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21 Oct, 2018 by Randy
Hired to handle a divorce and a criminal. Both turned out better then I expected. He knew the law and the courts. Thank you Bob.
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15 Aug, 2018 by Lisa
My fiance and I are apart of a case dealing many false accusations against him, he was given Champion as his attorney by court. My fiance has been neglected and ignored, for example Champion seems to not care about his clients, nor does he care to communicate with them, my fiance being one. He has not helped in any way what so ever to help my fiance with the charges against him. Champion does not talk to or meet with him before we go to into court, just over all is doing very little to help anyone in need of serious legal help. I have tried contacting Champion myself in hopes of our side of things being heard, especially by an Attorney that is supposed to be helping us, but I too have been ignored after many attempts..
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29 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Ask for advise in divorce matter about paying bills very poor advice In the end all he cared to settle case out of court and did not represent my behalf and didn't help with credit like he said he would. He got his money I got screwed then he would not call back once he got his money DO NOT HIRE
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27 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Terrible lawyer ambulance chaser from temu. You'd be better off representing yourself. Save your money and atleast get an attorney from wish lol
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26 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Was lazy and rude throughout family proceedings. Made a habit of poor communication.
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29 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
The lawyer was not prepared and did very little during the hearing. Then after the hearing he had a outburst in the waiting room at some of the people sitting there. He then was escorted to the elevator and told to leave. He is very unprofessional!!!!!
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19 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
All this attorney did was waste valuable time and charged me for work he was not doing. From the bottom of my heart, if your case is important to you, please do your research. You will find that many people encountered awful experiences with Mr. Alamia. Mr. Alamia is a liar, cheat, and will not take your case serious. Research the Texas State Bar on this attorney!!!
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15 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Worst attorney you could ever hear of, doesnt care about anything just money, when I mean anything is anything, you will never receive a call from him unless is about money, no progress at all, no positive changes in the case, bad attitude, they will lie and promise you what you want a hear so that you can pay him at the moment and once paid, forget it you just dumped your money by the toilet. Honestly and trust me I read a couple bad revoews before I hored him and I told him I didnt want any of that stuff and they said none of that would happend, and once paid, that and more happend.
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09 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
I was charged with murder. Everyone else plead guilty, I went to trial and before opening arguments, they decided to dismiss the case. Prosecutors thought twice about going to trial. Mr. Alamia gave me my life back.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Sharon jaynes
I would recommend Mr Crosby as attorney to the world cause he is a great attorney with any case the problem solver he’s the truth at what he do he’s a great attorney
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30 Nov, 2023 by Competition patio covers screen rooms
Amazing service from the courtroom to the front office ..... excellent communication and legal representation
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13 Oct, 2023 by Elijah young
Best at it🔥🔥
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01 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
She was not well-prepared in the courtroom. Her arguments were based on her whims and emotions rather than the law. Her effort in a case stems more from personal interest than being a consistent professional.
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15 Nov, 2013 by Golden flash
She is a competent attorney. Neither great nor terrible. Our case resulted in outcome that was at the low end of expectations. Sometimes her arguments were relevant but some of her arguments revealed that she was not listening to the judge well.
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09 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired him for a family member, who went to jail because of his incomepetence. Mr. Lewis: 1. Always have different excuses for cannot present for the court: Visiting people in the jail, Hanover county circuit court, Henrico county circuit court, needs to lock the office, etc... 2. Always lethargic: Not sure was caused by sleep apnea or sth, every time he shows up in court, he will find time to take a nap, this was not professional at all. 3. Never prepare for the case: He will forget everything you told him literally the next day, and he will always bring an empty folder to your court date, pretending take few notes on his "Yellow letter sheets", each time he will bring new blank paper, never combined the notes. 4.Deceptive to his clients, him and his paralegal Raman Kneep tried their best to cover the story that Matt Pinsker was incarcerated for felony sexually assaulted female intern, this was a direct violation of Bar Association code and ethics. 5. Never admitted that he doesn't know anything: He will do his best to pretend everything is under control, and he will back asking you what had happened to cover his nonsense. 6. Procrastination: A single request to him will always takes couple weeks to reply. 7. Not physically fit as a lawyer: Always be stuttered and precarious for how to answer the questions, almost every directions he gave to the clients were detrimental to their fates, he will keep f**k you up until your life is screwed up by the court.
