Filter by

star star star star star
05 May, 2019 by Eric
Jimmy and Kendra helped us develop our family's estate plan. They are extremely professional, knowledgeable, proactive, responsive, and thorough. I would highly recommend anyone in need of estate planning or financial planning services to work with Jimmy and Kendra Paulding.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
27 Mar, 2019 by Linda
Mr. Paulding was very patient and thorough for all our estate needs. Would highly recommend him. Answered all our questions and shows and in depth knowledge for our will and trust needs.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
03 Apr, 2024 by Deb gelacio
In dealing with John, the experience was a Blessing!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
16 Mar, 2024 by Tatum stewart
Google Maps
star star star star star
01 Aug, 2023 by Carrie
Mr Murphy represented me when I was 17 years old in a car accident case He we very helpful in explaining everything to me and took me through the process in the fastest way possible His method is zero stress and highly efficient personal customer service I am truly grateful
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
01 Aug, 2024 by Ali gee
Google Maps
star star star star star
13 Jun, 2024 by Kara stein-conaway
The attorneys at this firm are smart, hardworking, and truly care about their clients. I highly recommend them!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
01 May, 2023 by Lu h
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
01 Aug, 2024 by Ali gee
Google Maps
star star star star star
13 Jun, 2024 by Kara stein-conaway
The attorneys at this firm are smart, hardworking, and truly care about their clients. I highly recommend them!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
01 May, 2023 by Lu h
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
22 Nov, 2023 by Wina gill / slo county homes
Outstanding Legal Services The Law Offices of Dennis James Balsamo exceeded my expectations. Their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients are truly commendable. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of top-notch legal assistance.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
24 Jul, 2022 by Betty perez
Great attorney
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
15 Mar, 2022 by Linda mccall
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
19 Aug, 2024 by Veronica fonseca-osio
Google Maps
star star star star star
07 Nov, 2023 by Peggy carlock
This was a good experience. Great office and telephone contacts, with informative interactions every time. Would continue to use this service, as needed.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
18 Jun, 2021 by Lydia sweeny
Very understanding great staff
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
03 Apr, 2024 by Deb gelacio
In dealing with John, the experience was a Blessing!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
16 Mar, 2024 by Tatum stewart
Google Maps
star star star star star
16 May, 2023 by Nyiah hopkins
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
27 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
I had been through several lawyers that were not giving my case the attention I felt it deserved. I was referred to Mr Hamilton by a friend that used his services and was very happy. Well she was right, he saved me and renewed my confidence in lawyers. Every issue I was dealing with swiftly got reversed in my favor! My only regret........ not seeing Mr Hamilton first.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
08 Jun, 2019 by Matt
Mr. Hamilton changed our lives for the better. I had gone through divorce 4 years before without representation. I wound up moving to Orange County to be closer to my family. The marriage and settlement agreement gave my ex wife physical custody and me “reasonable visitation.” My ex wife decided that meant she could dictate visitation how she saw fit. As she remarried and had another baby, she decided she would only allow me to see my daughters once a year, told me I didn’t have a right to phone calls, and if I wanted the girls to visit me during the summers I could wait till they were 18. I hired Mr. Hamilton to represent me and file a request I for order changing the custody arrangement. He negotiated with me ex wife’s attorney and represented me in court. I now have joint legal and joint physical custody. I get to drive up every other weekend to see them. They now will come down here half the summers and alternate holiday weeks. I was missing out on my daughters’ lives. Mr. Hamilton fought for me. My daughters are the most important part of my life. I couldn’t be happier, and I owe this all to Mr. Hamilton.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
17 Jul, 2018 by Lee
I retained Mr. Hamilton to help with a revision to spousal support payments. He and his staff worked closely with me to ensure that they knew precisely what my parameters and limits were, and Mr. Hamilton outlined my options realistically. He then pursued the matter efficiently--typically composing a letter for my review as we sat in his office--and would contact me as soon as he'd heard anything from opposing counsel. He was smart, engaging, and obviously knew the law. He and his staff communicated timely and efficiently; I was never left wondering what was going on with my case. We reached a satisfactory conclusion, and I would not hesitate to retain Mr. Hamilton in the future should I need any further representation. Five stars, easily.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
22 Nov, 2023 by Wina gill / slo county homes
Outstanding Legal Services The Law Offices of Dennis James Balsamo exceeded my expectations. Their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients are truly commendable. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of top-notch legal assistance.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
24 Jul, 2022 by Betty perez
Great attorney
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
15 Mar, 2022 by Linda mccall
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
22 Nov, 2023 by Wina gill / slo county homes
Outstanding Legal Services The Law Offices of Dennis James Balsamo exceeded my expectations. Their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients are truly commendable. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of top-notch legal assistance.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
24 Jul, 2022 by Betty perez
Great attorney
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
15 Mar, 2022 by Linda mccall
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
03 Sep, 2010 by Marie
My family has used Mr Williams since 2001 for advice and representation with great success. He returns calls promptly, bills reasonably and can be counted on to do what he says he'll do , when he says he'll do it. Pieter Williams has assisted not only in representation, but can always be counted on to lead me to my own resolution of a legal matter. His guidance has effectively saved me lots of dollars and time. I recommend Mr Williams highly.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
29 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
Pieter was attentive, cost effective and result oriented. We appreciate everything Pieter did for our family.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
11 May, 2008 by Anonymous
This guy totally took advantage of the fact that I needed representation quickly. He was so worried about his own reputation when my daughters mothers lawyer was laying hers on the line several times he would only fight for what he was sure he could get. Pieter would actually put more energy in to tenacity with me than he did my case and would get extremely upset if I changed my mind or he thought he understood something different for example the visitation schedule, last I remember I was paying for his time and it wasn't like he needed to be somewhere else. The guy wants life on easy street and that cut my time in half with my daughter to half of what I had before the case started, $1,430.00 a month child support payment, $15,000.00 to to my daughters extremely immature mother $15,000.00 in my fees, which made me unable to pa all my bills and I'm on way to bankrupcy and loosing my job. If you want to get the shaft from this guy and what ever apposing counsel & their client, go to him. I only made $83,000.00 last year but they went off the previous year which I made 96,000. Pieter also will not respond to me now because I finally spoke up to him and was not willing to put up with anymore.
Read more Avvo
See more
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:

  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.
Scroll to top