Answers to your questions.

Yes. Initial consultations are free and fully confidential. You'll leave with a clear sense of where you stand and what your options look like — even if you don't hire us. There's no sales pitch and no pressure.

We schedule consultations by phone, video, or in person at our Moscow office, depending on what works best for you.

Based in Moscow, we primarily represent clients across northern Idaho — including Latah, Nez Perce, Clearwater, and surrounding counties. For some matters, we represent clients statewide.

Remote consultations by phone or video are available for clients who can't easily travel to Moscow.

Any documents related to your matter — citations, contracts, prior court filings, correspondence, police reports, or estate documents — plus a written summary of the key events and timeline.

We'll send you a tailored preparation checklist when you book, specific to your practice area.

Three ways: call 208.301.5808, email kate@katehawkinslaw.com, or use the contact form. We respond to all new inquiries within 24 hours.

Fees vary by matter. Some are flat-rate — estate plans, simple contracts, and document review. Some are hourly — litigation, criminal defense, and complex matters where scope is harder to predict.

You'll always receive a clear written engagement letter before any billable work begins. No surprises.

For hourly matters, we typically require an upfront retainer that is held in a trust account and drawn against as work is performed. We'll explain the retainer amount and billing process clearly in your engagement letter.

We accept check, electronic transfer, and major credit cards. Payment plans may be available for certain matters — ask during your consultation.

Absolutely. Everything you share with us — before, during, and after engagement — is protected by attorney–client privilege. This applies even if you ultimately decide not to hire us.

We take confidentiality seriously. Your information is never shared without your explicit consent, except as required by Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct.

Yes. Our site uses HTTPS encryption. That said, no internet communication is 100% secure. For sensitive matters, we encourage you to call directly at 208.301.5808.

Submitting the contact form does not create an attorney–client relationship, but it is treated as confidential.

Yes. Criminal defense is one of our core practice areas. We handle everything from DUI and traffic offenses to drug charges, assault, theft, and serious felonies. Call immediately if you've been arrested or charged — timing is critical.

Yes — and we strongly encourage it. Estate planning isn't only for the elderly or wealthy. If you have assets, a partner, children, or healthcare preferences, you need basic documents like a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive.

We offer affordable estate planning packages for individuals and couples at any stage of life.

Yes. Landlord/tenant disputes fall under our civil litigation practice. We represent both landlords and tenants in eviction proceedings, security deposit disputes, lease violations, and habitability claims.

We respond to new inquiries within 24 hours — often sooner. For active clients, calls are returned the same business day. For active criminal matters, please call directly at 208.301.5808 — we monitor the line during business hours.

You work directly with Kate. This is a boutique firm — not a large practice where clients get shuffled between associates and paralegals. Kate personally handles every matter, which is why she keeps her caseload deliberate and manageable.

Yes. Phone and video consultations are available for all practice areas. Some matters — like signing estate planning documents — may require an in-person visit, but we'll tell you when that's necessary.