Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
Pros
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant pros were found.
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.

All reviews

star star star star star
08 Oct, 2024 by Stanley mui
Back in August, I called Goldfarb & Luu to update my revocable trust. I last updated in 2001. The quote was $1050.00 depending on how much time is spent reviewing it. If a paralegal reviews it. It is $295.00 per hour. If an attorney needs to review it, it is $525.00 per hour. Annette , Rebecca’s administrative assistant and I agreed on a schedule by phone with a paralegal and Rebecca. Then shortly after, I received an email but the schedule to talk to Michelle/paralegal and Rebecca had completely changed without our prior agreement .She agreed to revert Michelle’s back to the original but was quite adamant not changing Rebecca’s schedule as Rebecca’s schedule was quite full but her schedule wasn’t convenient for me. Nevertheless I consented because I liked to get it moving . After talking Michelle I wasn’t happy about it . Michelle and I spent 15 minutes , verifying the account numbers of each of my asset account. I felt what she did as a paralegal wasn’t warranted as it was quite clerical and didn’t require a paralegal to ask me if my account numbers as stated were corrected. That phone call and reviewing the existing estate plan costed $206.50 ( 0.7 hours or 42 minutes . My phone record indicates 15 minutes so she used 27 minutes to review my old trust ). Rebecca reviewed my trust and wrote the following “ Your trust is only 16 pages long and is missing critical sections so unfortunately, we cannot amend it and need to restate it. The most cost efficient option moving forward will be our Comprehensive Estate Planning where you will get all new documents - $5900 “ , to which I replied what “ My trust is a folder that is 3 inches thick. I don’t know what you meant by only 16 pages long. As for $5900.00. According to Google A detail estate planning costs $900 to $5950. Mine is simple. … I have no houses, no exotic cars, no sail boats, nothing physical that I want to give away. I don’t know why it will cost me $5900.00. “. Rebecca didn’t respond to my question . She just replied I need to redo my 5 health directive. I called 2 attorneys from a list suggested by Fidelity. One quoted $3500 to $5000.00 and another quoted $4000 to $6000 . Both said the price depends on complexity. If I have multiple properties, own business, limited partnership etc, then it will be at the higher end of the range. She said in my case, it would be more toward the lower end of the range or around $3000 , less than half of what G & L wanted . At that point, I felt that Rebecca’s price is way of line . I got the impression that $1050 is a done deal, a bit more or a bit less. I agreed to move forward after the initial 30 minutes free consultation. Her suggestion of “Comprehensive Estate Planning “ wasn’t warranted because mine is simple. I called Rebecca I am cancelling the next appointment, reminding myself that her rate of $525.00 per hour . I told her I will pick up my trust folder. When I showed up her staff returned my folder , plus a check for $656.50. I paid $1050.00 so her company spent $393.50. The invoice itemized each email and time spent reviewing the old trust. I counted 9 email responses costing $187.00 or $21.00 per email response on the average . So after spending $393.50, I accomplished absolutely nothing. By chance I found a company called The Document People near Topanga Canyon and Ventura Blvd on Google. I called them. Andrea answered. I also watched their video in preparation for that. The quote was $799 for single. $899 for couple. All I have to do is to setup an appointment, come in and fill out some forms ( to start from scratch ), return to sign some forms . Regardless of complexity, it takes about 1 week. Appointments were readily available. Email and phone responses incur no charges ( as opposed to to G & L where I can be charged for that ) I just got my trust updated for $399.00 last Tuesday. I lost $393.50 . but I saved $5500.00
star star star star star
27 Aug, 2024 by Райхона исомиддинова
star star star star star
06 Aug, 2024 by Brad altfest
Positioned themselves as a full-service practice at a critical time when I was moving my mom from out of state to be better able to take care of her. Every one of their "specialists" knew nothing about their supposed subject area, except to refer me to other for pay professionals outside the practice. Then, when I would ask the questions the practice couldn't answer, they would tell me that that was something that the practice should have been able to answer for me. Literally got more value out of the utterly free services from the retirement community center around the corner from my apartment. Also blew through $600.00 of the $1,000 retainer and literally produced nothing of any substance. And had the gall to tell me that the complete, straightforward, out of state estate documents I had and just needed to be brought into compliance with California law would have to be completely redone from scratch because of one missing addendum of absolutely no consequence. Do not recommend.
star star star star star
25 Jul, 2024 by Aralia lastra
Ya se los comenté cuando me llamaron
star star star star star
23 Jul, 2024 by Norma roke
El servicio es de mejor super excellent ❤️❤️
See more

