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01 Jun, 2019 by James voight
I first meet Kate when she was teaching Criminal Justice at the local college. I know her now as a lawyer. She is someone you can put your trust in. If you have a case with her, you can count on her to devote the time needed to win your case and she almost usually wins. She is also very knowledgeable as aspects of the law.
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14 Feb, 2019 by Karen
After five months of being unable to find a lawyer to represent me in getting the Eugene, Lane County Circuit Court to amend their physically impossible requirement, I found Kate Dyer. The Court routinely sentences people to attend a class held in a second story building with no elevator or other access. As I have multiple, long-standing disabilities, medically documented going back forty years, I could not do what the Court ordered. For all those months, calling over three hundred Oregon lawyers, I could not obtain a lawyer. Nor was the Judiciary or Courthouse personnel the least bit helpful as to how I could get this problem solved. Finally, I found Kate Dyer. Her kind, gracious advice was invaluable! She is the most kind, caring, brilliant and generous person and Civil Rights lawyer. Thanks to her emotional and legal support, the problem is now solved. I can not recommend her highly enough. There aren't words.
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13 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Tarshis is an exceptional attorney and an even better human being. I highly recommend him for the most complex legal issues.
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01 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Justin is one of the best lawyers that I have ever encountered in my life. His knowledge of the law, professionalism, courtesy, and commitment to excellence are unmatched in a lawyer with his experience. I only wish others in the legal profession shared the same qualities.
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07 Mar, 2019 by Frank
Unfortunately for me I have had my share of experiences of attorneys. I can say from personal experience there is nothing worse than an attorney who lacks compassion and understanding. Even the smartest legal minds come up short if they don't have the ability to connect with their client. Finding yourself with a ton of questions combined with your attorney never being available, leaves you feeling alone an unsure. Bianca is the EXACT opposite of all of that. She was always there when I needed her. She was there to answer questions, research, write and represent. She has a true love and respect for the law and of equal importance to her is making sure her clients know they matter. She is extremely intelligent, patient, professional, fair and honest. This makes her a person you not only want, but must have by your side. Other attorneys respect her and as equally important, so do the Judges. She is a zealous advocate for her clients in the court room who never backs down but does it in away that she makes her point professionally. I recommend her to all my family, clients and friends should they find themselves in a situation where they need legal protection and advice. In my opinion you would be hurting your cause if you didn't consult with Bianca before choosing an attorney.
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27 Feb, 2019 by Joel
Bianca was a lighthouse in the darkness. I am a father of 2 boys and was never able to meet my second son for 2 and a half years ... because of her ,and where all other attorneys failed, we are now United and that is just one small piece of the puzzle ....due to her knowledge of the law and compassionate nature, which is a surprise to find within such a complex legal case. She never made me feel she was ever out of reach. Always accessible via text or phone , verses any other attorneys that only give an email and leave you guessing for days to weeks.
Bianca was always professional in court.
I highly recommend her to anyone in real need of justice.
Sincerely,
J.S.
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08 Dec, 2015 by Joseph
Michael V. Nixon is a lawyer who exemplifies the best qualities of a professional. His careful planning and acute attention to detail were instrumental in obtaining a positive result, in spite of, being presented with a daunting challenge. Mr. Nixon's experience and professional demeanor became evident very early on. His timely case updates kept me informed of all relevant developments, and he would not act with out first consulting with myself. Strategy development with consideration for contingencies was one of Mr. Nixon's most impressive qualities. At no point during our time together was he without an idea or backup plan. He implemented his strategies wonderfully and never lost focus of the end goal. As an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine, I pride myself in being able to recognize professionalism, a quality clearly present in Mr. Nixon. It was pleasure working with him on this case and I will not hesitate in seeking his assistance in the future.
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05 Dec, 2013 by Lee
Michael has a great sense of self. He is aware of both his capabilities and limitations. He excels at organization and community strategy and has the ability to fashion the appropriate legal strategy and approach to fit the situation at hand. As the Chief Executive of my organization it was extremely difficult to navigate and separate all of the key issues. Prior to working with Michael I did not have an effective sounding board for the issues that I was dealing with, so it was extremely helpful to have a non biased sounding board in Michael who understood the dynamics related to both the organizational, political and legal issues involved. Other lawyers advised that the issues that I was dealing with were to complex for them to touch. They all recommended Michael. It was an excellent choice.
