>184
experienced lawyers
Find Your Lawyer
By Practice Area
-
Business
-
Estate Planning
-
Family Law
-
Real Estate
-
Personal Injury
-
Litigation
-
Criminal Defense
-
Probate
-
Government
-
Child Support
-
Child Custody
-
Car Accident
-
Elder Law
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Mediation
-
Tax
-
Debt Collection
-
Adoption
-
Appeals
-
Bankruptcy
-
Insurance
-
Intellectual Property
-
Juvenile Law
-
Workers Compensation
-
Civil Rights
-
Consumer Protection
-
Divorce
-
Employment / Labor
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Trusts
Filter by
26 Jul, 2024 by Adam zickert
I was a recent Client of Paul Benson's Law Firm due to being attacked by a dog in late 2023. Paul's professionalism is excellent, has a very good understanding of local and state law, and represented me well in court. He did everything he said he would do to help me. I would seek Paul Benson again for legal help.
Read more
01 Jul, 2024 by Darin van fleet
Paul Benson is great Attorney! Knows how to get the job done! Highly recommend to anyone who has an accident claim! Thanks again Paul!!!
Read more
30 May, 2024 by Shelley dewitt
Paul was always very professional and always responded when appropriate keeping us informed. Would definitely use his services again.
Read more
30 Jul, 2024 by Skarly
I hired attorney Matt Frank to change custody placement along with another more delicate matter. Matt was an excellent attorney and I highly recommend him for any family matters. He works diligently and is extremely knowledgeable. Matt made sure that I understood anything that the judge was requesting and answered any questions during the entire process. He was also punctual and always met all deadlines that were required. Matt always communicated in a timely fashion. Thank you Matt!
Read more
09 Jun, 2024 by James
Matt Frank did an excellent job representing me in my recent divorce. Matt was diligent and brought my case to an amicable
conclusion quickly . I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer in Rock County. Thanks Matt!!
Read more
22 Sep, 2023 by Aaron
Matt Frank was a great lawyer for my divorce. From the first consultation to the final agreement, he handled everything quickly and communicated with me in a timely manner. I'd highly suggest Matt and his firm for any divorce needs.
Read more
12 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Carl made what would normally be a stressful process fast and easy! He was very patient with and was able to answer all of the questions I had for him. With me having to work during his office hours he was very flexible and made it possible to meet with me later in the evenings. Very good price and a very knowledgeable bankruptcy lawyer. I would 10/10 recommend him
Read more
13 Aug, 2019 by Greg
I had an 'old' issue' with a bank that I thought was over and done with a few years back. I recieved a phone call from them regarding monies I supposedly owed them. They offered me a settlement that I wasn't comfortable with and I was not comfortable contacting and negotiating with them myself. I knew I needed the advice of an attorney and started looking. I read reviews, ratings, and inquired about attorneys in my area. This led me to calling Mr. Rolsma. I explained my situation, and he said up front that this was not necessarily his area of law, but agreed to talk with me and, if he couldn't help he may be able to recommend someone who could. That was important to me!
I met with him, showed him my papers, explained my side of this situation, and sat and talked. When I asked what he thought I should do he said to my surprise, 'Lets call them'. He did, and after about 20 minutes on the phone with the bank, the bank dropped the debt, and I left thinking 'what just happened'?
I believe I would not have gotten this result without Mr. Rolsma's guidance and expertise, as we sat there on the phone with the bank representative.
This was a big turning point in my financial life, and I will be forever grateful for his patience, and guidance through this.
Read more
31 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Bankruptcy was not the way I wanted things to go in my life, but attorney Rolsma made the process very easy! He was very knowledgeable, factual, non-judgmental and organized. I was really happy with my choice and life is looking better than ever! Thank you!
