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
29 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Mark is a very professional, knowledgeable and efficient attorney. His honesty and integrity are beyond measure. He took the time to answer any and all questions, reassured and guided me through every step of the decision process. I highly recommend Mark to anyone looking for an exceptional attorney!
Read more
02 Dec, 2014 by Sam
Mark has been my attorney for over 23 years now. I've used him to set up several Trusts, corporations, and LLCs. Mark is very knowledgeable about the fine details and things to watch out for. He helped me decide which type of entity was best for each type of business. He is always great at returning phone calls very quickly and making time to chat about different issues. I believe anyone would be very impressed with Mark's thoroughness and knowledge on Business law.
Read more
22 Dec, 2022 by Martin reyna
23 Jan, 2020 by Wendy holder
Excellence at it's best!
Read more
23 Apr, 2024 by Dan frank
20 Nov, 2020 by Dineen anderson
15 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
I've worked with Adam for years and he has been indispensable to me and my company. His knowledge and guidance are second to none!
Read more
20 Jan, 2020 by Ben
Adam has been my entertainment attorney for the past several years, serving both my film/video production company, as well as various independent films I've been working on. He has always done a thorough job and presented his expert opinions in ways that are clear and comprehensible by a non-attorney. He is there to answer my questions and takes my feedback into account as needed for the various contracts, release forms, deal memos, and other documents he has worked on for us. One of Adam's key strengths is his legal expertise coupled with his hands on experience as a film producer. This inside knowledge of the industry gives him a unique perspective when working with companies like mine, and enables him to truly understand our needs and perspective. He also has immense patience and is a true team player. I'm very happy to have Adam on our team, and recommend him without reservation to anyone looking for an entertainment or IP attorney.
Read more
02 Apr, 2015 by Terry
Todd is a very intelligent/well spoken man and when in the zone I feel he is unstoppable. He helped me out during my trial in every way. He gave me all the confidence I needed when I had to take the stand. When Todd did his cross-examination I could feel and see the confidence that he had, which I feel helped set the tone for my trial. He definitely let his pressence be known (in a respectable manner), especially to the prosecutor. When ALL odds were stacked against me, Todd still had my back and never flinched once under any circumstances. I recommend him to anyone that wants a TOP quality Lawyer on their side.
Read more
07 Oct, 2008 by Anonymous
Great lawyer - smart, efficient and tenacious. He is at a mid-size firm and can deliver great legal service at an extremely competitive rate.
Read more
19 Apr, 2023 by Daniel girdwood
07 Oct, 2022 by M
Ask for Josh , when making your wash selection ? Great guy and the best full service car wash in Texas
Read more
30 Jun, 2019 by Dennis
I am a musical theater producer, writer and show developer. Over the past 15 years I worked with a well-known Broadway songwriter and lyricist on the development of a unique show. When the songwriter was approached by another producer, he used the concept from our show, and did not include me in his show’s production. The issue that he created centered on copyright infringement.
Angry and upset over this betrayal, I turned to the person who I knew would help me through this difficult situation; Ms. Leila Amineddoleh. I have known Ms. Amineddoleh for 10 years. She is my go-to attorney for all my productions and creative works. She was aware of the circumstances regarding my creative collaboration with the songwriter.
Over the past three years, Ms. Amineddoleh represented me in a copyright infringement dispute with the songwriter and his show’s producer, director and music director. Recently the matter was resolved due to the expert council of Ms. Amineddoleh. She was the essential representative in handling my issue. She had expert knowledge of all legal aspects and ramifications of my case and was able to artfully and aggressively negotiate a settlement.
I highly recommend Ms. Amineddoleh to help you if you are dealing with issues involving intellectual property. An additional word of advice; if you are a creative person and are working in a collaborative relationship, seek her assistance in proactively protecting your interests.
I am more than happy to talk with you directly about my experiences working with Ms. Amineddoleh and her staff, feel free to contact her office to obtain my personal contact information.
Read more
06 Aug, 2015 by Chris
I am an artist based in NY and I retained Ms. Amineddoleh to assist me with some of my contracts and negotiations. She is very knowledgeable about art law and presented me with so many ideas that were totally foreign to me. It was very helpful. She was also really interested in my work and she took time to understand my long-term career goals. I'm still working with her on all my future contracts. Also, she was reasonable with her rates and worked efficiently. She is the best lawyer I've ever worked with.
