thread: 2012-03-06 : Chad Underkoffler: Freelancing for RPGs
On 2012-03-07, JustinDJacobson wrote:
Hi, there. For those who don't know, in addition to being a game publisher, I am an attorney specializing in debt collection.
I have to disagree with you, Chad, on one point. I would rarely recommend going to a collection agency. They generally charge higher rates on worse terms than collection attorneys, and as non-attorneys they have less "ammo" at their disposal, e.g., filing suit. I would look for a collection attorney local to the publisher. If you have trouble locating one, you can always ping me; I have a nationwide directory of such attorneys.
There are practical limitations on your legal rights. An attorney will not take a case for suit over, e.g., $500. (Though they might be willing to write a demand letter and/or make some calls.) Many collection attorneys will do a demand letter for a modest flat fee, e.g., $50. For larger cases, most collection attorneys will work on a contingent fee basis, i.e., a percentage of what they are able to actually collect. If they don't collect anything, you don't pay anything. Some may work for court-awarded fees if they are provided for by the contract.
Etc., etc. Something to keep in mind.
