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29 Jan, 2022 by Antonio
she was a great caring lawyer for me. a voice or reason. I recommend Jeanmarie to anyone going through a divorce
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28 Jan, 2022 by Rolando
Jeanmarie has been a true professional advocate for me during my divorce. She is my 3rd attorney within 14 months. Jeanmarie preps for a divorce as she would prep it argue before the Supreme Court. So choosing her is truly the right choice.
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27 Jan, 2022 by Doug
She’s a smart quick minded lawyer very honest and incredibly fair, never gave me false hopes she works with the truth and the law i am very satisfied with my results. Thanks Jeanmarie
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22 Dec, 2014 by Bill
Long story short, got caught driving after a party, Mr. Garcia was right there and took care of everything. Got the charges dismissed and not a mark on my license. Best thing I ever did was call him.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Erica h.
Efficient and responsive.
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27 Apr, 2024 by Anna reich
I am very grateful to the Selinger Law Group for their work in obtaining the generous compensation awarded to me. I know it was a long, tedious process involving many hours and hard work. They have given me and my family peace of mind for my remaining years on this earth. For this, I thank you with all my heart.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Patricia emma
Selinger law group has a great team of professionals to support you during you case. It did take a long time to settle the case but everyone was helpful and knowledgeable. My case finally came to a very satisfactory end and everyone, including me, was happy with the results. Thank you for everything you did.
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04 Apr, 2024 by Joan golle
The Corliss Law Group and specifically Cara Morea could not have been more helpful, understanding of our needs and easy to work with as we updated our Wills, created a Trust, Health Care, Power of Attorneys and all that goes into our desires. Thank you Cara
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13 Feb, 2024 by Danny gejerman
Marie was very helpful and kind really appreciated her time
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25 Jan, 2024 by Sarah
My husband and I recently moved to New York State and needed a lawyer to create a living trust and to redo our wills. We feel so fortunate that we were referred to Marie Corliss. Working with Marie and her staff at the Corliss Law Group was a very positive experience. We appreciated Marie's expertise, guidance, and thoughtfulness during every step of the process. She took the time to understand our needs and wishes, to explain the legal terminology and the laws, and to make sure the documents were customized to meet our goals. Throughout the process of creating these important documents, we knew that Marie had our wishes and our best interests in mind. My husband and I highly recommend Marie Corliss and her staff at the Corliss Law Group.
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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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