Lawyers map
>1,018k
experienced lawyers
Thank you for your service. You are the best lawyer I have ever hired.
Different
review sites
review sites
>7
Filter by
14 Mar, 2010 by Chantal
Mr.Nace and his firm were extremely knowledgeable, consistent, responsive and extremely good! We were able to get a favorable settlement! I definitely recommend this team. They understand the law and can help guide you thru difficult situations. 3
Read more
14 Mar, 2010 by Sonya
We had a very successful outcome for our legal case that allowed us to stabilize our family's life after a brain injury. Yet it was the process of the case that was as important to us, because we had so much to manage medically, emotionally, and mentally, during this challenging time. Chris Nace and his excellent team didn't involve us unless they needed our attention, allowing us to place our focus where it was required, in our healing. Also, they spent time answering our questions, no matter how trivial, since we had never used a lawyer except in the creation of our wills. We felt prepared for the case, and informed of our options, but yet not burdened by too much information. We were given adequate preparation for the next steps, but we were not overwhelmed by a multitude of responsibilities. As part of their client care, we were able to help protect our children and other family members from the rigors of an adversarial environment, and to go on with our lives instead of being involved in legal matters.
Frankly, it was Nace's straight talk that brought us to Chris and his father Barry, and it was their compassionate response and awareness of our situation that kept us optimistic through the inevitable ups and downs of this long, convoluted process.
I would recommend Chris Nace without hesitation, as he has the kind of doggedness and integrity that you want on your side, and because this organization has the expertise and experience that makes a level playing field out of the surprises and biases of the legal system.
Read more
20 May, 2019 by Sebastian thomas diaz
Joseph Richardson of Borton Petrini has been a huge asset to my business. He has helped me with contracts and advised me in legal matters. His advice and experience have saved me money, making his legal services a high value service.
Read more
14 May, 2019 by Luke kibler
I have worked with Joe Richardson there at Borton Petrini and he has been an absolute consummate professional in his field. He advised me on several business matters and liability concerns and I am planning some ongoing work with his firm. He has proven himself to be very knowledgeable, professional, and a genuine heart to serve. Highly recommended!
Read more
15 Feb, 2015 by Onreps
I have the highest regard for Mr. Goodman. Professional, kind, timely, incredible knowledge in his field specifically personal injury.
His firm, Steinberg, Goodman &Kalish is one of the best firms in Chicago
Bruce Goodman has been named as s "Leading Illinois Attorney" and is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell. He is ranked as a Top Lawyer in Illinois/Super Lawyer
Top 100 trial lawyers.
I highly recommend Bruce Goodman.
Read more
24 Nov, 2009 by Angel
i knew immediately after my surgery eight years ago that something was wrong, very wrong. i unfortunately was the tip of the iceberg for what now is an understood condition. i fell into a gray area that both doctors and lawyers alike were unfamiliar with. i was bounced around from doctors to specialists and meanwhile i was trying to get a lawyer to listen to me. i kept getting the same response. that it wasn't cut and dry enough. there was no support backing up what my complaints and physical problems were. i kept getting dismissed like i meant nothing. my entire life was flipped upside down. i was at my wit's end and to top it off my case was in the hands of a lawyer who never bothered to educate himself on me, or my condition and was dilly-dallying around with my life. he was unresponsive and incompetent. i kept finding myself having to constantly correct him on the simplest details of my case. i felt lost, alone, helpless and hopeless. i literally sat down in front of my computer and cried and prayed. i then google searched medical malpractice lawyers in chicago, IL and i clicked on a link that listed the names of lawyers. i saw bruce goodman. i stared at his name for a long time. i kept reading it over and over and i thought goodman...good man. i thought that's what i need! a good man to help me! i prayed again and called his office. he talked to me over the phone and set up a time for us to meet. i went in and we went over my case and he has stood by my side from that day on. even when things were bleak and unsure he stayed. he would tell me things were shaky but he still stayed. he didn't abandon me because he'd rather deal with a case that was more clear, more black and white, less difficult to prove, less challenging. he didn't cast me aside like i didn't mean anything. he