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10 Mar, 2014 by Thomas
I hired Joe last year to review a potential contract with several complex intellectual property components, including invention assignments, non-disclosure and non-compete clauses. He did a thorough job of going over the various provisions and flagging some of the potential future issues so that I could make an informed decision. He made navigating the legalese and fine print of the contract as painless as possible. Working with Joe was a great experience.
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10 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Joseph Anthony Dempsey helped wrestle back control and rights of a contract constructed on bad faith. The family suffered impending losses to a company that had a history of fraud. Since the company operates internationally, the legal problem Joseph faced in rescinding the contract were thrice more challenging than if it were an American company. In the end, his efforts and continuous support helped dissuade the company from further damaging the family's good credit history and relieving them of future relationships with the company.
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06 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Let me first start out by stating that Joseph Dempsey is truly an excellent and confident lawyer. He is extremely knowledgeable and meticulous about his line of work and has no problem breaking things down or explaining the “ins and outs” of every possible situation that could have arisen in my case.
My case was very complicated and involved a medical debt that I was unaware of at the time and it happened to be against an important family member of mine. Although it was against a family member, Joe was extremely sensitive to the matter but still did a very thorough job leaving no stone unturned in a timely manner.
As I had already mentioned, I was unaware of a medical debt that had been on my record for about 5 years and was only made aware of the situation when applying for a mortgage and was denied. Since I had been served 5 years previously and wasn’t even aware (since I moved several times), I had a default judgment against me and had already lost the case since I did not appear in court. Joe was able to research what had happened, contact the medical group that had sued me, and was able to explain the situation to me in simple terms. Joe was very easy to work with considering I didn’t have any prior knowledge regarding legal matters. Joe was able to prove that I truly did not know that I had been served and not only was he able to have the default judgment vacated which reopened the case, but the medical debt was completely expunged off of my record since I was not the party at blame.
If it were not for Joseph Dempsey’s relentless determination for justice, I would not have been able to relieve over a 25 thousand dollar medical debt that should never have even been in my name in the first place. I am now able to fix my credit and I honestly only have Joe Dempsey to thank.
I highly recommend Joesph Dempsey if you want a lawyer that will stop at nothing to resolve your legal matters.
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Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer
When meeting with a lawyer for the first time, it's important to ask the right questions to understand their expertise and determine if they're the right fit for your legal needs. Here are some top questions to consider:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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Fee Structures:
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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.
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Hourly Rate:
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Factors Affecting Cost:
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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.
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Complexity of the Case:
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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.