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11 Apr, 2016 by Joe
Having both excellent skill and uncompromising integrity, I have hired Eric for representation in will/estate and real estate matters. I have referred others to Eric for similar needs as well as criminal and divorce representation, and I received great feedback. In addition to his superior legal abilities, he makes you feel like your case is the only one that matters. Whether criminal or civil in nature, call Eric Prusan first; if your case is outside his area of expertise, he will tell you so and not string you along.
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07 Apr, 2016 by Patrick
Being in the law enforcement community I have a unique and sometimes negative opinion of most lawyers. I usually observe monetary interest trump the truth and the clients interest. However , Eric Prusan clearly demonstrates that he's not that type of lawyer., He was articulate, knowledgable and instead of billable hours he provided exceptional clarity. He was always available to answer my questions, phone calls or emails. A professional with integrity and refreshing ethical core valves. I certainly recommend Eric Prusan and I am confident that he will provide a smooth a efficient process to whatever your legal needs
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11 Jun, 2015 by Barbara
James Bernice Moore III is an attorney who LISTENS to his clients. This proves to be a valuable asset in an attorney who has the best interests of their client as their driving force. James does not sugarcoat the pros and cons of a situation. He has a strong sense of what is right, wrong and just. He not only keeps his fingers in all aspects of one's case he also keeps the client informed and involved as well. James does not work for his clients...he works WITH his clients providing them with concise, understandable advice and guidance. He is highly respected in the legal community of SC. His easy-going demeanor belies the brilliance of his legal intelligence and the major contributions he has made to change the antiquated, inhumane and unjust operations of state institutions in regards to those they are charged to serve.
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04 Jun, 2015 by Rennie
I have known James for five years, and he handled a matter for me with willingness, knowledge, honesty and fairness. I could not recommend this lawyer more!
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24 Oct, 2019 by Gayle
Did a will, power of attorney, she is very professional and informative . She walked us through it so we could understand what we were signing.
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16 Mar, 2018 by James
Catherine helped me through a civil suit, she won it with no problem. Also she did a will for me. For each the prices were so reasonable it literally made me wary! But no need for wariness, this lady has both the intelligence and Integrity and will do her best to get you through whatever you're dealing with.
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10 Sep, 2015 by Karen
Justin went above and beyond to help me with my employment law suit.
He answered every question I had. He kept me informed throughout everything. The final outcome was far better than I could have anticipated. He is 100% honest. He was one of the best people I have ever met. He works hard and definitely has an excellent rapport with the courts.
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10 Sep, 2015 by Edward
Justin went above and beyond while handling a case against my employer. He thoroughly reviewed all aspects of the business in order to negotiate a fair settlement . Justin is thoughtful, professional and was sensitive to our families need to resolve this in a timely manner. Thank you again- and I definetly would recommend you to any friend or family member .
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23 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Craig is a skilled attorney and business advisor. He understands how to manage and navigate client's business needs effectively and efficiently.
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26 Apr, 2018 by Ken
Part of my role in the sales process was to successfully have the client execute our Master Services Agreement. Most of the time this required the involvement of Craig Besnoy to protect our business risks while getting the deal done. Craig has been extremely responsive (getting back to me at night and weekends) and highly effective. He has been great to work with and we've always been able to negotiate win-win agreements.
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23 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
As an employee with the City of Chattanooga, I know that I can always turn to Melinda for counsel regarding various legal issues that we encounter. Melinda's advice is always well though out and thorough, and we appreciate having such a knowledgeable person to turn to when we have questions about the law.
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22 Sep, 2022 by Trevor
I have worked with Melinda on many cases over the past several years. I am always impressed with her knowledge of the law and her diligence in her work. I can always count on Melinda to effectively analyze and explain whatever issues are at hand.
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25 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Stewart as well as his mother (Lynn Stewart)represented me in NYC many years ago. One of the most caring, straight forward attorneys I have ever been represented by. My condolences to Mr. Stewart and family. I wasnt aware that Ms. Stewart had passed until today. God bless her soul. More than an attorney to me, much more. Lynn was )The peoples champion), to say the least. You cant go wrong being represented by Mr. Stewart.
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17 Dec, 2014 by Leandro
Mr. Stewart saved me from a 'railroad' situation. He spoke up when he listened to the Manhattan DA bad mouth me in order to make sure that I received a harsh sentence for my actions. Which were meaningless after Geoffrey's rebuttal, he made it his priority to help me get home soon as possible.
