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29 Nov, 2020 by Eboni
Ms. Logan was extremely thorough. She made sure we addressed every conceivable obstacle we might face during my Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. My meeting of creditors went smoothly and now my case has been discharged. She is very friendly and respectful. Responded promptly to all of my calls and emails.. I would hire her again should I need her in the future.
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10 Mar, 2019 by Irene
I was very impressed, how she managed my case. returned all my call had answer all my question that I had. Mrs Logan is a very nice person who makes you feel good, she fights for her clients good or bad she is there with you at every step of the way will tell other people about her.
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21 Aug, 2012 by Timothy
Jerry drafted my estate plan and the plan for my wife. He did a thorough interview, reviewed our documents and then we met with him and re-reviewed everything set forth in our proposed plan. It was only after that work did he say things were ready. He saw to the proper execution of the documents and made sure all the necessary filings were done. My wife and I both felt quite secure in having Jerry guide us in this process. As a lawyer myself, I quite comfortable recommending others to see him.
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24 Oct, 2008 by Anonymous
Jerry helped me with a real estate problem. He gave me excellent advice and he was there with me when I needed him. I appreciate the advice he's given me and will work with him again.
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16 Jan, 2013 by Angelo
“Paula handled my bankruptcy and three of my friends bankruptcies after that. She was VERY efficient.”
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08 Oct, 2008 by Anonymous
First and foremost, I found Ms. Ramsey to be very trustworthy. She kept me up on what was happening with my business, as well as how old and new laws affected such. I was also impressed that she always gave me best and worse case scenarios. She did extra work on her off hours if needed without extra costs. She was overly knowledgeable about business operations and made sure all basis were covered within my LLC. I have been exrememely pleased with her services as my attorney, and will continue to work with her as my business dictates. She is an excellent Attorney!
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19 Jun, 2019 by Theodore
I hired Mark Chiesa for a very difficult case involving real property. To say that the deck was very much stacked against us in this case would actually be an understatement. I’ve had seven lawyers in total for other cases and, although they were all pretty good, Mark was the best. I have some complaints about all of the other lawyers that I’ve had but I have absolutely no complaints about Mark; he’s just that good. Of course, in any court case, it always comes down to the decision of a judge or a jury but Mark will work harder and smarter than most other attorneys, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Mark did exactly what I wanted him to do despite the unlikelihood of that ever happening. And he did it ethically, without having to convince the judge of things by telling bold-faced lies like the lawyer on the opposing side kept doing. Mark Chiesa is a great guy and a great lawyer. If you retain him and lose, you were gonna lose no matter what.
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10 Mar, 2016 by Jack
Mark has represented me on a couple of matters and both times he was very helpful, courteous, and did a great job. On top of that his fees were very reasonable. I refer him to all of my friends!
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17 Nov, 2018 by Michele
Dean makes you feel like he has known you all your life from the first handshake of meeting him. Dean will be at your side through all your law concerns. We have business in Livonia and when are clients ask if we know a good attorney the first name is Dean Koulouras.
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26 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Dean was the comfort I needed especially being that I had never been in a situation before that required representation. I was so scared but Dean and his colleague went above and beyond to instruct and comfort me and at the end it was more scare than damage (if at all). Really fell in good hands the entire time.
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30 Nov, 2018 by Latoya
Let me tell you..if you are looking for an attorney that will go above and beyond for you to WIN your case LOOK NO FURTHER! Amanda(yes we're on a first name basis because she fought for me like FAMILY), is an AWESOME PERSON OVERALL WHICH MAKES HER A AMAZING ATTORNEY..She's honest, compassionate, and a hard worker and no matter how many irons she may have in the fire she ALWAYS TREATS EACH CLIENT'S CASE AS A PERSONAL PRIORITY!! I absolutely love her and appreciate everything she has done for me and my family.
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30 Nov, 2018 by Sabrina
Amanda is very experienced in her field. Always professional and consistently available to answer any of our questions. She’s very thorough and explained the process so that we knew what was expected. It was obvious that she had a lot of experience dealing with accident cases and there was no hesitation to hire her as our attorney.
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31 Mar, 2013 by Virginia
Al defended me in a Criminal matter and went to work right away leaving no stone uncovered. He was well prepared in Court speaking out on my behalf correcting any oversights or questionable phrasing of the charge. He kept me well informed through Telephone contact, Email and meetings in his office. He was prompt in returning my calls. I was very impressed by his thoroughness, attention to detail, unrelenting approach and ability to stay focused on the work at hand. The Charges were dismissed after 6 months. Thank you Al for a satisfying outcome and I have no hesitation in recommending him .
