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18 Aug, 2019 by Dan
Ms. Heinrich's handled some personal legal issues for myself and my family swiftly and with the outcome we were expecting to acquire. I would recommend her to anyone seeking a skilled and knowledgeable attorney with great attention to all the details.
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02 Dec, 2016 by Jesse
Very professional, very organized. Made a hard experience much easier. Would highly recommend her.
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02 Nov, 2014 by Donna heinrichs
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21 Sep, 2009 by Lorna
You will not find a better attorney than John Maxwell, at any price. He has been my attorney for over 20 years because he is honest, ethical (yes!), responsive (yes!), knowledgeable (very), and an excellent statesman. Although he primarily handles Real Estate issues, I have used his services for a variety of legal matters from litigation (elder law, family law) to advice on matrimonial issues. When I needed an attorney to help me set up a corporation, review business contracts, etc., he always did an excellent job, while providing me with practical advise and perceptive insights. When I needed an attorney to help me with a tenant landlord issue, he was responsible for taking care of it in a timely manner, which saved me a lot of time, money, and agravation. I have nothing but the utmost respect for him as a person and attorney. I am thankful that he has always been there to help me address the legal problems that have arisen. I have recommended him to others for Real Estate Closings and other issues, and they had the same positive experiences that I had. I recommend him to you highly, without reservation.
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14 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Helped me secure a win in small claims court, but very knowledgable in many courts. I highly recommend him for his services, he is a genuinely good person and cares deeply for his clients. I can't praise him enough for the all the work he has done for me.
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25 Sep, 2012 by Trish
Theresa is an amazing attoney who helped with changing my name. She made what seemed like a very confusing and complex process simple. She was very good with making sure i knew and understood each of the steps of the process. She was also very patient and held my hand along the way.
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16 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
I have worked with Mr. Cometti on several projects, and he is always professional and spot on with his analysis!
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25 Apr, 2016 by Dorothy
I would recommend Attorney Cooper to anyone in the Capital Region with regards to State and County motor vehicle violations. Attorney Cooper has expert knowledge in violation codes and laws with expertise in different county courts. In addition, he has shown grace to us as a military family - serving in Afghanistan. We thank you so much for your time and attention and give you the highest recommendation.
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19 Mar, 2015 by Stephanie
Although hired as a local rep of my main lawyer, who lived distantly, she was an excellent, responsive, communicative, helpful, thorough and pleasant person as well as a lawyer.
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14 Dec, 2019 by Patrick mahar
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02 Aug, 2019 by C delgado
Great service clean and respectful and on time
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14 Dec, 2019 by Patrick mahar
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02 Aug, 2019 by C delgado
Great service clean and respectful and on time
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14 Apr, 2024 by Elise voorhaar
So helpful and understanding.
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29 Dec, 2023 by Cindy dejohn
A lawyer that charges per minute time she spoke on phone when a relative called her to chat and client was NOT notified nor told they charge phone calls per minute even if client did not know relative called this firm. Over $700.charged. PER MINUTE! Very greedy lawyers
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26 Aug, 2023 by Joann desarbo
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26 Aug, 2024 by Jennifer duncan
We have had Lee as our attorney for many years, and our family as well has Lee when needed. He is by far the best of the best out there. We are very thankful for having him as our attorney for so many years and would recommend him to anyone. Thanks you for all you do for our family.
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05 Nov, 2023 by Kayla lee
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10 Feb, 2021 by Adam wild
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14 Apr, 2024 by Elise voorhaar
So helpful and understanding.
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29 Dec, 2023 by Cindy dejohn
A lawyer that charges per minute time she spoke on phone when a relative called her to chat and client was NOT notified nor told they charge phone calls per minute even if client did not know relative called this firm. Over $700.charged. PER MINUTE! Very greedy lawyers
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26 Aug, 2023 by Joann desarbo
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14 Apr, 2024 by Elise voorhaar
So helpful and understanding.
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29 Dec, 2023 by Cindy dejohn
A lawyer that charges per minute time she spoke on phone when a relative called her to chat and client was NOT notified nor told they charge phone calls per minute even if client did not know relative called this firm. Over $700.charged. PER MINUTE! Very greedy lawyers
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26 Aug, 2023 by Joann desarbo
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14 Apr, 2024 by Elise voorhaar
So helpful and understanding.