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15 Dec, 2019 by Michelle
After my father died recently I had no clue what to do. Dad's will appointed me Executor of his estate. Someone told me that my dad's estate needed to be probated. I did not know where to start. I did some research on probate lawyers, then called Professor James. He was so knowledgeable and helpful! We talked for almost an hour as he simplified what I now know is the probate process. He also told me that because my dad's property is in the Virgin Islands and dad had a residence there and died there, then the estate should be probated in the Virgin Islands. But he couldn't represent me. However, he had a shortlist of lawyers in the Virgin Islands that he could recommend to me. Wow! A lawyer turning down a case and recommending another lawyer! I was astonished. And then I asked him how much I owed him for his hour of consultation. He replied, " You do not owe me a brass farthing". Accept my sympathy for your loss, and all the best with the lawyers in the Virgin Islands. What a kind and compassionate man! I would recommend Professor James to anyone. May God bless him mightily.
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20 Oct, 2017 by Margaret
Attorney James is good at what he does. He is very attentive and easy to talk to. Before going forward with the case he researched and came up with the best possible approach. I was very pleased with the outcome.
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10 Jan, 2024 by Janice menard
14 Sep, 2019 by Promise phillips
Janet mynatt is an amazing attorney. She really listens and goes over your case extensively. She really knows what she is doing, is informative and calming when it comes to hearings. I highly recommend her.
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21 Jan, 2024 by Esther lopez
Mikey is here with me
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04 Mar, 2022 by Oz hykes
The lawyer that cares about his clients. GO THE EXTRA MILE
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21 Sep, 2016 by Dave
Adam was instrumental in my purchase of a new business. He helped to ensure that I did not miss any details and addressed potential issues. He is a true professional.
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15 Sep, 2016 by Charlie
Adam York took the time to know exactly what I needed. He asked enough questions to understand how he could help and had the information back to me the next day.
I will continue to work with him and I highly recommend him!
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31 Jul, 2019 by Miles swain
Very personable and professional
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23 Jan, 2019 by Mary carmouche
21 Jan, 2024 by Esther lopez
Mikey is here with me
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04 Mar, 2022 by Oz hykes
The lawyer that cares about his clients. GO THE EXTRA MILE
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19 Jul, 2017 by Amanda willis
Attorney Locus is very helpful at every stage in the process. He is very knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend coming to him as your first choice for an employment issue or civil rights concern. His services are worth the money.
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10 Oct, 2014 by Neil
Attorney was always responsive to my inquiry about my case and always seemed prepared for any of my questions and requirements from adversaries. Very knowledgeable about legal procedures.
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29 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
We needed some serious help and he came to the rescue with his services. His legal counsel was extremely beneficial. Thank you.
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07 Aug, 2017 by Bac
Mr McClellan has a wealth of knowledge and freely, patiently, generously shared that knowledge, and did that for someone who is not even a client. Thank you, Mr. McClellan.
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27 May, 2016 by Natalia
Chris artfully and successfully negotiated my civil rights case against a stubborn co-op board. He is logical, strategic and an excellent communicator with all parties involved while remaining calm, collected and pleasant. In addition to his high degree of effectiveness, Chris makes you feel that he isn't just doing his job, but that he takes a personal interest in you. Chris listens to you. He is a counselor in the both the legal sense and the psychological sense.
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02 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Christopher was aggressively proactive in my defense on all levels and at all times I felt buoyed up in the very difficult case that he worked to defend me.
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04 Apr, 2018 by Harold
I've used the Gbenjo Law Firm on two separate occasions for personal injury. I was greatly pleased on both occasions. Very knowledgeable people, and they get results. Was kept up to date, constantly reviewed options, and always had my best interests in mind. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this law firm. This firm gets RESULTS. No fuss, no muss. What . . . you haven't called them already ?? Stop messing around and give 'em a call . . . NOW !
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25 Feb, 2013 by Francis
The Gbenjo Law Group Firm is the best in Houston Area, I have tried 3-5 attorneys they failed to do their job. The Gbenjo Law Firm represent me and they achieved the result, not once, but twice. This
Law firm is trustworth, knowledgeable of what they are doing, I really appreciate what they did for
me. My greatest thanks to Attorney Gbenjo, Anne, very brillant, intelligent and straight forward
human being. She was keeping me informed of everything, I thank you Attorney Gbenjo, Anne you are my Angel. I pray that God almight will continue to prosper you and all the staff of THE GBENJO LAW GROUP FIRM.
