There are two factors which determine the fee, the number of legislative bills to be researched and the amount of time available to complete the work. When you call us at (800) 666-1917, we will quote the fee to you in advance. Copying costs and expedited delivery charges are also added to the invoice.

Other California Research

Research on the history of a California Regulation, California Rule of Court, or Rule of Professional Conduct will generally incur a research fee of $525 - $1050, plus expenses, depending on the project. Although we will normally provide an initial report within a week, we usually need a minimum of two weeks to access agency records. Copying costs can be very significant with some regulations.

Federal Research

Researching federal statutes, from materials available in Sacramento federal depository libraries, involves determining your focus of interest in the enactment due to the large quantity of federal documents available. Our researchers endeavor to provide that material most pertinent to your focus. Fees are charged according to the following basic fee schedule:

Federal Regulations

Federal regulations can be researched, focusing on the publications in the Federal Register, within a week for $525 per section, plus expenses. If acquisition of an agency´s file material is desired, and this can be done via telephone, a second research fee of $525 per section, plus expenses, is charged. Should a trip to Washington D.C. be necessary, we will discuss this and the related charges with you.

Other States

Research on the law of other states can be accomplished by phone contacts from California. Our fees for this type of research are $525 per enactment, plus expenses, and typically a minimum of two weeks is needed to acquire the documents. While unusual, sometimes documents can be obtained in less than one week. Our charge for more expedited research is $750 per enactment, plus all expenses. On-site research can also be conducted. Our rate is $100 per hour where we are given two weeks to complete the research plus all expenses, including travel, meals, copying, delivery, etc. Please let us know if the research is needed more quickly and we can discuss the options available as well as the related charges. 

Local Ordinance Suit

Research on local ordinances can be accomplished on terms very similar to research on other states. It is not unusual that on site research must be conducted in which case an hourly billing rate will apply. All expenses are also included.

Fees Can Be Recovered As Cost of Suit

In VAN DE KAMP vs. GUMBINER (1990), 221 Cal. App. 3d 1260,1290 to 1293; 270 Cal. Rptr. 907, 926 to 927, the court reviewed a trial court´s award of our fees as costs of suit. In a lengthy discussion, the court found our fees, as claimed by the Respondent in the lower court, met all the criteria under Code of Civil Procedure Section 1033.5, and that the trial court did not err in awarding our fees as a cost of suit.