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13 Oct, 2015 by Laura
I am a Florida business woman who, along with my husband (a business owner), has used Mr. Silverman for various business and personal legal issues for several years. I found him to be extremely competent, very effective and also very communicative with me as a client, keeping me informed on every aspect of my various cases. Mr. Silverman exceeded my expectations on every level, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. Legal situations can be very stressful, but Mr. Silverman maintains control of the situation, handling every detail competently and professionally. I have complete confidence in having him represent me in any situation, and I have recommended him to several colleagues when they are in need of legal representation.
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13 Oct, 2015 by Steve
I have known Terry for more decades than I care to admit. He has helped me with great success each time I needed his services. The most important case was an appeal in which he was successful. He has been excellent at finding the precedent needed to make my case and he treats me like I am his most important client (even though I'm not).. I have also received excellent advice when a compromise is needed even though my reflex is not to do that. Between my business and my wife's we have used Terry as our attorney in at least 6 cases and they all had good outcomes. I am very comfortable when I place my case in his hands and have never been disappointed which also makes me happy to recommend him.
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12 Oct, 2015 by Ronald
As the owner of The Swamp Restaurant, I highly recommend Terry Silverman for any and all legal needs. He has been my attorney for 35 plus years and has always proved to be honest, dependable, straightforward and timely. I have used his services for a variety of legal matters for both my personal and professional needs. Terry is qualified, experienced and courteous and most importantly produces results. Terry has done great things for me. I highly recommend him!
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01 Mar, 2021 by David
I have retained Stephanie on several real estate matters involving commercial and residential transactions. She is skilled at anticipating issues, thoroughly and clearly explaining them, avoiding problems, and overcoming obstacles to get to a resolution. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
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20 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
Stephanie Emrick is a fantastic lawyer and I cannot say enough good things about her. Not only is Stephanie very well educated, but she is also detail oriented and bright, which in my opinion is why she is so successful. She is an expert in her field of real estate law and easements. For me, litigation against a government entity was a very daunting task, as the government has an endless legal budget. However, Stephanie Emrick successfully litigated our easement case against Alachua County in Florida with 21 months of hard work. We were so lucky to have stumbled upon her and are forever grateful for everything she has done for us.
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16 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Stephanie to handle a matter for my Company. She was intelligent, knowledgeable, and an excellent negotiator. On top of all that, she had the business acumen to provide more than just legal input. She has an amazing grasp on everyday business principles, something rare in an attorney. I've recommended Stephanie to multiple acquaintances, and each time they've echoed these same thoughts.
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13 Jul, 2023 by Jordan
Attorney Landon Stinson of Beacon Legal PLLC was magnificent and fought hard to help me win my personal injury case. I would highly recommend his services to anyone looking for legal assistance. He's hard-working, honest, timely, and personable; working diligently to get the best results for me as a client.
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14 Jun, 2022 by Daniel
I endorse Mr. Stinson because he is very knowledgeable and responds to litigation issues in a comprehensive and intellectual manner. I also find him to be honest and down-to-earth.
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24 Jan, 2022 by Jacq
Landon Stinson at Beacon Legal recently helped me navigate a complicated car accident situation I was in. Another driver crashed into me as I was coming out of a parking garage. The other driver's insurance company initially tried to say it was 50/50, and then finalized at 80/20. I was not willing to accept 20% fault for something I didn't do. Landon fought hard for me and got the other insurance company to accept full (100%) liability for the accident. He's smart, honest, extraordinarily compassionate, and cares deeply about justice. I highly recommend him next time you are having legal troubles.
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20 May, 2013 by Todd
We are very happy with the results that Sarah achieved for us in our situation.. She was able to cut thru unending red tape with the government, and turn a potential tax liability into a refund! Thank you Sarah!
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17 May, 2013 by Art
A few years ago, out of the blue, I received an IRS notice that if I didn't pay a large amount of money my bank account would be commandeered. The stars must have led me to Sarah's firm. After the requisite deep breathing, my issues were addressed in a timely manner, the iRS was held at bay and a fair resolution was found. Last year my identity was stolen and my return was filed by someone else. In response the IRS made up a return of their own and inaccurately assessed me for a significantly larger amount than I actually owed. What mad this even more disconcerting was the negative impact it would have on my child's college financial aid. Sarah immediately leapt into the fray, showed the financial aid people the error of the IRS' ways and helped me maintain the financial aid. She was great, responsive, sensitive and appropriately aggressive.
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12 May, 2013 by David
Attorney Sarah Martello set up of my florida based national business and advised me on tax law. She provided excellent professional service...