gave me a chance. to me it meant he thought my strife mattered, that my pain was legitimate and my quality of life was important. reports started coming forth and my condition started getting recognition in the medical field. all the while he has been there fighting for me, educating himself in every aspect of what i have endured and will continue to endure for the rest of my life. i had some insurance issues two surgeries ago and i just couldn't handle any more stress. i was a mess, reduced to tears and dejected. my boyfriend called bruce and he got on the phone and talked me through it. when have you ever heard of such an instance? the fact that even my boyfriend knew he could reach out to bruce speaks volumes. i could go on and on forever on how wonderful of a lawyer and a person he is. my strong feelings for him are endless. he has taken the time to see me for who i am. he listens and more so he hears and he cares. he's honest and fair and explains things to me in great detail and makes sure i understand exactly what is going on every single step of the way. i feel like a family member is representing me now. i know to the core of my being that when i sat in front of my computer and prayed that day that God was listening. God pointed me to the blessing and the gift that is bruce. i can honestly say i don't know where i would be both mentally and physically today if i had not met bruce goodman. he continues to fight for me against any odds and in turn has helped to give me back my dignity, my perseverance and my hope. the difference he has made in my life is priceless. i feel like i can take anything on with him on my side. i gain such strength just from knowing he is there. i don't know how to thank him enough for everything, but i know i will always hold him dear my whole life through; he is a hero in my life.
Read more
11 Aug, 2010 by Kevin
I was rear-ended in an auto accident and injured as a result. The car I was driving was owned by someone else. Knowing that the person who hit me had no insurance, I had no Idea that I was able to be compensated by the uninsured/under insured portion of my own auto policy but that of the policy of the owner of the car I was driving as well until I had my free consultation with Mr Williams. In great detail he explained how all that worked and in the end he was able to get me a more than fair recovery from the insurance companies for my injury. I would recomend Jim to anyone who was in the same situation as I was.
Read more
17 Nov, 2009 by Luisa
Attorney Williams represented me for injuries I sustained in an automobile accident while 7 1/2 months pregnant. He kept me well informed of all the events surrounding my case. He answered all of my questions and assured me the best possible service. In the end I came out with a great settlement and even greater satisfaction.
Read more
5.0
2 Reviews
30 Sep, 2021 by Damon
Extremely professional from start to finish. Top notch. I would highly recommend.
Read more
15 May, 2020 by Otto
Working with Mr. Ginnis was a pleasure. Mr. Ginnis was extremely knowledgeable and thorough in explaining all the processes that would take place. Mr. Ginnis and his team were extremely tentative and compassionate to all of my needs and always responded in a timely manner to any issue that had surfaced, putting my concerns at ease with their professionalism. If ever I need legal council or representation in the future, Mr. Ginnis and his team will be the first and only phone call I will be making.
Read more
13 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Richard Thomas Collins is representing me in a wrongful termination/whistleblower case. We lost our case in federal court. Rich is my hero and will continue to be even if the appellate court denies our appeal for a new trial. I'd recommend him and his team at Berger Kahn to anyone.
Read more
14 Apr, 2011 by Dennis and sheryl
We shopped around and spoke with 6 other attorneys before finding Richard Thomas Collins. We knew he was "the one" when he took time to listen to every aspect of our case and even advised us for awhile, before we officially hired him. And then when we did sign on with him, he tried to be reasonable about the fee and not charge more than necessary. His attitude was to see how things go and maybe he wouldn't need to charge more.
Other attorneys wouldn't even talk beyond 10 minutes or so without demanding a retainer fee.
Richard Collins remained realistic and careful not to promise positive results that might not happen, but at the same time, he was thorough and quoted actual penal codes that pertained to our case. He did his homework and made sure the details were correct. The letters he wrote on our behalf were so outstanding and accurate that it helped us get through rough days and cheered us up to read them!
It appears that the outcome of the case is exactly what we had hoped for, and we attribute that result to Richard Collins' expertise and knowledge, for our type of case.
