Lawyers map
>537
experienced lawyers
Filter by
18 May, 2024 by Debra
Mr Kilpatrick is not only an amazing lawyer, He is amazing person, stands up for what’s right, him and his staff were not just lawyers to me, sometimes I felt like they were also counselors, I
Mean he is a bulldog in court no doubt, but he honestly cares, they saved my life, and helped me stand up to my bully of 20 years, I will never forget what Mr Kilpatrick and his staff did for me.If you need a good caring lawyer who’s also though enough to fight for you, I promise you have found him in Mr Kilpatrick
Read more
20 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
He robbed my father of years of his life and hundreds of thousands through his criminal negligence and completely fraudelent business practices. This man will charge you $170+ to tell you nothing happened and will not even speak to you without chargeing half an hours pay! He is disgusting. If you are interested in joining a group of likeminded victims, please contact me at
Read more
06 May, 2022 by Ruben
Paid 20,000 to Kilpatrick still wanting 15,000 for not doing his job I hired him as my attorney but what I got was being pawned off to his paralegal team which by his own words has “mental issues”..excuses after excuses, delays ,continuation and his own health not allowing him to preform and represent me but yet continue to charge me..in the end it took 2 yrs to lose what I work hard for and the finally court hearing still being represented by one of Kilpatrick associate named Lisa who was soft spoken, clueless with no confidence the other party ate her alive … Kilpatrick puts no effort in his clients case and throws them to the wolves along with his associates.. A cowardly pile of ….!!!!!! Negative ⭐️
Read more
05 Sep, 2015 by Chris
Charlette filed a service mark for us and we were very pleased with her professionalism and completion. We have referred her several times to other small business owners looking to protect their brand and reputation. Thank you Charlette.
Read more
05 May, 2024 by Anonymous
This person has no concept of a moral compass. He thinks he is above everyone else and treats people like so. Completely unprofessional. I would never recommend this lawyer
Read more
21 Sep, 2021 by Fatima ri
My mom had her first appointment with the Paralegal on 08/24/2021. She was very rude from the beginning. She did not even introduce herself. She doesn’t have customer service skills at all. She makes you feel like a criminal the entire appointment, as she was very aggressive and rude. Per my parents Mr. Fishkin is rude as well. He doesn’t let the clients explain their problem(s) and express themselves. We are going to have another appointment with them. I will update this review if it gets better.
Read more
09 Sep, 2021 by Jamila hrra
👎
Read more
12 Jan, 2024 by Shawna griffith
04 Aug, 2023 by Linda holden
Extremely poor communication with the courts. No showed on client today, no communication to judge. Inexcusably unprofessional. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND.
Read more
01 Dec, 2022 by Shanika hudgins
Ms.Trujillo is the BEST! Thank you for all you’ve done for my family.
Read more
09 Jan, 2024 by Rebecca karr
a waste of time. Paid $650 for a consultation for him to sit and fill out an intake form. Did not get to talk or ask any questions. Waste of my money and time. Highly do no recommend
Read more
07 Dec, 2023 by Michelle
Highly recommended! Amazing paralegals & staff who are easy to work with! Great family law practice in Kern County.
Read more
01 Aug, 2022 by Park place special events
Good man...Best Family Law Attorney in town
Read more
31 May, 2021 by Talmer
Mr.Torres defended me in the 90's. This man saved my life. He brought skill, experience, and confidence to the court. My charges were serious in nature but not vicious. Not to be results oriented etc. but i received probation, heavy fine, no incarceration. I highly recommend this man, or any he puts in his stead.
Read more
26 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
My experience was with Alexkia Torres Stallings, she went and asked the state prosecutors to help her for a recommendation related to my case. Things got worse in my case and I don’t wish to even talk about it. She is so lazy and careless and I was neglected. Mr. Torres is not professional by throwing his clients cases to his associate Alexkia. That’s not fair! I needed to change to a completely different criminal defense lawyer who took care of everything for me and got my whole case dismissed. Save your money and time and don’t bother with this law firm. My experience with this law firm was miserable.
