Lawyers map
>151
experienced lawyers
Filter by
22 Jun, 2024 by Catherine tabor
Ryan Casson recently drafted a trust and will for my family. He was friendly, very knowledgeable, and he explained things in a way that was easily understandable. He is very detail-oriented and left no task undone. This was our first time having a will/trust drafted and he made the process easy. I’m an attorney myself so I know what to look for when hiring a lawyer. Ryan is the real deal.
Read more
19 Apr, 2024 by Frank hagan
We are very happy with our estate plan created by Ryan Casson! Ryan helped us navigate the issues we knew about, but more importantly helped us identify and address several problematic scenarios we hadn't even thought of. We appreciated his knowledge of both tax and elder law as both became important for our planning.
Ryan was easy to discuss issues with, and took the time to really understand our needs. We never felt rushed or embarrassed to ask him questions, and he was great at listening to our concerns. We feel confident that our plan is right for us as his attention to detail and obvious care to make sure we understood all issues removed any doubt. We can highly recommend Ryan to anyone who wants a comprehensive estate plan that covers all the bases.
Read more
14 Mar, 2024 by Edie hughes
if you are needing a greatTRUST attorney Ryan Casson should be your choice, knowledgeable, patient, answers any question, and time sensitive. We highly reccomend
Read more
13 Oct, 2024 by Shawn terris
Annette genuinely cares about you and ensures your Trust includes everything you want done upon your death by asking you questions, answering your questions in terms that anyone can understand, and advising you. Because of Annette, I sleep well at night knowing my Trust was created in accordance with the laws and will not run into any legal problems. Lastly, she charges a few hundred dollars less than the 3 other Trust attorneys I contacted.
Read more
08 Oct, 2024 by David ames
Annette can do it all. She is fast, professional, and is an expert at attention to detail. She helped me through several legal documents that I needed with a very fast turnaround time (and I wasn't even local to the area). If you want your documents to be done right & quickly, I highly recommend Annette for any of the services that she provides.
Read more
13 Sep, 2024 by Ruth kistler
Annette is very organized and efficient. She is knowledgeable and professional. Communication was timely, clear and concise. Our trust was amended quickly and delivered to our home. I highly recommend Annette Dawson-Davis!
Read more
5.0
13 Reviews
5.0
3 Reviews
13 Nov, 2023 by Savanah stockton
I have been working with Christopher Young at the Alvarez Firm for a few years now and he has been outstanding. Extremely knowledgeable, professional and compassionate. He cares about his clients and will get the job done for you!
Read more
29 Jul, 2023 by Stephen
I had interviewed several attorney's that were referred to me, and I selected Chris for his candor and thoughtfulness. Chris and his staff were always responsive to my inquiries and their resourcefulness led to a very positive outcome for estate settlement issue I was dealing with. Chris is an outstanding attorney and successfully defended my rights against a strongly adversarial counterparty.
Read more
21 May, 2023 by Mark maxwell
Integrity and expertise! The Alvarez Firm got me a very favorable probate settlement. Justin Alvarez has a 3D chess legal mind. It was an honor and pleasure being their client!
Read more
26 Oct, 2022 by Alison s
Susan Borquez and her staff are very professional , knowledgeable and helpful getting Conservatorship for my Mom- Now Mom will be cared for.
Read more
04 Oct, 2021 by Jim lingl
Ms. Borquez is a friendly, knowledgeable, experienced attorney who has been in Camarillo for a long time. I relied on her to update my trust. Good person.
Read more
21 Sep, 2021 by Sarvanan ram
Susan Borquez is excellent! She cares about you and your family and goes the extra mile to take care of you. I highly recommend Susan Borquez for your trust and estate planning.
Read more
22 Jun, 2024 by Catherine tabor
Ryan Casson recently drafted a trust and will for my family. He was friendly, very knowledgeable, and he explained things in a way that was easily understandable. He is very detail-oriented and left no task undone. This was our first time having a will/trust drafted and he made the process easy. I’m an attorney myself so I know what to look for when hiring a lawyer. Ryan is the real deal.
