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10 Aug, 2023 by Judith murray
Howard and his father have taken care of our family's business for many years. He is so easy to work with and talk to. I would refer him to anybody for sound advice.
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20 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I had such high hopes when I was referred to Ms. DeCoursey but was sadly treated poorly by a woman who I read was “compassionate” and “understanding”. I felt she was extremely abrupt, intimidating and not someone I would EVER recommend to another woman who felt she was being railroaded by the law. I was so disappointed and charged 350 dollars to be made to feel defeated once again. I’m confident she knows the law well but needs to work on her people skills. I left the office in tears with once again no hope for being treated like an equal after a 23 year marriage. This is my opinion which I have every right to express as these are my feelings. She was not a good fit for me. She may be for many but not what I needed in such an emotionally devastating time in my life.
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13 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I had Ellie and her team for nearly 4 years during my marathon divorce. The case was dragged out by the other attorney despite Ellie's attempts to bring the proceedings to a reasonable conclusion. Throughout the duration of my divorce she was ALWAYS available and would respond to emails and texts at all hours no matter where she was. She was very compassionate and demonstrated incredible skill in the courtroom. The results were absolutely amazing and I consider this the best financial investment I could have made. If you want the best outcome possible I would recommend retaining her and her team.
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29 Sep, 2014 by Kathleen
Eleanor DeCoursey handled my very difficult 3 year divorce and trial in a manner that utilized the highest professional standards--standards that are well-know about and that are obviously highly respected by her colleagues and members of the Supreme Court and Family Court Judicial Systems. My complex case involved businesses, properties, and the most delicate situations that arose regarding my three young daughters. Eleanor has a sharp mind and an astute knowledge of the law. She rallied with her partners and professional staff to protect me from evil and deceit by insisting on clauses to be in the court orders that I never even thought about. She was always on track and never forgot about the small details that often meant so much during the trial where she prevailed. She was open-minded to my particular needs, offering advice with an extended line of communication available day and night. She wholeheartedly fought hard for a right and just conclusion. Because of Eleanor DeCoursey, I stood a chance against overwhelmingly heinous and corrupt behavior. Because of this fine attorney, my divorce was completed in an honorable way that gives me peace of mind and every confidence that our agreement is unwavering and solid. My requests were many; my standards high. We faced challenges galore. The fees for protection and continued peace of mind at first seemed high, but I came to realize that they were very much worth it. Eleanor DeCoursey emerged victorious--and so did I!
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05 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
i had hired nicole to represent me, she was unprepared in court. She did not present the facts how she I felt she should have, and the outcomes were detrimental and now my new attorney is diligently trying to do damage control to Nicole poor work. Through advice of word of mouth from others who have used Nicole, and some of other lawyers in areas advice I switched. She was not worth what I had paid!
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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:
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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. -
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. -
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. -
What is your approach to handling cases like mine?
Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation. -
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. -
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times. -
What is the likely timeline for resolving my case?
Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish. -
Do you have references from past clients?
Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness. -
What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
Understanding potential challenges helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations. -
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:
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Verify Their License:
Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. -
Experience and Specialization:
Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. -
Disciplinary Record:
Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association. -
Client Reviews and Testimonials:
Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge client satisfaction. -
Professional Memberships:
Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field. -
Awards and Recognitions:
Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation. -
Consultation Assessment:
Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns. -
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:
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Relevant Documents:
Bring all documents related to your case, such as contracts, correspondence, legal notices, court papers, or evidence. -
Written Summary:
Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and involved parties. -
List of Questions:
Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, or the lawyer's experience. -
Financial Information:
If applicable, bring financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements. -
Contact Information:
Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case. -
Personal Identification:
Bring a valid ID for verification purposes. -
Pen and Notebook:
Take notes during the consultation to remember important points. -
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:
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Fee Structures:
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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.
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Hourly Rate:
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Factors Affecting Cost:
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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.
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Complexity of the Case:
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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.
