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16 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I consulted Ms. Morales regarding a difficult circumstance. She responded quickly and set me in the correct direction. I give her my highest recommendation.
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18 Aug, 2017 by Barbara
I was so lucky to find Raandi when I moved here 10 years ago. She has handled many real estate transactions for me since that time. She's extremely knowledgeable, honest, straightforward and approachable in all matters of law for which I have needed advice. And as nice as she is, she can be tough as nails if she needs to be. I wouldn't use anyone else .
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06 Jul, 2017 by Jason upright
Although I didn't hire an attorney regarding my legal issue, I certainly would have solicited the services of Raandi Morales had I need further services. She set my mind at ease regarding a banking issue, communicated in layman's terms, and she obviously knows her craft. Consult with Ms. Morales with confidence.
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15 May, 2023 by Keikilani
This person is the best she has helped me get my social security disability needs all my paperwork and meetings were so easy to understand because of her if you need help I recommend her no stress she handles it all fast and efficient
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08 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Nakisa helped me with my daughter's car accident. She is very knowledgeable and thorough. She was also very friendly in all the interactions. Highly recommended.
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08 May, 2023 by Anonymous
I suffer from mental illnesses that prevent from properly holding job and needed to be put on SSI and she helped me win on my first try. She is very professional, friendly, and diligent for her clients
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07 Jan, 2019 by Kathy
Hired West Hunsaker to restate my Trust and he was very personable, tentative to details and explained things in simple everyday language making things easy to understand. I would definitely work with Mr. Hunsaker again and highly recommend him to others.
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19 Aug, 2013 by Chris
Very satisfied with Mr. Hunsaker's work. We really needed to get our estate planning/living will in order and he made the process easy and was very thorough. I was impressed with his ability to explain things in a way that my wife and I could easily understand. It's a process that we have avoided for too long and can be a little uncomfortable, but he put us at ease. MHK has the reputation as being the best in Estate Planning and after working with Mr. Hunsaker, we agree with that assessment.
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20 Jun, 2013 by J
Very dissatisfied extremely expensive and only cares when he thinks you may refer more clients in. I can not express how poor we were treated. Would NEVER recommend them
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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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