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05 Aug, 2024 by Richard leahy
The most competent attorney that I have ever retained. Susan could answer any questions relating to the work done for me clearly and concisely. The documents and real estate transfers were done on time. If you choose to retain Susan, I assure you that you will be pleased with your decision.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Earle ellefsen
Susan was very professional and answered all our questions quickly. Her presentations were precise and to the point. We could not have completed our Wills, Trusts, etc. without her help and guidance.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Mangala narasimhan
Excellent law firm, professional, easy to work with, and kind.
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25 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
I want to thank you for helping me to obtain my green card through VAWA. It was an arduous and difficult process for me, since I had not been able to go see my family for years. You have been an angel that God put in my path. I went through very difficult and desperate moments. I wanted to leave the USA and put everything aside, but you always gave me encouragement that we had a good case and we would achieve it. And so it was, with God's help and with your commitment and dedication we did it!! ! Your degree of professionalism surprised me to see how hard you worked on my case. Today I thank you because with your help we were able to achieve it. I am so happy that I do not know how to express my gratitude, I can only express my infinite thanks and may God continue to bless you greatly.
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25 Mar, 2022 by Rose
Antonio Martinez was hired by me to represent me in my divorce and closing of my home. He was always available to answer any questions and his honesty was something you just don't find anymore. I would highly recommend Tony if you need an attorney who is on your side and is nice and honest.
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08 Dec, 2021 by Kristie
Antonio was wonderful in helping me trademark my brand. He explained the process and took care of everything so that I could focus on my work.
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15 Jan, 2019 by Hayden
Jill handled the adoption of our son. We had a unique situation where we needed an expedited adoption. Jill worked tirelessly to push our adoption through. Highly recommend her to anyone pursing an adoption in NYC.
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25 Aug, 2018 by Melanie
Jill was our adoption attorney back in 2011. Ours was a complicated case, but she explained everything very clearly every step of the way. I feel confident in highly recommending her to meet your family law needs.
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14 Oct, 2016 by Meghan
Jill represented me in the adoption of my son from foster care. I loved that she had such a great relationship with so many people in the agency, which helped her get things done very quickly and effectively. But she was always a very strong advocate for me, ensuring I got his full medical records, when the agency was resistant, ensuring I didn't settle for less of a stipend than he was entitled to, when I was just eager to adopt him, and facilitating my adoption being finalized on an expedited time schedule when I found out I had to move. I was impressed by her responsiveness, her knowledge, and the relationships she built over years of practice. I would highly recommend her.
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07 Jul, 2015 by Howard
Mr. Perry expertly handled my appeal which was reversed in my favor. Submissions were prompt and professional and led to a most satisfactory outcome, all for a very reasonable fee.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Richard leahy
The most competent attorney that I have ever retained. Susan could answer any questions relating to the work done for me clearly and concisely. The documents and real estate transfers were done on time. If you choose to retain Susan, I assure you that you will be pleased with your decision.
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star star star star star
11 Jun, 2024 by Earle ellefsen
Susan was very professional and answered all our questions quickly. Her presentations were precise and to the point. We could not have completed our Wills, Trusts, etc. without her help and guidance.
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star star star star star
31 Jan, 2024 by Mangala narasimhan
Excellent law firm, professional, easy to work with, and kind.
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18 Oct, 2013 by Troy
This is one of the worse attorney's I have ever encountered in my life. I lost my job because of this case that should of been dismissed by now. He continually doesn't show up to court on my court day. He never calls me back, he doesn't discuss my case with me. He said to me that he has more important cases to handle.
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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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