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16 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Barry is one of the smartest people I have met. He is driven, focused and confident. I recommend him with the highest confidence. While intense, when you need someone on your side, he will not disappoint you. The law is non-logical and he will guide you through the confusion. I would definitely use him again. Great integrity and knowledgeable.
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27 Aug, 2015 by Tim
Attorney Albin Provided 5 star legal expertise and advices related to a DCF case. I would recommend his expertise and knowledge in this area. He has a high sense of what is right and wrong and better moral instincts than many judges.
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17 Jan, 2021 by Deb
When our previous attorney retired, we didn't think we needed to look for his replacement right away but life isn't always predictable. We met with Steve to rework our estate planning which included selling our farm house and acreage, recognizing a legal and safe way to handle our trust, and how to pass our assets on to our teenage boys as they mature into adulthood. He was clear, easy to understand, and gave us options that fit our goals and values. Along the way, I mentioned that my mom needed to update her 30 year old will and that we needed to designate a financial POA and a health POA for her. He asked about my dad, who has been deceased for years. He pointed out that my mom could receive some benefits from his service in the Korean War if she had medical need - and she most certainly does. In fact, due to my mom's limited mobility, Steve helped met her where she felt most comfortable. Thanks to Steve, we have our trust redefined as needed, mom's will and POAs taken care of, and another resource to help my mom as she approaches 90.
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17 Jan, 2021 by Shari
Steve has been very helpful with my family's needs. I have asked him for guidance with a few things and he is always willing to help out and has always got back in touch with me in a very timely manner. He has also given his guidance to the Alta Vista Senior Center. He is always so happy to help whenever he can. Steve is a great attorney.
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02 Oct, 2019 by Michaël söetaert
Currently he is our incompetent City Attorney. He's very confused about reality, he works for us. We don't work for him. If elected Mayor, I will terminate his services.
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07 Mar, 2022 by Jessie batten
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23 Feb, 2022 by Mary kratzer
Called twice for help. NOBODY ever called me back like they said they would.
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21 Feb, 2022 by Sarah coleman
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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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