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14 Jan, 2022 by Eileen brunkhorst
I reached out to his business, gave them the info that needed and never received a call back
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25 Aug, 2019 by Bob and bill
Told me I have no Jury Duty now I got a Letter in the Mail that says I missed Jury Duty ?
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29 Jun, 2019 by Marilyn
We hired Thomas McDonnell after my husband and 96 year old aunt were involved in a auto accident. My husband was driving and was not at fault. We both had medical insurance coverage through our employment, and auto insurance. Our aunt unfortunately passed away from her injuries. Later, our medical insurance company wanted to be reimbursed thousands of dollars for the medical payments. Tom helped us through this devastating situation and we settled with a great outcome. We could handle most everything through emails with Tom which was wonderful since we live 2 hours away. Highly recommend Thomas McDonnell.
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04 Mar, 2018 by Mary ann
I was in an automobile accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury. The injury did not result in any permanent disability and I was not interested in a lawsuit. But I was overwhelmed by the interactions I was having with my auto and health insurance companies and the at-fault driver's auto insurance. Mr McDonnell was recommended to me and he was incredibly helpful. He explained the entire process and assumed responsibility for all of it. He was up-front about his fee and obtained a settlement for me that was more than fair.
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16 Feb, 2018 by Pat
Tom took on my personal injury case and took care of every detail for me. I did not have to worry about anything. If I got a notice or a phone call regarding my case I just passed it on to Tom. He was by my side every step of the way. His gentle presence next to me during depositions was very reassuring, I always knew when to hold back when he would tap my leg to tell me enough said. My case was quite involved and detailed for many reasons. I am self employed running a home care business so loss of wages was a bear to document and a previous injury was ammunition for opposing counsel. Multiple vehicles involved in the accident meant multiple lawyers representing different interest. I could never have navigated the mine field my case was without Tom’s great experience. I know I had the best man in my side. I just put my faith in Tom and he never let me down. He won a difficult case and achieved a good outcome for me. You’ll notice that I refer to Mr McDonnell as Tom, I was way to comfortable with my attorney to use his sir name. He is just Tom to me.
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01 Mar, 2018 by Travis
I can't recommend Joseph enough. If he takes your case, you have an angel in court. This guy knows his stuff. Get your facts together and give them to him and he will help you if you have even the slightest angle, assuming you have been treated wrongly. He actually cares about you, because, otherwise, he'd be doing something else to be more profitable. Joe has a big heart and an experienced mind. You can't beat that. He helped me bring suit against my employer twice, and we won both times, including an EDD case, for a total of three victories. I'm very happy with Joe's work and results.
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21 Aug, 2014 by Tracey
I hired Mr. Maloney for a complex employment action. At every step, he displayed the utmost professionalism and knowledge. He was always prepared, well-spoken and respectful. It was a comfort to sit next to him in court knowing that he was more than capable of taking care of all the legal aspects of our case. He was also always compassionate and upbeat. He made a difficult, trying time for me, tolerable. I really felt like I had someone on my side that was more than capable of standing up for my rights. He is a true professional and a great all around person. I can't thank him enough for guiding me through something I never could have done on my own.
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12 Mar, 2014 by John
I first contacted Mr.Maloney eighteen months ago for a legal opinion on actions my soon-to-be former employer was taking. Then last June he helped me navigate the white waters of contract negotiations with my former employer. Joseph did a great job. Without his help I would have botched it. I recommend him highly.
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04 Feb, 2021 by Chris
A while back I was hit by a reckless driver on the freeway causing me to roll several times. The next day I had insurance companies calling me pressuring me into say how I felt. I didn't know what to say so I sought out representation. Over the course of my case, Mr. Maurer and his team handled everything from the smallest detail of the case to just "how are you today?" with the upmost care and attention. The entire process was stress free from the time they took over. I would receive updates consistently so I always knew the standings of the case. I hope I'm never in a situation where I need representation again but if I am he will be one of the first people I call. 
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21 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Jordan took my case when others would not. He and is team were respectful, professional, efficient, and negotiated more than I could have hoped for. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone seeking legal representation.
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26 Aug, 2018 by Liz
Jordan expertly and successfully represented my 91 yr old father with a serious injury claim. He was compassionate and came to my father's home several times during the process. He was patient in explaining the legal aspects of the case. Jordan sent updates to me and my brother along the way and always kept us in the loop. Jordan has a good heart and demonstrated how much he cares for his clients. We can't thank Jordan enough for the time, effort and empathy he displayed towards my dad and resolving his case.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Lisa
We brought Ryan on after we were with another Attorney for over 2 months. During this time the previous Attorney didn't consult with our son at all in person. We hired this amazing Attorney Ryan Couzens AFTER he made an in person visit with our son. Yes he took the time to meet with and listen to our son prior to receiving retainer fee. Hired 9/22/24 for sentencing hearing on 10/3/24. Ryan knew more about the case than previous council and argued the case like he was representing his own son. He did what I think an Attorney should do (communicated) with us and our son the entire time. He took the pressure off. I just can't say enough. Our son was looking at a prison sentence and Ryan the miracle man came through for him. Our son received a short jail sentence and probation. We are and will be forever grateful to Ryan James Couzens.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Ryan is an exceptional and practical attorney. Ryan represented me after picking up my case from another attorney at his prior firm. With his prior experience as a DA, he understands how the other side thinks and plays their hand. He has intuitive ideas and creative angles in framing your defense. His responsiveness was far above my expectations and made me feel understood and heard through out the process. One thing I noticed early was his ability to listen to his clients. Often specialists in a field speak over you and lack the ability to connect with their clients in an everyday common manner but Ryan often stops himself and says “you had a question, go ahead”. That made me feel taken care of by my attorney. Support this man and his ability to serve his clients, you’re in great hands!
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27 Sep, 2024 by Twila
Ryan did an awesome job helping my son. I highly recommend him I referred him to someone I had met that was in need for an attorney and I know Ryan will do the job. Thank you for everything. God bless you.
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What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer?