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16 Aug, 2019 by Ryan
Thomas handled my dispute with my former employer. I was incredibly pleased with his attentiveness, efficiency, and overall understanding of my situation. The outcome was fair for all. As a client I highly recommend.
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09 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Tom has helped me a few times with various different matters and has been excellent help. He knows many areas of law and always available to answer questions and provide support and legal help .He ha helped me in in Buisness , personal and other legal issues . I would Highly recommend him .
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12 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr McDermott efficiently worked on my case and took it to completion . He guided me at every step of the way. I am so grateful to his kindness .
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20 Jun, 2017 by Sonja
Mr. Vipperman has a very great reputation. I was concerned with who he would get for representation. Cole was 16 at the time of the burglary charge and the state decided to charge him as an adult. We are putting a lot of confidence in Mr. Vipperman's reputation and hoping he can get the state to agree to a Faith Based Drug Rehabilitation as a resident for 2 years.
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20 Jun, 2016 by Rebecca
Mr.Vipperman is my husbands attorney who is currently in Gilcrest county jail on an exterdition from Utah. He is an attorney who fights for the truth, i highly recomend him to all seeking legal help. he will fight for you all the wat, justice!
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23 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Vipperman is one of the smartest people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. He is an amazing attorney and really knows the law.
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10 Aug, 2014 by Brittany
Ms. Alison Talbert has been my attorney since 2005 and she has extensive experience in both the criminal and civil courts. She is dedicated to providing quality representation to her clients; she is both compassionate and knowledgeable, and she keeps her clients very well informed. She is professional, thorough and highly skilled, she is an excellent attorney and I enthusiastically recommend her.
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30 Jul, 2014 by Robert
Ms. Talbert is a true professional who provides excellent representation. In addition to numerous legal questions/consults, I have been Ms. Talbert's client for my child custody case and have been very impressed with the way my case was handled. I have known Ms. Talbert for a number of years and have admiration for her and what she does for her clients. She is an outstanding attorney! I was always kept informed and up to date on the progress of my case. From the initial consultation, Ms. Talbert impressed me with her knowledge by formulating and talking over a plan for what to expect throughout the process. She is honest, up front and direct with her communication - meaning she is always willing to listen to requests, but also isn't afraid to tell you if you're asking for something unconventional or unreasonable. More importantly, she always fully answers questions and provides solid rationales with her recommendations and answers. Ms. Talbert is always well prepared and put us at ease during very stressful litigations. She strives to help find a solution that both parties can agree to, but she will shine and represent your case very well if your case needs to go to trial! I felt very confident when we had to go to trial and it was evident that we always had the best counselor in the room. Her and her law partener did an outstanding job at my trial and did an amazing job of presenting the FACTS of the case. Finding the same attorney who is also ethical, honest, excellent in communication and genuinely wants to provide you with the best legal representation is even harder to find. Arroyo & Talbert, P.A. will provide you with an excellent Law Firm and I will continue to highly recommend Alison Talbert to all my colleagues, family and friends.
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18 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms. Talbert is an outstanding attorney. I have used her services on more than one occasion and have been very pleased each time. If at any time in the future I need legal advise, I will turn to Ms. Talbert. I have complete trust in her knowledge of law and wil always recommend her to my friends and family members. If you need an attorney that knows law, that can be trusted and will keep you up to date on your case, Alison Talbert is the person to help you. Not only is she an amazing attorney, her partener and staff are helpful and knowledgeable.
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29 Mar, 2022 by Sophia
Getting in a car accident is terrifying. The thought of dealing with lawyers over it was even more terrifying for me. I was very hesitant at first because I was a 20 year old girl, knew nothing about lawyers, and have heard many lawyer horror stories. Working with Dan and his team put all my fears to rest. They made me feel comfortable, explained everything to me in detail, answered all my questions, kept me up to date on progress in my case, and respected all my choices. They were amazing and exceeded all my expectations. I hope, as anyone would, that I never get into another car accident, but if I did, Dan Glassman’s office would be my first call.
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10 May, 2021 by Randy
When bombarded by an unfortunate accident and confused about what to do next, you should go with someone with experience that puts you First ! I have the upmost respect for the entire staff. Each and every time I wanted to know something or needed advice or whatever, the Lawyers or Staff would help right away, not days later !
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06 Sep, 2019 by Gail
Dan handled my car injury case with hard work, detailed information both for me and to present to the opposing client. He takes his time to explain all aspects of your case and his mission is to be sure that you understand what lies ahead and provides the time table. Dan and his staff are there to support you and provide the best possible outcome for YOU. Well Done.