Read more
19 Apr, 2024 by Frank hagan
We are very happy with our estate plan created by Ryan Casson! Ryan helped us navigate the issues we knew about, but more importantly helped us identify and address several problematic scenarios we hadn't even thought of. We appreciated his knowledge of both tax and elder law as both became important for our planning.
Ryan was easy to discuss issues with, and took the time to really understand our needs. We never felt rushed or embarrassed to ask him questions, and he was great at listening to our concerns. We feel confident that our plan is right for us as his attention to detail and obvious care to make sure we understood all issues removed any doubt. We can highly recommend Ryan to anyone who wants a comprehensive estate plan that covers all the bases.
Read more
14 Mar, 2024 by Edie hughes
if you are needing a greatTRUST attorney Ryan Casson should be your choice, knowledgeable, patient, answers any question, and time sensitive. We highly reccomend
Read more
22 Jun, 2024 by Catherine tabor
Ryan Casson recently drafted a trust and will for my family. He was friendly, very knowledgeable, and he explained things in a way that was easily understandable. He is very detail-oriented and left no task undone. This was our first time having a will/trust drafted and he made the process easy. I’m an attorney myself so I know what to look for when hiring a lawyer. Ryan is the real deal.
Read more
19 Apr, 2024 by Frank hagan
We are very happy with our estate plan created by Ryan Casson! Ryan helped us navigate the issues we knew about, but more importantly helped us identify and address several problematic scenarios we hadn't even thought of. We appreciated his knowledge of both tax and elder law as both became important for our planning.
Ryan was easy to discuss issues with, and took the time to really understand our needs. We never felt rushed or embarrassed to ask him questions, and he was great at listening to our concerns. We feel confident that our plan is right for us as his attention to detail and obvious care to make sure we understood all issues removed any doubt. We can highly recommend Ryan to anyone who wants a comprehensive estate plan that covers all the bases.
Read more
14 Mar, 2024 by Edie hughes
if you are needing a greatTRUST attorney Ryan Casson should be your choice, knowledgeable, patient, answers any question, and time sensitive. We highly reccomend
Read more
12 Apr, 2023 by Ma in pa
Divorcing a narcissist is extremely hard, especially in a high conflict divorce and when attorneys smell assets and money. Prior to retaining Ms. Niedens, I had worked with 4 attorneys. Unfortunately, I did not feel like I had proper guidance and/or tangible representation with any of them. I felt as I was just a milking cow for all attorneys. I also felt oppressed and that there is no fairness for men in California. My first attorney was horrible and not trustworthy. The second was unable to handle my ex’s attorney who is aggressive and used unethical tactics. The third wanted me to, simply, bend over and give up on everything, and the fourth was too busy with many other cases - nothing was done other than billing me for communicating my ex’s demands. My divorce was lengthy, toxic, and very expensive.
Backward 9 years ago, when I initiated my divorce, I contacted numerous law offices including Ms. Niedens office. Even though my intuition and gut instincts were telling me to retain Ms. Niedens, I went with the shiny attorneys who have glowing reviews and prestigious offices thinking they would provide the best legal representation for me. THAT WAS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE I MADE WHICH I WILL ALWAYS REGRET. After years of being milked by the attorneys and my ex with no results, I decided to go with my initial gut feeling…I went back to Ms. Niedens begging her to take my case. After accepting my case, Ms. Niedens developed a legal strategy and explained it to me in a simple way. Shortly thereafter, I started hearing the hits on the big drum. I started seeing results. For the first time in years, I felt that justice and fairness can be accomplished in California. I felt that my best interests and legal rights are being supported and protected. I now realize that justice comes with evidence and the ability of the attorney to know the law and provide zealous representation. During my journey with Ms. Niedens, she acted like a navigator who drove while reading the map. She knew exactly when it was better to take the bus instead of the bike. Now that my case is into closure, I can confidently attest to her skills, knowledge, and expertise. Ms. Niedens is a highly competent attorney, and most importantly, extremely knowledgeable, and very professional. She is sincere, confidant, sharp, truly genuine, fair, and tough. She knows the system very well and is highly respected by the court. I am very impressed with her attention to details, deep knowledge of every detail of my very long case, and her ability to think outside the box. I will always be deeply grateful to her and her team (Mallory and Justine) for the outstanding support they provided and still providing to me. I highly recommend Ms. Niedens and her team. They are the BEST. A five plus stars review is not enough compares to the outstanding results and support they provided to me.