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14 Nov, 2011 by Jim
I retained Mr. Rightler for an on-going legal case. By the time Mr. Rightler was involved in the case, prior attorneys had made a mess of it. Mr. Rightler took the time to learn my case. He read every document in the case file, spent time interviewing me, and got to know the players involved. He was highly organized and did not miss anything. He has excellent communication skills and is not afraid to state the facts, in court and out. He is an honest and very principled man. He is knowledgeable in the law but is not shy about asking for help where he needs it. Mr. Rightler has strong research skills which help greatly as, in my case, it was necessary for him to do very extensive research in a number of areas other than the law. Mr. Rightler , as an attorney, is consistently reliable. He always returned my calls and emails. He told me what he planned to do, and he did exactly that. I have complete trust in Mr. Rightler and I would not hesitate to recommend him as an attorney.
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13 May, 2020 by T. brown
Attorney Timothy Yousif's expertise, experience and efforts made the appeals process for my case seamless and stress free. Tim Yousif was always very patient, understanding and maintained a level of calm and professionalism when discussing the details of my case with me and with handling my case with the law clerks and the Administrative Law judge. The processes and potential time-frames were explained to me so I had realistic expectations of what this appeals experience would be like. I generally prefer frequent contact for every single step taken during the process but Timothy kept that to a minimum which actually lowered my stress levels, particularly during this unprecedented time of covid-19. I am pleased that I found Mr. Timothy Yousif to guide and help me through this complicated and stressful process. Prayer, patience and Tim Yousif's expertise was they key to our success.
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11 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Timothy yousif has helped me with my case for around 2 years. He never stopped fighting for me and always had my back. When the judge tried to put more on me, Tim always found a way out. Thank you for your services will refer you to anyone
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24 Aug, 2015 by Matt grundy
I enthusiastically endorse Stuart. Stuart cares about his clients and about the positive impact he can have on their lives by helping them with their Social Security claims.
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28 Jul, 2015 by Ed
I used Mr Johnson to help get my benefits in 1995, and since that time I refered atleast 8 people to Mr Johnson and they also had gotten approved for either SSI or SSD. I don't believe their is a better Social Security Lawyer in the State of MI
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29 Dec, 2014 by William
In 2010 I was in an accident in a store that is owned by a large corporation. . Before my wife and I were able to leave for the ER at the Hospital the Management at the store insisted that I fill out their injury forms. They offered to call an ambulance, but I was taken to the Emergency Room by my wife instead of waiting longer for an ambulance. The accident caused new injury to my cervical area and reinjured a previous Cervical Fusion that I had in 2001. The ER took X-rays and said to see my Orthopedic Spinal Surgeon within three days. I made an appointment with my Orthopedic Spinal Surgeon, He sent me for an MRI and other tests. It was determined that surgery would be necessary to repair the new injury and the additional new injury to the previous cervical fusion. During this time I received a letter from the corporation which denied any responsibility for my injury and told me to use my personal insurance to pay for any injuries I felt I may have had. My wife and I decided it was time to retain an attorney. My wife’s UAW Legal Services recommended an attorney by the name of Jeffery S. Cook. We called Jeff to discuss my accident. I wasn’t feeling well enough to ride in the car so Jeff actually came to our house to discuss my situation. We were impressed with Jeff instantly, he felt we had a case but with big corporations nothing was guaranteed. We instantly believed in him and retained his services. Jeff did a stellar job; his knowledge, attention to detail, dependability and caring nature keep us aware of any and all progress. He was honest with us when it came to reality checks which we appreciated. He even honestly kept us aware of times when there was lack of progress. I did have another surgery which involved Cervical Fusion which proved all of my Orthopedic Spinal Surgeon’s diagnosis. After several months Jeff was able to work out a settlement that was agreeable to me and the Corporate Lawyers that represented the store. We had settlement and we would retain Jeff again if we need another attorney. As a matter of fact we did use him again at a later date.
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09 Dec, 2014 by Jeff
Jeff Cook was more than an attorney , he cared about our family and our situation. He got us the settlement we deserved. Highly recommended.