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20 Mar, 2015 by Jan moore
I became very ill very quickly and had to go to Nursing Home permanently I needed Living Will/ Advance Dirctive so I can live my final days the way I want. A friend recommended Ms Belo, called her, she came tome and got the Job done in week. Very quick and efficient so I now feel safe & secure. She was great. Janice
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04 Nov, 2014 by Cindybabione
I have known Lynn Belo for several years. She was very professional and informative when preparing our wills. She made sure we understood the different products and which would best suit our needs.
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30 Oct, 2014 by Claudio faenza
Lynn Belo has been our family lawyer for about 3 years, she has been excellent handling our family affairs that included our state planning and after my wife passing she has been so supportive and helpful to me my son with all relevant legal issues for our family. She has my full confidence and trust
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26 Sep, 2022 by Perry coughlin
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22 Jul, 2019 by Area 4 richmond
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16 Nov, 2016 by Tommy l word
Excellent intellectual property attorneys.
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31 Oct, 2019 by Lauren
This firm is more than just your average, run of the mill firm. Our child support/paternity case was extremely complicated, having already been settled in North Carolina court in our favor with prejudice. A move to the state of Florida instigated the opposing party to reopen the case, making the circumstances a bit more difficult and harder to navigate. When the lines of justice were unclear, Ms. Cucinella researched and dug until an answer was found or a comparable case was located that could be evidenced in court. While no one could ever be certain of the outcome when it comes to court matters, my Husband and I were extremely confident and beyond comfortable in the effort that the entire team put into our case. Ms. Stephanie Mack represented us on the day of court and the outcome couldn’t have been better. It is very obvious that the duo make an incredible team with clear communication, shared knowledge, fierce work ethic, and confidence that can’t be beat. I highly recommend this firm and the ladies who work there. We can’t name a single thing that we would change, nor do we have any complaints. Thank you Kristi and Stephanie for your hard work and dedication! This situation could have had such a negative impact on our family. You knew this and you fought for what was right. We can’t thank you enough for that and we are happy, thankful, and blessed by the experience and the ability to move forward.
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03 Apr, 2017 by Leslee
Stephanie Mack is irrefutably the BEST attorney in the Gainesville area. I was represented by the firm Silverman and Mack for divorce, criminal, and custody modification issues. They were professional, timely, supportive and reasonable in all ways including subject matter and fees. The office staff is delightful and goes above and beyond for all clients. I can not say enough about this firm except you will NOT be disappointed. They are honest and represent clients with the highest regard. I have lived in the Gainesville area for 43 years and have interviewed and known many attorneys in the area and she is my top choice. Her dedication and knowledge is superlative. She is a brilliant person both professionally and personally. Without a doubt, I confidently recommend Stephanie Mack.
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28 Jul, 2015 by Nadia
Mr. Brockway defended me during a criminal case and he was both knowledgeable and compassionate in his care of me. He accepted my case, and properly advised me, while keeping me abreast on my case. He was understanding and always took his time in explaining everything and answering my many questions. I am truly grateful for his excellence in defending me.
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06 Jul, 2011 by S
I hold Mr. Brockway in the highest esteem. I became acquainted with this lawyer years ago while he was trying a capital felony case. Described as one of the 'victims', Mr. Brockway never regarded me as such and looked beyond my experiences treating me with dignity and respect. He never hesitated to take time out of his schedule to answer questions, offer support, advice and in the end, returned to me that sense of self-worth and safety that had long been missing. While the days spent with this lawyer and his team were at times more difficult than the crime itself, I grew from this experience and still continue to glean wisdom and courage from those days. I felt safe in his care. Often he would look at me with concern and ask how I was doing. I would respond by saying I'm 'thinking.' He would then say, "if you are thinking, I need to be thinking that much harder." Even now when I am contemplating something, I do what I call the "Brockway Pace." It's a great way to put things in perspective and burn off nervous energy. The case ended with the outcome we were seeking. However, in events like this there are no winners, not really. If you need someone on your side, Paul Brockway is your best option and will be your fiercest advocate. He was mine, and my life is better for having been under his protection. His skills, talents and concern are greatly appreciated.
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21 Apr, 2016 by Bernardita
Mrs. Shigo was absolutely the best, she guided me through the process with knowledge, compation and understanding. There is not enough words to say how great she is and her staff Andrea and Trish are very sweet and professional, whenever I had a question Mrs. Shigo, Andrea and Trish alwas got back to me with an answer right away. Mrs.Shigo and her staff are absolutely wonderful.
