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31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
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14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
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15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
11 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Cumbo helped my fiance' at the time undo and conclude what turned out to be a very expensive and impulsive mistake, prior to us meeting. She was our third attorney, and we had a horrible experience with the first, who ended up having his first filing rejected by the court. This attorney proceeded, without consultation, sent the divorce case upstate to Eerie county (we are in NYC). We consulted/hired a second attorney who recommended he keep his case there in the hopes that there could be a shorter processing time.
We had consulted with other attorneys in the Buffalo area, all charged us for consultation as well as providing exhorbant fees for helping us file basic paperwork for an uncontested divorce. We felt these attorneys were trying to get a deal, another one clearly tried to scam us (increasing her fee due to "new extra court costs"). We feared and braced for the worst - that we would have to end up hiring another irresponsible attorney, who would create further delays like the first.
Due to personal matters related to my partner, it was also imperitive that the divorce be finalized, we were running out time.
We felt immense reflief when we contacted Ms. Cumbo, however. She was responsive, did not charge consultation fee, heard our case and provided a very reasonable fee for services. One thing we really liked is that she assured us she would be the only one personally working on the case. True to her word, she was the only person we ever dealt with. She also responded to calls and emails. Reaching her was never a problem.
After completing a child support case in another state related to the ex (which took months), Ms. Cumbo filed the divorce papers same day she received that judgement decree.
As a result, divorce was eventually granted divorce 4 weeks later. Last Monday, my new husband and I were able to finally get married to each other and do things right. We had hoped to never have had this prior marriage, but life doesn't always follow a straight line before meeting the right one.
One thing that made me want to contact Ms. Cumbo in the first place is a small quote on her page: "Life is a journey, and you don't have to go it alone". I felt that this attorney could understand where we were at the time.
We highly recommend Ms. Cumbo to those that value personalized services. Ms. Cumbo takes the time to explain procedure and overall plan/steps, without ever making you feel like you are wasting her time. We know that there have been times we have contacted her as she was leaving at the end of the day, and she still made time to speak to us. Because of her, we trusted in letting go and letting her handle the case, as we focused on other important matters.
Thank you Ms. Cumbo for giving us our lives back!
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09 Mar, 2017 by Nikki
From moment I contact her office, I was treated with respect. I had no idea what to expect and was overwhelmed with the compassion and caring. I appreciated the straight forward honesty that she displayed. I appreciated the orderly way everything is done. Her experience is evident from the beginning until the end. She knows what she is doing and she does it well. You are literally walked thru a process that could be awkward and embarrassing in a manner that leaves you with the feeling that you still have a bright future ahead of you. She is honest from beginning to end. Her associates are also easy to work with. They answer all questions without making you feel like you should already know the answer. I can only say virtuous things about this experience. Megan Misiti Cumbo stands with you throughout the process and tells you what to expect ahead of time. She is the so very thorough and gave me nothing but good advice.
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26 Oct, 2016 by A recent client
I retained Mrs. Cumbo for a custody matter involving my ex and our 2 children. The case was a bit complicated because it involved not only the courts here in buffalo, but also the courts in Brooklyn NY. Mrs. Cumbo kept in contact with me and always kept me updated on procedures and how proceedings would commence. What makes her a very unique attorney is her litigation style, some attorneys are what is termed "barracuda" attorneys, and they will do their best to viciously attack the other party, however Mrs. Cumbo is not this style of attorney. She considers both parties in the case, and is willing to work towards a compromise which serves as an asset as this tends to be viewed favorably in the family court system. I am very glad I retained her services and as a result of her diligence, I was awarded sole residential custody of the children. Furthermore, as I held no animosity towards my ex, I was very pleased with how she handled the trial. I would definitely recommend Mrs. Cumbo for anyone facing a family court related matter.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
07 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
My father was picked up at the NY state border while coming back from vacation in Canada for an 18 year old charge he wasn't even aware of. The charge itself was a minor, unproven offense but nonetheless, he was thrown into the county holding facility that night. Our family was terrified, especially since we're all the way in Texas and had no idea what to do. We got in touch with Daire who quickly became a source of hope in a time of panic. He treated us like we were his own kin, making himself available to us day and night with never-ending patience for all of our questions. Because of his relentless effort and deep compassion for his clients, he was able to get our father out of the holding facility within a couple days. Without Daire's expertise, my Dad could have remained in jail for weeks, lost in the system. He is a well-known man in Buffalo and has a respectable reputation within the local legal community, which came in tremendous use for us. He may seem like an odd, eccentric kind of guy... but there is no question that he is a damn good lawyer. God bless him.
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17 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Although his methods may seem unorthodox, Mr. Irwin has your back and will do his darndest to get you the best possible outcome in a case. I was arrested for a DWI. He was able to work out a phenomenal deal for me. While he is almost never judgmental, for the love of god, don’t let him know if you have voted for trump. I realize now that it is unfortunate drunk voting isn’t illegal.
