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30 Jul, 2023 by Dena spencer
03 Feb, 2022 by K f
Nice people
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18 Oct, 2020 by Michael daniel
Happy to use John for all my legal advice.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
I retained this terrible attorney to represent me in my divorce and he just kept dragging things out and adding charges to line his pockets and then in court he did absolutely nothing. Although I have no education in law I clearly would have been better off representing myself. Unfortunately, I later had a second divorce and hired a different attorney after which Louis Colella's incompetence and greed became even more obvious. I am actually amazed no disciplinary actions have been taken against him.
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16 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Every time I paid my bill in full he would say he forgot to charge me for something and bill me for more.. Mr Colella would have me meet with him... and then say he worked on my case 3...4...5.. days after that meeting@ $200. per hour $1600. a day.. But Mr Colella would only have the notes that he took during his meeting with me.... I ask him about that and he said "It's up here " "Pointing to his head..$ 42,000 later( which was paid in full) (and at this point my wife had not even been on the stand yet)Mr Colella stated his wife had recently left him and he couldn't concentrate ...He wanted to quit... stating .." I deserved better since he couldn't concentrate".. Truth is he drained me financially..Two weeks after Mr Colella quit me he was back in court right back to work..STAY AWAY FROM THIS MAN.!!
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16 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
I had this attorney represent me over 20 years ago when I got divorced. Recently, I applied for my percent of my ex-husband's military retirement, as per the divorce, only to find out he had NEVER filed the paperwork. I contacted him in early May 2011, trying to clarify the situation, and he was very rude and short with me on the phone. I sent a copy of my divorce to him as per his request, and then received a call from him a few weeks later. Again he was agitated and rude, insisting that I had to have other papers, and he would have to check the files in Bath,NY. About 2 weeks later, I received a letter from him stating I had to pay $1200.00 up front before he would file the form that I needed--refused to even speak with me about payments. ( I recently became disabled, and my monthly total income is less than $1500.00 a month.) I then contacted another attorney in the area and that attorney has agreed to file the paper for less than 1/2 of Mr Colella's price AND will also take payments.
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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.