Read more
11 Nov, 2021 by Devin
Seamus is an experienced professional that takes the time to understand your whole situation. He is thoughtful in care and in practice, and I would highly recommend Seamus for all your lawyerly needs
Read more
25 Jul, 2019 by John
Seamus was helpful when I was first contemplating starting the company I founded and continue to run. He provided general guidance and pointed out important considerations.
Read more
16 Aug, 2017 by Jesse
Ms. Bellay is a refreshingly honest, professional, and personable Dallas lawyer whose focus and dedication was above reproach. She helped guide me through the complicated filing of my new non-profit with ease. She was timely in all of her responses and her insightful counsel helped me structure my operations.
If you are looking to start a new small business or non-profit, I would highly recommend the Ms. Bellay's trustworthy counsel. She has a strong work ethic and surpassed all of my expectations.
Read more
14 Jul, 2017 by Ceo of madflit
Rebecca was a pleasure to work with, her rates are reasonable and she did a great job. She definitely understands what it's like being an entrepreneur.
Read more
04 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
Joseph Giaconda helped me through a problem, and was wonderful at his job in several ways at the same time. He was very intelligent and well informed - he found the weaknesses in my opponent's legal position, and the strengths in mine, in a very smart way. he was also friendly, reassuring, professional, and considerate - and made me feel able to contribute to the discussion. A great guy to have on your side.
Read more
20 May, 2010 by Anonymous
Joe Gioconda is by far one of the best lawyers I've worked with over the years. When we give him projects, we know he's going to get the job done well. I highly recommend him.
Read more
13 Jan, 2018 by Pete
Ben Setnick represented us for over two years during a very complicated and contentious business partnership and we were thankful to have him. He is a brilliantly knowledgable attorney and conducts himself with the utmost professionalism. In dealing with both a prime/sub government contractor relationship and also dealing with labor union disputes, Ben made himself intimately familiar with the details of the contract. He was always so well prepared that we had absolute faith in his guidance. Our confidence in him was justified. In the course of time Ben was able to negotiate a very positive settlement between all parties.
We are grateful to him for all his hard work and his expertise.
Read more
20 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
My experience with Ben has been excellent. He was knowledgeable, prompt, and always underpromised and overdelivered. I recommend him highly.
Read more
19 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Wilson is hands down the best attorney I have worked with. His sharp wit and professional integrity set him apart from the crowd. I fully trust and, without hesitation, recommend him for any legal matter.
Read more
04 Apr, 2012 by Bart
Mr. Wilson was extremely responsive and easy to contact. He quickly addressed the questions that I had and assisted me skillfully with my case.
Read more
30 Apr, 2024 by Neal apple gate
22 Apr, 2023 by Chuck dickerson
12 Jan, 2019 by Drew
A fantastic lawyer who helped me trademark my business. Mike is extremely responsive and helped me every step of the way.
Read more
07 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Michael has served my business extremely well in the areas of copyright law and litigation. He is a competent, no-nonsense lawyer with an intimate knowledge of copyright law, and a knack for applying his intellect in a fair and sensible way to real-world business situations.
Read more
30 Apr, 2024 by Neal apple gate
22 Apr, 2023 by Chuck dickerson
17 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
He worked very hard on my case, never gave up, and kept me informed of everything I needed to do. He asked all the right questions, appeared on my behalf. He kept a positive outlook and fought till we won my case. I would hire him again for this type of case or any other for that matter.
Read more
09 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
Matthew expertly (he obviously did this many times, and that was more than a year ago) alleviated my fears that I might lose my unemployment benefits and thoroughly explained to me what "chain of custody" means. The court proceedings were quite intimidating for me and I was very glad to have Matthew at my side.
Read more
11 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Sam helped me with a partnership dispute as it got ugly when everyone lawyered up. The courts took much longer than expected (first time being involved in a suit) and it got frustrating at times, but it all worked out in the end so I have no complaints. Great guy to work with and I would highly recommend him.
Read more
15 Nov, 2013 by Michael
I met Sam through a co-worker who dealt with him in the past. He was very attentive and always kept me in the loop. I'm glad to have had him represent me and I would not hesitate to use him again.
Read more
26 Jun, 2023 by Sandrell
I hired Artie in 2021 for my patent application. His firm is awesome.