Read more
30 Jan, 2020 by Kylor
I have never had a lawyer up until recently and was always uneasy about having one. After meeting with her just once for 15 minutes, my feelings about having a lawyer quickly changed. She got straight to the point, and told me how things were going to be. I appreciated that because I don't like it when people sugar coat or try and tell you things they think you want to hear. Through every step of the process, she was always answering my questions, and in contact with me, whether it was her or her assistant. She helped out so incredibly much and I know because of her, things got settled and taken care of. If you hire Sara, you won't be disappointed. I know I wasn't.
Read more
04 Sep, 2014 by Jeremy
Sara is an excellent lawyer. She kept me informed and kept my best interest in mind when dealing with my case. She was prompt in communications with me and dealt with communication requests through face to face contact, as well as technologically through email. So, we were always in touch and making forward progress. I always felt, whether it was in meetings or in communication, she kept my financial limitations in mind while still providing great service and a great work product. I would highly recommend Sara to anyone, including family and friends.
Read more
05 Jun, 2014 by Caryn
Sara was great at working with my husband's lawyer and both looking out for their clients in a collaborative way. She let me know what next steps were and made sure that financially and mentally I was prepared for what was ahead. I had some odd things with my divorce that in the end turned out positive for me even though I ended up paying. Because Sara had my best interests in mind my pay structure is time limited and set. I also have tax implications that are positive for me.
Read more
21 Nov, 2018 by Tonya
Thorough, sharp and empathetic were the first qualities I observed when I retained Will Springer to represent me with restructuring my corporate structure. I knew I was in good hands after my first consultation when he reassured me that I was not the first person to go through my situation. After meeting with him I learned that his style was also methodical when providing me several options. I appreciate this style as I weigh all options before making a decision.
I also found Will to be very responsive by either phone or email, and with my busy work life, that is a definite plus in my book!
Working with Will I have complete trust in his competence and style, therefore, moving forward I will retain Will with all my corporate questions/structures, etc.
If you are looking for an attorney to represent you with the corporate structure of your business, etc., you are in great hands with Will Springer!
Read more
11 Jul, 2018 by Peggy
I have never had the need to hire an attorney. Ever. As I was dealing with a messy real estate transaction, I had been urged by family and acquaintances that it would be in my best interest to hire an attorney. Very intimidating to say the least. I live in Illinois but the property involved was in Wisconsin. Lucky for me a family member referred me to Brennan and Steil in Janesville. I was able to hire Mr Springer from that firm to represent me. Even luckier for me !!! I did not have one single negative experience with Mr Springer. He was knowledgeable, efficient and professional. Very no nonsense! Just the type of attorney you want in your corner. I could not have been more pleased and did not have one single regret after working with him. I would strongly encourage anyone needing a real estate attorney to hire Mr Springer. You will not be disappointed.
Read more
28 Apr, 2017 by Paul anderson
Will Springer is an exceptional attorney and skilled professional who has managed the legal affairs of our real estate business for 3 years with incredible responsiveness, efficiency, accuracy and enthusiasm. We have full confidence that we have retained a top attorney in Will and appreciate the collaborative approach he has with the depth of experience at Brennan Steil SC. It’s evident that Will enjoys his work and prides himself in being of service to his clients. Will has shown expertise over a broad range of matters and we look forward to working with him into the future. I highly recommend and put full trust in attorney Will Springer of Brennan Steil SC.
Read more
12 Aug, 2019 by Kathy
We hired Attorney Hiller to update our will. She was very helpful in advising us as to what needed to be done to be current with the law. She helped us to set up documents that were very specific to the needs of our family. She is very thorough and knowledgeable. Attorney Hiller is very friendly and yet very professional. I would not hesitate to contact her in the future.
Read more
19 Mar, 2019 by David
Attorney Hiller completed our estate planning, including our wills, POA’s for finance and healthcare as well as declarations to physicians and HIPAA documents. She is very personable, she answered our questions and explained changes in laws in terms we understood. She identified a problem with our homestead deed and made the changes necessary to prevent future probate problems.
Read more
07 Oct, 2017 by Ron
We found Kayla to be very easy to work with. She is very knowledgeable for updating our family trust, plus other necessary documents. I would highly recommend her for any estate planning or updating that you need.
