Filter by

star star star star star
04 Sep, 2013 by Joseph
Our CPA firm utililzes Deborah's vast experience and expertise whenever one of our clients are faced with a difficult tax problem or have a complex estate issue. Our firm has worked with many lawyers and Deborah is always very responsive and well informed. We highly recommend Deborah for any tax problem or estate planning issue.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
31 Jul, 2013 by Sue
I am a CPA in practice and in industry. I have worked with Deborah on behalf of several clients. She is extremely knowledgeable, responsive and an expert in her field. I have worked with her in the areas of sales tax and income tax. I have also attended numerous conferences that she has been a part of, and her presentations are always top-notch. She is, without question, at the top of her field.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
26 Jul, 2013 by Steve
I am a CPA and attorney, but I do not practice in the bankruptcy or debtor-creditor area of the law. But I have consulted with Deb Muhlbauer on behalf of my clients on several occasions and she has always promptly provided very cogent and effective advice. I think her expertise is at least partly due to the fact that she focuses her practice in this area of the law; and she has a sterling reputation in the legal community in and around Buffalo, NY.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
05 Mar, 2015 by John
Mr bluestein helped me with a significant tax problem. He brought this problem to the most satisfactory result that i could have hoped for. He is extremely knowledgable and highly professional. I highly recommend him if you have a tax problem.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
13 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
My experience with Gary Bluestein was a very poitive experience. Gary and his staff were very professional and took great lengths to explaining everything in detail. His knowledge of the tax law combined with his research and experience, was a winning combination for my case. I hightly recommend Gary Bluestein for anyone with a tax issue.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
23 Aug, 2013 by Duane
I had a large and outstanding IRS debt about seven years ago. Upon the recommendation of a friend I contacted Mr. Bluestein for a consultation. I found him to be very friendly,easily approachable,and an uncanny,seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of the IRS taxc laws and procedures in regards to helping me file a chapter 13 bankruptcy. His explanation was easy to understand and comprehensive. His fees were very reasonable. Because of his extensive knowledge and expertise he was able to navigate me through the procedure with minimal effort on my part,thus relieving of the headache and hassle of having to even having to speak with any IRS agents. Mr. Bluestein and his staff are extremely efficient and always kept me informed in a timely manner of pertinent issues regarding my case. He is without question the go-to-tax attorney and I strongly recommend him without reservation.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
13 Mar, 2024 by Michelle balbuena
Title: Disappointing Experience at Kristin Kozlowski's Law Office My visit to Kristin Kozlowski's law office was notably marred by a distressing interaction with the receptionist, Amy, which overshadowed the purpose of my visit. While I had limited interaction with Kristin Kozlowski herself, as my visit was primarily to facilitate a meeting for my children, the encounter with the office staff left much to be desired in terms of professionalism and courtesy. From the outset, Amy demonstrated a lack of basic people and communication skills that one would expect in such a sensitive and client-focused environment. My attempt to discuss the coordination of appointments and the importance of open communication between all parties was met with aggression and agitation from her side. Instead of facilitating a constructive dialogue, Amy took a defensive stance, asserting that it was not her responsibility to mediate or improve communication between myself and my soon-to-be ex-husband. Throughout our conversation, she consistently interrupted me, employing an unprofessional tone and language, including the use of profanity, to express her annoyance. Such behavior not only hindered any potential for productive discussion but also contributed to an already stressful situation. This experience was disappointing and not at all what I expected from a professional law office, especially one dealing with sensitive family matters. The lack of empathy, professionalism, and basic respect for clients' concerns raises serious questions about the overall client service and atmosphere at Kristin Kozlowski's law office. It is crucial for legal professionals to remember the importance of every interaction and the impact it can have on their clients' experiences and perceptions.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
23 Oct, 2023 by Ed tredo
Google Maps
star star star star star
16 Dec, 2021 by Joe nicastro
I recently had some trademark work completed by Erin M. Gormley, and she got us our mark. The chances of us getting the mark was uncertain, but Erin made it happen by working her magic! I cannot recommend her enough for trademark work, she was always right on the mark during the entire process, and very responsive to our needs! - Joe