Read more
05 Sep, 2019 by Greg b.
David Torres handled a case where my son was the victim in a major auto accident. He was genuinely concerned with his well being and worked hard to make him as whole as possible. My son had numerous fractures and underwent several surgeries. The hospital/medical bills were outrageous. In the end, they were settled for pennies on the dollar. If it wasn’t for David, everything from the insurance would have gone to medical bills. Now he has a future.
Read more
24 Aug, 2023 by Cleancutcam
Are you looking for a lawyer who will pass your case onto someone else even though you did your consult with him? Bynum’s your guy. Want a lawyer who will tell you that he hasn’t prepared for your case the night before your hearing? Bynum’s your guy. Want a lawyer who won’t let you know that you went over your retainer until the middle of your hearing for custody over your children? Bynum’s your guy. Want a couple of lawyers who will submit the wrong paperwork to remove themselves from your case? Then Bynum and Trujillo are right for you!
Read more
14 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Whoever writes a bad review about my this lawyer,, is as dumb, as they are ugly. You failed your kids. You’re a failure parent, just say that useless people who couldn’t take care of their kids. Stfu next time. You’re mad, you lost your kids, that’s your fault, not the person who tried to help you. I’m a foster kid, so I should know how pathetic all you are, f all of you. MT is the one not one who helped me. Maybe think of someone other than yourselves, and you might get somewhere. :)
Read more
20 Oct, 2022 by Shanika hudgins
24 Jul, 2018 by T
Hired for a lawsuit and he did not even file anything for my case, dd not let me know the hearing dates, did not return phone calls, many times could not even leave messages because phone mail box was full, and, therefore, due to his dereliction of duty, the judge dismissed the case. Filed with the BAR and they found in my favor. He was given 6 months suspension. Found an article that a judge called him a "menace" and he should not be in practice.
Read more
18 Dec, 2014 by Brian
I have used attorneys of all types in business, family, civil and criminal cases. They were all good attorneys. Greg Mitts is not one of the good ones he is one of the Greats. I have never had an attorney as thorough and intelligent as Greg. If there is a benefit to be had for his client he finds it.
Read more
20 Jul, 2018 by Carmenflores
She did what other lawyers told us that couldn’t do anything on my husband case... she decide to get our case and everything went good. She was able to get a release and lower the small amount of bail... we owe her so much... because of her my family still together.
Read more
27 Nov, 2017 by Katja
I hired her to defended my husband. She did not do any work. She did not answer my calls or email. She only advice my husban to serve the time. We fired her and hired somebody else. All the charges were drop. My husband was release immediately. I do not recommend her at all. She refused to give us any refund back even though she did not finished the job. Read the reviews about her. She does not put any effor on criminal cases.
Read more
16 May, 2018 by Ajaib gill
Richard is a crook.
Read more
14 Jul, 2017 by Ryan dake
Outstanding Legal Services.
Read more
16 May, 2018 by Ajaib gill
Richard is a crook.
Read more
14 Jul, 2017 by Ryan dake
Outstanding Legal Services.
Read more
27 Aug, 2019 by Marshelle fain
He ok
Read more
27 Aug, 2019 by Marshelle fain
He ok
Read more
27 Aug, 2019 by Marshelle fain
He ok
Read more
21 Jun, 2021 by Laura
If I could give him less then 1 star I would..i fired him after he did nothing to help me and dragged my case out past 5 years !! I only talked to him 2 times the entire time he was my lawyer and both times he was rude ....so rude I had to tell kandi that she had to be involved in our conversations because he treats his clients like he is the defense lawyer....DO NOT HIRE HIM......
Read more
17 Dec, 2020 by Casey
I reviewed mr. Honaker in a different site. Hired him in 2007 and they did nothing. Finally got to a hearing 2009 why are he surprised me with settlement documents. Candy d paralegal I just informed previous that this case was nowhere near settling. Mr. Honaker insisted if this case needed to settle that day. I had demands he met them and I signed then without telling me he removed my demands do the insurance companies favor am I damaged. Mr. Honaker looks out for his own interests only regardless the damage cause to his client. I'm still trying to straighten this out. I recommend avoiding Honaker at all cost.