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29 Dec, 2023 by Cindy dejohn
A lawyer that charges per minute time she spoke on phone when a relative called her to chat and client was NOT notified nor told they charge phone calls per minute even if client did not know relative called this firm. Over $700.charged. PER MINUTE! Very greedy lawyers
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26 Aug, 2023 by Joann desarbo
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14 Apr, 2024 by Elise voorhaar
So helpful and understanding.
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29 Dec, 2023 by Cindy dejohn
A lawyer that charges per minute time she spoke on phone when a relative called her to chat and client was NOT notified nor told they charge phone calls per minute even if client did not know relative called this firm. Over $700.charged. PER MINUTE! Very greedy lawyers
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26 Aug, 2023 by Joann desarbo
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14 Apr, 2024 by Elise voorhaar
So helpful and understanding.
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29 Dec, 2023 by Cindy dejohn
A lawyer that charges per minute time she spoke on phone when a relative called her to chat and client was NOT notified nor told they charge phone calls per minute even if client did not know relative called this firm. Over $700.charged. PER MINUTE! Very greedy lawyers
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26 Aug, 2023 by Joann desarbo
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26 Aug, 2024 by Jennifer duncan
We have had Lee as our attorney for many years, and our family as well has Lee when needed. He is by far the best of the best out there. We are very thankful for having him as our attorney for so many years and would recommend him to anyone. Thanks you for all you do for our family.
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05 Nov, 2023 by Kayla lee
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10 Feb, 2021 by Adam wild
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26 Aug, 2024 by Jennifer duncan
We have had Lee as our attorney for many years, and our family as well has Lee when needed. He is by far the best of the best out there. We are very thankful for having him as our attorney for so many years and would recommend him to anyone. Thanks you for all you do for our family.
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05 Nov, 2023 by Kayla lee
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10 Feb, 2021 by Adam wild
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05 Sep, 2024 by Stacey ball
They are great people.
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13 Apr, 2024 by Ashley bryant
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02 Feb, 2024 by Donna deflorio
Wonderful!
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11 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
DO NOT HIRE MICHAEL FRIEDMAN ! HE NEVER ANSWERS ANY CALLS AND DOES NOT CALL BACK , HE DOES NOT HELP AT ALL ! I GOT ARRESTED CUZ HE WOULD NOT ANSWER OR CALL ME BACK , I WAS UNABLE TO GET MY CHILD BECAUSE HE FAILED TO CALL ME AFTER COURT LIKE HE SAID HE WOULD. I CALLED HIS CELL N OFFICE SEVERAL TIMES N HE NEVER ANSWERED OR GOT BACK TO ME.
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29 Jan, 2014 by Barbara
I consulted with Mr Friedman about getting a separation agreement 15 years ago. I found him to be extremely attentive, compassionate and helpful. He was also very generous with the time he spent advising me.
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23 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Did worse than nothing. Filed costly complaint, then withdrew it, then quit. Billed me 50K for 3 months of long rambling crazy letters and worthless conferences and calls. He preys on women who were in abusive marriages and knows how to manipulate you by seeming sympathetic, then turns to control and denigration. He also knows how to manipulate the system and the judges. Steer clear.
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31 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
My former spouse hired Paul Van Ryn years ago as his divorce attorney. He cost my former husband a fortune over the course of 13 years, probably one of the the longest running divorce proceedings in the history of upstate New York. He encouraged my former husband to bankrupt me which he did. But I'm still standing and would like to warn people that he will destroy your family while taking your money. He will tie up Family Court for years with documents that are full of lies. He even wrote me a personal letter that if I did not pay my former husband child support WITHOUT A HEARING, I would lose my house and the opportunity to see my children. This petrified me so much that I went to the Bar Association with an exact copy of the letter but they did nothing. To this day, my son thought it was just "a tactic." Threats and financial abuse are not "tactics." They are extremely effective ways of destroying your family and if that's who you want to hire, I can only hope that "karma" will resolve your issues. I hope people can find better ways to dissolve a marriage than revenge.
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25 Feb, 2017 by Dave
I consulted Mr. Paul for my divorce case. I found him, very knowledgeable, Excellent in his law skill and very kind person. He will explain you every thing you need to know and understand your case. He will NOT misguide you. He is very responsible attorney. I highly recommend this attorney. If you are looking for an attorney, DO NOT look any more. Please consult/hire him.
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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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