Lawyers map
>135
experienced lawyers
Filter by
11 Apr, 2024 by Betsy
Amber always had my best interest in mind especially when I didn’t know what to do. She listened attentively to my case and what I wanted and she went above and beyond to advise me. I’m grateful to her and her staff (Nohemi) for being patient with me and staying the course. The court ruled in favor to all of my requests. Don’t hesitate to give her a call.
Read more
27 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Amber was highly recommended to me by a close friend who had previously hired her for her case. I had walked into Amber's office getting ready to just throw in the towel after knocking on several attorney's doors and being disappointed. After our consultation, I left her office knowing that she would be the one I would hire to fight for me and most importantly my child. She made sure she spoke to me with facts and did not promise anything that she knew could not be possible. She is definitely not that attorney that is in it for the money, she actually cares about her clients and each and one of their cases. I hired Amber on more than one occasion and each time she fought like a pit pull in court and made sure she did her homework before even walking into that courtroom. I placed my trust on her and her work and I am glad that I did because if it wasn't for her I would still be stuck in the same rut that I was in. Amber gave me the courage I was lacking to fight back and not be intimidated by a bully. I highly recommend Amber to anyone who is looking for an attorney that not only does her homework but treats her clients as humans and not dollar signs. If I ever were to need an attorney again she would be the first one to call without hesitation. Amber was worth every penny because she gave me and my child a peace of mind and a peaceful life and I will forever be greatful.
Read more
16 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Thank you for a quick and comprehensive process. Ms. Amber was a helpful attorney and quickly handled my paperwork and scheduled court date. Minimal effort on my part was needed. Her secretary Nohemi was very helpful when Ms. Amber was not available. I appreciate all your efforts. Thank you again. Highly recommend.
Read more
22 Jul, 2017 by Andrew
I was referred to Lisa by a friend, and he couldn't say enough about her. She had mediated over his divorce, and he stated that he was very impressed by her knowledge and ability to bring a positive resolution to both parties in his case. I had my initial consultation with her, and everything he said was validated. She was kind and attentive, yet tough and straight to the point. She went right into action, and put me at ease. My case went to court, and then mediation as well. The end result was far better than I would have gotten, had I retained just any attorney. I cannot recommend her enough. If you are in need of representation, and want the best by your side, look no further than Lisa.
Read more
21 Mar, 2017 by Taylor alies clark
We met Lisa at the Cameron County Courthouse. She was there representing another case and we were there trying to to navigate our way through child support and family court pro se, having traveled in from upstate Texas. Before we even had a chance to address our case before the judge, she met with the other parties to hers and listening to her was all it took to want to hire her. Lisa is a straight shooter. She is extremely knowledgeable and professional. She doesn't hesitate or walk around bad answers or behavior, and asks that everyone be held accountable for their actions. I immediately asked for her contact information and she began representing us that very afternoon. By the end of the evening, she had e-filed on our behalf and everything we'd been hoping to say or points we felt were important to make, she included. Her experience and flair were very evident in her initial filing. While our case is far from over, our experience so far has been a cake walk with her. We aren't just a number to her, she recognizes and responds to us because she knows our plight. She doesn't ask us the same questions over and over because she remembers. She doesn't take for granted how near and dear this proceeding is for us, and she doesn't treat us poorly when we ask too many questions or send in page long rantings. She understands the importance this carries for our family and our future. Yesterday was our third court date (in Texas), and neither my Husband nor I worried. We didn't stress about being there for this issue for the first time EVER because we are so confident in our attorney and her firm. I know Lisa will see us through. I know she will continue asking the questions that deserve answers and making the other party accountable to the years of bad decisions and dishonesty. The motions she's filed, our communication since day 1, and dealing directly with her as a person tell me that we will finally have a chance to be a part of the second half of our child's life--the first half having been robbed. She fights for justice and she believes in it, and that's all you can ask for in legal representation. She's made this process less scary and easier to endure. We owe so much to her for that.
