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07 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
He is excellent and professional lawyer, He did wonderful job ! I strong recommend him to work as your defend attorney if you have a case involved.
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24 Jun, 2024 by Yitzchok spitzer
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11 Mar, 2024 by Kimberly sing
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03 Mar, 2024 by Fred ramos
He is professional, responsive knowledgeable and direct. Exactly what you need in an attorney.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Noel ashford
Jeffrey was responsive, courteous and forthcoming during the process of an i-485/i-130 - I would highly recommend him for any immigration processes. The process went smoothly and successfully.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Mario gomez
With an immigration case that I thought had no solution I was reffered to Jeff, after reviewing my case in a matter of hours he reply and with no hesitation he knew he could win the case, he was very knowledgeable on the immigration problem I was facing, he was very transparent and confident that we could beat the case and we sure did, a few months later and I’m on my way to become a citizen of the U.S. thanks to Jeff and he’s knowledge base on immigration. He’s very reasonable and constantly reached out to give me updates on the case. I would not hesitate to use Jeff services in the future if I need.
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05 Mar, 2024 by Summer palmer
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24 Jun, 2024 by Yitzchok spitzer
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star star star star star
11 Mar, 2024 by Kimberly sing
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star star star star star
03 Mar, 2024 by Fred ramos
He is professional, responsive knowledgeable and direct. Exactly what you need in an attorney.
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08 Jan, 2021 by Taryn
Phyllis was hired to handle my home closing. She failed to attend, and therefore has no clue what transpired. I am still trying to fix what she messed up 7 months ago. She gas now stopped returning my emails. I am left to fight with the bank, title company, village, county and other attorney.
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01 Oct, 2020 by Brian
Just wanted to add my 2 cents since that other review looks bogus. This is all my opinion, but... I felt Phyllis Shandler dressed unprofessionally (wrinkled clothing, hair a mess). I remember I had to call a lot to follow up, because their office didn't keep on top of matters. It was for a mortgage. IMO Shandler overcomplicated the process and made it drag on. Maybe to rack up a big bill? Who knows. I DO NOT recommend Shandler or her firm. Two thumbs down from me.
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04 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
She was able to do what she had initially told me she would do. It was extremely rewarding to me and my family
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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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