Read more
09 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
We were in a year long parental rights battle utilizing a different lawyer. After that seemed to go almost nowhere, we consulted with Marsha Niedens and she explained to us all things wrong thus far with our case. We started from scratch utilizing her services and after a lengthy battle, we gained peace in our household. Highly recommended family law attorney.
Read more
03 May, 2019 by Angela
I filed for divorce by myself and for years attempted to navigate the court system myself through the divorce and subsequent custody battle with the help of the self-help services at the courthouse. Finally after being beyond frustrated with my ex's continued delay and manipulation I hired Marsha to represent me. She not only secured a great custody plan, but came back again this year to keep it in place. She is prompt in her response, always available via phone or email, and so caring. She's wonderful to talk to, she really gets it and her attention to detail is amazing. I truly don't know how I ever tried to deal with all of this on my own. I feel so much better knowing that I have someone that not only knows the language but is also a human who understands the impact of all of this on my children. I won't step in to the courtroom without her again. Don't waste your time thinking that you can handle your case on your own. I lost weeks and months of my life trying to learn the court language and defend myself without the proper representation. I would recommend her to anyone needing help with divorce, custody or child support.
Read more
31 Jan, 2022 by Raymond
After reviewing a number of attorneys I selected Mr Webb to represent my case. He proved to be all that I hoped for in an attorney as he was thorough, timely in moving my forms and paperwork along, and most of all because he always had time to patiently answer any questions I might have, and always explained things clearly for me. I would not hesitate to recommend Mr Webb to anyone seeking a top-flight attorney for cases in this area.
Read more
30 Mar, 2021 by John
Discovered that two separate trusts in Ventura County were attached to a residence. This effectively blocked any sale after the death of a parent. Larry did a great job in determining the most valuable trust, contacted the judge, presented the case, and finally allowed the house to get listed and sold... All during the worst Recession meltdown in 2012. Larry was a pleasure to work with and did a great job.
Read more
26 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
Larry Webb is a impressive lawyer and a good guy. I will use him when I do my trust and will.
Read more
01 Jan, 2017 by Desmond
We hired Mr. Johnson in 2001 to be our consultant / attorney for our organization and he has exceeded our expectations. He prepared all legal documentation to start our non profit and guided us every step of the way. He has consistently made himself available for the past 15 years to insure we were well informed on all new the laws and any questions we had regarding our corporation. We are so grateful for his professionalism and caring attitude regarding the needs of our organization abd his desire to make sure we were well informed on legal matters.
Read more
28 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Johnson made a hard experience very easy. He was helpful in explaining every step that needed to be taken in order to resolve the matter easily. He was kind and supportive and took all my considerations into account.
Read more
21 Nov, 2016 by Roger
Kyron was able to give me excellent guidance with several issues i was up against from personal injury to racial discrimination and wrongful termination. He has guided me very well and has even taken me to several appointments I would not have been able to make on my own.l
Read more
12 Sep, 2017 by Bernard. sweeney
Mr. Chabot is very professional, honest, knowledgeable, and responsive to all inquiries. It has been our pleasure having Mr. Chabot represent our company.
Read more
12 Aug, 2016 by Pat
Ralph has always been top notch. He has made himself available to us. He has answered our questions and concerns pointedly and honestly. He has been extremely fair with us throughout the project. His support staff is excellent. His expertise enabled us to overcome some challenges in the project. Our project would not be where its at today without him. Thanks Ralph!!
Read more
17 Jun, 2011 by John
Has done an excellent job for me in obtaining patents for my new product. Recommend him highly.
Read more
12 Jun, 2017 by Michelle
Mr. Lechman helped my husband and I create trusts. He was patient and walked us through the entire thing, answering all of our questions thoroughly. He was available in Westlake Village as well as Camarillo which was convenient for us.