Read more
12 Jan, 2017 by Stephen
I happened to be at the Cameron County courthouse ready to speak on my own behalf regarding a child support/custody matter when my wife spoke to Lisa regarding my situation. Within a matter of hours she was by my side fighting on my behalf. I am an active duty Soldier who has been stationed in various states dealing with custody issues with an ex wife while deploying overseas never able to get any real say in the matter of my involvement in my son's life. Lisa took a situation that we thought was hopeless or at best an uphill battle and brought instantaneous light at the end of our legal tunnel. She has been empathetic, professional and amazingly thorough and has helped undo years of damage in days. I could not reccomend her enough and am eternally grateful for her presence in my life at a time when I needed someone like her the most.
Read more
5.0
8 Reviews
5.0
1 Reviews
10 Oct, 2024 by Clara huerta
Judge Robles went above and beyond for me for the past 2 years. Had a custody battle with an ex who wanted to get out of child support but only wanted custody of one child (other parent never attended court cases which prolonged the case) and Judge Robles helped me get the case dismissed and also the non custodial parent had to pay way more in child support when we finally got done with the case. Thank you and the girls in the office for always keeping me updated with my court dates and for getting this case closed finally. Highly recommended!
Read more
10 Oct, 2024 by Clara
Judge Robles went above and beyond for me for the past 2 years. Had a custody battle with an ex who wanted to get out of child support but only wanted custody of one child (other parent never attended court cases which prolonged the case) and Judge Robles helped me get the case dismissed and also the non custodial parent had to pay way more in child support when we finally got done with the case. Thank you and the girls in the office for always keeping me updated with my court dates and for getting this case closed finally. Highly recommended!
Read more
07 Sep, 2023 by Olga hernandez
Mr. Robles is an amazing attorney that made my experience a very smooth one. I highly recommend him to anyone that needs a hassle free. I was very satisfy with how he handled my case.
Read more
13 Jan, 2021 by Buddy
I retained the services of Haley Law and have had the distinct pleasure of working with both Laura directly in conjunction with her associate Tony Weiner on multiple matters that stem over a few states. Originally, her firm was hired to address a relatively small issue my company was having with sub-contractor that was later discovered to not be licensed. Laura stepped in right away and we were able to get to the crux of the matter so work would continue without any further delays. Since that time, her firm has been retained as corporate counsel as our open dialogue with my company’s interests are best served by both her and her team’s experience for the foreseeable future. I would highly recommend Haley Law without reservation.
Read more
08 Jan, 2021 by Megan
I hired Laura as appellate counsel on a large litigation matter. She is a dedicated, hard working, highly effective advocate. She brings a unique perspective having served in a variety of attorney roles. Laura is a pleasure to work with and I recommend her without reservation.
Read more
08 Jan, 2021 by Brandy
Ms. Haley is a brilliant lawyer and an excellent advocate. She diligently and competently handles extremely complex matters.
Read more
17 Apr, 2017 by Ashley
I consulted with Ana a few years ago about applying for citizenship for my husband. Navigating Customs and Immigration is such a complex process. The directions for each form are long and complicated, and the stakes were so high for my husband and I. Ana eased my anxiety, and gave me all the information my husband and I needed to apply. She gave me an overview of the citizenship process from start to finish, including when each of the applications would be due. She helped my husband and I understand the documents that were needed, and the order to put them in through several rounds of sending in applications and paperwork. She prepared us for the interview so that we answered questions confidently and accurately. Ana was with us every step of the way. I don't know where we would have ended up without her calm expertise!
Read more
29 Mar, 2017 by Solange
She helped me obtain a permanent residency. She was compassionate, informative, and guided me through the entire process.
Read more
28 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Villegas helped me come to the U.S. to marry my fiance. She helped me get my green card and then my U.S. citizenship. She is a good attorney and cares about her clients. I recommend her to help anyone with their immigration case.
