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20 Aug, 2024 by Kevin
Mike is a very good lawyer bankruptcy was smooth and easy. Very good communication good with explanations. Would hire for any issue across the board very good lawyer.
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20 Nov, 2022 by Patti
We hired Mike Laucello for our divorce attorney. Best decision we could have made....he was honest, down to earth, was patient, walked us through everything, explained everything step by step answer any and all questions...including phone calls, emails and text messages...he stay in contact with us throughout the whole process...we were very relieved to have him , he took all the stress off our shoulders, made everything possible...Can't thank him enough for helping us get through the situation...Would absolutely recommend him to anyone!!!
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14 Nov, 2022 by Yunru
It is my pleasure to have Michael J Laucello as my personal injury attorney. He is empathetic, competent, professional and always ready to go the extra mile for his client. I was bitten by a dog several months ago. He did an outstanding job to make sure I was well taken care of. During the first time we met, he had spent a lot of time explaining every detail related to my case, had lots of patience with me and answered every question I had. At that time, he also came up with several specialists around the area near me out of his head, and wrote their name down on a piece of paper to make sure I can find the right doctor to get the right treatment. That was the moment I knew I had found the right person to handle my case. During these months, He fought hard on my behalf when I was overwhelmed, kept me totally informed of the case progress and also achieved a greater outcome than I could have ever imagined. I am grateful for his hard work. I would recommend Michael J Laucello and absolutely he is the best!
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18 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
I have been a Client of this Attorney for a few months now and so far I am very pleased with his work on my case. My case has not been completed yet but I do see positive results thus far
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09 Sep, 2020 by Walt stubbs
If This guy has a bad day, then so will you. He makes trouble and tries to belittle your intelligence. Horrible professionalism. Storms off like a raging child.
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08 May, 2012 by Anonymous
my son was in family courrt for behavior issues in school. mr malak was friendly, listened and responded to hisi needs and was a great advocate for my son. i highly recommend
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19 Nov, 2022 by Thomas o.
I had the misery of witnessing this attorney’s hazardous practicing of law while he was my child’s mother attorney during our custody proceedings.
Attorney Pugliese displayed both immature and disruptive behavior in court, which resulted in his petty actions being redirected by the judge on more than one occasion.
He unsuccessfully advanced largely false and disingenuous claims during the course of the proceedings, and became child like and retaliatory when his positions he took were revealed as unnecessary, counterproductive to the child, and no longer were absorbed by the court.
Much of his ridiculous arguments didn’t even withstand rebuttal arguments I made representing myself without an attorney present during a few of the court appearances.
Once a settlement occurred and some stability was starting to materialize, he actually prolonged the resolution of the case for many weeks to settle personal scores by utilizing my child’s life, and the court case, as a mechanism to make himself whole again in a child-like attempt to control the circumstances by further complicating them.
He served himself for much of the case and even prioritized his own vindicating needs over his clients.
Under the influence of his overly inflated ego and unrestrained vindictiveness, this attorney will figuratively defectate all over your Family Court case.
Go with someone else. Literally - any one else.
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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.