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07 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
I’m writing this review to help others save money and not waste their time and jeopardize their court cases. Hiring Pinsker Law was the worst decision I ever made. I’d give negative stars if I could. Initially Matt was eager to take my case so I hired him, as he had great reviews. However, soon after I had paid and hired him another lawyer who is well known called me back and warned me that something wasn’t right. As soon as I googled him some charges came up. Matt reassured me that his case was dismissed and everything was fine. So, I begin working with him. Although, he was representing me I wasn’t exactly happy with his service. He just didn’t seem that interested in my case nor did he have the zeal or interests that he had when I first hired him. When it was time to go to court, Matt was a no show. I later found out by his back up lawyer that he had been sent to jail. Again, matt had told me that his case against him was dismissed and he was ok. So that was warning sign number 1. I should’ve requested a refund and hired a new attorney at this point. However, mr. Charles lewis said he’d take over my case in Matt’s place. This was the worst mistake I’ve ever made in my life. Even with all of his credentials and years of experience, Mr. Lewis seemed like newbie and fish out of water when it came to my case. Twice he was unprepared for my case and each time asked for an extension. After the first time I should’ve hired a different lawyer. This was like the 2nd mistake I made. Mr. Lewis made a habit of arriving late to all of my court appearances. At the last court case, he came over an hour late and had the judge and bailiff upset. Not only was he late, but also unprepared per usual. I was pissed!!! He didn’t defend me like we talked about over the phone. It’s like his mind went blank when it was time to represent me. I’m pretty sure a 1st year law student could’ve have defended me better than him. Not only was I found guilty, but I wasted thousands of dollars hiring them. I’ve never heard of pissed poor service like this in my life. I beg of you, please do not make the same mistake I made. I’m writing this to help someone. My experience was nightmarish and like something out of a movie. You will regret it. I’m only writing this because I care about people. You’ve been warned.
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03 Aug, 2021 by Clay w.
Mr. Lewis was professional, knowledgeable and highly responsive to all my questions. He was transparent and and offered encouragement and inspiration. I truly believe without his review and guidance I may not have been given the amazing opportunity I was provided with. I would absolutely recommend his services!
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29 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
After taking your money he is busy and disorganized and makes you deal with his personal assistants instead of being there in your time of need. Find someone else!
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21 Feb, 2018 by Scott camball
At first Mark Mahoney seemed great and was helpful. However after paying my first bill of a couple thousand Mark and Ivonne began ignoring my emails and not returning phone calls. If you are not a high paying client they do not care about you. I had to find another lawyer to help me. Beware!
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23 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I’d like to share experience I had with Mark Mahoney. Due to some unfortunate consequences I had to retain his services. He is straight forward and talked sense into my bravado. He explained process with depth and understanding of circumstances. Knowledge of courts working and jury trials was exhaustive. Results were more desirable than expected given the situation. Follow up was excellent too.
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20 Apr, 2018 by Christian
I was a former client of Gary redman! I strongly advise NOT hiring him for ANYTHING! My Case was the first one in 9 years , I believe, to be overturned in Collin County for Innefictive Assistance of counsel. Gary Redman was my counsel when I was charged for an Agg Assult causing SBI. (A fist fight). We went to trial, he did not advise us well at all in any capacity nor listen to what we needed him to do, and I got 15 years because of his ineffectiveness. After two years my case was overturned due to his ineffectiveness and relief was granted on the whole trial not just punishment.
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12 Apr, 2018 by John
Do not let Gary Redman handle your case if it is serious. I hired him because George Milner told me he could handle my sons aggravated assault charge in Collin county. We went to trial unprepared and lost. My son was sentenced to 15 years! I paid him 25,000.00 to try the case but he did almost nothing that we asked. He kept saying it will be alright. Well I really learned an expensive lesson. I spent many times the amount I paid to Mr Redman on really good attorney's and experts. We were granted relief from the appellate court when they found that Gary rendered ineffective assistance of counsel. I am told it was the only case that had been overturned in Collin county in 9 years. It takes a really bad attorney to accomplish that. My son is home now and after spending nearly 200,000. To fix the mess, Gary refuses to return my initial fee.