Through the process of creating my company, I went to many law firms for my patent application, with no luck for my area of innovative technology. I received a referral to contact Artie Pennington from a program through SBA, it was one of the best decisions made. I was welcomed immediately by Artie, then was assisted in more ways than one. Artie has the experience, understood what was needed, and his firm took care of my patent well before my deadline. Him and his team were excellent in communicating, understanding, and getting the job done. I was even motivated to expand my mind and create more progressive innovations. All my patents are going through Artie's firm. I am so lucky to have this law firm in my life. BEST ALL AROUND!! I refer all my business friends to Artie because of his practices and genuine actions to help.
Read more
16 Jun, 2023 by Sheila
Recently, my husband & I retained Mr. Pennington to review & revise our existing Estate Plan. He is personable & relaxed with an excellent knowledge of Estate planning. We are very pleased with the finished product. It’s never easy to plan one’s Estate as in doing so, we admit our own mortality and sometimes make difficult decisions. Mr. Pennington was patient & understanding. I enthusiastically recommend Mr. Pennington.
Read more
30 Apr, 2024 by Neal apple gate
22 Apr, 2023 by Chuck dickerson
03 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Answered my questions in a thorough manner. Very helpful and nice! Thank you so much!
Read more
28 Oct, 2019 by Melissa
Nancy has handled a number of business issues for us from drawing up contracts, filing for trademarks and creating a new entity. She is always on top of her game, giving us the best she has.
Read more
13 Jan, 2017 by Jorge salgado
19 Jun, 2016 by Sam richards
12 Jan, 2016 by Rob
Mr. Creedon closely reviewed all of the facts surrounding my case. He quickly recognized there is clear and convincing evidence that alleges violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (“DTPA”) against the defendant. Mr. Creedon is a pleasure to work with.
Read more
28 Oct, 2015 by Corey
Mr. Creedon has the desired quality to be an innovative thinker when it comes to legal representation. He is always attentive to the desired outcome of the client and finds alternative, efficient, ways to reach those goals. He is not afraid to put in the long hours required to ensure he is competent and confident on even the newest issues. His top flight legal skills should leave no doubt in a potential client’s mind that he is the right attorney for the job.
Read more
11 Feb, 2013 by Skeeter
We have engaged Doug Renteria on a wide variety of issues, and he consistently delivers well thought out, well researched advice for our company and for our clients
Read more
31 Jan, 2013 by William
I could not be more fortunate than to have Doug Renteria as my attorney. I am a small business owner and Doug has helped me with many legal issues as well as many other business related issues, including reviewing contracts, labor agreements, employment agreements etc. Doug has been an intregral and vital part of my companies rapid growth over the past couple of years. His help in representing myself and my company as legal counsel has produced results and opened doors that were impossible previously. He has contaced major fotune 500 companies representing my company, written letters on my behalf, given extraordinary legal counsel and frankly, my company would not be here today if it was not for Doug Renteria. He has exceptional knowledge of the law, takes a genuine interest in his clients goals and needs and responds to every request, question, issue with the upmost professionalism and best interest of the client. Having over 30 years of business experience, I have known and dealt with many attorney's and would highly recommend Doug Renteria to anyone without hesitation.
Read more
12 Nov, 2012 by Bruce dearborn
The Board of Directors of my Organization gave me the responsibility to handle a contractual dispute with a major hotel chain in Vermont, where we had just held our national convention. Not knowing any Attorneys in Vermont, I relied on the internet. I made several phone calls and sent many e:mails trying to motivate an Attorney to handle to respond to my request. NONE DID!!! Then I reached out to Dennis Wygmans, Esq., who returned my call immediately. I asked to explain my problem without any interruption. At the end of my explanation, he cited several state laws which applied to my situation. He then gave me his professional background and his expertise in contractual law. He contined to explain how he would proceed and what would probably take place. Mr. Wygman outlined his fees and cost of further litigation if we couldn't settle our differences. I knew then that I had the right person for the job. I was so impressed with his professionalism and expertise I asked if he would take the case, which he did. After many conversations and e:mails, Mr. Wygman negotiated a very satisfactory settlement. I would never hesitate to recommend his knowledge, expertise and work ethics.