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20 Sep, 2022 by Christine
Jordan Morris is an extremely professional Attorney who keeps the best interest of her client(s) at the forefront of her focus. Her dedication is second to none. I dealt with another firm and it was difficult to get progress with my case. The Attorney was not as responsive nor determined to ensure a fair outcome was sought after. Once Jordan became my Attorney my mind was at ease. Through various phone calls, emails and personal encounters she was easily approachable and extremely patient. Her direct and passionate approach sets her apart from other Attorneys and firms. I would rehire her if needed without pause. My daughter was fought for; I was fought for. My Toddlers’ voice was heard through Jordan’s voice in court and I am eternally grateful for the outcome of all of her effort and dedication to my case. A MUST hire.
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18 Apr, 2018 by Adam
After consulting serveral Divorce lawyers and firing one I found Jordan. She is a no nonsense professional who always had my best interest in her extremely capable, professional and aggressive hands! She always kept me informed and put my mind at ease. She’s a perfect example of a methodical, cool headed professional who stays 10 steps ahead. I’d recommend her to anyone. If you want the best you hire Jordan Morris!!!
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05 Apr, 2023 by Colleen franchini
John has been hired to assist with the distribution of a trust and real estate transaction. Is there a "bedside" manner for attorneys? If so John has it. Calm, professional, thorough. Explains complex scenarios so that they are easily understood. Gives broad spectrum of "what ifs" that might come into play. We couldn't be more pleased to have him by our side during a difficult time. We highly recommend John Mannix Jr. and are grateful to have been referred to him.
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16 Nov, 2021 by Justin freebern
I had a great experience dealing with Mr. Mannix and his team. He is very up front and takes the time to explain everything before he moves forward. I knew nothing going into his office about estates and trust but John and his team walked me through the steps and was there to help. I have recommended him to my family and friends and I recommend him if you need estate planing and trust planning.
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23 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
When serious events necessitated legal assistance in both criminal and non-criminal matters, Mr. Smith immediately took control, navigating multiple complex legal issues, and going to great lengths to protect my interests. He is knowledgeable, client focused and a formidable force in the courtroom. I never had a question he couldn't answer or an issue for which he couldn't formulate a strategy. And he was never too busy to address any of my concerns. When life and liberty are at stake, Mr. Smith is absolutely the advocate you want in your corner. Impressive legal mind, extraordinary attorney when it counts the most. In my opinion, he is among the top in his profession.
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24 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I was very impressed by Mr. Smith when he handled my injury. He is very busy but still took the time to explain everything and was always there when we needed him. He is a honest lawyer that worked hard for us.
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18 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Peter helped me field an issue concerning a breach of contract. Before contacting Peter I was worried I didn't have any options available to me, and didn't know what I was going to do. Peter is quick thinking and well connected, and had my problem solved before I knew it. He is efficient and gets right to the point; a good characteristic in an attorney given that legal fees are charged at an hourly rate.
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06 Oct, 2016 by Kelly
Peter took the time to find the facts, get the information needed to proceed in our case, was there anytime to answer questions and provide facts. He believed in the case and followed through to the end. He was always looking out for the best interest of his clients. I would recommend him to my family and my friends!
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22 Sep, 2020 by Tonya
Attorney Paley was very professional and extremely helpful in getting my case settled out of court for a quick and great outcome. It was such a pleasure working with him and I will always use this firm for any of my legal matters. If you need a great attorney he is your guy!!
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22 Sep, 2020 by Claire
Highly recommend! Attorney Paley represented me after I was rear ended in a MVA earlier this year, getting me the maximum settlement in such a short time! He went above and beyond from beginning to end!
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15 Jul, 2016 by Robert
An unfortunate incident between my neighbors dog and my dogs resulted in 3 injured dogs, huge vet bills, my eviction by a family member, and me with criminal charges on top of all that.
"Failing to Maintain a Dangerous dog" which didn't seem too serious at first so, I tried to handle it myself in the early parts of the case. I briefly retained a Public Defender but eventually decided to hire a paid attorney after reading the neighbors statements.