He was completely professional yet sensitive to what we were going through as real people with feelings.
His manner is so pleasant and reassuring.
He was always good to return calls and kept us informed.
Having worked with other attorneys on other unrelated issues in the past, we wish we had known about him sooner!
Read more
07 Mar, 2017 by David
It was an extraordinary stroke of luck when my malpractice insurance company hired Mr. Jones to represent me in a recent malpractice suit against me. From the very start he was thorough, always prepared, always on time, and went out of his way to come to my office on several occasions to prepare me for the pre-litigation panel and deposition. Every time I talked to him I always felt he was in complete control of the situation and had gone out of his way to do all his homework. I knew that while I was practicing medicine he was representing me and left me as worry free as possible. Through his hard work and determination and honest representation and skill, I was extricated from the suit before it went to trial. I would totally recommend Mr. Jones to any other doctor who needs him. I am almost looking forward to my next lawsuit, so I could quickly hire him to let the other side know that a real professional is working for me.
Read more
13 Sep, 2016 by Scott
I have had multiple opportunities both personally and professionally to observe attorneys in their work. Mr. Jones handled my medical malpractice case and was very knowledgable about the relevant laws. He prepared me vey well for my deposition and predicted the tactics of the opposing counsel. He not only successfully got me removed from the case but, as well I feel, won the co-defendants case for them. I would request to have him again if the need were to arise. He is by far the best trial lawyer I have seen.
Read more
25 Feb, 2020 by Cynthia miller
All I can say is Richard is awesome .
Read more
07 Dec, 2017 by Richard houghtaling
21 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Rhonda provided excellent representation for me in my case. She was very responsive to my questions and concerns, kept me up to date, and provided top-notch advice throughout. I knew I was in good hands when she called and spent time with me, understanding my concerns and then fought hard for me. Rhonda is extremely professional and knowledgeable, and I highly recommend her!
Read more
30 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Rhonda Maloney provided steady, smart guidance in my personal injury case. She was readily available -- this is particularly important because any legal case is stressful -- and she was compassionate and thoughtful in her approach. Rhonda's experience and intellect served me exceptionally well -- to a more than successful conclusion.
Read more
09 Oct, 2017 by Jodi
What a true blessing, Daniel Wilcoxen and many in his office have been to my family. Without all their care, concern, hard work and expertise we would be struggling to survive day to day life after experiencing a life changing event. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.
Read more
28 Mar, 2016 by Angela
I'm so grateful for having the opportunity to have had Mr. Wilcoxen involved with our case. He conducts himself & his law firm in a very professional manner. He also has very professional and knowledgeable attorneys and staff working with him at this firm. My experience with this firm had been very pleasing & satisfied with the outcome. Thank you Mr Wilcoxen & Staff
Read more
13 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
I used this attorney for my grandmother's nursing home case and for my car accident case. He was really great and got me great settlements for both! He's really nice and has a great personality too! Plus he's cute and single (this must be an old pic of him bcuz he doesn't look like that!).
Read more
09 Feb, 2010 by Anonymous
Worked so hard for me and got the job the done.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Sherlyn jurgensen
I have hired Lindsey twice for legal matters and I can not speak highly enough about her. She is both personal and professional. She is prompt to answer questions and resolves issues in a timely manner! You will not be disappointed with the legal representation she provides to her clients!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Jessica johnson
She is such an amazing person!!! She truely is the kindest, most loving, sweet person, and a great attorney!!!! I wish i could give her more than 5 stars!!!!
Read more
29 Aug, 2023 by R sauers
21 Mar, 2016 by Richard kaminski
I have used Jeff Charlow for several real estate transactions. Highly Recommend.
Read more
20 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I would recommend Alan Saltzman to anyone who has been injured in an accident. He is incredibly thorough, been in the business for many years and really knows what he is talking about. I think you will know you are speaking to the right person for the job just in one conversation with him. My experience with him has only been positive. I would give him more than 5 stars if I could.
