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19 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Brett Noonan represented me with my divorce proceedings. He is by far the most honest, compassionate, professional and knowledgable attorney I have ever dealt with throughout the area. He genuinely cared about my point of view, and sought to achieve the best outcome without overly charging like other lawyers. Brett is a young attorney with exceptional qualities which other attorneys do not posses. He is always accessible to talk at any time, and replied to my inquiries in a timely manner. Brett is a lawyer with dignity and integrity, and will fight to achieve the best result for your case.
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08 Dec, 2016 by Michael
Brett handled divorce/ separations for both my son and daughter. His dedication and professionalism are second to none. He never nickeled and dime us for phone calls and fought to make agreements equitable. Not your typical lawyer. A true gentleman that you can trust. Just outstanding.
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03 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
He responded within 24 hours. Was very informative on the grounds and process of divorce. He provided contact information and timeliness for my reference. I will pursue another meeting.
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29 Jun, 2024 by Kevin wheaton
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22 Mar, 2024 by Linda fargnoli
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17 Sep, 2023 by Anatoliy pradun
Great people
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17 May, 2024 by Juls c
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12 Jun, 2022 by Vince guidici
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20 Oct, 2019 by Marios klotsikas
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13 Sep, 2024 by Nate pilotti
Late March of 2023, I got in a car accident and needed a personal injury attorney. My sister in law told me to use Tom and I am lucky that I listened to her. . . Tom handled the case and was in good communication with me along the way. He is professional, explained everything, and got the job done. Would def recommend to others looking for help.
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18 Nov, 2016 by David
Tom Schimmerling is not only intelligent and compassionate, but he is also creative to achieve top results for his clients. I trust him completely.
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18 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Schimmerling and his staff were very helpful to my wife and myself during a very stressful period. They were always responsive and I received a very good settlement thanks to Tom.
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30 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Exceptional attorney. Gary exceeded my expectations. After reading his first email response I knew I had picked a winner. His pleading were spot on perfect. Fair, honest, reasonable, responsive, Brilliant. I could not be happier. I highly recommend everyone to use this attorney.
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17 Apr, 2018 by Sherry
I was very please with Chris I met with him and as soon as he got into his car he was on the phone talking to the police station. I can't thank him enough for all he did for me. He kept me informed as soon as he knew something.
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Joseph Barry Meagher, experienced  attorney in Endicott, NY with 19 reviews
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4.7/5
Avvo
5.0
2 Reviews
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4.4
17 Reviews
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22 Apr, 2024 by Danny hernandez
Awesome people.
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13 Feb, 2024 by Dan schmitt
My clients and I have always had a great experience. Very helpful, knowledgeable, and great communication.
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12 Feb, 2024 by Damon conklin
Excellent services, very knowledgeable employees.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Rachel may
I’m amazed they are all out for you as a whole and nothing more and help get you everything you deserve and more…. I am speechless that’s all I can say !!!!! My case was none other harder to defend on my own and I was looking for a law firm to help me with it… I saw an advertisement for them on tv and against my own better judgement I called them and omg they took me on everyone the ladies and the gentleman was kind courteous return my phone calls respectfully in a timely manner everything that I never had expected just if I had to recommend them to friends and family AMEN I am and have been thank you to all who were recently working diligently to help me get through the process of getting my social security!!!!
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07 Oct, 2024 by Danny vanderpool
Lachman &Gorton are awesome lawyers they fight for you all the way to the end.My name is actually Stacy Vanderpool and I am so glad I called them to fight for me.
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29 Sep, 2024 by Usman bhatti
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07 Oct, 2024 by Rachel may
I’m amazed they are all out for you as a whole and nothing more and help get you everything you deserve and more…. I am speechless that’s all I can say !!!!! My case was none other harder to defend on my own and I was looking for a law firm to help me with it… I saw an advertisement for them on tv and against my own better judgement I called them and omg they took me on everyone the ladies and the gentleman was kind courteous return my phone calls respectfully in a timely manner everything that I never had expected just if I had to recommend them to friends and family AMEN I am and have been thank you to all who were recently working diligently to help me get through the process of getting my social security!!!!
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07 Oct, 2024 by Danny vanderpool
Lachman &Gorton are awesome lawyers they fight for you all the way to the end.My name is actually Stacy Vanderpool and I am so glad I called them to fight for me.
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29 Sep, 2024 by Usman bhatti
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09 Feb, 2023 by Surya
Attorney Ronald far exceeded my expectations. I hired him for my Divorce/Child Custody/Child Support matters. He was professional, kind, generous, and compassionate towards my concerns. He was very patience on phone calls and made me understand the ground reality before I take any decision. I would highly recommend him to those seeking legal assistance.
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10 Sep, 2021 by Steve
Ron followed through with everything that we needed to do with our custody battle. Went above and beyond after hours helping filing what we needed.
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28 Jan, 2020 by Christine
Hired him and told him we were under pressure to address an issue quickly due to a time constraint. He assured us he could handle it and then did nothing. Did not research any of the leads we gave him, did not file the papers with the court after 8 months had lapsed, after telling us they would be filed within two weeks. Kept cancelling our appointments for personal reasons and just dropped the case. Ran off with our money and we haven't seen a refund yet.
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08 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Like the Gentlemen before me I had precisely the same experience with this attorney for my child. However it was my attorney who advised me to contact Mr. Esworthy. He was immediately dismissive and short. He stated that He already has the information he needs from CPS. His role in my Custody case was undoubtedly a conflict of interest as he was one sided and biased without any objectivity. The mother in my Custody dispute was involved with a predatory sex offender and she was being investigated for a 2nd degree burn my toddler sustained while in her care. Yet he still endorsed her despite the fact that I have Sole Custody of my other child and she lost Custody of her other children. Bravo, Mr. Esworthy, you have destined my baby to a lifetime of abuse and neglect.
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16 Jan, 2012 by Kristopher
Joseph Esworthy was my sons court appointed law guardian. I tried contacting him after a social worker told me to because I was concerned about my sons well being. When I called he got angry and told me that I filed 5 petitions already with the court and that if I wanted anybody to talk to I needed to call my own attorney and not to bother him on a holiday. My ex is being investigated by CPS for child neglect and this lawyer wouldn't even let me tell him anything. All I was trying to do is find out what to do because I'm worried about my son. The child he's supposed to be representing in court and he couldn't be bothered to take time out of his day to listen to the concerns that I had about my son. I would never recommend this lawyer to anyone. He apparently has no care for the ones he's supposed to be helping.
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16 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Tom has neglected my case and has not given timelines on the progress whatsoever. I only had updates when I sent him email after email. And even then, he would reply with a very unprofessional four word answer that didn't even address the concern. Waste of money. If I wanted to be left in the dark about my case, I would have hired someone for much less.
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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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