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01 Oct, 2024 by Heidi
I used Michelle after a referral from my attorney who retired. She was an absolute pleasure to work with. Very professional and knowledgable. Always responded promptly to all of my questions and concerns. I highly recommend her!!
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13 Apr, 2024 by Gia
We used Michelle over 20 years ago when we moved from Brooklyn to NJ, it was a pleasure to use her again for our new purchase. There was never a time her or her team didn’t respond accordingly to our questions or anything that needed attention. Thank you for all your help in this process Katz Law!
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12 Mar, 2024 by Helene
Everything went very smoothly. The office always got back to us when we needed them and made us feel relaxed about something so new to us. Very professional yet very friendly. Wonderful experience.
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10 Mar, 2024 by Bridget
Rachel stepped in to help me 9 months into my divorce proceedings when I was unhappy with my counsel. She was supportive, detailed, fast, explained everything, was fair and worked with me. She helped me, and fought for me, through an almost 3 years process and I could not have asked for better representation.
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30 Jan, 2024 by Timothee
Rachel Cotrino and her law office provided an exceptional experience during my divorce. From the initial consultation, she exuded professionalism and compassion, making me feel remarkably at ease throughout the entire process. Rachel's expertise and attention to detail ensured a smooth transition, and her commitment to my well-being truly set her apart. Navigating a divorce can be challenging, but Rachel and her team turned it into a manageable journey, making me grateful for their outstanding support.
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18 Jan, 2024 by Kylie
Words cannot describe how grateful I am for Rachel and her staff they are so diligent and passionate about everything they do Rachel fought tooth and nail for my son and as a result we won our remove case after 2 years and a previous mess from a former attorney she got to work cleaned up the mess she was handed without hesitation or question and won she defends her clients with the upmost respect she is an outstanding attorney it’s a bitter sweet goodbye I’m beyond thankful and happy to have had the opportunity to work with her and her staff I wish Rachel and her office nothing but more success in the future!
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25 Oct, 2016 by Michelle
I contacted Paul when dealing with a family court matter. Both him and his partner Jonathan are truly great at what they do ! They were always very professional, knowledgeable and always willing to answer any questions I had. I felt very confident knowing they were responsible for my case. I would highly highly recommend their services ! You won't be disappointed!
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30 Dec, 2013 by Mark
I contacted Paul after I was in an accident. He was very helpful from the moment he took me on as a client. He helped me get medical treatment through PLIGA when I had no insurance at all. Paul also made sure I was seen by a doctor immediately for my pain. The doctors he recommended were amazing. They seen my promptly and took care of my needs ASAP. Throughout the claims he was there when I needed him and was prompt on returning my calls / emails. During the depositions he helped me understand what to do since I never had to do one. When it came time to settle he was there and made sure I was fairly compensated for my pain. I highly recommend Paul Riviere II as an attorney, I will use Paul again when and if the time needs.
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24 Dec, 2013 by Jim and charlene
Mr. Riviere gets a five star rating from my husband and I. Any questions we had he made sure to answer them, and that we understood. He went way above and beyond to help us out, we had a case that turned out not to be a cut and dry as we thought it would have been, but he didn't give up until he got the results that were needed for our results. He always stayed positive for us, even when we weren't. This is a man who has the best interest of his clients first, and go above and beyond to get it. I would recommend Mr. Riviere to anyone looking for a through attorney, and if we would ever need an attorney again we wouldn't hesitate to call again upon his service and expertise.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Aaron
Ryan is very knowledgeable and understanding to specific situations as he pays attention to details and shows concern. My family and I were seeking guidance and support and received nothing but the best from him as he took time and showed care .
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19 Nov, 2020 by Tomas
My case was going on for about a year I had a lawyer who didn’t know what he was doing, I didn’t know what to do! So then I met Ryan he Fought so hard for my case. three months later I’m Receiving Worker’s Comp and doctors were taking care of my injurys . I never met a lawyer to fight as hard for a client as RYAN ! I’ve dealt with a lot of lawyers in my life but Ryan really cares about his clients and really take the time out to get to know you and fight for your case
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10 Apr, 2020 by Gaetano
When I hired mr Murphy 4 months ago , I never been so happy the response time with call backs and information was excellent, and he did exactly what he said he was going to do when I first started with him he did exactly what he said he was going to do
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07 Aug, 2024 by Jefferies
I hired Jena R. Silverman, Esq. And the law firm she partners with I received unprofessional service if you need professionalism and an attorney with that dicks these attorneys are not for you choose another Law Firm. This attorney and Law Firm not knowledgeable this is false advertisement.
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01 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
I just wanted to take a moment to let you know of my experience with Jena R. Silverman. Far too often, people are eager to write letters or make a phone call to complain, but I wanted to take the time to write to let you know that I am very pleased with the performance, support, professionalism and determination of Mrs. Jena. Throughout my case, She was always very quick to respond, made herself available during times that most would consider after hours and always patient in explaining the status and details/developments of my case. My wife and I had an issue with bedbugs at our apartment and She helped us break our lease and get our security deposit without any issue. Mr. B
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06 Aug, 2014 by Frances
We sold a property that we owned without a real estate. Jena Silverman was wonderful. She took care of all that was needed to do to have a smooth closing. I would definetly use Jena Silverman again.
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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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