Read more
20 Mar, 2013 by Jodi
Alan Saltzman has been extremely responsive and proactive in all the work he has done for our family. His communication was excellent and we always knew where we were in the process throughout our cases.
After a recent car accident Mr. Saltzman called many times to check on my condition and was very compassionate, kind and showed true concern for my well being,.
During those stressful times Mr. Saltzman helped to keep me calm and continually reassured me that my mounting doctor bills could wait and I should focus on getting better. He was so right. The case was resolved to my full satisfaction and was settled in a reasonable amount of time.
It was a pleasure to work with him and would highly recommend him.
Read more
06 Aug, 2018 by Michelle
Eric Henry not only represented myself, but my family as well when we were in need of legal counsel. Because of his kind, caring, and friendly demeanor, my husband and I now consider him a friend of the family. He would constantly reach out to see how our family was doing throughout the duration of the case. Eric always answered his phone or responded back quickly. After hearing from a judge and magistrate regarding how well he represented my case, it came as no surprise why he was successful in winning my case. Eric Henry comes highly recommended by us, not only for his skill and knowledge for law, but most certainly how he treats and cares for his clients.
Read more
07 Feb, 2018 by Clayton
Eric Henry,
I have nothing but respect for this Lawyer! He took my case when everyone told me that I didn't have one. He took my case and said I only had to pay if we won...which meant he worked hard for our money. We may have settled out of court...but we settled! Even when I was told there was no settlement to be had by other Lawyers. So for not having a case...$45,000 is not a bad settlement! 5 STARS!! 5 THUMBS UP!! I would recommend this law firm to anyone and everyone!!
Read more
10 Feb, 2020 by Dude duder
Very clean building, and very helpful and accommodating.
Read more
17 Jan, 2020 by Kristie crawford
Excellent service. Very detail oriented.
Read more
16 Aug, 2023 by William acton
09 Mar, 2021 by Lee mcwhorter
Now I know where Scully went after the X-Files!
I'm a believer!
Read more
18 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. DiCello is very professional, consistently looking for the best outlook for me. I have a hearing impairment which he made others aware of many times. He had excellent people in the firm to assist both of us through the case. My over-all experience was very satisfying.
Read more
13 Apr, 2015 by Jim & jeanette
Mr. DiCello is a kind and compassionate attorney that will treat you with extreme professionalism and respect. He and his team go above and beyond expectations. He works hard to keep you informed through every step of the process. When Nick makes a promise, he keeps it. We can not say enough good things about Nick and his team. You'll be glad you choose them!
Read more
28 Feb, 2019 by Kris
We worked with Andrew and the firm after our mother's death. Andrew always responded to our questions and concerns thoroughly and with great care. We always felt that we had the best advocate in our corner and that our mother's voice was being represented. He provided guidance through the process, and made sure we understood the process as well as the options. Our interest was in making sure that there were changes made to protect other families, and we were confident that that was Andrew's goal and objective as well.
It was obvious that the goal was to reach the best outcome in our efforts to get legal justice for Mom’s death and we achieved that.
The team was always so kind and respectful when dealing with a situation that was horrifying to all of us.
We would recommend Andrew and Kosieradzki Smith to anyone without hesitation.
Read more
18 Jun, 2018 by Herb
Andrew Gross is a lawyer who gets it. He cares about his clients and understands their suffering. I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle. The case was complicated. My injury was devastating, affects my daily life, and is permanent. Due to the complexities of the case, most lawyers didn't give me much chance for a meaningful judgment. Andrew took the time and made the effort to understand the details of my case and its impact on my life. He and his team worked thoughtfully and tirelessly to tell my story to the Jury in a way that connected with them. He was able to lay the case out for them in a way that allowed them to understand the facts of the case and the lasting impact that this injury has had on my life. The result was a significant victory that has given me hope and a sense of justice.
I will be forever grateful for Andrew's strong and insightful defense of my life and rights.