Read more
17 Feb, 2011 by Linda
Joe is a very patient lawyer who explains everything to you. He is not like an average lawyer in a fancy business suit. He is down to earth and is very fair. He is looking out for your best interest and can tell he cares about what is best for each individual.
Read more
26 Sep, 2016 by Pamela
I was referred to Gold Law, a Professional Law Corporation in 2013 when I was made a Co-Trustee of a friend's trust. My friends Children lived in South America so it was necessary to have someone in California as part of the trust. In my first meeting at The Gold Law Office I was introduced to Marissa Garcia who would be the trust attorney. Marissa collected all the information for the trust and I was immediately at ease with how she handled everything. She knew exactly what to do in the correct sequence even though she was dealing with me here in California and my friend's son in South America; where laws differ and that was no problem for her. Within less than one year that trust was closed.
In 2015 my sister passed away and I was the Successor Trustee for her trust. I knew immediately that I would go to Marissa to be the trust attorney. This trust is much more complex than the first trust she was involved in. Again Marissa knew everything that needed to be done and in what order. Marissa has been very patient with me through all of this and has kept me informed of everything. None of my questions are a problem for her to answer and to explain.
Marissa is a very professional attorney and also a very caring person. She has always been there for me and is never too busy to listen to me on my bad days as I find myself with no immediate family left. I know that we will remain friends even after this trust has come to a close.
Read more
31 Dec, 2023 by Margaret macgillonie
21 Jan, 2023 by Martha bailey
I have No Words to describe how amazing this lady is! She represented me several years ago and everything was seamless and easy!! I very recently lost my husband and talked with her, she offered to help me there too. I'm in a different area of CA so I cannot retain her, but she offered to help... spent like an hour on the phone detailing everything. Pretty rare to find someone who actually cares
Read more
20 Jan, 2023 by Claudia olivo
Great staff that worked on my daughters conservatorship and continue to renew every time courts requires it. Always nice and helpful.
Read more
13 Nov, 2023 by Savanah stockton
I have been working with Christopher Young at the Alvarez Firm for a few years now and he has been outstanding. Extremely knowledgeable, professional and compassionate. He cares about his clients and will get the job done for you!
Read more
21 May, 2023 by Mark maxwell
Integrity and expertise! The Alvarez Firm got me a very favorable probate settlement. Justin Alvarez has a 3D chess legal mind. It was an honor and pleasure being their client!
Read more
09 Jun, 2021 by Nico kelly
13 Nov, 2023 by Savanah stockton
I have been working with Christopher Young at the Alvarez Firm for a few years now and he has been outstanding. Extremely knowledgeable, professional and compassionate. He cares about his clients and will get the job done for you!
Read more
21 May, 2023 by Mark maxwell
Integrity and expertise! The Alvarez Firm got me a very favorable probate settlement. Justin Alvarez has a 3D chess legal mind. It was an honor and pleasure being their client!
Read more
09 Jun, 2021 by Nico kelly
13 Nov, 2023 by Savanah stockton
I have been working with Christopher Young at the Alvarez Firm for a few years now and he has been outstanding. Extremely knowledgeable, professional and compassionate. He cares about his clients and will get the job done for you!
Read more
21 May, 2023 by Mark maxwell
Integrity and expertise! The Alvarez Firm got me a very favorable probate settlement. Justin Alvarez has a 3D chess legal mind. It was an honor and pleasure being their client!
Read more
09 Jun, 2021 by Nico kelly
13 Nov, 2023 by Savanah stockton
I have been working with Christopher Young at the Alvarez Firm for a few years now and he has been outstanding. Extremely knowledgeable, professional and compassionate. He cares about his clients and will get the job done for you!
Read more
21 May, 2023 by Mark maxwell
Integrity and expertise! The Alvarez Firm got me a very favorable probate settlement. Justin Alvarez has a 3D chess legal mind. It was an honor and pleasure being their client!