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11 Mar, 2016 by Marilyn
My brother recomended Lynne. She did a great job for him and she is doing great job for me. She is very knowledgeable and keeps me up to date on my case. Is very deligent and professional.
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15 Jan, 2020 by Jessie
Cary fue la primera persona con un conocimiento legal con la que pudimos hablar sobre nuestro caso de green card mi esposo y yo , ella nos explico como seria el proceso muy detalladamente y con una voz dulce que parecia hacer todo aquello tan facil a la misma vez . Su profesionalidad fue inpecable y su explicacion clara y sencilla de entender Despues de salir de su oficina fue en el momento que los dos decidimos que aplicariamos a la residencia permanente, sus servicios son excelentes y todos los empleados son muy amables y hablan espanol ,les recomiendo a todos los que esten buscando un abogado serio y profesional
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13 Nov, 2019 by Yisel
I had a difficult time finding counsel and I was at my wits end as the deadline was approaching. I had been told I had no chance at an appeal. Others didn't want to take my case before they knew what it was about. Ms. Cary said she would give me a consultation and hear my case. That's all I wanted. A chance to talk to someone about my case and for some guidance. I couldn't afford to hire her so I wanted to know how to get started. Ms. Cary and her team gave me their undivided attention and time. I left her office more confident that I could do the appeal. A friend later helped me cover additional legal costs and I was able to go back to Ms. Cary for a revision of my document. Again she gave me her undivided attention and time. I submitted my appeal on time and I feel so much better than I have in a long time. It's been a hectic month and I've cried everyday. Today, I can cry happy tears. I don't know how USCIS will receive it but Ms. Cary gave me a chance that others didn't. Thank you!
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14 Nov, 2014 by Brittany
I would highly recommend Pam Schneider. She is extremely knowledgeable and an exceptional family law attorney. She is both trustworthy and responsive and made every effort to keep me informed in a quick and detail oriented manner.
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01 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Pam Schneider is an outstanding attorney and individual. She was vital in helping me navigate through a very difficult divorce, although with her collaborative skills and extensive experience, it was relatively easy. She is very professional, a logical thinker, keeps calm under stressful situations and maintains the highest standards of ethical behavior. I would highly recommend her (and I have) without any reservations.
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13 Jun, 2023 by Zejun
Mr. Oh’s willing to help me with my case when I’ve encountered difficulty in finding others has been of great help to me. He’s kind, patient, and professional. The price for the service is affordable to common people. He has also indicated willingness to help me should further problems arise, which is reassuring for someone encountering legal issues in the US for the first time like me.
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12 Jun, 2023 by Phillip
Yong was hired to help me with my real estate legal needs. He helped me with drafting a lease and addendums as well as our property management needs, such as notices and evictions. Throughout the entire process he was communicative and answered my questions regularly. Normally, my opinion on attorneys are people who just want to bill me as high an hourly rate as possible, but Yong was affordable and upfront with his pricing. I highly recommend him and will continue to use his services.
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07 Oct, 2015 by Tom
Got into a sticky legal situation. Consulted with Jeremy on the issue on several occasions. He always responded promptly to my calls and emails sometimes even after hours. After heeding his advice I was able to resolve my situation. The best attorneys are the ones that help prevent problems before they even happen!
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21 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
Jeremy is an honest, stand-up guy who also happens to be a very fine attorney. Very quick response time to emails and messages and he always kept me in the loop of what was happening with my case. I've dealt with many attorneys that match the stereotype of the sleazy lawyer but Jeremy is honest and forthright. I will be taking advantage of Jeremy's services in the future and I highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a truly honest attorney.
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22 Aug, 2018 by Francesca
John Campo has been our company attorney for years. He has helped us on many cases. He reviews all of our contracts before we sign, he has helped defend us in cases where we've been unrightfully sued, he has helped immensely with understanding the lien process and has helped us file multiple liens and get money back that was owed to us. He has a very assertive, strong attitude; he is very confident; he gives advice and he has a very strong knowledge base. He also, if he doesn't have knowledge in a certain area of the law, has helped us find someone who does. We will continue to use him and continue to recommend him for as long as he's in business.
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04 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Received wonderful advice that saved my company. John is a very down to earth attorney with a witty sense of humor. If youre looking for an experienced and educated attorney with a great personality, John is your man.
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11 Jun, 2015 by Bill
I needed an Attorney to assist me with review of an employment contract. Ryan was very responsive and went above and beyond to assist me in completing this task. Since the negotiation process happened rather quickly, his review of the draft employment agreement was very helpful in identifying problem areas. His suggestions and recommendations led to key changes in the agreement. In the future I would not hesitate to contact Ryan and use him without any reservations. I truly appreciated his prompt response, quick turn around, and attention to details that might have otherwise been missed.
