Legal Fee Options
Helping Nonprofits and Federal Vendors Build, Grow, and Lead with Clarity
Whether you’re forming a new organization, managing a federal program, or building sustainable partnerships, your mission deserves a solid foundation.
I combine legal counsel with two decades of federal leadership and nonprofit management to help clients structure programs, manage risk, and move forward with confidence.
Working Together
Every engagement begins with a conversation about goals, structure, and outcomes.
I offer flat-fee projects and subscription-based plans for predictable, ongoing legal and consulting support — so you can plan confidently and focus on your mission.
Legal services are provided through the Law Office of D.C. Burnette, PLLC, licensed in Missouri and limited to federal practice. Consulting and contracting services are non-legal and available to federal agencies and nonprofit organizations under separate agreement.
Overview of Subscription Plans
Mission-driven organizations and federal vendors often need steady support—guidance that is timely, practical, and accessible without the unpredictability of hourly billing. The firm offers a monthly subscription model that blends limited-scope federal legal services with strategic consulting, giving clients reliable access to counsel and operational insight when issues arise.
Subscriptions are designed for those who value continuity, clarity, and disciplined problem-solving. They secure access to the firm, establish predictable costs, and provide a structured way to address federal matters as they develop.
How the Subscriptions Work (Plain-English Terms)
Limited-scope services
Subscriptions provide ongoing consulting and limited federal legal guidance. They do not include full legal representation in any matter unless separately agreed through a standalone engagement letter.
Reasonable use
“Unlimited access” means prompt, practical support within a fair and reasonable volume, ensuring all subscribers receive timely attention.
Billing & cancellation
Subscriptions are billed monthly and auto-renew until canceled. Fees are earned upon receipt as payment for access and availability. If the attorney-client relationship ends, any unearned portion of advance legal fees—if ever collected—may be refunded consistent with the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Conflicts & confidentiality
All new matters are screened for conflicts. Communications with legal-clients are protected under applicable ethical rules; documents are exchanged through secure systems.
Scope & jurisdiction
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The attorney is licensed in Missouri.
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Legal services are limited to federal law, federal administrative forums, and federal regulatory matters where authorized.
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No state-law representation is offered, except where it is incidental to a federal issue or otherwise permitted.
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Consulting services (non-legal) are not limited by state boundaries.
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Note: If engaged as a subcontractor, or as a Prime, normal contracting payment schedules apply. Typically, this would not allow the use of a Subscription or other payment type.
No guarantees
Guidance is strategic and preventive. No outcome is promised or guaranteed.
Subscription Plans for Nonprofits and Federal Vendors
Each plan blends strategic consulting with limited-scope federal legal guidance. All services are delivered virtually and tailored to the needs of mission-aligned nonprofits, public-lands partners, and federal vendors seeking clarity, compliance, and responsible growth.
The Foundation Plan — $175/month
For emerging nonprofits and early-stage federal vendors who need clarity and structure.
This plan establishes essential systems, promotes sound operations, and offers steady access for foundational issues.
What’s Included
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1–2 scheduled consultations per month (email/video/phone/client portal)
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Light document review (up to 10 pages/month) for bylaws, internal policies, vendor agreements, or simple federal-facing documents
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Formation and organizational roadmap for nonprofits; federal-readiness checklists for vendors
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Annual compliance checklist and reminders
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Priority messaging through the client portal
Ideal For
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Start-up nonprofits
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Grassroots groups
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New or small federal vendors needing structured processes and clear guidance
The Growth Plan — $500/month
For developing nonprofits and smaller federal vendors ready to strengthen systems, reduce risks, and improve compliance.
This plan pairs consistent consulting with moderate document work to solve recurring issues and enhance organizational performance.
What’s Included
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Everything in the Foundation Plan
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Quarterly strategy discussions with leadership or the board
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Drafting/review of MOUs, vendor/grant agreements, teaming-related documents, and essential internal policies (reasonable volume)
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Risk spotting and process improvement (conflicts, finance workflows, documentation, records)
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Priority scheduling for time-sensitive matters
Ideal For
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Organizations building capacity
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Vendors preparing for growth or seeking better federal compliance
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Nonprofits expanding programming or entering into federal partnerships
The Stewardship Plan — $1,000/month
For mature nonprofits and established federal vendors navigating complexity, partnerships, or organizational change.
This plan provides high-level advisory support, governance refinement, and focused guidance for federal-facing work.
What’s Included
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Everything in the Growth Plan
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Standing monthly retainer access for scheduled consultations
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Participation in board or executive meetings when useful
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Recurring governance, compliance, and internal process tune-ups
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Federal interface guidance (grants, cooperative agreements, public-lands partnerships, DOI/USDA/NPS/BLM/BOR context)
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Custom templates and playbooks for recurring agreements, vendor relationships, or policy frameworks
Ideal For
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Mature nonprofits coordinating multi-party initiatives
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Vendors handling federal deliverables, performance expectations, or relationship management
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Organizations undergoing leadership transitions or strategic realignment
What’s Not Included (All Tiers)
The following require separate engagements or are outside the subscription model:
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Full litigation, formal administrative hearings, MSPB or COFC appearances, or any representation requiring a separate entry of appearance
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Complex applications, protests, appeals, or extensive drafting beyond the plan’s limited scope
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State-law matters (unless incidental to a federal issue or permitted by professional rules)
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Travel or third-party expenses
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Any work that would constitute a conflict with existing clients
If a subscriber’s needs exceed the scope of a plan, the firm will propose a separate limited-scope or flat-fee engagement or, where appropriate, provide referrals.