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07 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Daire Brian Irwin Defend me when I was defenseless! He does not care about money but his client best interest!!! He treated me like his family member not his client! Not only was able to defend me from an unjust criminal charge. When I get upset and confused and take it out of him! His calm and empathetic demeanor offered emotional succor! Court proceeding took about a year. During that time, Mr.Daire dealt with more than 5 DA! Finally my case went to Jury Trial! Because his “Extraordinaire Criminal Defense Presentation against my Criminal Charge. The Jury found me “NOT GUILTY!!! He is a priceless Attorney! Buffalo is blessed to have a Criminal Defense Attorney like Mr. Daire Brian Irwin!!!
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31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
Read more
20 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
I've known Ms. Catharine Venzon since law school and because of her diligence, professionalism and passion with the law even then, I knew that she was the person to reach out to many years later in my time of legal need. Early on she made me feel at ease with my matter, worked with me on all accounts and helped to smooth over a very complicated and stressful situation in my life. Most notable, Ms. Venzon is all about quick resolution while protecting your best interest and, (something we all pray for), she REALLY CARES about you as a client.
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10 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
The difficulty of a Custody issues can be stressfull...but Ms. Venzon was the answer to all of my legal needs. If you want a PIT-BULL of a lawyer fighting for you, then you hire Ms. Venzon. She is extremely skillful, witty, and brilliant in the courtroom. She makes you feel very comfortable about your case and doesn't give off that sleazy, "Im in it for the money" feel that some lawyers will give you. She goes into every case like she has something to prove, and she proved it well to me. She's my Lawyer!!....and I would recommend her to anyone I know.
SHE'S A GOOD BET!!
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18 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Catharine is a high quality individual and a dynamic attorney.
Venzon Law Firm is a confident, high energy professional law firm and I give my recommendation wholeheartedly for anyone in need of legal assistance. Additionally, the firm offers down to earth pricing that is fair and reasonable.
Thank You Catharine and the Venzon Law Firm!
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31 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
William was indispensable in working to resolve an issue with the former property managers of a rental property I own. He was communicative, patient, and thorough in his analysis of local housing laws. I would not hesitate to hire William for any future legal real estate needs.
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16 Feb, 2020 by Lee b
I have used William's assistance with some issues that I had with our landlord and drafting and reviewing a lease agreement for a new place.
William is very professional and knowledgeable, he made sure that I understand my options, suggested action items based on his experience, and ensure that my key objectives are met.
I am very happy with William and strongly recommend his services.
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10 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Justyk helped us with a complicated rental/loan agreement. We are lending money to a friend to remodel a garage into an ADU and then we are renting the unit back in exchange for repayment of the loan. Mr. Justyk determined what documents we needed and how to go about getting them recorded. Both parties were very pleased with the results.
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14 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Michael was very professional in the handling of my son's case involving getting time served for first offense of breaking probation. It was slighty complicated because my son was in Montgomery county where they are very strict with marijuana charges and breaking probation. He was successful in getting time served with another year of probation.
Michael was available at all times to talk with me over the phone to answer my many questions. He was also very reasonable with his fees. I highly recommend him.
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10 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr Benz is one of the best attorney I have ever seen. He speaks to the point. My experience with Mr Benz was positive from the first moment I consulted with him. He was attentive, thorough, and helpful throughout a very difficult time. He always responds quickly and effectively with any questions or issues as they arose. I highly recommend Mr Michael Benz.
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09 Mar, 2017 by Kimberly
Michael Benz represented my teenage daughter with a juvenile case. Mr. Benz is very knowledgeable. He is also very professional. I am very pleased with how he handled our case! I will definitely hire him again if need be.
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27 Jun, 2019 by Darlene
I was in a car accident in 2015 and had fractured ribs and injured my low back. I contracted the services of an attorney which was not a good fit and probably over two years of waiting the case did not move forward. The attorney turned the case over to John Ford and from that moment EVERYTHING changed. John contacted me immediately and we met at the office soon after. We reviewed the case and he explained everything that would occur going forward. i was kept informed every step of the way, my calls and texts were returned timely which instilled great confidence in him. My first impression on meeting him was that he was professional, on my side, smart and fast on his feet. By 2019 I had my settlement which was more than expected. he moved the case along. He was a game changer for me. I cannot say enough about John and the staff at O' Brian and Ford.
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14 Nov, 2016 by Michael
I was injured in a car accident. My car was totaled. I had to deal with doctors and insurance companies and a lawsuit. It was a long, painful, emotional and frustrating experience that I hope no one would ever have to go through. But if you find yourself in that situation, I can not think of a better partner to go through it all with than John Ford and the attorneys and staff at the O'Brien Firm. I am very satisfied with the outcome of my case, but more than that, I was continuously impressed by the way John listened to my concerns and counseled me frequently over the three years it took to resolve the case. I could go on and on, but simply put - I trust John, I like him as a person, and if I had it to do again, I would work with him without hesitation.
