• Why would I want to frame a copy of any of my cases?
  The legal profession consists of over a million lawyers. However, only a limited number of the profession have litigated cases of sufficient importance to have contributed to this country’s jurisprudence. For those of you who have litigated such cases, the question arises of how, and if, you memorialize that contribution. Clearly, those cases are published and can be sought out by anyone who is interested. However, for all the time, money and energy each of you put into your case(s) you may want to have some representation of the work in which you justifiably take pride. A framed representation of the printing plate of that case is offered as a vehicle for manifesting that pride.

Beyond these considerations, I can only offer you my own experience. I started having a number of my cases framed in the mid-90’s. I found these framed printing plates had both professional and personal benefits:

• From a professional standpoint, prior to retiring from the practice, I had my cases mounted in my client waiting area. Inevitably, clients would review these framed documents while waiting to be shown into my office. I number of clients told me later that the framed cases gave them a sense of confidence about who they had retained as their attorney. They had come to me originally based primarily upon recommendations from others and/or publicity surrounding various clients I represented. By seeing the scope and complexity of cases which I had litigated, they felt reassured that their retained counsel was, indeed, well versed in the subject of their litigation.
  
  
• From a personal standpoint, I draw some satisfaction in walking past the framed copies of the cases I litigated. Each one memorializes a unique set of facts and characters. It reminds me that the hours I spent away from my family and friends, the hours I spent at the office, produced a worthwhile result for both the client and the practice of law.
  
  
• Finally, as a matter of pure ego, I enjoyed my children showing their friends the cases their dad litigated. It often provided a starting point for conversations I had with my children about the factual eccentricities of the cases as well as the strategic challenges which the case presented. I guess the confession here is simply that I enjoyed putting things up on the wall that represented work of which I was proud.

• Why frame a printing plate rather than a printed document?
  I researched both document framing and printing plate framing. I found that the persons interviewed overwhelmingly favored the printing plate approach. They indicated the printing plate created a since of permanence and formality. The use of the printing plate created the impression in the reader that this case was part of the permanent jurisprudence of this country.

• What does it mean that you “simulate” the official printing plate?
  Angel & Associates is not connected with the publishers of these cases. Obviously, we do not have access to the original printing plates. Therefore, using current computer technology we recreate the relevant case pages. Moreover, in creating the most meaningful presentation of your significant cases, we will not always use facing pages. Rather, we use the first page and the page on which your appearance is printed. This may be different from the fashion in which the original was printed. As a result, the printing plate is “simulated”?

• Do the simulated pages contain the headnotes from the National Reporter system?
  Portions of court decisions officially published in the National Reporter system contain certain copyrighted material. The ability to include such copyrighted material can only be used with permission of the copyright holder. Angel & Associates can only include this copyrighted material within the limitations imposed by the copyright holder. Specifically, the copyright holder requires that (a) the framing be provided for personal use and (b) that copyright information contained in the original document be retained. Angel & Associates can only provide this service of framing these printing plates if the end user certifies that they are in conformance with these limitations. To the extent that these limitations are followed, then the copyrighted materials can be included on the printing plate.

• What about cases that are not part of the National Reporter system?
  There are cases which not part of the National Reporter system. The official version of these cases are often published by a government agency which does not retain copyright restrictions. Such cases can be easily converted to a simulated printing plate. In addition, a number of publishers will produce these same cases in their proprietary publications (e.g. BNA, CCH) and add headnotes and other copyrighted material. Normally, the printing plate will be of the official version. However, if the customer wishes to include such protected material, permission of the copyright holder must be obtained. Angel & Associates will assist you in obtaining such permission.

• What is the cost of obtaining special copyright permission?
  Angel & Associates does not charge any fee for assistance in obtaining the copyright permission to create the desired printing plate presentation. The fee for the framed products offered by Angel & Associates is set without inclusion of any direct or indirect cost for obtaining or using such copyrighted material. Such material is for the sole and personal use of the end user.

• What if the copyright holder does not grant permission?
  Your satisfaction is guaranteed with the products being offered by Angel & Association. If the printing plate cannot be created in the format which you desire, then you will not be charged for the work. If you have preordered the product, your entire purchase price will be refunded.

• What else can I add to the printing plate?
  Computer technology allows a great deal of flexibility in the creation of the printing plates. For that reason, we can add anything so long as it does not interfere with copyrighted material or change any substantive aspect of the official case presentation. For example, many customers desire to have added to the citation at the top of the page the subsequent appellate history including whether certiorari was denied. In addition, if you wish your appearance to be highlighted, we can place your appearance in bold, italics, or oversized print.

• What about custom framing?
  Custom framing is relatively easy if you have a clear identification of the frame type and mat type you wish to include. Angel & Associates has available to it a wide range of frames and mats. It becomes more complex if you wish to match your existing frames and mats. Often the passage of time has changed the color or look of your frames. In addition, over time, manufacturers have changed their frames and colors. Angel & Associates will work with you to match the framing and matting with your desires. Because this will involve custom framing and additional time, the cost of such framing will be determined on a case by case basis.

• How do I order custom framing?
  Rather than order the custom frame through the online purchasing form, please sent an email (or complete the contact form) indicating you wish to purchase a custom frame. Please provide detailed contact information. Someone will contact you and work with you to identify the custom framing you desire.

• What if I don’t like the custom framing?
  Before a custom frame is purchased, you will be provided a digital photo of the frame and matting. You will not be asked to purchase the custom frame unless and until you have indicated that you are satisfied with the framing and matting.

• How many cases can I frame?
  As many as you wish. When ordering, please advise us as to the name and citation of each case you wish framed.

• What is the purpose of personalizing the frame with a brass plate?
  Again this was the result of interviews with a number of individuals who reviewed the standard framing. It took people a little time to figure out what the framed document represented. In order to alleviate this problem, it was suggested that the frame include a brass plate with the name of the customer/attorney, the case name, and the case citation. In addition, some people wanted to have additional information such as “plaintiff’s attorney” or “defendant’s attorney.” Because there was a wide diversity of opinion of whether to include such a plate and, if included, what to print, Angel & Associates decided to allow the customer to add this plate to the frame for an additional fee.

• What is conservation glass?
  Over time light will fade any framed object. For an additional fee, in order to resist this fading, you may request conservation glass rather than the standard glass that is provided.

• What is the “Level Best Hanging System™?” Our manufacturer of frames has developed a hanging system that facilitates level hanging of all frames.

• What guarantee of satisfaction do I have?
  For the Standard Frames you have a guarantee of satisfaction for thirty (30) days after the product is delivered. Simply return the undamaged product to Angel & Associates and you will be given a full return of your purchase price minus shipping and handling charges. As discussed above, custom and special orders are not subject to this guarantee. Rather, prior to purchase and/or shipping, the customer will be asked to authorize the purchase, manufacture and shipping. As a result, all custom and special orders are final.

• What is the delivery time for the frame?
  For our Standard Frames, the estimated delivery time for the frame is 4-6 weeks. This period is predicated upon the estimated time of manufacture provided to us by our supplier (estimated 4 weeks). We will make every effort to ship your frame as soon as possible. For custom and special orders, the normal delivery time for the frame is 4 weeks from the date the order is authorized and purchased.

• You still haven’t answered my question!
  I have attempted to anticipate every question you might have. If I have missing anything, please email me through the contact form and I will try to directly answer any question you have about our services/products.