Read more
09 Jun, 2021 by Nico kelly
13 Nov, 2023 by Savanah stockton
I have been working with Christopher Young at the Alvarez Firm for a few years now and he has been outstanding. Extremely knowledgeable, professional and compassionate. He cares about his clients and will get the job done for you!
Read more
21 May, 2023 by Mark maxwell
Integrity and expertise! The Alvarez Firm got me a very favorable probate settlement. Justin Alvarez has a 3D chess legal mind. It was an honor and pleasure being their client!
Read more
09 Jun, 2021 by Nico kelly
13 Nov, 2023 by Savanah stockton
I have been working with Christopher Young at the Alvarez Firm for a few years now and he has been outstanding. Extremely knowledgeable, professional and compassionate. He cares about his clients and will get the job done for you!
Read more
21 May, 2023 by Mark maxwell
Integrity and expertise! The Alvarez Firm got me a very favorable probate settlement. Justin Alvarez has a 3D chess legal mind. It was an honor and pleasure being their client!
Read more
09 Jun, 2021 by Nico kelly
13 Nov, 2023 by Savanah stockton
I have been working with Christopher Young at the Alvarez Firm for a few years now and he has been outstanding. Extremely knowledgeable, professional and compassionate. He cares about his clients and will get the job done for you!
Read more
21 May, 2023 by Mark maxwell
Integrity and expertise! The Alvarez Firm got me a very favorable probate settlement. Justin Alvarez has a 3D chess legal mind. It was an honor and pleasure being their client!
Read more
09 Jun, 2021 by Nico kelly
13 Nov, 2023 by Savanah stockton
I have been working with Christopher Young at the Alvarez Firm for a few years now and he has been outstanding. Extremely knowledgeable, professional and compassionate. He cares about his clients and will get the job done for you!
Read more
21 May, 2023 by Mark maxwell
Integrity and expertise! The Alvarez Firm got me a very favorable probate settlement. Justin Alvarez has a 3D chess legal mind. It was an honor and pleasure being their client!
Read more
09 Jun, 2021 by Nico kelly
13 Nov, 2023 by Savanah stockton
I have been working with Christopher Young at the Alvarez Firm for a few years now and he has been outstanding. Extremely knowledgeable, professional and compassionate. He cares about his clients and will get the job done for you!
Read more
21 May, 2023 by Mark maxwell
Integrity and expertise! The Alvarez Firm got me a very favorable probate settlement. Justin Alvarez has a 3D chess legal mind. It was an honor and pleasure being their client!
Read more
09 Jun, 2021 by Nico kelly
30 Jun, 2021 by Brittany terry
13 Oct, 2024 by Shawn terris
Annette genuinely cares about you and ensures your Trust includes everything you want done upon your death by asking you questions, answering your questions in terms that anyone can understand, and advising you. Because of Annette, I sleep well at night knowing my Trust was created in accordance with the laws and will not run into any legal problems. Lastly, she charges a few hundred dollars less than the 3 other Trust attorneys I contacted.
Read more
08 Oct, 2024 by David ames
Annette can do it all. She is fast, professional, and is an expert at attention to detail. She helped me through several legal documents that I needed with a very fast turnaround time (and I wasn't even local to the area). If you want your documents to be done right & quickly, I highly recommend Annette for any of the services that she provides.
Read more
13 Sep, 2024 by Ruth kistler
Annette is very organized and efficient. She is knowledgeable and professional. Communication was timely, clear and concise. Our trust was amended quickly and delivered to our home. I highly recommend Annette Dawson-Davis!
Read more
22 Oct, 2023 by Terry poland
28 Aug, 2023 by Dean richardson
Wonder attorney and staff!
Read more
11 Aug, 2023 by Sharon willett
31 Jan, 2024 by Haydence thompson
Guy Bayley is an excellent attorney who gave me solid advice during a consultation that worked out in my favor. He was available to me by text or call to answer any questions I had and help guide me along the way as I worked towards a resolution with my previous landlord. Guy was very honest & upfront & gave me a blueprint on how to resolve my issue on my own & then if it didn’t work, he would step in on my behalf. He is sincere & not just out for the money as I only got a consultation. I ended up following his advice & it all worked out in my favor without having to go to court, retain an attorney, plus the resolution that I ended up agreeing to was almost triple what I initially requested for the troubles the management company caused. I highly recommend Guy Bayley.