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02 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
My family and I went thru two attorneys before we hired Ms. Claire Forster for our estate planning (first one was a local attorney who only gave us trust documents printed right off the internet - our entire assets would have gone thru. probate, second one was a high profile attorney from a big city, large firm who did not care to listen to our needs and only tried to control us with unfairness). Then through someone in law, we were finally directed to Claire. Right from the beginning, we could see the very high level of knowledge she has in taxes and many other areas. She carefully listens to our needs/wishes and goes over what facts help us and what facts hurt us from the aspect of laws and tax benefits. The most significant strength she has is an extremely high level of thoroughness. She is not only very thorough, but also has shown empathy and compassion as we have some complications in our family that needed to be taken care by Trust. She has high quality client interactions! Her speed and professionalism are also exceptional. Our family and I are VERY grateful for her service and we hereby recommend Ms. Claire Forster without reservation.
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26 May, 2020 by Lori
Excellent service! Claire went above and beyond to prepare Enhanced Life Estate Deeds for my properties. She took extra time to explain various options and carefully detailed the implications of each. She is the most knowledgeable attorney I have met with regard to Estate Planning. She was extremely thorough and I highly recommend her!
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31 Aug, 2015 by Karen
One of Macomb County's finest. Can always count on Mr. Simon to do his best.....that's all we can ask of even the finest and he does it all well. As a long time client, I can well speak from experience. Thanks for all you and your staff do!
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12 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
I cannot say enough good things about this lawyer. He is very conscientious, honest, respectful, courteous, knowledgeable in his profession and is very detailed. This lawyer goes beyond the norm for his clients. I would not hesitate to hire him again if need be.
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17 Aug, 2015 by Patti
Kellie was my Social Security Disability. She worked very hard on my case as I had many disabilities, many Dr. appointments that I had to keep track of, and also Kellie. Kellie is very professional, polite and will give you the facts, good or bad. Kellie kept a very thick folder on my case (there was a lot on me) and she knew where everything was and could find it.
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25 Feb, 2013 by Frank
Kellie helped me get my SSD going rather quickly. She told me exactly what I had to do to get my paperwork in order and once that was done she got the wheels turning in a short time. She is very knoledgable and helpful and a nice bubbly personality as well. It was my pleasure to have her as my atty in this matter.
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19 Oct, 2018 by Hillary
Alice was extremely helpful and informative during my bankruptcy process. She was very prompt in responding to my emails and answered all my questions. I would highly recommend her!
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13 Sep, 2018 by Stacy
Alice is the best!! She always kept in touch and respond to everything and every question I had very quickly!! She worked very hard to get the out come I needed. Even kept my spirit up when I wasn’t sure it was going my way. But in the end her hard work paid off!! If you want someone that cares not only for the job she is doing but the people she is doing it for then you have found her!! I can’t thank her enough for everything she did!! Thanks again Alice!!
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14 Apr, 2018 by Gabriel
Joseph is very nice and makes you feel like he is in no rush when talking with him. When I consulted with him about a rental issue he made me feel very relieved gave me all the info I need at this time and made me feel like he was in no rush which can be a big thing from someone that could be very busy. Just talking with him he seems like he really cares about his clients and I would recommend him to anyone.
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23 Aug, 2014 by Nancy
Joe has an excellent understanding of the law. He is very through and makes sure he explains things in enough detail so I can understand it. He is very efficient and does everything in a timely manner. I strongly recommend his services, especially for drawing up estate plans.
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14 Feb, 2023 by Sally
A few years ago I contacted Ms. Djordjeski as a recommendation from a friend for some house leasing issues I was having. She was hired by my husband and I to review our lease and help settle some disputes between us and our landlord at the time. She was super educated, eloquent and down to business. Ms. Djordjeski reviewed our information in a timely manner and handled our case, no matter how minor, with diligence for the law. I would hire her again in a heartbeat!
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09 Feb, 2023 by Adriana
My family sought Elena’s assistance with a complex & lengthy legal matter that appeared to have no end in sight. Elena’s tactful yet aggressive approach proved efficient as we quickly came to a resolution that helped us recoup our losses. She is an excellent communicator and negotiator and I would certainly retain her in the future if the need arises.
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19 Aug, 2018 by Robert
I hired Joe Coraci to draw up my living revocable trust just prior to undergoing major surgery. Although it was the week of Christmas, Joe completed everything prior to my surgery. Joe is very kind, thoughtful and patient. He is very knowledgeable about estate planning from his previous work experience prior to opening his own practice. He can explain legal matters in a way that can be understood by ordinary people. His fees are competitive and reasonable. He is very customer focused with a priority on customer satisfaction
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17 Oct, 2017 by Jason
Joe has worked with several of my clients, all of whom have greatly appreciated his even-handed advise. My wife and I have also used Joe for our personal estate planning needs and were extremely happy with the product and service.