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04 Feb, 2016 by Andrew
"If you are searching for a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Dallas or North Texas, look no further! Gary Redman is a brilliant lawyer. He’s very down to earth and easy to talk to. And most import, he is a wizard in trial! Gary was always available when I needed him. He always returned my calls. What I found to be the most attractive when first meeting with Gary is how serious he is about his career. You know right away he takes pride in what he does and has a passion for helping people. Gary listened compassionately and made me feel comfortable. I encourage you to call or email him to discuss your situation. Also, he will meet with you at no cost!!"
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25 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN AWAY FROM MR EXUM ! He will only try and cut a deal where it lands you in prison even if the case is a misdemeanor. My cousin made the mistake to pay him upfront in full and is facing prison time for a first time offense .
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31 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Workers are very unprofessional specially getting with clients who are married.
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23 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired mr Exum for my criminal case. He was very rude to me. His communication was horrible. He’d say he’d call me never would. He even at one point told me to find a new attorney and hung up in my face after I paid half of my retainer fee. He moved my court dates without my knowledge. I don’t feel as if he really fought for me considering my case was a weak one and I’ve never been in trouble. I walked away with a felony and I’m only 24 years old. He also left me after I was convicted in court to figure everything out on my own. He wasn’t trying to help me win he just wanted to get a plea deal and be content with himself. Find a better attorney.
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06 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
If I can give 0 stars he would get that! I feel the last review he lies to client and family acts very petty and does not follow up nor did he communicate to federal prosecutor and have not provided discovery in its entirely to client, only been to visit 3 times within a year! He wants the easy way an easy money he don't work hard or in the best interest of the client or family! Overall he makes his clients feel as if he not on they side but on the prosecutor side. He still have yet to work on my case as he should he don't give an effort and our future an life in his hands and he refuses to talk directly to my significant other. He doesn't answer questions
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04 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Michael Lawlor was absolutely my hero in my case. It was a three year case due to Covid and such and he was there every step of the way with me. He worked so hard and is an amazing lawyer. I can not praise this man enough. He was thorough and honest, caring and compassionate. He never let me done at all. Nick and Adam were also amazing when Michael wasn’t available they answered and helped me as well. I recommend this form 1000 times over. They are the best.
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01 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
I regret hiring Michael Lawlor because he changed his tone completely after I made the retainer payment. Prior to doing so, he made assurances that were never followed after I paid him. For example, he had promised me that he would talk to lawyers that were involved in a duplicate case as mine, but he never did. Also, prior to the retainer payment, he assured me we would win this case if I had to take this to trial. However, as soon as I made the retainer payment (which was around the time that he met with the federal prosecutor), he kept saying "we're gonna lose if we take this to trial" before he explained to me all that I would be giving up if I choose to plead, to a felony no less. I honestly regret hiring him and wish I had gone with a free federal defender. The rumor that they are overworked and overstressed is simply not true when it comes to federal cases and they are usually top of the line from Harvard/Yale.
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19 Oct, 2022 by Krystal white
Most biased judge I've ever encountered. Wouldn't even listen to the Father or our lawyer. Sided with mother's hearsay over hard evidence. Will be appealing and filing a complaint with the Illinois Bar Association and the courthouse.
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23 Jul, 2021 by Kat
Hiring Randie Bruno ruined my life and the childhoods of all my children.
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11 Jul, 2020 by Saira s
Ok
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23 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Legally speaking, he did the job he was hired to. Ethically speaking, he crossed the line. Lawyers shouldn't be sleeping with their clients.
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12 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Frank Sr. For family law post divorce, I feel he was not prepared for case in contempt hearing and lost case.i called his office trying to contact him, in three weeks he did not return calls. Would not recommend him. His son by the way was very personable!
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21 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
I have worked with Attorney's for on and off for 10 years. He slowly returns phone calls, my billing was NOT inflated and his advice and guidance was logical. Overall, I was not extremely impressed or satisfied.
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10 Mar, 2024 by Usarmy pen
Awful. He will never reach out to you after he ask for your documents. Just lazy and sad work.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Aman tariq
he will make your case worse, never contact him
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08 Feb, 2020 by Due october
Awful! I called him and let him know about case details. He asked me faxed papers about case and he will call and let me know. I never got any call and never return my calls or emails. Bad business ethics. Run!!!!!!
