aid Assist
Check your eligibility for U.S. federal relief loans in 10 steps or less with this free website and interactive tool.