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10 Jun, 2015 by Guillermo
Ryan was able to negotiate a buyout agreement in a difficult situation. I attempted to negotiate it myself and soon found that it was not going to be possible. I contacted Ryan and he took me through several steps to complete the buyout. He was thorough and pleasant to work with. If the need arises, Ryan is the attorney I will contact.
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11 May, 2016 by Willaim
Brett did an excellent job in representing me in a suit brought against me following an accident involving one of my automobiles. Him and his staff are very professional and kept me abreast of any actions involving my case. I would recommend this firm highly
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11 Mar, 2015 by Karen
If you want an attorney who will treat your case as his own, passionate, aggressive and knowledgeable, Brett is your guy I am so thankful for your help and more importantly your results 4 EVER THANKFUL!!!
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26 Jul, 2023 by Ginger george
I highly recommend him! I cannot say how thankful I am for Geoff! He defended my case beautifully and justice was served. Thanks again Geoff!
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11 Feb, 2023 by Jonathan harrington
Mr. Mason is a generous, upstanding, ethical, and diligent attorney. Among the best, and a leader in our community.
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27 Jul, 2023 by Eva a.
Highly recommend this firm from the front office to the legal team. You can expect A+ representation. Casey Harrison represented my sister and I in an unfortunate family situation surrounding my parents, estate. It was a highly charged, highly emotional situation. Casey remained unbelievably unflappable, patient and was very sensitive to our financial restrictions. He never took us down a long, winding expensive road when it did not make fiscal sense. He was empathetic, respectful, and effective as could be under the circumstances. I am glad we did not go this alone, and would hire Casey Harrison again in a heartbeat.
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28 Mar, 2016 by Dr. g
Attorney Ossi did our estate planning for my wife and me and she was so pleasant, so knowledgable and thorough that she impressed us greatly. She explained everything patiently and completely and left no question unanswered. The atmosphere was so friendly and caring. We have recommended her to many of our friends.
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29 Apr, 2017 by Saraya pleasant
Robert was kind, considerate, and did excellent work on my case. I felt valued, appreciated, and he showed respect for my time and financial situation. He worked to get an adequate resolution to my case and I am so thankful to have had his assistance in a time when I needed it most. He is knowledgeable and extremely competent.
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22 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Galione is hands down the best attorney one can have. His assistant Mrs. Kathy is also amazing!!! Mr. Galione explains your case in full detail so that you understand. He gives you time to think after he explains so that you make the right decision. Also, he and Mrs. Kathy keep you updated regularly. He works very hard to get you what you deserve for your injury. I'm very happy and satisfied with Mr. Galione. If I shall ever need an attorney in the future, I'm calling Mr. Galione!!! Lol I recommend him to all!!!!
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26 Dec, 2013 by Stephanie
From the very start Ms. Cason went above and beyond what was expected and I couldn't have asked for a better criminal defense attorney.
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03 Jun, 2015 by Florence keye
OMG!!! I can write a book about,how good Christopher was good to me.. I hired him as my attorney.. To represent me in (2) cases that I was dealing with... As my lawyer he made me feel so comfortable,special til, it was so unbelievably.... He took out the time to focus not just on me but my family n they feelings.. He realm showed that he cared! He never doubt or under estimate his line of work! Every time I went to his office I was greeted with a smile and a friendly handshake.... . Each one of my case,I always hear him say.. " I feel pretty good about this case" so don't worry Florence everything going b alright!!! With that being said.. Chris not only WON 1 but he fought til the end and WON both cases!!!! Hats off to Chris for making life just that much easier for me!!! So to all if you ever get yourself. In a situation,please don't hesitate to call Chris Chenevey for a free consultation..... I promise you he will go beyond a call of duty for you.. He did for me.. Thanks Chris again for the job well done!!! Keep of the good work...
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19 Nov, 2018 by Danika tileston
Gerald was a fabulous attorney he handled my case professionally. He truly cared about the outcome of my surgery and my settlement. He gave me the worst and best case scenario and we ended up with the best.
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06 May, 2022 by Tim
This lawyer assisted me during Covid to force my employer to allow me to work from home. Very intelligent and effective.
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18 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
I met withMichael Connors for some advice. He contacted me in record time. He also gave me great sound advice and made me feel at ease. If you ever need advice on estate planning, trusts, elder law, he is the lawyer to contact. Extremely detailed and methodical. Very nice too. Treats you with respect.
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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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