Common questions about working with the Law Offices of Andrew Cargill. If your question isn’t answered here, please call or send a message — Andrew is happy to talk through it.
About the Firm
How long has your firm been in practice?
The Law Offices of Andrew Cargill has been in solo practice in Pembroke Pines since December 2006 — nearly 20 years. Andrew was admitted to the Wyoming State Bar in 2006 and to The Florida Bar in 2011.
What practice areas does Andrew handle?
The firm handles five practice areas: family law, civil litigation, immigration, real estate, and unemployment appeals. Each has a dedicated page on this site that covers what the firm handles in that area, fee structure, and typical timelines.
What if my legal matter isn’t one of your practice areas?
If your matter falls outside the firm’s five practice areas — for example, criminal defense, personal injury, or bankruptcy — call the office anyway. Andrew often refers matters to attorneys in adjacent practice areas, at no cost to the client. The firm does not participate in fee-splitting arrangements with referral attorneys.
What’s the difference between hiring a solo attorney and a large firm?
In a solo practice, the attorney is the person who handles your case from the first call to the final document. There are no associates, no rotating attorneys, and no being passed between people. For clients who value that direct line over a larger firm’s structure, a solo practice is the point.
Andrew’s view of solo practice — individualized attention, a more organic working rhythm, direct one-on-one contact instead of being routed through multiple lawyers — is what the firm is built around.
Will Andrew personally handle my case?
Yes. Andrew is the only attorney at the firm. Every matter the firm takes on is handled by Andrew personally. Office staff handle administrative and scheduling tasks; legal work is Andrew’s.
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes. The firm is currently accepting new matters across all five practice areas. To start the intake process, call the office or submit a message through the contact form.
Consultations and Fees
How does the initial consultation work?
Initial consultations are scheduled by calling the office. Andrew runs a conflict check before the consultation. At the consultation, Andrew reviews the matter as you describe it, explains the realistic options, gives a fee estimate, and answers questions. If the firm is the right fit for your matter and you decide to retain, a written retainer agreement is signed and the engagement begins.
Is the initial consultation free?
No. Initial consultations are not free. Please call the office to discuss scheduling and the consultation fee.
How does your office bill — hourly or flat fee?
It depends on the practice area and the type of matter:
- Family law: Flat fee for uncontested divorces; hourly for contested matters.
- Civil litigation: Hourly.
- Immigration: Flat fee for standard filings (citizenship, family-based petitions, residency and green card filings, visa applications); hourly or phased billing for complex residency and green card matters that span multiple filings or extended timelines.
- Real estate: Flat fee for closings and deed transfers; hourly for evictions and disputes.
- Unemployment appeals: Flat fee per appeal.
Fees and retainer terms are discussed at the initial consultation, after the matter has been described in enough detail to give an honest estimate.
How do I pay for legal services?
The firm accepts cash, check, and Zelle. Retainers are paid at the start of the engagement; ongoing matters are billed against the retainer with monthly statements.
Working With the Firm
How quickly does Andrew respond to inquiries?
Andrew responds to inquiries within one business day. For matters with time-sensitive deadlines (a hearing date, a filing deadline, a closing date), please mention the deadline in your initial message or note it during your call so the office can prioritize.
Do you offer remote consultations or only in person?
Both. Initial consultations can be conducted in person at the office in Pembroke Pines, by phone, or by video conference. Some immigration and unemployment matters are entirely remote.
What languages does your office speak?
Andrew speaks English. All legal representation is conducted in English.
Will I receive regular updates on my case?
Yes. Andrew’s working principle is that the client and the attorney are working toward the same outcome, and that any unspoken assumption slows that down. Clients should expect direct conversations, written summaries when matters get complex, and a clear answer when they ask a question — including when the answer is “we don’t know yet” or “this depends on what the other side does.”
What if I’m not satisfied with the work being done?
Call Andrew directly. The fastest way to resolve a concern is a direct conversation. If a working relationship is not the right fit for whatever reason, the firm prefers to know early rather than late, and to address it directly.
Confidentiality
Is what I tell Andrew confidential?
Communications with the firm about your matter, after an attorney-client relationship has been formed, are protected by attorney-client privilege and by Andrew’s confidentiality obligations under Florida Rule of Professional Conduct 4-1.6. Information you submit through the contact form before an attorney-client relationship exists is not privileged — which is why the form asks you to keep initial messages general and to wait for a conflict check before sending case details.
Location and Hours
Where is the office located?
9050 Pines Blvd., Suite 450-1, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024. The office is on the south side of Pines Boulevard. Parking is available on site. Suite 450-1 is accessible from the main building entrance.
What are the office hours?
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The office is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays.
Do you have evening or weekend appointments?
Standard appointments are during business hours. Evening or weekend availability is rare but can be arranged for matters with scheduling constraints — please discuss with the office when scheduling.
Where does the firm accept matters geographically?
The firm primarily serves Pembroke Pines, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County. Immigration matters and unemployment appeals — both of which can be handled telephonically or through federal procedures — can be accepted from clients throughout Florida and, in some cases, throughout the United States.
Andrew’s Credentials
What are Andrew’s bar admissions?
Andrew is admitted to:
- The Florida Bar (2011)
- The Wyoming State Bar (2006)
- The United States Supreme Court
- The United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
Are you admitted to federal court?
Yes. Andrew is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and in the United States Supreme Court. He handles civil and immigration matters in federal forums when the case fits the firm’s practice areas.
Where did Andrew go to law school?
Andrew earned his Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2003. His undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Sociology) is from Florida International University, completed in 1995. He also holds an Associate of Science in Legal Assisting from Broward Community College (1999, Honors, Dean’s List).
Has Andrew taught law?
Yes. Andrew served as Professor of Legal Studies at Broward Community College from 2007 to 2009, teaching civil litigation, criminal procedure, legal writing and drafting, debtor-creditor (bankruptcy), immigration, corporate law, and business law.
Has Andrew been involved in public speaking?
Yes. In March 2018, Andrew was a featured panelist on a DACA panel relating to immigration policies, held at Broward College — South Campus.
Still Have a Question?
If your question isn’t answered here, call or send a message. Andrew responds to inquiries within one business day.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.