Read more
22 Feb, 2020 by Patricia
For many years, as a bank manager, I had contact with Tom Curtis on mainly probate matters. After I retired, my father passed away and I needed to help my mom navigate through getting the estate settled. My mom is 88 and I wanted someone that would explain everything in simple language to her so she would feel comfortable. I remembered all the many attorneys I had dealt with in my 41 years of banking and my first choice was to reach out to Mr. Curtis. He had always treated me with respect and was very professional always. My mom and I met with him and hired him to navigate what turned out to be a a very complex will to process. Mr. Curtis had to prepare many documents in order to present sufficient information for the judge to grant my mom as executor. The Judge even thanked Mr. Curtis during the proceeding for his total preparation of the case to make her decision a quick, confident and just decision. We could not be more pleased with is services. I will return within months to have my 12 year old will reviewed and revised if needed. We trust him completely and highly recommend his services.
Read more
30 Jan, 2018 by Rebecca
I highly recommend Mr Curtis he has helped us with our will. He has gone above and beyond to help us. He is a very nice and caring attorney and very patient. He explains everything to you. I would definitely hire him again!
Read more
04 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
He is an exceptional attorney. But beyond that, he is a good person. He cared, listened, and gave me great advice at a difficult time in an extremely challenging situation.
Read more
10 Oct, 2024 by Clara huerta
Judge Robles went above and beyond for me for the past 2 years. Had a custody battle with an ex who wanted to get out of child support but only wanted custody of one child (other parent never attended court cases which prolonged the case) and Judge Robles helped me get the case dismissed and also the non custodial parent had to pay way more in child support when we finally got done with the case. Thank you and the girls in the office for always keeping me updated with my court dates and for getting this case closed finally. Highly recommended!
Read more
20 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
My family and I went through two attorneys before we found Mr. Lozano. Just from the few hours he had been put on our case, he took the initiative to help it at every angle. He is reliable, easy to contact, works hard, and really listens to your concerns. Highly recommend him!
Read more
03 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Thanks to Mr Arturo Saenz my husband was able to fix his child support and is current now and are lives got better. Mr. Arturo did a great job with this case and was always in contact with us in updates. Thank you sir.
Read more
19 Dec, 2014 by Juan
As a father, I felt it would be an uphill battle getting custody of my children from my ex wife. I knew I was the parent and would do the best job caring for the children. Mr. Saenz believed in me and he fought hard and long. It took two years but Mr. Saenz did everything he could to prove the children would be better off with me. He worked countless hours and always had the time to visit with me and keep me informed. He was punctually and very professional. I can't say enough about this Attorney. I am so thankful I hired him.
Read more
02 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
Had a good plan of attack representing my interest in regards to a property tax hearing. His knowlegde in real estate matters made the appraisal district representatives look silly. His rates were reasonable, especially considering the amount of tax dollars he saved me.
Read more
31 Jan, 2018 by Rodolfo
Thanks she was great in every way. Help ease my worries and gave me hope. She answered all my questions. Regarding immigration. Status.
Read more
21 Jan, 2016 by Fidensio
Helped me with everything he is very fair and honest very understanding thank you for everything Oscar
Read more
21 Sep, 2017 by Claudio
We found Mr. Barrera on Google reviews when we needed an attorney to handle a case which was down in the Valley. We were quickly given proof that the highly rated reviews were valid. His response time is quick. When he is not available, his secretary is quick to respond and relay messages to him. He is professional and cares about his clients. We trust you will be just as satisfied as our family is when you choose him as your attorney.
Read more
16 Aug, 2023 by Edgar
My Sister is in need for a Lawyer and she wants to talk to you about her situation if you have a number to call would be appreciated.
Read more
14 Jun, 2024 by Charles
Mr. Justin Raines and his staff were caring and professional with me. He was patient while I told my entire health history which I believe is extensive. And since I reside in Mexico that was an added anxiety for me. This has been a 3-1/2 year long ordeal. However, he represented me very well at the hearing. The judge was not harsh and I am relieved to have been notified that the judgement was ‘fully favorable’ for SSA disability in my case. Justin was very well spoken during the proceedings, pointing out factors about my work history and particular situation that contributed to make it happen, which I would not have done very well had I represented myself. No appeal was necessary. I couldn’t be happier with the result and their ongoing commitment to help.