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20 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Most disrespectful and lying lawyer I ever hired. He lost my trial and appeal He lied the whole time saying He had it beat. He was suppose to file a motion within a certain time limit and kept lying saying I was going to get the motion in the mail so I waited 6 months until I finally got confirmation from the clerks at the court that he never filed anything and I had to retain another to pick up where he lost at. I'm filing a complaint against a lawyer with the bar Association to see what I can have done about this matter he need to be sued and never be able to litigate again. I don't recommend him to no one.
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26 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Thomas is very unprofessional and needs to be disbarred. He does not answer the phone nor does he return any calls. The only phone call he returned was when he wanted his money. He does not communicate with his clients all he do is take people money and vanish.
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01 May, 2017 by Anonymous
This is the most ridiculous lawyer I have ever had dealings with. After taking our case and of course our money he has been rude and would not talk with us about the case and his secretary is one rude lady. They sure didn't mind taking our money and then doing nothing. He has done nothing to help and is always continuing the case. The day we called he said he could meet us right away and since then has completely shut down all communication. We heard he was the best trust me don't call him if he is the best just represent yourself because you are in deep trouble if you can't find anyone better. He did this to us and I pray that he doesn't treat all his client's this way. He promise he was going to get the charges dropped or at least lowered and he hasn't even been before the judge and keeps getting extensions. It has been almost 7 months and nothing. What has been done I have had to do for my family member myself. He will not communicate with us and his secretary always says she doesn't know anything. Wow, what do you need a secretary for if she never knows anything, that is just ridiculous, has an answering machine that he doesn't need either because he is not going to return your call anyway. He seems to care only about the money and does no work on your behalf. Please, do not use him if you have no other options represent yourself. Hired and paid what he charged but nothing absolutely nothing in return.
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30 May, 2023 by Kaydee
Kristen and her husband Jeff knowingly let my husband go to prison. They lied to the state and let us fail when trying to prove innocence. We paid $25,000 for literally nothing. No defense, no help, nothing. We would have been better off with a public defender. She told the state that we were liars (even though we have proof of their wrongdoings) and therefore my husband will get to spend decades in prison for something the Mulliners KNOW he did not do. Thanks for that. So much for Justice. I hope karma comes back on you both. Stop practicing law regardless of which side you’re on. You’re ruining people’s lives every day and sadly you’ve ruined ours. The other reviews I’ve read here are 100% accurate so please do not get into bed with these people. Do your research and don’t repeat our mistakes. It will literally cost you everything.
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19 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
She had to turn to prosecuting people because she and her husband (now known as Charles Jeffrey Mulliner) take your $$$ and do NOTHING for it. One word. Scammers.
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12 Aug, 2022 by Don't
Walk away. She lied over and over, said she did not say things that she said although we had several family present to hear it. Her husband and her work together, act like they're a caring team to help you or your loved one. Once she has the money, there's no work, no researching cases, no great Motions, let alone a Motion at all. Easy to take cases, make deals and walk away with the money and no work. Next case? She was assistant district attorney, still is, although under the guise of defense attorney.
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19 Jan, 2024 by Steve
Judicial ethics opinions should be public. Redact names if you must, but advisory opinions on what PA judges should or should not be doing should be public info available to everyone. Your complete lack of transparency does not engender trust in your corrupt court system. Then again, most judges probably will not seek out an opinion, anyway.
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25 Nov, 2023 by Jesse pellow
Theh worst bueaucratic organization in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They won't even investigate when you offer them proof of fraud and incompotence. Don't even bother. What a waste of time. They are supposed to uphold dignity in the courtrooms of Pennsylvania but really they just protect their own.
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26 Jan, 2022 by I.q. from the 215 “i.q.” #theshepherd
Are we allowed to draft fake court documents? No! It is illegal. My case should be reversed. The other party served false court documents. The notary is not an attorney, making this very illegal! Please get a multicultural conduct board. Who investigates white Democrats that openly break the law ? Philadelphia Family court is trailer trash, and they perpetuate hundreds of homicides annually. (560) Philadelphia’s homicide rate mirror’s 3rd world conditions. The temperament of the judges reflect “the hood” Time to govern the government. Signed, concerned republican. See images below of fake court documents. Ask the lead investigator what conclusion he’s come to ? Notary and the respondent are both under investigation by department of state.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Renee
Steven made promises he couldn't keep and never returned a call! My family wasted money hiring him! He did nothing. When your probation officer tells u how much your lawyer messed things up , that truly made me realize how horrible of a lawyer he is. He had to send medical documents to my po while I was hospitalized and he never did and the police came to my house looking for me with a warrant. Steven caused all of it. Couldn't believe the promising speech he gave myself and my family and never came thru on any of them. Be aware! Hopefully he stops practicing soon and stops taking money from desperate and scared people.