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10 Jul, 2016 by Tony
My wife and I have used Deb Rysso on multiple occasions in the past ten years. She first worked with us when my father entered in a nursing home and we needed to protect my mother's assets. Next we used her with my mother-law's estate and then used her to develop a ladybird deed for my mother's home. All of the estates were small and in all cases she helped us simplify the process and avoid probate for a very reasonable fee. My wife and I were so impressed with her attention to detail and sound advice that we used Deb to set up our own trust. What impressed me most was in two cases she told us "I think you're worried about the wrong thing" and then explained a scenario we didn't foresee. In both instances the scenario she described was what actually happened, but due to the pre-planning we were prepared and protected. I would highly recommend Deb to anyone for elder planning and estate issues. Tony McLain Sault Sainte Marie
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20 Oct, 2013 by Catherine
Deborah has been my family's lawyer for a few years, helping us with tasks including estate planning, updating my parents' trust and developing a contract for home health care workers. She is always courteous and prompt, she charges very fair rates and does high quality work. Deborah has a strong knowledge of elder law and is skilled at communicating information simply and clearly. I also appreciate her willingness to find experts in other legal fields if we have a question that is outside of her area of expertise.
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13 Oct, 2022 by Selena
Attorney McCree went above and beyond when assisting and handling an important matter. She was clearly busy with other concerns for the community and young people but took the time to direct and be there. I truly appreciate her guidance and direction.
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29 Apr, 2019 by Haylee warren
Elizabeth McCree is my current lawyer right now due to the fact that I am in foster care. She is always open to hear my side of the story, she is there when I need her. Without her I don't think I would have the faith to keep going. She speaks on my behalf and is always willing to make sure my side in known.
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03 Oct, 2012 by Steve
I cannot say enough good things about Liz. I needed to change my estate planning documents as part of my divorce and was very disappointed when I learned that the attorney that originally drafted them charges $435 per hour! My divorce attorney referred me to Liz and said that I would get the same quality of work much less. I usually do not write reviews, but I have to say that Liz is not what you would expect from a tax and estate planning attorney. I was a bit skeptical at first because she looks about the same age as my daughter (she is in college). Also, her office arrangement is a bit different. From what I gather, she spends most of her time at the office of her main large client, but uses her home as an office. I was very impressed with how Liz was able to explain things in terms that I understood. Liz also helped me straighten out some IRS issues and noticed some planning ideas that my accountant missed on my tax return. She also did a great job explaining some questions I had about like-kind exchanges. So, don't be fooled by Liz's youthful appearance and outgoing, friendly nature. You can tell that she really enjoys her work and was every bit as knowledgeable as the other attorney that worked on my estate plan. I probably paid one-third for the same work my prior attorney would have done. I will definitely hire her again.
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18 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous
Liz is assisting us with business, tax and other legal issues for mine and my husband's dream a tasting room and distillery. She was recommended by a friend and we could not be happier. She recently helped us speed up the process of getting licenses from the local government. She doesn't have a fancy downtown office, but her rates were quite reasonable, probably as a result. Also, she is really like able for an attorney. She explains things well and never talks down to you.
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29 Oct, 2019 by Kenneth
Joe helped us resolve a lawsuit brought against us. He traveled all the way from Rochester to Ann Arbor on several occasions and maneuvered our situation into a satisfactory out of court settlement. During the entire process, he was on time and professional.
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21 Nov, 2011 by Corinne
Joseph Daiek is the BEST Lawyer I have had the pleasure to work with. There was never a time throughout my Divorce that I was worried he would not be there. My case was quite possibly the most complicated and difficult that any Attorney could be involved in but his knowledge and diligence was so extensive that with other attorneys I would have needed both a Personal and a Corporate lawyer he was able to successfully handle all of it.He followed the letter of the Law at all times and assured me it would be worth it in the end. He was correct. I highly recommend him.
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18 Mar, 2017 by Rk
I have only consulted so far, seems to be good at communicating, and responds very fast to emails.
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15 Mar, 2017 by Jonathan h. schwartz
Alex is a phenomenal attorney who focuses on representing businesses and business owners in a variety of complex litigation matters. He has been consistently recognized for his legal acumen, devotion to clients, and exemplary reputation in the legal community. As his colleague, I can personally attest that Alex is a “lawyer’s lawyer,” whose keen legal mind, trustworthiness, and tireless work ethic make him one of metro-Detroit’s most respected attorneys. If you're looking for an attorney, I strongly recommend getting in touch with Alex. He will treat you right and do an awesome job!