Best lawyers in Woodland Hills, CA

See more
star star star star star
19 Apr, 2012 by Hendrika
Ms. Cohen is the most respectful, knowledgeable, and caring attorney I have ever had the privileged to hire, and I've hired more than a few. Despite the fact she has only been licensed for a year her understanding and comprehension of the law is extensive and her professionalism unparalleled. She does all the things you're paying her to do, represent you, call and email you back, (you'd be surprised how many don't!) show up on time for court appearances as well as meetings with you and opposing counsel, fully researching, preparing, and filing all the required documents and forms in a timely manner and has the insight, knowledge, and expertise to advise you in your case. She's also smart and sensible and well spoken to you, as well as other attorney's and especially judges. What takes Ms. Cohen far above the competition is her loyal and caring attitude, something that I have paid over $50,000 in the past trying to find. It doesn't matter if you're paying someone $400 an hour, you can't pay them to care. Ms. Cohen is the exception, she is invested in her clients and in their causes. She is not only a wonderful and talented attorney but a good, kind, and genuine person, the kind of person you want in your corner. To date Ms. Cohen has represented me in cases regarding child support, child custody, mediation, and contempt. I've also consulted with her in regards to financial and entertainment law. Her rates are very reasonable considering the service you're receiving. I would highly recommend Ms. Cohen and will continue to use her for all of my legal needs.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
07 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
I have had quite alot of run-ins with the law and I can say that this lawyer, Mr. Higgins, has been the most efficient and hard working counsel I have ever witnessed in any court. He is smart, quick witted, confident, and very supportive of his client. I do not plan on being in another court room again, but if I was, there would be no other lawyer that I would want representing me then Mr. Higgins!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
24 Feb, 2023 by Karen
There are so many points that add up to a 5-star rating for Ben Mironer. He did everything possible to defend our case and our prayers were answered. He developed a strong defense that resulted in the best court ruling possible! Ben is so conscientious and professional and he truly represents his clients with remarkable honor and respect. He established clear and consistent communication throughout the case and always welcomed any questions with patience and he provided honest and straightforward advice. His confidence in planning a defense and leading us through it was such a relief. I would recommend Ben to anyone who is looking for dependable and expert legal representation. He is absolutely a 5-star choice.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
15 Aug, 2019 by Eric
From the initial call to the decision in court, Ben was trustworthy and a pleasure to work with. Out of the six lawyers I spoke with, Ben was the only one that believed in my case against the DMV. His communication always comes from a place of compassion and understanding. Needless to say he WON our writ against the DMV when everyone else said I didn't have a chance. We won our initial writ and the DMV decided to appeal to a higher court. Needless to say, Ben took on the new case and was equally communicative and helpful. Ben always made the time to talk and provide updates. I never had to speak with anyone other than Ben himself where he was continually demonstrate full understanding and interest in my case. We won again, and again I owe it to the amazing representation I had with Ben. I would and will refer any friend of mine to Ben. His ability to see the law at a human level is second to none. In the most stressful time of my life I was able to put my trust in Ben. Thank you again sir, everyone else do yourself a favor and give Ben a call!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
16 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Ben Mironer personally handled my case from the beginning to the end. He consulted me at every step of the way. Not only was he knowledgeable, he helped calm my nerves on a very stressful circumstance. He genuinely cares about you, and is vested in your success. He's also a great criminal attorney to boot. He knew all the ins and outs of how to defend my case. Aside from getting a great result I made a friend for life. It really makes a big difference hiring a great lawyer.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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 Woodland Hills, 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.
Scroll to top