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22 Jan, 2024 by Michael chelala
Excellent firm! Great help in so many different fields
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22 Jan, 2024 by Tim ryan
They served our needs with care and detail.
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06 Nov, 2022 by Christopher michael
5 🌟
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22 Jan, 2024 by Michael chelala
Excellent firm! Great help in so many different fields
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22 Jan, 2024 by Tim ryan
They served our needs with care and detail.
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06 Nov, 2022 by Christopher michael
5 🌟
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19 Dec, 2023 by Jaleesa castagna
I recently had an outstanding experience working with Stephen Doddato on my personal injury case. Stephen stood out for his exceptional communication, readily addressing my inquiries and keeping me informed at every step. His expertise and commitment to clarity empowered me to make informed decisions. He demonstrated a thorough understanding of personal injury law, guiding me effectively and advocating for my rights. His dedication resulted in a fair settlement that surpassed my expectations. If you're in need of a knowledgeable, communicative, and responsive personal injury attorney, I highly recommend Stephen and Mirotznik & Assocs.. My experience was exceptional, and I'm confident he can provide the same level of support to others seeking legal representation. thank you again :)
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28 Mar, 2022 by Krishan kumar
Wonderful lawyer and a great human being, treats his clients like his family member.
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23 Jan, 2019 by Jacob saslow
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19 Dec, 2023 by Jaleesa castagna
I recently had an outstanding experience working with Stephen Doddato on my personal injury case. Stephen stood out for his exceptional communication, readily addressing my inquiries and keeping me informed at every step. His expertise and commitment to clarity empowered me to make informed decisions. He demonstrated a thorough understanding of personal injury law, guiding me effectively and advocating for my rights. His dedication resulted in a fair settlement that surpassed my expectations. If you're in need of a knowledgeable, communicative, and responsive personal injury attorney, I highly recommend Stephen and Mirotznik & Assocs.. My experience was exceptional, and I'm confident he can provide the same level of support to others seeking legal representation. thank you again :)
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28 Mar, 2022 by Krishan kumar
Wonderful lawyer and a great human being, treats his clients like his family member.
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23 Jan, 2019 by Jacob saslow
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22 Nov, 2013 by Salvatore
Excellent, brilliant, somewhat unorthodox counselor. Intuitive in analysis, with fantastic manipulative abilities to accomplish his ends. Goal oriented master! Don't mess with him! ... and do not underestimate his abilities.
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31 Oct, 2013 by Avi
Another firm I had retained to handle a complex commercial real estate litigation case hired Mr. Dekajlo as special litigation counsel to handle my actual trial. Simply BRILLIANT! Watching him try the case, for big stakes, was enlightening; his strategies by everyone's admission was creative and inventive. After his grilling cross-examination of our adversary, he thought up a settlement with which I was delighted, and my adversaries and their lawyers reluctantly agreed. My business owes its proverbial life to Mr. Dekajlo. Besides his excellent ratings above, he is a man of his word, ethical, agressive, respected, confident, and eminently fair.
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21 Oct, 2013 by David
After meeting with 4 high priced attorneys to resolve a complex business/legal matter, I was feeling hopeless and doomed. Mr. Dekajlo was cross-referred by 2 competitors of mine, who were both very pleased with his past results and performance. Simply stated, he is brilliant, creative, imaginative, authoritative and goal oriented. We concluded our "problem" at under 60% of our war chest budget, and in record time. He knows the in's and outs of the courthouse, is well respected, somewhat un-orthodox in his technique, but is our new business "go-to" guy for our headaches involving litigation, strategic planning, real estate, construction and criminal matters. Admittedly difficult to reach (for routine matters), if its urgent or emergent, he responds immediately.
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26 Jun, 2024 by Ari
Bad lawyer and terrible office. Bills for work not performed. Do not hire her.
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22 May, 2024 by Matt finacori
Dishonest and unethical. This lawyer, her staff and her entire practice is a sham. The worst!
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16 Feb, 2024 by Ariel stern
Ms berkowitz is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney. She worked hard to get the best outcome and worked well with all parties to do so. She is very well respected by judges and other attorneys. She took calls even while on vacation to answer questions and provide guidance. Highly recommended!
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26 Jun, 2024 by Ari
Bad lawyer and terrible office. Bills for work not performed. Do not hire her.
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22 May, 2024 by Matt finacori
Dishonest and unethical. This lawyer, her staff and her entire practice is a sham. The worst!
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star star star star star
16 Feb, 2024 by Ariel stern
Ms berkowitz is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney. She worked hard to get the best outcome and worked well with all parties to do so. She is very well respected by judges and other attorneys. She took calls even while on vacation to answer questions and provide guidance. Highly recommended!
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26 Jun, 2024 by Ari
Bad lawyer and terrible office. Bills for work not performed. Do not hire her.
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star star star star star
22 May, 2024 by Matt finacori
Dishonest and unethical. This lawyer, her staff and her entire practice is a sham. The worst!
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11 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Brynde Tivkah Berkowitz mishandled my case by missing deadlines, lying before the court and exhibiting utter incompetence . She is an abysmal lawyer and should not be allowed to continue to practice law.
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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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