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18 Jun, 2018 by Rebecca
My husband and I retained Mr. Ryan Connor of Burnside, Johnston, Connor & Jensen to represent my husband in a criminal defense matter. The litigation process can be draining at times but Mr. Connor was always willing to answer questions and provide legitimate, reassuring explanations for his answers. We did not expect this case to go to trial, but my husband was not willing to plead it down to a lesser charge because he was innocent of the charges brought against him. This involved a dispute with a bitter family member and Mr. Connor understood the sensitive nature and emotions involved. Mr. Connor believed in his client and assured us he was prepared to fight it all the way. As the trial date approached, Mr. Connor kept us informed of any new developments or concerns. On the day of trial, we felt comfortable that we were as prepared as we could be under the circumstances. During trial, Mr. Connor excelled beyond any expectations we had of him. He was confident, direct, organized, well spoken, and knew the case inside and out. As a result of Mr. Connor's hard work, my husband won his case which we thought would be nearly impossible. Mr. Connor was able to reveal the truth in a tactful manner bringing much needed relief and comfort, not only to us, but also to the family members who were called as witnesses and many other family members who had been affected by this case.
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26 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
So this is my second attempt to review this excellent lawyer. Let me make it clear. He was an active participant and contributor to a suppression hearing that directly led to the dismissal of my and my co defendant's charges. He did serious research and direct courtroom examination of an errant cop who failed to properly certify his narcotics dog to IL State standards. If you want to get off, this guy will find the way. If you want to cop a plea, go pay less elsewhere.
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06 Sep, 2022 by Scott gruber
100% satisfied! 100% quick, professional, caring service! Mr. Diaz can quickly implement an effective game plan based on your needs/wants and go to battle for you on any need you may have! I trusted him and he shined bright! I was completely happy with my outcome! I would ask for his help again if ever needed. No hassles! Straight shooter! Tells it how it is with no BS! That’s what I like! If you need representation, then call Mr. Diaz!
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13 Aug, 2022 by Chris hense
Awesome experience!!! Very responsive and handled everything with my situation better than I expected.
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07 Jul, 2022 by Christopher conner
This law firm was a big help to me highly recommend
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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:

  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:
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  5. Contact Information:
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  6. Personal Identification:
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  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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