Filter by

star star star star star
12 May, 2022 by Anonymous
This joker was supposedly my public defender. He missed hearings and acted as my attorney for nearly two months before withdrawing due to a conflict of interest. His office was defending the guy who has committed multiple crimes against me. Never knew an attorney could be so unprofessional. This guy sings on his office voicemail like he is trying out for American Idol.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
11 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
This was a long time ago, but I wanted to write this because it still haunts me today. I was 18 years old at the time (3 months after my birthday). This attorney did a terrible job at not only explaining my options, but negotiating my plea deal. I had just 10 minutes to decide to plead guilty, because I was apparently supposed to show up 30 minutes early to court to discuss my case (never told me to show up early). Typical public defender pressures me into a plea deal right there, and says i'll get 30 days instead of possibly 12 years. What young kid, with no parental support, would not cave right there? I had no idea i was signing and pleading to a Class A felony (the most severe) - Burglary 1, and Theft 2. What did I do? I entered an OPEN garage with nothing but a flashlight, duffel bag, and took some fireworks and beer! I hurt absolutely no one, and was not even caught until an hour later at a friends house i was partying at. At worst, this should have been a class C felony - I used no "burglary tools" or had any weapons. To top it off, I received 5 days jail time, which due to a scheduling mistake, i MISSED MY GRADUATION CEREMONY... BY 1 DAY. I spent it in jail while some of my family members drove up from out of state to surprise me, not knowing i was in jail. I hope you read this and feel guilty for not doing a better job - i was completely on my own and you rushed through my case like nothing. I take responsibility for the mistake i made (while drunk and high), but i certainly didn't deserve an uncaring attorney like you. The criminal justice system is really sad. On the flip side.. because i couldn't get a job anywhere (but burger king), i ended up starting my own online business and i live a successful and comfortable life.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
27 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Daniel Simcoe is a danger to his clients. He does not explain the legal system to his clients in a way that will enable them to make well informed decisions on important matters. He does not follow up on witness leads or assist with attaining information to establish the innocence of his clients. He does not keep adequate communications with his clients. He states that he will take the proper steps to support his clients and does not do so. In short he breaks his oath of office. He sets up the client to be sure that the highest possible fees can be attained all the while never actually taking actions to support and defend his clients. He is ineffectual in the court room and does not demand equal or proper treatment for his clients. He does not object to inappropriate actions by the prosecution. He cares not weather his clients go to prison for crimes they did not commit as long as he gets as much money as possible. He is a liar, cheat, thief, coward and oath breaker. Obtain his services at your own risk.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
19 Feb, 2024 by Barb
Contacted through his message center on 1/12/24 and again on 1/16/24. Why have a message center if you are not going to respond? Today is 2/19.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
25 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos. Typical pos.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
Scroll to top