Read more
06 Dec, 2011 by Dan
Dennis has been my attorney for 6 years, and has helped me negotiate a wide variety of contracts, from music publishing deals to film scores. He's been extremely helpful in helping me avoid various pitfalls. He has also helped me understand how copyright and royalties function, which has been truly invaluable.
I will be continuing to use Dennis as my attorney and would highly recommend him for any music related legal needs.
Read more
16 Sep, 2017 by Dawn
Mr. Lee's eye for detail can't be topped!!! He worked tirelessly on my case with an ex employer for over 2 years... He is very professional and knowledgeable.
Read more
05 Mar, 2014 by Scott
I am writing to recommend Tim Lee for legal work. Tim has been my company’s go-to person for legal matters for over seven years. We have used him to draft, review and negotiate contracts on multiple occasions and have always been pleased with the results. He has handled our trademark and copyright filings and advised us on how to protect the intellectual property we have. Tim has also been very helpful with employment matters. He drafted our human resources policies and procedures manual and we regularly consult with him on employment agreements and other matters as they arise.
We have had several matters come up over the years that could have easily ended up in a courtroom, but Tim helped us avoid it. Some lawyers seem eager to file a lawsuit when a contract dispute arises, but Tim works with us, our clients and vendors in an effort to resolve our problems in a manner that minimizes cost and is most effective for us.
In addition, unlike other lawyers, Tim has taken the extra step of learning how our business operates and what our priorities are. We are very pleased with the legal service Tim provides us and hope to keep him as our attorney for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Scott
President/Founder
Screamer Co.
Read more
19 Apr, 2013 by Lauren
I met Jenny informally at a meeting and immediately liked her as a person. Our introduction was a lucky coincidence as I had just started a business and happened to be seeking legal advice. I was confident that I could easily find a well qualified and talented lawyer, but I wanted more than that. My business is my passion and my life and I wanted somebody that would treat it as such. Jenny stood out in a crowd of professionals as she was friendly, down to earth, and had a warm, welcoming demeanor. I honestly could not believe she was a lawyer. She is sharp, witty, and extremely intelligent, as many lawyers are, while also being a compassionate, kind human being with a wealth of knowledge and experience, which many lawyers are not. She is an exceptional lawyer and an exceptional person.
Lawyers become lawyers for many reasons, it seems like Jenny is a lawyer because she thoroughly enjoys it. It is her career, her service to the world, and her passion; it shows in her level of dedication to, and consideration for, her clients. She is an excellent educator and I applaud her for being so incredibly adaptable, yet solid in her values and limitations. She knows exactly what she is and is not willing to do in her practice, and is very straight forward with her intentions and statements.
Bottom line, she is an honest, trustworthy person and she is great at her job. She is exceedingly fast at writing documents, and is very efficient with her time. If you write her an email, you are guaranteed to hear back from her as soon as is humanly possible. In addition to providing superior legal protection for myself and my business, she also has a great personality, and manages to be incredibly fun while maintaing a high degree of professionalism. She has earned my business and my loyalty, and I plan to use her services for years to come.
Read more
19 Apr, 2013 by Austin
I met Jenny when she was giving a presentation on ip, contracts and business formation at a tech entrepreneurs meetup. The presentation was quite good, and since I'm looking to start my own business, I took note, because I'd been on the lookout for a lawyer I could trust to understand these issues in the context of software development.
As it happens, I ended up landing some contract work, but felt really uncomfortable with the language in it, particularly regarding the ip. As a programmer, this is a really important area for me. Since it was my first time using a lawyer for this kind of thing and it was also a very small contract, I decided to try out oDesk but was pretty dissatisfied with the results.
After wasting a lot time and money, I decided to contact Jenny and to be honest, I'm really glad I did.
At this point, the employer was getting frustrated at how long it was taking to get the contract back to them and I was a bit desperate. I reached out to her, and she got back to me right away. We talked about my situation and concerns about the contract, and she got started immediately, even meeting me on the weekend to handle some paperwork. After a quick turnaround, she walked me through all her changes on the phone, explaining her rationale and patiently explaining points that I didn't understand. Personally I appreciated this, since I always look to increase my understanding on top of getting what I need done.
Since it's in my nature, even though I was having a lawyer look at the document, I did a lot of research on my own regarding software contracts, and what should be in them. Having never done this before, I wanted to be more informed, and I'm glad I did, since it allowed me to gauge that the work done for me off of oDesk was not high quality. That being said, I was feeling pretty skeptical when I hired Jenny, but I couldn't have been more happy with the end result.
