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18 Jan, 2022 by Angie
I was not able to retain Ms. Gastelum but I must say she really goes above and beyond even from the moment she took my phone call and did the consultation. You can tell she really cares and if she is not able to help, at least give you a very good consultation and what other options you have, and will refer you to anyone she thinks my help. Thank you Ms. Gastelum for your compassion and commitment to helping others!

Best lawyers in Long Beach, CA

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12 Apr, 2024 by Enrique navas
EASY, TO THE POINT, ONE FLAT FEE. DID MY PART, WAITED PATIENTLY AND NOW I'M (DEBT) FREE AND READY TO START OVER! THANKS (LAWYER) GREG.
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12 Apr, 2024 by Brenda castañeda
Raj and Brenda were a pleasure to work with. They made all the paperwork easy, guided me properly and made the whole bankruptcy process painless. Would recommend to anyone looking for a bankruptcy attorney!
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14 Aug, 2023 by Shavonni sulcer
They were very patient with me throughout the process and they answered every question that I proposed to them. They were very professional and if I had do it all over again, I would choose them to represent me. Great job, Greg! Thank you.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Sharai rodriguez
My in laws had a case that I thought was impossible to win, but we presented it to Michael and he worked diligently to ensure that they got their settlement and more! We are so grateful for his expertise and commitment to the case! You really can’t go wrong with his services.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Brandon pena
My experience with Michael was incredible. Michael was helpful, responsive, and empathic. I really appreciate the support given by Michael. I would 100% recommend anyone to reach out to him for needed services. Thanks Michael!
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03 Sep, 2024 by Imelda pina
I am pleased to say Michael and his team were excellent and efficient and professionals through the entirety of my case. I am glad to have had him on my side defending me and caring for the state of peace I needed in the matter of such. Thank you Michael and team for doing what you do best, I couldn’t have chosen anyone better.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Chris
I hired Zack, and he got my case dismissed in just FOUR DAYS! His expertise and dedication were evident from the start. He navigated the complexities of my situation with remarkable skill and kept me informed every step of the way. I couldn't believe how quickly he worked to achieve such a fantastic outcome. If you're looking for someone who truly cares and delivers results, I wholeheartedly recommend Zack!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Chris
I definitely recommend that you use this law firm. Zachary James McCready set me free I am more than satisfied with the legal representation that I received. They were able to quickly get my case dismissed after 2015 ticket and I was able to move on with my life. The way they treat their clients is absolutely amazing. I'm so glad that I found them. You won't be disappointed if you hire them. This review is from a person who hired this attorney.Hired attorney he fought for my rights.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Roma
Honest and amazing attorney. You get all your money's worth and then some with McCready - he gets the job done and leaves his clients with 100% satisfaction. He makes every client feel safe and valued and treats everyone with empathy instead of judgement.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

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 Long Beach, 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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