Read more
13 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. de la Fuente represented me on three occasions and proved my innocense.....The same person was the accuser
Read more
26 Dec, 2016 by Fred
Armando is a very professional in his duties as a court represenative. I would recomend him to anyone. I have utilized his services and he always does great work. Most attorneys who know him have great things to say about him.
Read more
18 Apr, 2014 by Fernando
Mr. Sheline was a great help in a very difficult and stressful situation. Had hoped for a friendly uncontested divorce, unfortunately my ex-spouse s attorney was a real pain and she only made things worse. Mr. Sheline understood what was going on and helped stand up to what I was facing and to navigate through the very treacherous waters I faced. He always got back to me, when I tried to reach him and was able to answer my questions and explain what we could expect.
Read more
23 Sep, 2024 by Victor mena
Totally recommend Arthur to friends and family he was very helpful through the process!
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Ricky rodriguez
Great customer service 💯
Read more
19 Aug, 2024 by Luis rodriguez
I had a great experience with the help of Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers in dealing with my personal injury case. They helped me get maxmum recovery for my injury. I am speechless with their services. Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers are the BEST CAR CRASH LAWYERS in Harlingen, Texas!
Read more
23 Sep, 2024 by Victor mena
Totally recommend Arthur to friends and family he was very helpful through the process!
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Ricky rodriguez
Great customer service 💯
Read more
19 Aug, 2024 by Luis rodriguez
I had a great experience with the help of Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers in dealing with my personal injury case. They helped me get maxmum recovery for my injury. I am speechless with their services. Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers are the BEST CAR CRASH LAWYERS in Harlingen, Texas!
Read more
19 Aug, 2024 by Maria herrera
29 Jun, 2024 by Jaime hernandez
Mr. Gallaga is resourceful, reliable, and remarkable to say the least. He helped with my child custody case every step of the way. His performance and attention to detail is impressive. I could never thank him enough.
If someone out there is need of a phenomenal lawyer, call him now. You won't regret it.
I'd also like to thank his office assistant. She is polite, professional, and follows through with your call back requests (within reason, I'm sure).
I couldn't be happier with their performance.
Mr. Gallaga, and staff, thank you again.
Read more
12 Jun, 2024 by Julie gonzalez
Mr. Gallaga was an Ad Litem for my grandson whom we were applying to adopt. He was very professional in every step of the way and spoke up in court on behalf of my grandson and we acquired the results we were asking for. Adoption granted.Thank you Mr. Gallaga. Highly recommend him.
Read more
16 Dec, 2023 by Wts scales & systems voreis
Has represented me personally and my company for the last 7 years. Honest, fair and reasonable, he wont let you chase shadows. I know it's hard to believe, but trust his advice but believe in your cause. Good man, God built him that way.
Read more
18 Nov, 2023 by Miguel garcia
Mr. Caquias and his team do an amazing job. We were able to get what we deserved with no problems. Thank you Tomas. God bless
Read more
17 Nov, 2023 by P san
Attorney Tomas Caquias was there for my slip n fall case, I'm very satisfied with this case being resolved and how it was handled. Happy also that was resolved by the holidays and black Friday!!! They are very good in helping and kind I'm very satisfied with them. Happy and Excited. You will be too.
Amen
Read more
13 Jul, 2024 by Abel fonseca ii
I am extremely grateful for the exceptional service I received from Ray Rodriguez Jr. Attorney. From start to finish, he went above and beyond to help me with my case. What impressed me most was his dedication to keeping his clients informed and up-to-date throughout the entire process. Ray is not only a highly skilled attorney, but also a kind and compassionate individual who genuinely cares about his clients' well-being. His commitment to his family is also truly admirable. I wholeheartedly recommend Ray Rodriguez Jr. Attorney to anyone seeking reliable and top-notch legal representation. Five stars isn't enough - I'd give him ten stars if I could!"