She was able to tell me what wasn't standard, what was missing, alter language to make the contract more fair for me and even pointed out certain language that I thought I understood, but I guess in a court of law, does not mean what I think. At the end of it I was quite happy. As unfair as the contract started out, I felt very confident in the end result.
Throughout the whole thing, I felt she understood where I was coming from as a programmer, which was the most important thing to me. I tried to go the cheap route with oDesk and got what I paid for. After going with Jenny, I feel like I got more than I paid for. I'll definitely be going back to her when I need a lawyer in the future.
Read more
22 Apr, 2016 by Kari tamburin
Jeff and his team are wind beneath my wings. Jeff is direct, clear, and excellent to navigate the patent process without making me feel lost in the paperwork. I'm involved and part of the team. We are in the patent pending phase working through office actions. I have high confidence in our outcome. Jeff has been excellent to define expectations and costs. If you want urgency with quality results I highly recommend Jeff and his firm.
Read more
10 Jul, 2015 by Ali
Jeff Hunt handled our global patent filings with ease and smarts. We walked through next steps with the patent office with a consummate professional leading the way. High marks!
Read more
30 Nov, 2017 by Rick
Mr. Bratcher responded to my emails promptly and answered every question that I asked him. He went over a lease contract that I emailed to him and explained everything that I needed to know. I would hire Mr. Bratcher in an instant and recommend him very highly. This attorney knows his stuff and will not hesitate to respond to you.
Read more
30 Jul, 2013 by Paul
Mr Bratcher helped me a great deal with my legal issues and I would recommend him anytime. He told me where to look in the statutes of law to my specific case. Thanks for a great job.
Read more
03 Aug, 2017 by Hetha
We only just started working with Jonathan Feil a couple of weeks ago. We needed information and advice on a software license agreement matter. Jonathan went out of his way to provide answers to our many questions. He was very knowledgeable and helpful and I am really happy that we were able to work with him! I would recommend him for sure!
Read more
20 Jun, 2015 by Ken
Jonathan Feil has been my mouthpiece, er, attorney for decades. He is easy to work with, friendly, but most importantly, he writes very clear, concise and easy to understand documents. His work is careful and considered and he is sure to cover all the bases, while managing to keep documents short. I trust him implicitly and explicitly. I use him for all my legal needs except patents, as he's not a patent lawyer. He does all my copyright and trademarking work, however, and is knowledgeable about all aspects of IP.
No one is perfect however, and Jonathan's weak spot is timeliness. You may need to prod him along at times.
Jonathan will make sure that you understand what he is doing and why he is doing it. His explanations are clear and understandable. He will also listen to you and make sure that he is doing what you want, not just what he wants you to do.
With Jonathan handling my legal work I never ever have to worry about matters legal. I am sure that I'm getting sound advice and great documents.
Jonathan also has good business experience. He understands the motivation behind your requests which helps ensure that you get what you really need.
To be more specific, recently he has done work for me on developing investment term sheets, building and tracking our capitalization table, options agreements, and customer contracts. He written our company NDA, our employment agreements, and done all our company paperwork (business licenses, founding documents, etc.). My company is a relatively small startup and he is very conscience of our limited budget and finds ways to get what we need without breaking the bank.
Recently we had a copyright conflict with a company in Australia. We had resolved it some years ago, but a third party thought the copyright was still owned by the Australian company. Even though everyone that we had worked with in the Australian company was gone, he was able to find the right people there and get the matter resolved without resorting to threats or actual legal action. His persistence and gentle persuasion were what did the job.
In short, Mr. Feil has been everything we want and need in an attorney. To the point where I must add this disclosure, over the years he has also become a personal friend.
Read more
13 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
John was very professional and knowledgeable. He assisted me with understanding a few different contracts. You can tell that he puts a lot of effort into providing all the necessary legal information and a little more. I was very satisfied with his advisement and did not feel that something was lacking in any way. I highly recommend John Burns for anyone needing advice in his areas of expertise.
Read more
08 Aug, 2013 by Ron
Mr. Burns helped me recently and was available THAT day in
formulating a Licensing agreement when I was pressed for time.
His response was professional,quick and he kept me well informed during the process.
I would highly recommend him and will use his expertise again when needed.
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.