Read more
10 Sep, 2016 by Rajiv nagaich
When it comes to looking for a lawyer who can get you justice, I mean real justice, not just words, there are very few who make the cut for me. And Greg makes that cut. Greg is the tops. He has taken on large companies, the government and shady (and shifty) actors to bring them to their knees. Could not endorse anyone with more enthusiasm. He is not a good or great lawyer - he is among the few pre-eminent lawyers you would be lucky to have on your team.
Read more
14 Apr, 2016 by Doug
I have worked with Greg McBroom on numerous matters and he has always done a great job. One of his strong attributes is that he know when to be tough and when not to be. Always has a positive attitude.
Read more
24 Jan, 2021 by Elizabeth
Competent, caring and hard-charging...it's a powerful combination! Paula and Wayne (Little) are the dynamic duo when it comes to dealing with recalcitrant insurance companies. These two attorneys compliment each other in the best possible way and accomplished miracles for my husband and me. We are elated with the results that their hard work produced for us!
Read more
22 Mar, 2019 by Sandy
Paula Elliott and her partner Wayne Little, represented my son and I in a wrongful death case 8 years ago. Paula is very professional and a go getter. Paula and her partner Wayne were so compassionate to us. The case was settled with a hard fought approach. We were very please with the results. Paula will fight hard for you.
Read more
5.0
1 Reviews
5.0
1 Reviews
16 Nov, 2021 by Sergey vinogradov
04 Aug, 2020 by Robert. w
Mr. Otway did a terrific job with my case against a certain insurance company who dragged my case on for over 3 years . The whole time he made me feel at ease , giving me the feeling like, let him worry and not me . All I can say if you want a lawyer that will fight for you outside or inside a court room this is the lawyer for you. Thanks Mr. Otway
Read more
02 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
The Steven D. Davis Law Group was very helpful and successfully helped me negotiate a good settlement for my father's nursing home abuse case. They took the time to explain everything and always answered my calls.
Read more
14 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Davis was very helpful in negotiating my claim for the abuse my mother suffered in the nursing home. He was always available to answer my questions and was very knowledgeable. He listens well and we got a very good result at the end of our lawsuit. Highly recommended.
Read more
12 Jul, 2023 by Jeff callaway
15 Nov, 2018 by Krista
06 Mar, 2021 by Thomas greer
The staFF are very respectful and profeSSionaL ...
Read more
10 Feb, 2021 by Thomas greer
StaFF is very profeSSionaL ...
Read more
11 Mar, 2024 by Jill
Mark Ahrens was my attorney and he was far superior to any attorney I have ever dealt with. He easily navigated through the process of litigation as well as dealing with opposing counsel. He was well prepared for every meeting while his knowledge and strategy gave him an advantage. I trusted him with my case and so thankful I did, as he is a results verified master of his trade. Highly recommend!!!!
Read more
17 Dec, 2018 by Maria
Mark Athens was amazing I hired him to take care of my auto accident he was detailed and caring never rushed me at appointments and his assistant Stephanie was so informative and took care of my case in a reasonable timely manner thank you so much for getting me my settlement quickly
Read more
15 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr Koerner walked me through what the process was going to be from start to finish. He never overpromised or made anything sound easier than it was going to be. He stayed with the case and brought it to a satisfactory conclusion in a shorter amount of time than he originally said. He worked hard for me and did a very good job. I would recommend him to my best friend. He is honest and doing things for the right reasons.
Read more
23 Oct, 2017 by Adam
Hugh is a real fighter, and he always treated me like I was his most important client. He won my civil rights case despite going up against tough odds, lying cops, and two opposing lawyers. He was also very patient with me and took the time to explain the law, process, and procedures. I am glad he was on my side.
Read more
02 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Excellent communication skills. very knowledgeable in all aspects of case including medical issues. I was impressed with Ken's ability to think outside the box when identifying liability.
Read more
26 Oct, 2015 by Greg
Mr. Sobel handled my case with the utmost respect and professionalism. He was concerned with my health both physically and mentally. He took care of every detail possible and managed a terrific outcome of our case for my family and I.