Read more
22 Oct, 2023 by Terry poland
28 Aug, 2023 by Dean richardson
Wonder attorney and staff!
Read more
31 Jan, 2024 by Haydence thompson
Guy Bayley is an excellent attorney who gave me solid advice during a consultation that worked out in my favor. He was available to me by text or call to answer any questions I had and help guide me along the way as I worked towards a resolution with my previous landlord. Guy was very honest & upfront & gave me a blueprint on how to resolve my issue on my own & then if it didn’t work, he would step in on my behalf. He is sincere & not just out for the money as I only got a consultation. I ended up following his advice & it all worked out in my favor without having to go to court, retain an attorney, plus the resolution that I ended up agreeing to was almost triple what I initially requested for the troubles the management company caused. I highly recommend Guy Bayley.
Read more
22 Oct, 2023 by Terry poland
28 Aug, 2023 by Dean richardson
Wonder attorney and staff!
Read more
5.0
20 Reviews
4.6
34 Reviews
23 Jan, 2024 by Jessica melendrez
06 Oct, 2023 by Jose antonio gomez
Cameron has personally handled my divorce and custody case.
My case was very challenging and sensitive. This law firm has helped restore my parent rights and the relationship with my child.
I am beyond thankful for everything.
Read more
22 Sep, 2023 by Marcello v
Moriyah Christie is the voice for those whose words fall on deaf ears in the legal system. She fights for her clients with passion and integrity.What Moriyah has done for me can't be quantified. Life is priceless and I wouldn't be here today without her. I can concentrate on my daughter and rebuilding my life after divorce.Thank you Moriyah!!
Read more
23 Jan, 2024 by Jessica melendrez
06 Oct, 2023 by Jose antonio gomez
Cameron has personally handled my divorce and custody case.
My case was very challenging and sensitive. This law firm has helped restore my parent rights and the relationship with my child.
I am beyond thankful for everything.
Read more
22 Sep, 2023 by Marcello v
Moriyah Christie is the voice for those whose words fall on deaf ears in the legal system. She fights for her clients with passion and integrity.What Moriyah has done for me can't be quantified. Life is priceless and I wouldn't be here today without her. I can concentrate on my daughter and rebuilding my life after divorce.Thank you Moriyah!!
Read more
07 Aug, 2023 by N ocean
The worse he doesn’t even have an office uses a P.O. Box he’s not impartial he’s a crook being reported the bar association so no more victims will go through this
Shame !!!
Read more
07 Apr, 2023 by Daniel
All of my interactions with her over the past 20 years have been without exception outstanding. She is the best lawyer I've ever met with.
Read more
03 Jan, 2023 by Mark
On several occasions over about 10 years' time, I have had the pleasure of consulting with Panda Kroll on legal matters, including consumer class actions, civil litigation, and for general legal assistance on pro se cases. I have found her to have a sharp, deep, and up-to-date legal mind, to be detail-oriented, and to be generous and willing to share her time and knowledge. It is clear that she offers a wealth of experience and exhibits good judgment. She always responds quickly to requests for information. In my 65 years on this Earth, in my experience, it is rare to find an attorney who is both a genuinely helpful, nice, and good person, but who also is a tough, tenacious, and client-centered litigator. Hire her and then rest assured, you're in good hands.
Read more
Find Your Lawyer
By Practice Area
-
Estate Planning
-
Business
-
Family Law
-
Litigation
-
Intellectual Property
-
Real Estate
-
Probate
-
Workers Compensation
-
Criminal Defense
-
Personal Injury
-
Trusts
-
Domestic Violence
-
Child Custody
-
Appeals
-
Class Action
-
Insurance
-
Tax
-
Child Support
-
Civil Rights
-
Discrimination
-
Elder Law
-
Adoption
-
Immigration
-
Mediation
-
Bankruptcy
-
Consumer Protection
-
Debt Collection
-
Divorce
-
Government
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Wrongful Death
-
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.