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21 May, 2023 by Anonymous
I’d give no stars if I could. Steve was the absolute worst! False promises, lies, no communication. He was as awful as the monster I was divorcing. Took well over 2 years. Crazy amount of evidence and Steve did NOTHING with it. He allowed me to be abused the entire time. He’s a pansy and a terrible attorney.
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15 Sep, 2021 by Tom
I hired Leskovich for child custody and divorce. The only thing Steve did in 7 months was take money from me. Very poor communication and extremely unprofessional. Save your money and do not hire him he has never-ending excuses and zero follow through with anything
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03 Sep, 2024 by Malencia
This man has been appointed for my CHILD! He has not returned ANY CALLS in 3+ months! DO NOT HIRE HIM!!! THE WORSE ATTORNEY IN TOWN, his license should be revoked!
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21 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Could not keep facts straight. Failed to meet when he said he would. Failed to provide discovery. Generally did not defend me in any way.
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18 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Was suppose to defend my sister he would tell he 5yrs then 10yrs then 15 he didnt do anything to defend he he worked with prosecuter to take all of her property they plea they agreed went out the window. It was like he was part of the prosecution. Absolutely useless
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28 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Disrespectful, argumentative, overbearing and discriminates against the mentally disabled. Impossible to carry a conversation with. Referred to my son as slow. I had to tell Mavady why my son was his client. Kept asking ridiculous questions that made no sense. Argued about everything I had to say. Changed the subject countless times. Deplorable human being!!!
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07 Nov, 2021 by Robert
Mr. Mavady was terrible and defensive, his knowledge of the ICWA is deplorable, and ignored. His lack of knowledge of indigenous American culture and overt discrimination against Native culture was on full display.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Save your money I cannot say this enough. You rather go in with a public defender than to hire this person that knows nothing of the law and I have to sit down and educate myself about the law so I can educate him about how 5years probation for a second time dui is the maximum and 3 years is the minimum. He has the audacity to try and manipulate me into thinking 5 years is the minimum and his excuse is they always give 5 years. LOL. DO NOT HIRE THIS HORRIBLE LAWYER
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11 Dec, 2021 by Lorenzo
My BFF's sugar daddy paid this attorney to get him out of some trouble a few years back. Don't know if he's a good lawyer but apparently pressured my friend into *more* than a professional relationship. The State Bar really ought to be on this guy.
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15 Dec, 2018 by Kevin
I hired this attorney to represent my son in a criminal case in which he was innocent in Pennsylvania. I was charged $37,000 by this attorney and the way he spoke to us, I've got to tell you he could sell boots to a fish. He neglected to subpoena the proper Witnesses, even after we had asked him to please bring my son's analyst and psychiatrist into the court. He assured me that my son was innocent and this was easy and he could handle it. When we got to court, attorney Raleigh by professional omission, failed to rebut or argue false accusations and even lies that were in written form on the psychiatrist's report, which would have exonerated my son and attorney Raleigh froze solid. Attorney Raleigh cost my son his life. He neglected to petition the proper Witnesses, stood silent during false accusations. My son realizing what was happening, spoke out in court on his own to the judge while attorney Raleigh tried to silence him. Thank God the judge listened to what my son had to say and reduced his unnecessary sentence considerably. After the hearing attorney Raleigh spoke to me privately on the way to his automobile and told me he was sorry and he would not object if we wanted to claim ineffective counsel. I am just a working guy, it took everything we had to hire this attorney so to start another hearing was financially impossible and my son continues to suffer. Although thanks to my son's own intuition he is a free man to a degree. I approached attorney Raleigh and he denied ever having that conversation with me before telling me that the company he is now with, after relocating his practice to Washington DC, would object to him assisting my son in what he himself, attorney Raleigh caused. I was once a believer of Truth and honor. Don't get caught in what we did.
