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03 Aug, 2020 by Jacob
My wife and I were amazing surprised at how hard working Courtney and her team were. They jumped in and helped make our closing date a reality. Brought our boys homemade cookies while we signed documents...they were just super knowledgeable and made the process of closing on our first home so easy. We’re really thankful for their guidance and can’t recommend them highly enough!
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17 May, 2020 by Amber
My husband and I recently sold our house and purchased a new house. We hired Courtney for both our sale and purchase and we were SO HAPPY that we did!! Courtney and her paralegal, Kate, were so wonderful throughout the entire process! I had a few after-hours phone calls with Kate and she was always so patient with me and explained everything along the way!! I would recommend Courtney and Kate to anyone I know that is going to buy or sell a house! They both made the process just that much easier!! Thank you Courtney and Kate!!!
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15 May, 2020 by Briana
Courtney and Kate were absolutely wonderful to work with! They are so knowledgeable and helped my husband and I feel comfort and at ease with buying a new house and selling ours! They took the time to explain everything and made sure we knew exactly what was happening each step of the way. We couldn’t thank them enough for all of their help, guidance, knowledge, professionalism and integrity. We will definitely use them again!
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19 Nov, 2017 by Marcie
Although my case did not meet criteria for a claim at this time, Jeff went above and beyond in his efforts to reach out to me after my request. He thoroughly reviewed my case and provided me with useful information for moving forward.
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04 Nov, 2017 by Jessie naioti
Great classy lawyers with passion and ethics.
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23 Jan, 2012 by Chelsea
I recently used Jeff DeFrancisco for a medical malpractice case that involved a medical procedure that I underwent. Jeff was always available to answer any questions that I had. Furthermore, he was able to get my case settled rather quickly and for a very fair resolution. I have already recommended him to others and I will continue to do so.
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04 Nov, 2017 by Jessie naioti
Great classy lawyers with passion and ethics.
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19 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Westlake was easy to talk to and was 100% professional! She answered all my questions and concerns. When I would call she would get back to me quickly! I was very impressed as to how she knowledgeable and efficient she was with my case. I would definitely refer my friends and family to call upon her!
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20 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Jean Marie handled my personal injury/medical malpractice case. Approximately 5 1/2 years ago I had a routine surgery which left me with a permanent injury and terrible pain. After 3 corrective surgeries and losing my business due to my inability to work, it was then, that I sought the counsel of the De Francisco law firm and Jean Marie Westlake. Jean Marie was extremely responsive, and very honest. After being in the business world for 27 years, I have had the opportunity to work with many different attorneys. Never have I met anyone quite like Jean Marie. Prior to the trial, Jean Marie handled everything. She studied my medical history and every aspect of my case. During the trial, she accurately depicted my experience and relayed my 4 to 5 year journey to the jury. When something did come up with the opposing counsel, she maneuvered expertly and efficiently and as a result, we succeeded. Jean Marie fought for me and my future in a fair, accurate and balanced way. Although Jean Marie cannot restore my health or take away my pain, she did secure my future. I am now able to seek and afford the medical treatment that I need with no worries on how the bills will be paid. With highest respect, I recommend Jean Marie for any personal injury or medical malpractice situation. I thank Jean Marie and the De Francisco Law firm team for standing with me during this most difficult time. They are truly the finest!
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06 Feb, 2019 by Leslie
was in a motor vehicle accident in November of 2011. I was given Ben’s name and contact information from a friend and I must say, it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I was going through a career change and this accident caused me to have to put that on hold. I was extremely disappointed and the thought of a long, drawn out “fight” with an insurance company was not what i was looking forward to. Ben eased my fears from the first meeting. I left feeling confident and well informed. That feeling stayed the same after every single conversion I had with him. He stayed in close contact with me the whole time during the process. Updating me even if there was nothing new to really update me on! He was able to work with the insurance company and get me a settlement that I am more than pleased with(Loss wages and pain and suffering). I highly recommend Ben to everyone, you will not be let down. Extremely professional yet extremely down to earth. If i could give this review more than 5 stars, I would in a heartbeat!