Read more
21 Jun, 2024 by David castillo
Ray did a great job representing me and got done what he told me he was going to do in the beginning. Anyone who is looking for an attorney I suggest you come to ray.
Read more
27 Mar, 2024 by Selena garza
18 Sep, 2024 by Rosa
I regret choosing this law firm to represent my husband in his court case. We paid upfront for their services, but unfortunately, the attorney did not appear in court, resulting in a deportation order for my husband. While they were able to reschedule a new hearing and get the order cancelled, the lack of representation that day caused us significant delays and increased the risk of further complications.
I tried to reach out multiple times through calls, voicemails, emails, and the online portal, but I never received a response over the course of 3 years. The stress and anxiety of feeling ignored while seeking clarity about our case were overwhelming. I had to seek help elsewhere.
I hope others have a better experience, but I feel it's important to share my story to help others make informed decisions.
Read more
14 Dec, 2023 by Laura castillo
La mejor abogada, desde la primera vez que hable con ella me trasmitio tanta confianza y seguridad, pase por tantos abogados y todos rechazaban mi caso me decían que era imposible que yo nunca iba a poder estar legalmente en este país, y Dios puso a
a la bogada Norma Sepúlveda y mi historia cambio ella me dió siempre esperanza de que mi sueño de un día ser residente de estos unidos era posible, y así fue gracias a Dios y a la bogadaNorma, por favor nunca se rindan y no se queden con un no luchen y tengan confianza que para Dios no hay imposibles, y si estás con Norma estás en las mejores manos, gracias gracias abogada a usted y su equipo de trabajo siempre tan amables y atentos Dios la bendiga a usted y todo su equipo de trabajo!!
Read more
04 Apr, 2019 by Sebastian
Norma and her team did an excellent job with our case. Her staff was friendly, polite, helpful and they went above and beyond answering our questions. We had ZERO problems during the process. Thank you Norma and team for making sure that we stayed together as a family!
Read more
04 Oct, 2019 by Michelle
Mr. Blaylock represented me in a trial by jury that would Ultimately decided my kids primary residence. I was never kept in the dark. Any time I reached out to him via phone call or text message he would always respond or call back. From day one he always kept me informed. I was always involved in my case from getting my input on picking the jury to any questions I wanted him to ask my witnesses. He stuck to the cold hard facts of the case and I believe that’s what ultimately brought the verdict in our favor. I pray To never need his services again but if I do, I wouldn’t think twice about hiring him again!
Read more
24 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Hired to represent a family member in a federal case. Prosecution had eye witness, video recording, and officer testimony. Mr. Blaylock put on one heck of a defense that produced a not guilty verdict. He pulled off the impossible.
Read more
16 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
He represented me through a felony case and I didn’t have to do time or probation. He later cleared my record I highly recommend him if you don’t want to do time.
Read more
31 Aug, 2022 by Esmeralda
My professional interactions with Mr Sanchez have always been very professional. For an example, Mr Sanchez discusses relevant issues calmly and ensures I understand his advise clearly. As he's a bus attorney, I was not expecting he'd take time with me carefully addressing my concerns.
Read more
15 Apr, 2012 by Alexander
If you want a professional lawyer to help you in whatever case you may have, I highly recommend his expertise. He can help you with misdemeanors, felonies, or any other type of civil matter that had come forth. He is currently working on my case and I am not stressing about the outcome of the issue. Daniel will definitely will allow the client to have an overview upcoming court case. Thank you again Daniel for helping solve my case with peace within the beloved state of Texas.
Read more
12 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
My wife, child and I visited Mr. Sanchez only to walk away slightly agitated and disappointed. We were told he'd be seeing clients at 5:30, so we arrived at 5, putting us inline behind only one other person. Upon arrival, there was no secretary, no assistant, no nobody. Nothing but an empty desk and a sign-in sheet.
