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27 Jan, 2017 by Lisa
Our family has used Kim during the purchase of 2 properties and sale of 1. We have also used Mrs. Markel for various other Estate planning issues. She is thorough, patient and can explain in terms which are understandable. We highly recommend with out hesitation Mrs. Markel for all real estate issues and beyond, I would trust her referrals for issues beyond her expertise. If we could give 10 stars we would! Chuck and Lisa
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02 May, 2016 by Everette
Kim reviews dozens of transactions for my company annually and does a terrific job. Not only is she responsive, honest, and reasonable she is one of the smartest people I know.
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28 Apr, 2016 by John h. reed, jr., dds
Kim has helped us with several projects. She facilitated a solution for a survey that had been wrong for over 30 years. She has also reviewed multiple real property purchases and helped with contracts along the way. She is quick and responsive to emails and phone calls. She is not the cheapest lawyer in her market but she does not behave like the cheapest lawyer in her market. Her work has been a good value in protecting my interests and I will use her in the future.
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28 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Gary did a fantastic job helping me with my problem and helped me step by step. Highly recommended.
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15 Jul, 2018 by Eric
Mr. Wells was recommended to me by another attorney. I reached out to Mr. Wells, and from the very beginning, he was more than helpful. I explained my full situation to him and he began looking into what could be done to assist me. He answered all questions I had, answered all my emails and phone calls. He contacted several departments and people in an effort to get me the answers and resolve my issues. He put in alot of effort work without being retained. For this, I commend him. If there is anyone looking for an attorney that is extremely knowledgeable in firearm law, I would highly recommend Gary Wells. Not only will he give you thorough representation, he will be open and honest with you every step of the way. If I ever need another attorney, Mr. Wells will be the first person I contact.
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22 Jul, 2014 by Jeanne-marie
A wonderful, comfortable, relaxed experience. So patient and kind, no matter how many times I contacted Amy Fuqua with lots of questions. Her knowledge is very impressive.
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10 Jul, 2019 by Allison
I consulted with Ms. Thompson recently, and I could not have been more pleased with her service. She was helpful, courteous, and listened carefully to the details of my issue.
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27 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired Leslie Casaubon to handle a workers’ compensation claim thinking I hired an ethical attorney in good faith. It turned out to be a living nightmare. If you all haven’t heard please google her and I advise you NOT hire this scam artist. It’s people like Leslie Casaubon who do things for the greed of a dollars. If she has handled a case for you and had it non-suited and dismissed with prejudice. It’s cause she is working with the defendant’s attorney and the insurance carrier’s to screw over injured workers. Please don’t be her next VICTIM she a sham
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02 Oct, 2013 by Robbie
Make sure you ask questions.You will never talk to a real attorney and of corse you can expact some getting lied to.I hired this firm over 3 years ago and I never not once talked with Leselie Casaubon so be careful with these people.
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25 Aug, 2013 by Evansummers
Thank you Leslie and a whole lot of thanks for this firm. I m currently having my work comp claim and it was not as hard as I thought
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Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer

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

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
  3. What potential outcomes can I expect from my case?
    While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience.
  4. What is your approach to handling cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. Who will be working on my case?
    Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals.
  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the likely timeline for resolving my case?
    Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish.
  8. Do you have references from past clients?
    Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness.
  9. What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
    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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