Read more
28 Oct, 2019 by Suzanne
Nearly one year ago, I had the fortune of being represented by Attorney Rodney Neher in a bankruptcy case. Attorney Neher was fair, a stickler for detail, and thorough to the point that my hearing was swift and flawless. I am forever grateful to Attorney Neher and his wife/assistant Mary for guiding me through a scary and somewhat laborious in preparation proceeding with incredible expertise and kindness.
Read more
19 Dec, 2017 by Deedra
I am so satisifed with Attorney Neher and Mary. They are very professional, competent and extremely supportive through this hard time of bankrupcy. The kindness shown to me helped me have hope again where I had none. I would highly recommend Neher Law.
Read more
09 Feb, 2016 by Tom
Mr. Neher was the best choice for my Chap 13 Bankruptcy. He is a sole practitioner and does only bankruptcy with his wife Mary assisting. No-nonsense, knowledgeable and easily accessible. Makes house calls and guides you through the filing process. Filing was quick and efficient. Excellent communication with my questions before and during the bankruptcy. If you're thinking about bankruptcy this is the team I would recommend. Extremely satisfied throughout. A true expert in his field.
Read more
04 Feb, 2015 by Alan
Mr. Mosier represented me for a hearing loss case. From start to finish the case took 6 months. I received a very lucrative settlement and money for hearing aids. It was a very positive experience.
Read more
28 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I hurt my low back while working. At first my employer agreed that I needed treatment but eventually they sent me for a Independent Medical Evaluation. That doctor saw me for just 5 minutes but denied that I was injured at work. I contacted Nowlan & Mouat and met with Attorney Mosier. He represented me and we won my case. I tell all my friends to call Attorney Mosier if there injured. You should too!
Read more
23 Jan, 2015 by Leon
I hired Attorney Jaron to represent me. He always told me what was happening and he explained the law to me. I highly recommend him!
Read more
06 Feb, 2015 by James
Steve did a great job guiding our family through the entire land sale and purchase process. When our bank failed to identify the correct procedure executing the reverse 1031 exchange, Steve stepped in and guided the team along. He saved our family potential taxable gains with his knowledge of the 1031 exchange laws and titling requirements set forth via the US tax code. I will recommend him to anyone.
Read more
03 Feb, 2015 by Barry
Steve has the reputation of the attorney you want on your side. He makes sure the client is aware of all issues so they are able to make an educated decision as part of the bigger picture. I am always impressed how he is able to point out potential problems that others have not, including other attorneys. I would never use anyone else.
Read more
02 Nov, 2021 by Misty
Michael helped me with a very ugly divorce. He always advised me my possible legal expenses for desired outcomes and did not just accept my money to pursue what was not in my best interest in the long run. Seeing the mistakes, lack of attention and overall incompetence of my former spouse's various attorneys really highlighted for me what a gem Michael is in his profession.
Read more
04 Dec, 2020 by Elizabeth
Michael has represented me first in my divorce and then has continued as we work through changes in placement. He is humanistic, compassionate, and very professional. I would highly recommend Michael.
Read more
31 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
I was injured in a car crash when a guy blew a stop sign. The insurance company wasn't going to give me hardly anything so I had to get a lawyer involved. He took care of everything and got the insurance company to pay for my car and injuries. Definitely recommend him to anyone in a crash!
Read more
11 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Attorney Haakenson was appointed during my post-divorce custody battle. He was a bit closed off initially, but I believe this is because my ex was making unfounded allegations of bias and favoritism against the previous guardian ad litem; I think that Attorney Haakenson was protecting himself and the case against any unnecessary appeals and further litigation. Attorney Haakenson completed an extensive, thorough investigation and report on our children. He was extremely fair, stated the facts clearly and concisely, and cited law and logic as the reasons for his recommendations. If I needed a personal family law attorney, I would absolutely hire him in a heartbeat.
Read more
09 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
I had Shanna as a public defender. I hear she is in private practice. Either way she is an amazing attorney. If I ever need legal help again I will hire her.
