Questions clients ask before retaining the firm

The easiest way is to book yourself directly on the Contact page using the online scheduler — pick a time that works for you, no back-and-forth required. You can also call 301-346-4182 or email info@meridianlaw.co, and our team will follow up.

Yes — completely free, with no obligation and no pressure. It's a 30-minute conversation where Clarette listens to your situation, answers your questions, and gives you a fee quote and a clear next step. You don't need to prepare anything beforehand; just answer the questions on the booking form.

The firm has two areas of focus: estate planning — wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, guardianship, business succession planning, firearms trusts, elder law, and tax planning — and business law for deep tech, covering formation and governance, commercial and technology agreements, IP protection, investment readiness, litigation and dispute resolution, and outside general counsel for founders and technology companies. This focus allows for real depth rather than a generalist approach.

That's common, especially for entrepreneurs and business owners — the two often overlap, particularly around business succession planning. The firm handles both under one roof, so your estate plan and your business's legal foundation can be built to work together rather than as two disconnected engagements.

The Meridian Law Group operates as a virtual practice with a mailing address at 10530 Campus Way Drive S, #1207, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 (mail only — not a walk-in office). Reach out through the Contact page to schedule your free consultation.

Cynthia "Clarette" Farmer is admitted to practice law in Maryland, and the firm handles matters governed by Maryland law. For clients with matters in Washington, DC, Clarette can support those through a co-counsel arrangement with a DC-licensed attorney — just mention it during your consultation.

Yes. Communications with the firm are treated as confidential. Note that submitting the contact form or an initial inquiry does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship — that relationship begins only once formally established through an engagement agreement.

Three things: your questions answered, a fee quote for your specific matter, and a clear game plan for your next steps — whether or not you decide to retain the firm.

"Deep tech" generally refers to companies building on substantial technical or scientific innovation, rather than a purely consumer or services model. The firm's business law practice is built around that pace and complexity, but it isn't a requirement — founders and technology companies at any stage are welcome to reach out, and the consultation will help clarify whether the firm is the right fit.

Primarily founders, startups, and technology or innovation-driven companies — from formation through growth. The firm also works with investors and strategic partners on the legal side of those relationships. See the Business Law page for the full range of services.

It means having an ongoing legal partner who already knows your business — reviewing contracts, advising on decisions, and flagging issues before they get expensive — without the cost of hiring in-house counsel. It's typically structured as a flat-fee or retainer arrangement, tailored to how often you need support.

Both. Early-stage founders often start with formation, founder agreements, and governance; more established companies typically come in for commercial agreements, IP protection, investment readiness, or ongoing outside general counsel. The free consultation is the best way to figure out where you fit.

Both. Most disputes are resolved through negotiation rather than a courtroom, and the firm handles contract and commercial disputes, breach of contract enforcement, and founder or shareholder disputes directly. When formal litigation is necessary, the firm coordinates with trial co-counsel while staying involved as the attorney who already knows your business.

Yes. Patent prosecution, certain regulatory matters, tax structuring, and securities work often call for specialized counsel. As outside general counsel, the firm coordinates with those specialists so your legal picture stays consistent, rather than leaving you to manage disconnected advisors on your own.