Hiring the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Here are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
  3. Who will be handling my case?
    Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals.
  4. What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. What potential outcomes can I expect?
    While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience.
  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the expected timeline for my case?
    Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish.
  8. Do you have references from past clients?
    Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness.
  9. What challenges do you foresee in my case?
    Understanding potential obstacles helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
  10. Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

Can a Lawyer Represent Me in Courts Outside of Auburn, California?

Whether a lawyer can represent you in courts outside of your city or state depends on their licensure and the jurisdiction of the court:

  • Within the Same State:
    Lawyers licensed in a particular state can typically practice anywhere within that state, including all cities and counties. They can represent you in both state and federal courts located in that state.
  • Outside of Their Licensed State:
    If your case is in a different state, the lawyer must be licensed in that state to represent you. However, there are exceptions:
    • Pro Hac Vice Admission: An out-of-state lawyer can request special permission to represent a client in a specific case in another state. This requires filing a motion with the court and often working in conjunction with a local attorney.
    • Federal Courts: If your case is in federal court, a lawyer licensed in any state may be able to represent you, provided they are admitted to practice in that particular federal court.
  • International Representation:
    For cases outside the United States, different rules apply, and the lawyer may need to comply with the foreign country's legal requirements or collaborate with local counsel.

It's important to discuss your specific situation with the lawyer to determine if they can represent you in the desired jurisdiction and what steps may be necessary to do so.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:

  • Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. Most state bar websites have an online directory for this purpose.
  • Experience and Specialization:
    Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. Review their website, professional profiles, and case history.
  • Disciplinary Record:
    Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association's records.
  • Client Reviews and Testimonials:
    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Google, or Yelp to gauge client satisfaction and experiences.
  • Professional Memberships:
    Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field and adherence to high ethical standards.
  • Awards and Recognitions:
    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation in the legal community.
  • Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  • Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their abilities and professionalism.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:

  • Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as:
    • Contracts or agreements
    • Correspondence (emails, letters, texts)
    • Legal notices or court papers
    • Financial records (if applicable)
    • Evidence (photos, videos, receipts)
  • Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and parties involved. This helps the lawyer quickly understand the context.
  • List of Questions:
    Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, fees, or the lawyer's experience.
  • Financial Information:
    If your case involves financial matters, bring relevant documents like pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or invoices.
  • Contact Information:
    Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case, including their names and contact information.
  • Personal Identification:
    Bring a valid photo ID for verification purposes.
  • Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points discussed.
  • Budget Constraints:
    Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations so the lawyer can provide appropriate guidance on fees and payment options.
  • Openness and Honesty:
    Be prepared to discuss your case candidly. Full disclosure allows the lawyer to give accurate advice and anticipate potential challenges.
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