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03 Jan, 2019 by Kurt
I have had help from the Rabin Law firm with two traffic tickets that were resolved promptly and satisfactorily from my perspective. They made the whole process easy-I provided the tickets and explained the circumstances and they handled the rest.
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15 May, 2018 by John
Ben has worked on several cases for me and others I know who ride. I recommend him to everyone. He has a vast knowledge of motorcycles and the law surrounding personal injury. Really the best combination you could ask for in a motorcycle accident case. Hands down this is the person you want behind you.
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22 Dec, 2022 by Michael bowe
Great group, great work.
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29 Apr, 2022 by Matthew heinrich
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21 Oct, 2019 by Jeffrey bauman
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22 Dec, 2022 by Michael bowe
Great group, great work.
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29 Apr, 2022 by Matthew heinrich
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21 Oct, 2019 by Jeffrey bauman
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22 Dec, 2022 by Michael bowe
Great group, great work.
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29 Apr, 2022 by Matthew heinrich
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21 Oct, 2019 by Jeffrey bauman
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22 Dec, 2022 by Michael bowe
Great group, great work.
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29 Apr, 2022 by Matthew heinrich
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21 Oct, 2019 by Jeffrey bauman
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22 Dec, 2022 by Michael bowe
Great group, great work.
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29 Apr, 2022 by Matthew heinrich
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21 Oct, 2019 by Jeffrey bauman
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22 Dec, 2022 by Michael bowe
Great group, great work.
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29 Apr, 2022 by Matthew heinrich
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21 Oct, 2019 by Jeffrey bauman
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22 Dec, 2022 by Michael bowe
Great group, great work.
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29 Apr, 2022 by Matthew heinrich
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21 Oct, 2019 by Jeffrey bauman
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22 Dec, 2022 by Michael bowe
Great group, great work.
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29 Apr, 2022 by Matthew heinrich
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21 Oct, 2019 by Jeffrey bauman
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29 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Suzanne was great to work with. She was reliable and efficient. I would definitely recommend her.
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04 Nov, 2017 by Jessie naioti
Great classy lawyers with passion and ethics.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Theresa coutu
I was very pleased with Alexander assoc. Law firm they did everything I had to do nothing I would highly recommend them to family and friends. Very pleased client
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06 Sep, 2024 by Alyssa merrow
James Alexander and his team worked diligently to ensure mine and my son’s car accident case was handled with such care. Would recommend to anyone in need of an attorney! Thank you to Mr. Alexander and his team!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Yvonne zacharek
Courteous and professional! Always there to answer questions! By far the best team of professionals out there! Definitely do their best for you! Would not hesitate to use them again!!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Theresa coutu
I was very pleased with Alexander assoc. Law firm they did everything I had to do nothing I would highly recommend them to family and friends. Very pleased client
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06 Sep, 2024 by Alyssa merrow
James Alexander and his team worked diligently to ensure mine and my son’s car accident case was handled with such care. Would recommend to anyone in need of an attorney! Thank you to Mr. Alexander and his team!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Yvonne zacharek
Courteous and professional! Always there to answer questions! By far the best team of professionals out there! Definitely do their best for you! Would not hesitate to use them again!!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Theresa coutu
I was very pleased with Alexander assoc. Law firm they did everything I had to do nothing I would highly recommend them to family and friends. Very pleased client
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06 Sep, 2024 by Alyssa merrow
James Alexander and his team worked diligently to ensure mine and my son’s car accident case was handled with such care. Would recommend to anyone in need of an attorney! Thank you to Mr. Alexander and his team!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Yvonne zacharek
Courteous and professional! Always there to answer questions! By far the best team of professionals out there! Definitely do their best for you! Would not hesitate to use them again!!
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30 Sep, 2024 by Julia burger
Rick Reilly has always been attentive and courteous. I trust his legal advice 100%. He is very knowledgeable and professional.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Shameka davis
He won my social security case !!!