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23 May, 2023 by Josh
Suppose to provide legal counsel and talk about your case and what u should do but yet didn’t all she asks was if wanted to take the deal or not didn’t investigate the matter Wasn’t interested in my evidence
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16 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Slow to return calls, at very last minute before trail told me that I would have to pay her an additional $3000.00
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30 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
He represented me in a Federal case some years ago. When we first contacted him, he gave the assurance he knew the Attorney for the Northern district of Georgia and he would work out a suitable plea deal, Well that never happened, especially after he was paid his fee. He could not even put up a reasonable case for a bail in a case of fraud for an amount less than $120k. while locked up, he never moved a finger to appeal the refusal of bail, he would not also take calls and didn't have an assistant to take messages regarding critical information. During the address stage his presentation was poor, lacked any persuasive strength, weak and he was almost pathetically inarticulate. I ended pleading my own case for a reduction in sentencing. Will never recommend this Attorney for any serious case.
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17 Jul, 2023 by Mary
This lawyer never spoke to my son her client, never spoke to the family or answered any of my calls or texts. She is a waste of Connecticut tax payers money she should have for license taken from her. Unprofessional, a liar and doesn't care anything about her clients.
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20 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
He picks and chooses who he wants to work with disregarding the fact that he is your court appointed lawyer. You’re better off representing yourself than having this guy represent you.
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18 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Doug Otto was my client in NY. We delivered a great result and he never raised a complaint. But, he stiffed us on our legal bill and wouldn't return my e-mails asking about it. Sounds like sour grapes, I know. But, ask yourself whether he'll do what he says with you when he certainly didn't with me.
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21 May, 2012 by Anonymous
I was this attorney's client for more than a year. Mr. Shaw failed to return phone calls and emails. He failed to meet court deadlines for document submittals. Since cancelling his services, he has been suspended twice.
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Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer

When meeting with a lawyer for the first time, it's important to ask the right questions to understand their expertise and determine if they're the right fit for your legal needs. Here are some top questions to consider:

  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. What potential outcomes can I expect from my case?
    While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience.
  4. What is your approach to handling cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. Who will be working on my case?
    Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals.
  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the likely timeline for resolving 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 are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
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  10. Are there alternative ways to solve my legal problem?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

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  1. Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing.
  2. Experience and Specialization:
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    Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association.
  4. Client Reviews and Testimonials:
    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge client satisfaction.
  5. Professional Memberships:
    Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field.
  6. Awards and Recognitions:
    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation.
  7. Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  8. Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

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

  1. Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as contracts, correspondence, legal notices, court papers, or evidence.
  2. Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and involved parties.
  3. List of Questions:
    Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, or the lawyer's experience.
  4. Financial Information:
    If applicable, bring financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements.
  5. Contact Information:
    Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case.
  6. Personal Identification:
    Bring a valid ID for verification purposes.
  7. Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points.
  8. Budget Constraints:
    Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a lawyer varies widely based on several factors:

  • Fee Structures:
    • Hourly Rate:
      Lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on experience and location.
    • Flat Fee:
      For routine legal services like drafting a will or handling an uncontested divorce, lawyers might offer a flat fee.
    • Retainer Fee:
      An upfront payment against which the lawyer bills hourly fees.
    • Contingency Fee:
      Common in personal injury cases; the lawyer receives a percentage (typically 25% to 40%) of any settlement or award.
    • Monthly Retainer:
      For ongoing services, businesses might pay a monthly fee for a set number of hours or services.
  • Factors Affecting Cost:
    • Complexity of the Case:
      More complex cases require more time and resources, increasing costs.
    • Lawyer's Experience:
      Highly experienced lawyers may charge higher fees.
    • Geographic Location:
      Legal fees can vary significantly by region or city.
    • Additional Expenses:
      Court filing fees, expert witness fees, travel expenses, and administrative costs may be extra.
  • Estimating Total Costs:
    Request a detailed fee agreement outlining all potential costs.
    Discuss any additional expenses that may arise during the case.
  • Negotiating Fees:
    Some lawyers may be willing to negotiate fees or offer payment plans, especially for clients with financial constraints.
  • Pro Bono Services:
    For those who cannot afford legal services, some lawyers or legal aid organizations offer services at reduced rates or for free.
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