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30 Oct, 2015 by Deena
John put me at ease right away. He was open and direct. He was not pushy when it came to making decision about my case or my care. I felt very comfortable and at ease working with him. I have never hired an attorney before and was nervous about the process, but I never felt intimidated while working with John.
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23 Jan, 2017 by Bob
I was referred to Nicole by a friend. I needed will documents for myself and my wife. She was kind, respectful, patient and knowledgeable. Her prices were far better then anyone in the area.
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26 Apr, 2016 by Stephanie
I hired Nicole after my divorce to ensure that my kids were taken care of if something should happen to me. She took the time to answer my questions and explained everything in terms I could understand. Now I feel better knowing my wishes will be honored.
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16 Mar, 2016 by Leah
I have worked with Nicole in many different organizations or situations. Nicole is very up front, honest, thinks outside the box to get the job done, and very driven to work on your behalf and for your best interest. Bottom line, Nicole cares about people and is passionate about what she does.
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19 May, 2024 by Joel
Hands down, the best legal team for a DWI case! From the get-go, they were on top of things, explaining everything in plain English and making me feel like Mr. Farah really cared. An attorney who actually fought for me, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. If you're ever in a jam, the guy you want on your side!
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24 Jan, 2024 by Mohammed
Was good guy for my case. Liked him very much, he make it real easy to understand and helps me a lot. Thank you my friend you did so good by me.
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18 Jan, 2024 by Rodger
I called a bunch of attorneys before calling Mr. E, the other ones kind of gave me a run around and didn’t want to listen to me before I paid big bucks. I called Lawyer E and he answered every question I had. Was easy to talk to and understanding of my situation. He explained the process of criminal procedures and helped me clear up my license and get my charges taken care of. I would recommend him to any of my friends who have traffic or driving issues.
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12 Mar, 2016 by Nick
In February 2015 I was struck by a car as a pedestrian and didn't really know where to turn I was referred to Joseph L. Nicastro.
I don't think I could have made a better choice in choosing a Attorney that I could count on to meet my every need concerning my injuries.
Out of 5 stars I sincerely give This guy a 5 with flying g colors. Everything that Joseph told he would do he did. Very punctual, honest, trustworthy, diligent and never once did I ask him a question that he didn't answer with clarity.
This has been one of the toughest times of my life but thanks to Joseph and his determination my treatments, needs and awards have been met.
I Recommend Berhardi &Lukasik pllc (Joseph L. Nicastro) to anyone seeking personal Injury consultation.
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15 Apr, 2015 by Lauren
I was recently sued, this had never happened to me before. I had no idea what I was to do or what was expected of me. Luckily I was refered to Joseph. He handled everything flawlessly and with ease. He made my entire experience actually enjoyable instead of daunting and misleading. I was extremely pleased with his professionalism as well as his quick action. Hopefully I never end up in a situation like that again. However, if I do you can bet Joseph will be by my side as if I were his only client.
Highly recommended
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13 Apr, 2015 by Jason
Joseph is a true professional, His work ethic on cases goes above and beyond the call of duty each and every time. He truly cares about his clients and relationships, and his knowledge of the law speaks for itself. I have found Joseph to be extremely charismatic and pays attention to every detail not leaving any stones un-turned. I highly recommend him as an attorney. I can say with strong conviction he is one of the best in the business and is such a valuable asset to the Bernhardi and Luckasik team. It has been my pleasure to work him..
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28 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Lewis help me with a few different legal matters. He was always patient and thorough. He really cares about people and wants each person to succeed and win. He is a jewel in the rough of some sharks and idiots, a heart who clearly cares and rises above the muck of this profession to restore ethic.
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28 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
thanks to Lewis L Schwartz for going over and beyound to help me to obtain my ssi ssd income it really means alot when someon e like you care i will also inform others of your outstanding services so that they can recieve a income as well my fair hearing was on 4/15/16 i got approved for my ssi ssd on 4/26/16 God bless
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17 Aug, 2015 by Debbie
After receiving Social Security Disability Benefits for 9 years SSD told me I was not disabled anymore. MY attorney recommended him. He was very thorough and returned every phone call. As a result of his expertise I was reinstated without the need for a hearing!!
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21 Oct, 2017 by Dhoyaa
I met with 3 lawyers regarding my case, Mr. Serotte was the one I picked, and that's because of his knowledge and his work ethics, He explained to me the ins and outs about my case, he never let me down. I really appreciate all his services. And I recommended him to my friends who had any immigration issues.
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26 Aug, 2013 by Mitchell
Michael and his team at Serotte Law were all helpful and kept me up-to-date on my case. They came up with a solution to my issue that was much different than I expected, and it worked perfectly for me to get the appropriate work permit to work in the U.S. I would recommend Michael to anyone who needs immigration help.
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22 May, 2013 by Emma
I hired Serotte Law to help me get a visa to work in the U.S. Half of what they said to me seemed foreign but they took the time to explain everything and pull together an application that now has me working in a great job in the U.S.
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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:
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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.