Since I hadn't worked with any criminal lawyers for 15 years I sought a referral from a reputable Attorney I know and he referred me to Paul Laufman. During our initial phone conversation Paul and I went over some details of the case and set an appointment.
Between our initial phone call and our first meeting Paul did some preliminary research on my charges and when we met he had a good understanding of what was going on and he had some ideas for a defense strategy. He collected some evidence from me and we were set for pre-trial.
At pretrial we couldn't come to a favorable resolution so it was set for trial. Paul and I set another meeting for a few weeks later.
At our final meeting before trial Paul made sure to explain everything in detail to me and in a way that I could understand. He gave me several possible scenarios and I decided to follow through with a bench trial. Paul made no promises to me but said he was going to look into every possible defense to resolve the case.
Well the good news is I was "acquitted" and I am so very glad I stuck to my principals and decided to hire a very capable criminal defense attorney named Paul Laufman. At trial Paul's performance and the outcome were excellent and both ran parallel with his expectations for the case.
I have worked with approximately 20 lawyers in various specialties over my lifetime. The services and performance I received from Paul Laufman are in the top 10% of the 20 lawyers I've worked with collectively and the BEST by far among the criminal defense attorneys I have worked with.
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12 Jan, 2014 by Chels
Paul was amazing! I was arrested and charged with 3 felonies. I called him late Sunday night and he showed right up. During the lengthy legal process Paul was in constant communication with my family and I. If I called he either answered or called back in a timely fashion. He was extremely knowledgable and professional. I was looking at serious prison time, he was able to get me off with just a misdemeanor. He's absolutely amazing and I would recommend him to anyone in trouble.
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02 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
I was very impressed with Rob's knowledge, expertise and honesty.
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01 Nov, 2011 by Sandy
Rob handled my case successfully and always kept me up to date on what was happening.
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16 Apr, 2019 by John
Mr. Folkerth, without a doubt, the most experienced and knowledgeable attorney that I’ve known. Mr. Folkerth always showed dedication to his work and a constant willingness to go above and beyond when his clients needed him. Mr. Folkerth brought back the fairness, dignity, integrity for his clients. I was very honored to have Mr. Folkerth worked on my case and represented me to fight for fairness and justices.
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26 Feb, 2019 by Pete cheadle
I would highly recommend John. He is easy to work with. He is very good with getting into detail that helps with the case at hand. Very patient and honest about the situation at hand. He did an excellent job on my case.
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02 Oct, 2019 by Jasmine
Clarissa is a phenomenal attorney! She not only defended my case so well to get it dismissed but she also informed me of some very important laws and rights i have as a resident of Ohio. Clarissa also kept me in the loop of all important dates and made sure i was both physically and mentally prepared. I would recommend Clarissa to assist you with your legal needs.
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02 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Clarissa was able to settle my case and I was very happy with the results. She is fair and very knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend!
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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 a Civil Rights Lawyer Can Do for You
A civil rights lawyer focuses on protecting individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated by government authorities, employers, or private organizations. These lawyers specialize in cases involving discrimination, police misconduct, freedom of speech, and other fundamental rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution and civil rights laws, such as the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Fair Housing Act.
Whether you've been discriminated against due to race, gender, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics, or you believe your civil rights have been violated by a government entity, a civil rights lawyer can help you seek justice, hold wrongdoers accountable, and secure compensation for any harm you've suffered.
When Should I Hire a Civil Rights Lawyer?
You should hire a civil rights lawyer when your constitutional rights or other protected rights have been violated, and you need legal assistance to seek justice. Some key situations in which you may need a civil rights lawyer include:
- Employment discrimination: If you have faced discrimination at work based on race, gender, age, religion, national origin, or disability, a civil rights lawyer can help you file claims under laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Police misconduct or brutality: If you were the victim of police brutality, unlawful arrest, racial profiling, or other forms of misconduct, a lawyer can help you file a lawsuit for violations of your Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
- Freedom of speech or assembly violations: If your First Amendment rights to free speech or peaceful assembly have been restricted by the government, a civil rights lawyer can represent you in challenging the violation.
- Housing discrimination: If you’ve been denied housing or faced unfair treatment due to your race, ethnicity, gender, or disability, a lawyer can help you file a complaint under the Fair Housing Act.