Read more
14 Feb, 2019 by Rebecca
Very frustrated with this law firm I had a hearing with Mr. Honaker he was quick and pushy, he did not let me explain my concerns to him he was in a rush to get out of there! Then every time I call the office only the receptionist is there! Candy the paralegal is always gone or goes in at 10am takes her lunch from 12pm to 130pm and leaves at 4pm! Oh and she never returne calls if by any chance I get a call back its from the receptionist telling me what Candy said?! Very unprofessional!
Read more
21 Sep, 2021 by Jessica
I was very disappointed in their lack of communication. I had no idea what was happening, what I needed to do, or what the next steps were unless I asked several times, which is very scary when you have kids and your future is up in the air. I don't think anything would have gotten done if I hadn't checked in almost every week, which essentially cost me money because I was taking up their time. It did finally get settled, so that is good. I asked for a refund of my remaining retainer in July and am still here waiting for it at the end of September. I would hate to have to contact the Bar just to get my money back.
Read more
18 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
At every turn, failed to take up my cause. Couldn't have cared less about my case. Would lie and say he was in court as an excuse for his inactions..I would look on the court website and he would have nothing scheduled. I would communicate my desires and he did nothing. Every e-mail he sent had numerous cc's, thus ensuring each person in his office could also bill for looking at his communication! Dont walk, RUN! The truth is an absolute defense.
Read more
16 Oct, 2020 by Topher
Don't allow him to represent you Charges you tremendous amount and his offices workers only reply if you contact them first. You'll never receive info about your case unless you ask. Tells you in the beginning he's going to help you out but is so unorganized going into court! Same Family Law matter for 4 years and still no outcome. Didn't even get to custody & visitation issues that's even more thousands! Thousands of dollars later you will still have nothing accomplished and his office will keep charging you for the same paperwork over and over until you go bankrupt then they will quit on you.
Read more
05 Aug, 2023 by Adrian
If i could put zero stars i would but i cant i have to put one at least.So today i called around 4:15 to my attorney a guy answer the call and i asked for sandy he put me on hold and i stayed on hold for around 5 minutes than sandy hung up on me i called back the same guy answer he than told me sandy was not their so i told him why did he make me wait if sandy was not their in the first place i told him that is not professional of him to do that to a customer to put me on hold than to hang up on me than when i call back they tell me she aint their so its like if they are playing a game with me than they hung up on me again and when i called back sandy answers and tells me that she hung up on me like if its a joke or a game and im the fool they laughing at she than tells me that she felt the guy that answer the phone was in the right for hanging up on me and i was in the wrong for being upset that they hung up on me 3 times i calle to ask if they had got answer after i declined the first offer they gave me of 7500 i told sandy that i want a one lump summ payment that i want money for back surgery since the therapy that the qme dr
Had requested was already done and my back feels worser than before the therapy i cant even do normal activities for a person my age anymore i cant sleep, cant function and do normal activities anymore i cant sleep because my back hurts every way i try to sleep im having problems even being normal since i dont got money to pay my bills since i havent got not even one check also last week on wednsday i took a copy of my miles and also i signed a paper to ask for the insurance to send me a a check for 25 DOLLARS THAT I was not able To cash and also a check of 43 dollars that the insurance send to my attorney and my attorney either lost it on purpose or never received it this is not the first time that i feel like my attorney helper sandy is doing things to affect me by making my case take longer Than it really does because me and her had got into a small talk about her not listening to me when i clearly ask her to try and get this done asap because i have no money since i got hurt because im not getting any type of help from the insurance and since i cant lift 10 pounds its hard for me to get another job or look for work since no one will hire anyone hurt like me i just feel like sandy felt like i distrspected her when i didnt and she is now taking this personally against me and is making my case take longer for example one day after asking her if she had got the qme report yet since it had already been 160 days since the day i seen the doctor sandy told me no but since i told her that why are they taking so long if the time that they had by law had expire she said she would look into it and since she new that i was right she than called me the next day and Told me the qme report had just got to her office the next day i called and todl her why where they taking so long so i new she already had the report but was making me wait on purpose since she was trying to get me back for the day we disagree on some things like to get me back
Read more
14 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
so far, ive gotten excuses and a rude staff about how they will not release info about my mother even though i have power of attorney. First impression is all bad. Its obvious he makes excuses not to talk with you. the response I got when i called twice was, he got your message and will call you when he calls you. So far this has been extremely unprofessional and now have to drive 2.5 hrs to join my mother as i do not trust she is in good hands. I would advise a more empathetic attorney with better reviews. I have a business and would never run mine in such manner.
