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07 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I had to fire him during my divorce.
He did not return calls, sometimes for weeks at a time.
He was very unprofessional.
When I finally received my file, my new lawyer realized he didn't get important documents/agreements typed, signed and dated. Just think about what that does during a divorce?
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19 Apr, 2013 by Lynn
I fired Mr. Wallace in March 2013. I gave him $20,000 to litigate a malpractice and after 16 months of doing nothing my case was about to be dismissed in Supreme Court. I had to notify the Ithaca Police to accompany me to get my files that I had paid for and supplied to him. He lied repeatedly, never returned e-mails and I now have to go to Fee Arbitration to try and get my money returned to pay my new lawyer.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Matthew
Mislead. Poor Counsel. Feel like he would steal bases in baseball. Fails to inform on and off the record.
I'm in the pursuit of Justice with my case and an investigation with Client Attorney Privilege. I may or may not have had that violated. I don't believe in coincidence and there is too much questioning in my head at the moment.
Regardless, I am appalled at the facts that are pertainant to my case.
One Star. He's practices in Divorce Court, Wills and Estate Planning and Personal Injury
He has no clue about New York State Criminal Procedure Law.
I, as the defendant, had to instruct him on a few things. One that is super important for a indigent victim-labelled-defendant is that you do not have to pay for a DNA fee if you've ever paid for it in the past.
I'm almost confident that he recorded me ver-batim and shared that Side Bar with the Prosection and The Judge.
I will be seeking a warrant for cell phone records immediately. I hope that the results prove my hypothesis wrong. And if so, I stand corrected there.
I'm contacting The Office of Court Attorneys, The New York State Bar Association and The New York State Attorney Generals Office for guidance and assistance with this accusation.
However, outside of that, the aforementioned truths above are facts and opinions of my individual case and relationship with this lawyer.
I would not recommend him and I would surely advise anyone who has ever been in my situation to take a sane, sober and clear look at their own experience. If you, too, feel as though this may have happened I would suggest that you reach out to a Pro Bono or Private Lawyer and/or file a complaint and grievance with the NYS Bar Association as well as The Office of Court Attorneys.
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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. -
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Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses. -
What potential outcomes can I expect from my case?
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How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
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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:
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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?
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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:
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List of Questions:
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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. -
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Estimating Total Costs:
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Pro Bono Services:
For those who cannot afford legal services, some lawyers or legal aid organizations offer services at reduced rates or for free.