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27 Jun, 2013 by Michelle
Joe goes the extra mile for you. He has been the best attorney our Trust has had. Joe helped us win our 1.2 million dollar judgement.
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24 Jun, 2013 by Dave o'connor
Mr. McGill is an excellent attorney who with a number of business professionals launched the Michigan Irish American Chamber of Commerce. The organization is grateful for Joe's superior legal advice which was critical to beginning our current and future business. At all times Joe has exhibited legal professionalism and willingness to lead legal projects with the nine person board of directors and our outside accounting firm. He is readily available for questions and returns calls and e-mails quickly.
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12 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Brandon assisted me with a tenant landlord situation. He was very helpful and kind and provided direct feedback. Fortunately we were able to avoid a court case but I would have used Brandon for this service had it escalated to that point. Should I have further landlord/tenant issues I would not hesitate to call Brandon again.
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18 Mar, 2014 by Ronnie
Brandon is an exceptional attorney. He drafted two contacts for me within 7 days. Aside from his knowledge, he kept me informed and stayed in contact with me throughout the entire process. Definitely doing more business with him in the future!
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24 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Ian right from the start cut out the headache and went straight to listening to me and even helped me understand the different options I have as well. Highly recommend him!
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29 Jan, 2016 by Brian
We have used Mr. Bolton extensively over the past two years for our landlord/tenant litigation. His aggressive stance in protecting our interests and professionalism has led to consistent results in our favor.
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06 Nov, 2015 by Andrey
I have worked with Ian on multiple projects. I also have hired Ian to do various projects for me. He is attentive to detail and very responsive. He is very deliberate and creative in his thought process and recommendations.
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11 Jun, 2015 by Paul
I have used Ian as an adviser and to draw up documents for 3 real estate deals. I found him to be very generous with his advice - certainly not the sort of lawyer who is always fishing for more billable hours! As I was somewhat of a novice in real estate investing, Ian's advice was instrumental in keeping me out of a couple of deals that I thought were great, but where I had missed some key details. I will certainly continue to use his services as I grow my business.
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09 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Andrew assisted with my grandmothers estate after she passed. During this process he was very helpful and provided great counsel. I always felt Andrew had my best interests in mind with every course of action he suggested.
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31 Aug, 2013 by Bret
Andrew did an excellent job updating my will and trust. He not only made necessary changes but I also appreciated his recognition of the quality of someone else's work.
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03 Dec, 2010 by Bill
in 1997 i had a commercial land lord tennant case and i lost by default since i was under the impression that i was being represented by another attorney. Jamal not only set aside the default, which kept me in the premises so that I could operate my business, but he took a creative approach that resulted in me receiving a settlement worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
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08 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr. Hamood won a Multi-Million Dollar case for me and my family in a case that other lawyers, including big law firms, would not even consider taking. As for any ethical issues, I have, and do, trust him with millions of dollars on a daily basis.
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20 Jan, 2019 by Kelly
I'm so very proud to see that you're on your own now. I see that it was shortly after working with Buchanan and Buchanan. You guys changed my whole life and I'm thankful. I owe you much more than a good review, but for now GOD bless!
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27 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
I have had the opportunity to work with Kevin on several occassions. He is timely in his responses, is an effective listener, and is a true advocate to his clients.
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20 Jan, 2012 by Kolina
Mr. Stern represented my family in a lawsuit against the insurance company of a driver that killed our 3 year old son. This was a very difficult time for me and my family and Mr. Stern was sympathetic, reliable, trustworthy, and also discovered that our policy included coverage for the incident. Mr. Stern was able to win our family a very substantial amount which helped our other children. He was excellent in negotiations. We really appreciate all that he did for us.
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16 Jun, 2011 by Dean
All I can say that Stephen Wood was right, you are a Bull dog in the Court Room, as I saw you have a alot of respect in the Court room and in the Law profession. I must say you are the best. The stress that goes along with a divorce is unbelievable, but you kept me together and I thank you for the that. You were there every step of the way for me and again I Thank you. It is a shame that things happen, but with people like you to walk someone through this is a great service. I know your years of experience have made you one of the Best Lawyer's in this field and you should be very proud of your accomplishments. This was a alot tougher than I could have imagine, so once again Thank you. It seems as if you were not only my lawyer but a Friend as well. You will always be at the top of your game, and if they had a Stanley Cup for Lawyers, you won the World championship more than once. I wish you the best in your career, and keep charging hard at the opponent.
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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:

  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?
    Understanding potential challenges helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
  10. 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:

  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:
    Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case.
  3. Disciplinary Record:
    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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