Read more
15 Nov, 2018 by Charlie
Having Mr. Pluta as my lawyer was great. He fought hard for me when the insurance company was jerking me around. I've already sent a friend who had a good experience too
Read more
12 Nov, 2020 by Ivette
Paid the lawyer 1500 to help write a complaint that could be submitted for federal court in pro se, because I don’t know how to. Explained had to be for federal and not state, lawyer disregarded and wrote out a complaint with several typos and incomplete sentences, was not clear and used state codes after we asked for federal. After the complaint that he provided was submitted it was automatically denied because it did not meet requirements. We asked for this man for help and him knowing how my family was struggling, he still charged us 1500 for 4 pieces of paper that feels as if he drafted in 10 minutes and didn’t even acknowledge it. I hope whoever hires this man gets a good outcome because my family didn’t and I will not ever hire the services again.
Read more
04 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I paid 250 dollars for a consult with this attorney. He agreed to take my case on cotinugency. I didnt know I should have signed a contract. I trusted him. My mistake. He also wanted 600 for a meeting with my work. I stopped working due to medical disability. When I notified his office no meeting would take place. He refused to give me my money back for. Not having a meeting with work. I was also told he is out of the country and to busy to take my case. Very very bad experience! I found a great attorney in Sherman Oaks. I suggest find a different attorney unless you can afford to have your money taken with no service provided.Good Luck.
Read more
10 Feb, 2014 by T.j.
I am a business owner and it's hard to find a guy who will take on big firms. I sometimes get into disputes with other companies, he is always ready to fight. This guy is a great attorney and I have been very happy with his services. He will fight for you, no question about it.
Read more
11 Jul, 2022 by Mj
All my paperwork were done all ready. All I needed Thompson was to be their and speak on my behalf. The worst lawyer!! He never showed up in court keeps on asking for continuous. The only paperwork he and his paralegal Adriana Duenez did was copy some of my old court paperwork that was filed and still managed to screw that up. Adriana can’t spell. There’s autocorrect spelling how can you mess that up? Thompson is quick to promise results but never delivers. The only quick thing he ever did was to take my payments. DO NOT HIRE THIS LAWYER HE IS A JOKE SO IS ADRIANA DUENEZ. The only 5 stars he gets is from his employees.
Read more
22 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
We used Mr. Thompson for a child custody case. In my opinion, he was very unorganized and just wasn't the aggressive lawyer we thought he would be. In fact, we got further with my fiancé representing himself, we lost time after hiring Mr. Thompson. He never told us when he wasn't going to be present in court, which happened on multiple occasions. He didn't always have his paperwork prepared or readily available. In fact, one time he said he didn't have the necessary paperwork that the judge asked for even though we had turned it into his office via email and in person. This resulted in us being served with a sanction to pay the other parties attorney fees, luckily he ended up taking care of that since it was his fault. If you're looking for an aggressive lawyer who will fight for you and is organized, keep looking.
Read more
16 Jun, 2021 by Vlad
I have retained Mr. Thompson several times over the years for different cases involving criminal and family law matters, both times the work was excellent.
Thank you.