A room door opens and the fellow ahead of us was called in. Several more people arrived, most having to ask us "Do we sign in here?". The entire time all of us were waiting, we had to fan ourselves with the available magazines because the air didn't appear to be functioning correctly (there was a ceiling fan, though). An hour later, a secretary appears and says "Its hot in here, isn't it?", walks off, then returns with a stand-up fan and says "He'll be with ya'll momentarily".
ANOTHER hour passes and finally the man he was speaking with walks out, and we're invited in. This man presented himself very poorly. I began to explain to him my situation, and before I could even give any detail, it seems as though he just blurted out the first reason that came to mind and every sentence that followed was built on this. There was something very, very untrustworthy about him. He made poor and insulting assumptions and then soon after, he tried to pass off a joke about my kid which I found really disturbing.
Following this, his exact words were "I'm not cheap" and even admitted himself "There are plenty of other attorneys out there that are a lot cheaper than I am". He then went about explaining how if I didn't hire him, I could be arrested immediately upon arriving at court and tried to make me feel very worried about my case (which worked, didn't get any sleep last night).
When I left, I asked for a business card (who knows why) where he then had to go to the empty secretary's desk and shuffle around her things before finding one.
Read more
23 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Very courteous and helpful from the start! Didn't know where to start after my car accident but contacted him after a referral from a good friend and wasn't disappointed. Very knowledgeable regarding my case and always accessible/quick to respond. Would definitely work with him again tho hopefully under different circumstances :)
Read more
28 Feb, 2018 by N/a
Recently hired him as my criminal defense attorney. He was present to take my initial payment, but after that nothing. I’ve tried calling and visiting his office on several occasions , he has yet to get back to me. I greatly regret hiring him , I feel left out in the dark with my case .
Read more
23 Jun, 2014 by Harold bibby
Randall W. Friebele has represented me both personally and professionally for nearly 26 years. I have found him to be an outstanding individual who is not only hard working and dedicated, but also honest, reliable and very passionate about producing the most favorable results for those he serves. Mr. Friebele has represented my transportation company in a variety of cases over the years, and through his representation and leadership, we have prevailed at the Circuit Court level, the Appellate level and in Federal Court. It is without hesitation that I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Friebele.
Read more
09 Mar, 2013 by Lance
Mr. Friebele was the attorney we used for a real estate transaction. I wish we would have done more research prior to hiring Mr. Friebele. After leaving three voice messages over a week and a half period, along with two emails, we finally received an email in return. Unfortunately the tone of Mr. Friebele's response was unprofessional, condescending, and border line rude. Quite the surprise response from an "educated" man. If you are considering hiring Mr. Friebele I would think twice.
Read more
04 Jun, 2021 by Angel estrada
He only accepts cash because he screws the IRS. So he quotes you on price for cash and another for check. If you fail to pay by just one day, he will withdraw. I have never seen such a miserable machismo man in my life. His years of practice mean nothing when you can't win and no ADA will work with you. This is a sad attorney.
Read more
08 May, 2017 by Damien mount ford.
Failed to get back to me.and was rude on the phone.the secretary was behaving like she didn't know what she was doing.and then I heard rebeka shout in the background."just put the phone down another idiot again"
Read more
Find Your Lawyer
By Practice Area
-
Real Estate
-
Immigration
-
Business
-
Criminal Defense
-
Personal Injury
-
Family Law
-
Government
-
Probate
-
Estate Planning
-
Litigation
-
Appeals
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Child Support
-
Civil Rights
-
Juvenile Law
-
Debt Collection
-
Consumer Protection
-
Insurance
-
Child Custody
-
Intellectual Property
-
Mediation
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Workers Compensation
-
Car Accident
-
Discrimination
-
Divorce
-
DUI / DWI
-
Elder Law
-
Entertainment
-
Tax
-
Trusts
-
Wrongful Death
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:
-
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:
-
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:
-
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:
-
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.
-
Hourly Rate:
-
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.
-
Complexity of the Case:
-
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.