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
13 Mar, 2024 by Michelle balbuena
Title: Disappointing Experience at Kristin Kozlowski's Law Office My visit to Kristin Kozlowski's law office was notably marred by a distressing interaction with the receptionist, Amy, which overshadowed the purpose of my visit. While I had limited interaction with Kristin Kozlowski herself, as my visit was primarily to facilitate a meeting for my children, the encounter with the office staff left much to be desired in terms of professionalism and courtesy. From the outset, Amy demonstrated a lack of basic people and communication skills that one would expect in such a sensitive and client-focused environment. My attempt to discuss the coordination of appointments and the importance of open communication between all parties was met with aggression and agitation from her side. Instead of facilitating a constructive dialogue, Amy took a defensive stance, asserting that it was not her responsibility to mediate or improve communication between myself and my soon-to-be ex-husband. Throughout our conversation, she consistently interrupted me, employing an unprofessional tone and language, including the use of profanity, to express her annoyance. Such behavior not only hindered any potential for productive discussion but also contributed to an already stressful situation. This experience was disappointing and not at all what I expected from a professional law office, especially one dealing with sensitive family matters. The lack of empathy, professionalism, and basic respect for clients' concerns raises serious questions about the overall client service and atmosphere at Kristin Kozlowski's law office. It is crucial for legal professionals to remember the importance of every interaction and the impact it can have on their clients' experiences and perceptions.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
23 Oct, 2023 by Ed tredo
Google Maps
star star star star star
16 Dec, 2021 by Joe nicastro
I recently had some trademark work completed by Erin M. Gormley, and she got us our mark. The chances of us getting the mark was uncertain, but Erin made it happen by working her magic! I cannot recommend her enough for trademark work, she was always right on the mark during the entire process, and very responsive to our needs! - Joe
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
03 Jan, 2020 by Carrie collins
I can’t recommend this firm enough. I worked with Ruth Wiseman on a messy bankruptcy and she was fantastic! Fast, efficient, compassionate and a good value for her services. She stood by my side right through it all and even afterwards.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
08 Oct, 2019 by Paul clark
We have been referring clients from our CPA firm to Andreozzi Bluestein for various tax matters for several years. They are simply outstanding....they work hard for their clients and are very experienced and competent in a very complex legal specialty.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
13 Mar, 2019 by Carrie mercer
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
03 Jan, 2020 by Carrie collins
I can’t recommend this firm enough. I worked with Ruth Wiseman on a messy bankruptcy and she was fantastic! Fast, efficient, compassionate and a good value for her services. She stood by my side right through it all and even afterwards.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
08 Oct, 2019 by Paul clark
We have been referring clients from our CPA firm to Andreozzi Bluestein for various tax matters for several years. They are simply outstanding....they work hard for their clients and are very experienced and competent in a very complex legal specialty.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
13 Mar, 2019 by Carrie mercer
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
21 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
It is possible that there was a misunderstanding of the task proposed, but a colleague (attorney) was present when the query was made. Mr. Greenberg, however, was the lead attorney handling my affairs. Mr. Greenberg did not respond to my email request without repeated delays and when contact was made, "still researching the matter" is what I was told. Although no answer was ever found extending over weeks of alleged research, I was billed thousands of dollars for the ongoing research. After speaking with several other attorneys about the same query at a later time, all gave me the same solution, immediately, the solution of which was eventually used and easy to implement at a low cost. Either Mr. Grossberg misunderstood the query or was looking for a solution far more complicated and comprehensive than necessary. The fee charged was far in excess of what was required to solve the matter. The request for reviewing the charges was denied. To this day, I do not know why Mr. Grossberg did not respond to several emails more promptly and understood the query differently than other attorneys who heard a similar question. Being billed thousands of dollars for such conduct leading to no answer but more research was unexplainable in light of serving a client's best interest.
Read more Avvo
See more
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:

  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.
Scroll to top