Read more
11 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I heard during an office visit that one of the lawyers said that eviction will take place after two weeks of filing during the pandemic period. We got 3 eviction cases with this office and no eviction at all during a period of one year. We never knew if the application were because they never provide information. If you request minfromation, they start charging and charging for nothing.
Read more
16 Jan, 2022 by Dawood ashe
DO NOT HIRE HIM, HERE IS WHY:
I gave Dixon Kummer $950.00 for an eviction case, he promised to send the 60 days notice within 3 days, after two weeks I contacted him to see why he did not send the notice, he claimed that two of his employees quit and a third one became sick, also he was not available for any eviction at that time, since he is in court for another civil case. Finally he sent the 60 days notice too late and on top of it, it was incorrect, after a long discussion he finally sent the notice with the right reasoning. By that time I suffered $1500.00 lost rent. The realtor convinced the tenants to move out before the time expired. Now he is keeping most of my retainer which I trusted him with.
I will report him to the kern county bar association and will take him to court for my money plus financial damages I suffered plus my attorney fees. I hope I can help someone with this review.
Read more
17 Jan, 2021 by Connie
What an amazing honest attorney thank you sir my husband and myself knew we were in good hands. Your staff is the best.
Read more
17 Sep, 2014 by Rene
I wouldn't recommend this attorney to my worst enemy!! I went to see this horrible attorney in 2009 for a CH.7 bankruptcy. I had a very large property judgement due to my ex wife and asked him if it could go in the bankruptcy. Mr. Gillet assured me me that he was the best attorney for my case and said that he could have the judgment dissolved in the bankruptcy as well. He let me know he was very well known by the Trustee that would review my case, and had nothing to worry about. Mr. Gillet asked me to make an appointment with his paralegal to begin the papers. Before I could proceed with his paralegal I had to pay his retaining fee ( around $2500.00). I paid the fee. My appointment with his paralegal was the following week. His paralegal was 40 mins late to our appointment. Instead of being apologetic for her tardiness, she was completely rude and acted as if her having to meet with me was such a inconvenience for her. As we attempted to fill out the bankruptcy papers she started telling me the complete opposite of what Mr. Gillet had told me 4 days prior. We did not fill out any paperwork and I asked the girls at the front desk to have Mr. Gillet call me asap regarding the meeting I just had with his paralegal. Mr. Gillet never called. I called him every day 2-3 times a day for the next week. There was always an excuse why he couldn't talk, or he was out of the office. I finally went down to his office one morning since I couldn't get a return call. Supposedly he was out of the office and once again the girls said they would have him call me. During that visit, one of the receptionist asked me to give them another copy of the requested documents that I had already turned in. She said they had lost my file!! 3 1/2 weeks later Gillet finally returns my call. He basically let me know that he is a very busy man and didn't have time to return my call. The next couple of weeks continued with this type of behavior. His receptionist continued to lose documents and the filing papers never even got filled out! I finally had a enough with being blown off, and submitting multiple documents due to his secretary's lack of organization. I requested a refund of the $2500 and wanted to find a different attorney. Mr Gillet said I could find another attorney but he would not refund me my money. He acknowledged that besides a consultation no services were rendered to me,but that didn't matter because the contact I signed. Phillip Gillet's only goal is to get you to sign his contract and pay the retainer. After that he could care less. I also learned that Mr Gillet was totally incorrect when he told me the judgement to my ex could go in the BK. In 2005 the law changed and any judgements from family court can not be dissolved in BK. Good to see that Mr. Gillet really knows the laws of bankruptcy!! I highly recommend NOT using this attorney even if he was the last one left to use. I can't wait for the day karma comes back around to this sorry accuse for an attorney,
Read more
20 Aug, 2013 by Nickolas
Phillip Walter Gillet Jr, was the third attorney I interviewed, I knew I needed to file for Chapter 13, the Mean Test for Chapter 7, requirements are extremely low. The other two local Bankruptcy attorneys, wanted me to pay 100% ($2,500.00 per month) of my debt with no interest, after Gillet, reviewed my case we agree with 40% ($1,465.00) with no interest for a five year period. The Trustee did not questioned any issues, the case was confirmed my second mortgage become unsecured. I kept all my property with no issues. I am extremely happy.