Read more
13 Sep, 2019 by Maria
Bill Campisi Jr. is the best. He cares about his clients and will do everything to win. He is knowledgable in his work . We couldn't have won our case without him. Thank so much for all your time.
Read more
23 Jul, 2013 by Maria
Bill Campisi Jr. is the best. He is responsive, trustworthy, knowledgable. He is compassionate and really into what he is meant to do. Couldn't have won without him in the forefront. Thank you very very much.
Read more
20 Mar, 2018 by Markel douglas
07 Mar, 2018 by Edward ranck
Great local attorney when you really need one
Read more
Find by
State
- New York
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Michigan
- Washington
- District of Columbia
- North Carolina
- Massachusetts
- Louisiana
- Tennessee
- Maryland
- Wisconsin
- New Jersey
- Minnesota
- South Carolina
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Kentucky
- Virginia
- Oregon
- Alabama
- Indiana
- Connecticut
- Utah
- Missouri
- Nevada
- Nebraska
- West Virginia
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- Mississippi
- Kansas
- Arkansas
- Iowa
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Hawaii
- Maine
- Wyoming
- North Dakota
- Alaska
- New Hampshire
- Montana
- Vermont
- South Dakota
Browse lawyers
Cities
-
New York
-
Washington
-
Chicago
-
Houston
-
Los Angeles
-
Atlanta
-
Dallas
-
San Francisco
-
Philadelphia
-
Seattle
-
Austin
-
Boston
-
San Diego
-
Pittsburgh
-
Miami
-
Columbus
-
Phoenix
-
Denver
-
Brooklyn
-
Cleveland
-
New Orleans
-
Portland
-
Nashville
-
San Antonio
-
Cincinnati
-
Charlotte
-
Minneapolis
-
Milwaukee
-
Sacramento
-
Tampa
-
Baltimore
-
Louisville
-
Salt Lake City
-
Raleigh
-
Orlando
-
Birmingham
-
Indianapolis
-
Buffalo
-
Baton Rouge
-
Irvine
-
Albany
-
Columbia
-
Las Vegas
-
Fort Lauderdale
-
White Plains
-
Fort Worth
-
Memphis
-
Madison
-
Detroit
-
Oakland
-
Jacksonville
-
Albuquerque
-
Rochester
-
San Jose
-
Saint Louis
-
Saint Paul
-
Omaha
-
Garden City
-
Bronx
-
Lexington
-
Knoxville
-
Coral Gables
-
Harrisburg
-
Grand Rapids
-
Charleston
-
West Palm Beach
-
Providence
-
Kansas City
-
Beverly Hills
-
Boca Raton
-
Southfield
-
Greenville
-
Scottsdale
-
Wilmington
-
Newport Beach
-
Troy
-
Palo Alto
-
Tucson
-
Syracuse
-
Tallahassee
-
Hartford
-
Pasadena
-
Spokane
-
Charleston
-
Metairie
-
Oklahoma City
-
Honolulu
-
Tacoma
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
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:
-
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. -
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. -
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. -
What is your approach to handling cases like mine?
Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation. -
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. -
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times. -
What is the likely timeline for resolving my case?
Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish. -
Do you have references from past clients?
Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness. -
What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
Understanding potential challenges helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations. -
Are there alternative ways to solve my legal problem?
Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.
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. -
Experience and Specialization:
Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. -
Disciplinary Record:
Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association. -
Client Reviews and Testimonials:
Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge client satisfaction. -
Professional Memberships:
Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field. -
Awards and Recognitions:
Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation. -
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.
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, correspondence, legal notices, court papers, or evidence. -
Written Summary:
Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and involved parties. -
List of Questions:
Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, or the lawyer's experience. -
Financial Information:
If applicable, bring financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements. -
Contact Information:
Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case. -
Personal Identification:
Bring a valid ID for verification purposes. -
Pen and Notebook:
Take notes during the consultation to remember important points. -
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.
-
Hourly Rate:
-
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.
-
Complexity of the Case:
-
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.