Flat Fee, Hourly Fee, & Contingency Fee Services
The Law Office of D.C. Burnette offers flat-fee, contingency fee, and hourly legal services for subscribers at rates approximately 25% below the average charged by comparable federal practice law firms. These discounts are available exclusively to clients with an active subscription through one of our Subscription Plans. Other clients will pay the standard rate. This model reflects our commitment to making high-quality legal guidance more accessible for individuals, employees, and small organizations navigating government systems.
Hourly Fee Services
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Standard Legal Advising & Strategy: Included in all Subscriptions. (Non-Subscriber Rate: $300/hour)
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Non-legal Consulting and Advising: Included in all Subscriptions. (Non-Subscriber Rate: $250/hour)
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Federal Appeals & Complex Matters: Included in all Subscriptions. (Non-Subscriber Rate: $400/hour)
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Note: Prime or Subcontractor Hourly Rates: $200.00/hour. Subscription rates do not apply. Rates are based on current GSA Schedule and market benchmarks for equivalent professional categories. The hourly rate represents a fully burdened rate, inclusive of all direct labor, overhead, G&A, and profit.
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All other services will be done on a flat fee or contingency fee model.
Contingency Fee Services
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In rare cases, or if a matter requires it under federal law, a contingency fee agreement may be appropriate.
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A contingency fee is a payment structure where a lawyer's fee is only paid if the case is won, and it's a percentage of the total recovery.
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In Cases where a contingency fee is appropriate, as a subscriber, this fee will be limited to 20% of the overall award, subject to any federally imposed cap, instead of the industry standard of 25-30%. Non-subscribers will be subject to the higher industry standard pricing.
Flat Fee Services
This menu outlines scope-limited legal services available for a flat fee. This list is not
inclusive.
Simple, predictable pricing for scope‑limited projects. These add‑ons complement your monthly plan and keep special projects moving without surprises. Add‑ons are available only to active subscribers. Some items may already be included in your plan’s reasonable‑use features (noted below).
Core Add‑Ons
(Not applicable for Federal Contract or Subcontracting Engagements)
Formation & IRS Recognition (501(c)(3)) — $750
Entity formation documents, EIN support, and Form 1023/1023‑EZ preparation with a filing roadmap and checklist. (Included in Renewal plan strategy; discounted for Growth.)
Bylaws & Core Policies Refresh — $500
Modernize bylaws and adopt essential policies (conflicts, whistleblower, records, fiscal controls) aligned to your structure and mission. (Often included in Growth/Renewal tune‑ups.)
Single MOU / Agreement Draft or Review — $250–$400
One standard Memorandum of Understanding, vendor agreement, or services contract (scope‑appropriate). (Reasonable volume included in Growth/Renewal.)
Grant or Cooperative Agreement Review — $400
Eligibility, compliance, and key‑terms review; risk spotting and recommendations before you sign or submit. (Growth/Renewal priority.)
Policy / Rulemaking Comment Letter — $750
Issue analysis and targeted public comment to advance your mission. (Light support often included in Growth/Renewal.)
FOIA Request + One Administrative Appeal — $750
Drafting, submission guidance, and one administrative appeal if denied. (Strategic planning around FOIA is included in Growth/Renewal.)
Public‑Lands Permit Support (CUA/SUP, standard) — $500
Scope‑limited assistance for nonprofit programs intersecting with federal lands (NPS/USDA/DOI context). (Eligibility strategy may be included in Growth/Renewal.)
Custom Templates Packet — $400
Reusable, attorney‑reviewed templates (e.g., MOU, volunteer agreement, gift acceptance policy) tailored to your operations. (Often built during Renewal engagements.)
Pricing reflects typical scope. Complex or high‑volume matters may be quoted separately in advance.
What’s Included vs. Your Plan
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Foundation Plan subscribers can add project work as needed using the menu above.
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Growth Plan subscribers receive periodic strategy sessions and limited agreement/policy work; add‑ons cover larger projects.
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Renewal Plan subscribers receive executive‑level support; several items above may be partially or fully covered through recurring engagements.
Important: For matters not listed above, additional flat fees may be proposed depending on scope and complexity. The firm is committed to working with clients to establish reasonable, predictable rates for eligible services.
All services are governed by a engagement or subscription agreement that clearly defines the scope of the attorney-client relationship. Any additional work beyond the scope of a subscription plan requires a separate written engagement agreement and may incur additional fees and/or allow a contingency fee agreement.
While we offer strategic consulting support through the Law Office of D.C. Burnette, PLLC, not all services constitute legal advice. Clients will be clearly informed when services fall outside the scope of an attorney–client relationship.