Read more
26 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Use any attorney but Mr. Gillet. He wouldn't return phone calls, almost cost me my house, and made a huge mistake causing us to have to file a Ch 13 only 3 months after filing a Ch7. He was reprimanded by a judge for falsifying documents while representing another client right before our case was called. Run from his office!
Read more
27 Aug, 2023 by Ryan
I contracted this law firm for 2 evictions, and they quoted me $600-$700 each. Right in line with other attorneys in the area.
For one of the evictions, they just stopped doing any work and stopped taking my calls. They missed the deadline, and I had to contract another company to evict the tenant.
For the one eviction they bothered to finish, they sent me a final bill of over $2600 after quoting a $700 ceiling!
I tried telling them there were errors in the bill. They screamed on the phone. I pointed out that they were charging me a sheriff lockout fee that never happened. The tenant surrendered the keys, so there was never a need for the sheriffs.
They're just a sleazy firm.
Read more
11 Sep, 2020 by Art
She does not follow through on Promises. We obtained a UD (after five months) and a subsequent judgment- but it is not recorded at the County, so no one knows about it. It's as if it NEVER HAPPENED.
She promised she would take care of it and never does a thing. NOT reliable and very expensive.
If you want to pay for invisible results, there you go.
Read more
01 Apr, 2013 by Kathleen
i am a single woman whom is honest and does the right thing always! I rented a home from a man and it went into forclosure and the lawyer that took this case on was Sandra. Being i was the only tenant living there in the home that copperated and spoke to them, they took my name and ran it through the MUD. I left several messages for this woman and not one time did she return my call. I moved out of the home and left behind a room mate that knew what was going on, but since my name was the one they had they still put an eviction in my name.
Read more
09 Feb, 2022 by Stacey
I wish I could give zero stars. This individual is the reason lawyers get a bad name. Literally made two phone calls and proceeded to bill us for REPEATED RECORD review. His behavior is very erratic. He got very belligerent with my husband, left threatening voicemails & has given us FIVE different amounts that he thinks we owe. He sounds like he has financial problems and wants us to pay for it. No thank you!
Read more
13 Sep, 2011 by Brian
Charged me $3,000 retainer fee, then disappeared without performing any of the services in the written agreement. No contact with him for 6 weeks, as his secretary kept telling me that he is never in the office. I disputed his $3,000 fee with my credit card company and he was unable to prove that he did a single action on my behalf that was spelled out in our contract. The charge was removed from my credit card.
Read more
26 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
We hired her to be our attorney for a real estate action. She ended up making a side deal for a different property with the other party. I felt betrayed.
Read more
14 Feb, 2022 by Tazz
Wont contact you, family or not. Client or not. She's one of those.....ESPECIALLY since covid...Is just collecting the money. DEADASS!!!! Get someone else!
Read more
05 May, 2012 by Anonymous
He was not effective in regards to my case. Too passive, evasive, unresponsive, unaggressive in obtaining the desired outcome.
Read more
Find Your Lawyer
By Practice Area
-
Business
-
Criminal Defense
-
Litigation
-
Real Estate
-
Personal Injury
-
Estate Planning
-
Family Law
-
Workers Compensation
-
Tax
-
Probate
-
Government
-
Wrongful Death
-
Civil Rights
-
Appeals
-
Immigration
-
Car Accident
-
Trusts
-
Bankruptcy
-
Child Custody
-
Intellectual Property
-
Child Support
-
Domestic Violence
-
Juvenile Law
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Insurance
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Consumer Protection
-
DUI / DWI
-
Elder Law
-
Federal Crime
-
Mediation
-
Discrimination
-
Divorce
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Adoption
-
Class Action
-
Debt Settlement
-
Construction
-
Copyright Application
-
Debt Collection
-
Drug Crime
-
Employment / Labor
-
Entertainment
-
Sex Crime
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Wrongful Termination
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.