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20 May, 2024 by D.a. bouse (dante)
Definitely has a vested interest in success be it ... Legal and or disability .....
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30 Sep, 2024 by Julia burger
Rick Reilly has always been attentive and courteous. I trust his legal advice 100%. He is very knowledgeable and professional.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Shameka davis
He won my social security case !!!
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20 May, 2024 by D.a. bouse (dante)
Definitely has a vested interest in success be it ... Legal and or disability .....
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30 Sep, 2024 by Julia burger
Rick Reilly has always been attentive and courteous. I trust his legal advice 100%. He is very knowledgeable and professional.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Shameka davis
He won my social security case !!!
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20 May, 2024 by D.a. bouse (dante)
Definitely has a vested interest in success be it ... Legal and or disability .....
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30 Sep, 2024 by Julia burger
Rick Reilly has always been attentive and courteous. I trust his legal advice 100%. He is very knowledgeable and professional.
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star star star star star
12 Aug, 2024 by Shameka davis
He won my social security case !!!
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star star star star star
20 May, 2024 by D.a. bouse (dante)
Definitely has a vested interest in success be it ... Legal and or disability .....
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30 Sep, 2024 by Julia burger
Rick Reilly has always been attentive and courteous. I trust his legal advice 100%. He is very knowledgeable and professional.
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star star star star star
12 Aug, 2024 by Shameka davis
He won my social security case !!!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
20 May, 2024 by D.a. bouse (dante)
Definitely has a vested interest in success be it ... Legal and or disability .....
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04 Nov, 2017 by Jessie naioti
Great classy lawyers with passion and ethics.
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25 Nov, 2013 by Kelleybutterfield
A well oiled machine. Charlie & the staff at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano are thorough, comprehensive and determined. Our case was unique as there were two suits in one, voluminous records/files, jury mis-ques , appeals and judgement arguments. We were treated with care & concern, over a case that spanned YEARS. We were never told what we wanted to hear, we were kept well informed. We were impressed with the fact that many questions could be asked and answered by members of the staff, and if unable to do so, calls were returned expeditiously. Unfortunately due to the multiple defendants involved, and the complications of the case, there was a lot of grey areas which through their perseverance were enlightened, even rewritten. We believe the most impressive aspect of Charlie & his associate Jean Marie is that they keep the human element present, no matter how complicated or frustrating the case turned.
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31 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Taking someone to court can be a very intimidating process, but working with Charlie removes any anxiety. Charlie is knowledgeable, cares about his clients, and makes the the process appear seamless at the same time. I would recommend him to anyone seeking a lawyer.
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04 Aug, 2023 by Keith
An attorney who actually responds to a clients needs within a timely manner. For over a decade and multiple family members, Temple Law Office has been instrumental at stressful times resolving various legal questions and issues. If you are looking for someone to treat you like a human and not just another client, I highly recommend!
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09 Apr, 2021 by Debbie coufal
Google Maps
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07 Aug, 2019 by Mark haynes
I dropped somebody off there I did not go inside
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04 Aug, 2023 by Keith
An attorney who actually responds to a clients needs within a timely manner. For over a decade and multiple family members, Temple Law Office has been instrumental at stressful times resolving various legal questions and issues. If you are looking for someone to treat you like a human and not just another client, I highly recommend!
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star star star star star
09 Apr, 2021 by Debbie coufal
Google Maps
star star star star star
07 Aug, 2019 by Mark haynes
I dropped somebody off there I did not go inside
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star star star star star
04 Aug, 2023 by Keith
An attorney who actually responds to a clients needs within a timely manner. For over a decade and multiple family members, Temple Law Office has been instrumental at stressful times resolving various legal questions and issues. If you are looking for someone to treat you like a human and not just another client, I highly recommend!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
09 Apr, 2021 by Debbie coufal
Google Maps
star star star star star
07 Aug, 2019 by Mark haynes
I dropped somebody off there I did not go inside
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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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