- Voter rights violations: If you believe your right to vote has been unfairly suppressed or you’ve faced discrimination in the voting process, a civil rights lawyer can help you fight for your rights.
- Disability rights violations: If you’ve faced discrimination in accessing public spaces, employment, or services due to a disability, a lawyer can help enforce your rights under the ADA.
- LGBTQ+ rights violations: If you've experienced discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, or public services, a civil rights lawyer can help you pursue legal remedies.
Hiring a lawyer early on can help you understand your legal options and build a strong case to protect your rights.
What Does a Civil Rights Lawyer Do?
A civil rights lawyer provides legal representation and advocacy to individuals whose rights have been violated. Their work can include:
- Filing lawsuits: A civil rights lawyer can represent you in court by filing lawsuits against individuals, businesses, or government entities that violated your rights.
- Advocating for policy changes: Civil rights lawyers often engage in advocacy work, pushing for reforms to laws and policies that infringe upon people's rights.
- Representing clients in discrimination claims: These lawyers help clients file claims with federal or state agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- Negotiating settlements: In many cases, civil rights lawyers work to negotiate settlements for their clients before a case goes to trial, securing compensation for damages such as lost wages, emotional distress, or legal fees.
- Defending freedom of expression: Lawyers may represent clients whose rights to free speech, assembly, or protest were violated by government restrictions or other actions.
- Handling appeals: If your civil rights case has been decided but you wish to appeal the ruling, a civil rights lawyer can help you through the appeals process.
How Are Civil Rights Lawyers Paid?
Civil rights lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Contingency fee: Many civil rights lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Their fee is typically a percentage (usually 25% to 40%) of the settlement or damages awarded.
- Hourly rate: For cases that require extensive legal research or litigation, some lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Pro bono or sliding scale: Some civil rights lawyers or organizations may work on a pro bono (free) basis or use a sliding fee scale for clients who cannot afford typical legal fees.
- Flat fee: In specific cases, a lawyer may charge a flat fee for services like drafting legal documents or filing a complaint.
It’s important to clarify the fee structure during your initial consultation to avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does a Civil Rights Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a civil rights lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the type of legal issue. General cost estimates include:
- Contingency fee cases: For cases taken on a contingency basis, the lawyer’s fee will typically range from 25% to 40% of the settlement or judgment awarded.
- Hourly rates: Many civil rights lawyers charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For straightforward legal tasks, such as filing a complaint with a government agency or drafting legal documents, flat fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Pro bono work: Some civil rights lawyers or nonprofit organizations provide free legal representation in certain cases involving important constitutional or civil rights issues.
Be sure to ask for a detailed estimate of costs during your consultation to understand the financial commitment involved.
Top Questions to Ask a Civil Rights Lawyer
Before hiring a civil rights lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with civil rights cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it’s employment discrimination, police misconduct, or First Amendment violations. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, hourly rate, or flat fee, and ask for an estimate of the total cost of your case. -
What is the likelihood of success for my case?
Ask the lawyer to provide an honest assessment of your case, including the strengths, weaknesses, and potential outcomes. -
Have you handled cases like mine before?
Inquire about the lawyer’s experience in cases with similar facts and legal issues. -
What is the timeline for resolving my case?
While exact timelines can vary, ask for an estimate of how long your case may take, from filing to resolution. -
Will you handle my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may work on parts of your case, so it’s important to know who will handle your legal matter directly.
How to Check the Credibility of a Civil Rights Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable civil rights lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no disciplinary actions against them.
- Look for specific civil rights experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in civil rights law and have a history of handling cases like yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who can speak to their experience with civil rights cases.
- Check for advocacy or nonprofit work: Lawyers involved with civil rights organizations, such as the ACLU or NAACP Legal Defense Fund, may have a strong reputation in the civil rights legal community.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a civil rights lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- A detailed account of the violation: Provide a written summary of the events, including dates, times, and any people involved in the violation of your rights.
- Documentation and evidence: Bring any supporting documentation, such as emails, letters, photos, or video footage that may help prove the violation of your rights.
- Records of complaints or reports: If you’ve filed complaints with a government agency or reported the violation, bring copies of those documents.
- List of questions: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes of your case.
- Information on damages or harm: Be prepared to discuss the harm you’ve suffered due to the violation, such as emotional distress, financial loss, or physical injury.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your case more effectively and get the best possible legal advice on how to proceed.