Read more
20 Feb, 2015 by Joan
Would use her again if needed.
Read more
23 May, 2014 by Bill
Very knowledgeable and ethical.
Worked hard as our advocate.
Reasonably prices for the high quality of work.
Would want him on my side in the future.
Read more
04 Jun, 2014 by Linda
Several years ago, my parents asked me to manage their finances in the event they could not manage themselves. It seemed like an easy enough request. I felt confident that I could pay their bills on time and keep the check book balanced. Besides, my mother was indestructible and would never, ever need my help with this.
But in 2001, my dad’s health failed and my mom was diagnosed with dementia. It was then that I realized that I had agreed to something that I was never prepared to handle.
I met Mike Vogel at the very beginning of this very difficult time in my life. Mom and dad had done their powers of attorney for health care documents incompletely so both needed legal guardianship. Dad’s would later be reversed but mom’s continued until her death in 2007.
During the span of 7 years, Mike helped me navigate the very confusing legal system. My education as an RN did little to help me understand the complexities of legal guardianship of the estate for mom which included very detailed accounting of her finances every year. He assisted me with the sale of their home, which I had never done before. He advised me in the management of separate financial accounts for each of them and helped me with their taxes. When dad died in 2005, he helped me as executor of dads estate, which again I had to knowledge of how to do and then helped me with settling mom’s estate after her death in 2007.
It is impossible in a short paragraph to tell you just how ill equipped I was to manage mom and dad’s affairs. It was far more involved than simply paying the bills on time. I turned the trust that they had in me over to Mike who helped me every step of the way through a very long and emotionally difficult 6 years. He did so with knowledge, expertise and compassion and I could never have done it without him.
Linda T.
Read more
01 Mar, 2023 by Peter
Hi Larry from Peter and Mary (Kimberlin) Erenfeld. Hope you are doing well. We live in Portland Oregon. Semper Fi Marine.
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Mary esser
Mike Vogel is the best!
Read more
10 Aug, 2024 by Craig anderson
07 Aug, 2024 by Shelly crull-hanke
Excellent firm to work with. I have used Vogel Law Firm twice for estate closings and also for updating our personal will. They are very detailed in their work and excellent at communicating with the client.
Read more
01 Apr, 2024 by Don brovick
Steve and his team at Nowlan did an outstanding job with my case. They are extremely knowledgeable and were great to work with. I would recommend them to anyone that has been hurt and needs help with their situation.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Patty montgomery
I am absolutely so grateful and thankful for the care I received during my settlement process .They were not only professional but their personal care of attention to myself and my family was outstanding .They took care of everything .Their diligence to helping their clients goes above and beyond anything I have ever experienced. I 100% reccomend their team to anyone who needs help.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Ryan feek
Called him from a recommendation. My issues were not his area but he gave me a name and lots of info on my situation. He didn't need to take that time with me but he did.
Read more
01 Apr, 2024 by Don brovick
Steve and his team at Nowlan did an outstanding job with my case. They are extremely knowledgeable and were great to work with. I would recommend them to anyone that has been hurt and needs help with their situation.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Patty montgomery
I am absolutely so grateful and thankful for the care I received during my settlement process .They were not only professional but their personal care of attention to myself and my family was outstanding .They took care of everything .Their diligence to helping their clients goes above and beyond anything I have ever experienced. I 100% reccomend their team to anyone who needs help.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Ryan feek
Called him from a recommendation. My issues were not his area but he gave me a name and lots of info on my situation. He didn't need to take that time with me but he did.
Read more
01 Apr, 2024 by Don brovick
Steve and his team at Nowlan did an outstanding job with my case. They are extremely knowledgeable and were great to work with. I would recommend them to anyone that has been hurt and needs help with their situation.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Patty montgomery
I am absolutely so grateful and thankful for the care I received during my settlement process .They were not only professional but their personal care of attention to myself and my family was outstanding .They took care of everything .Their diligence to helping their clients goes above and beyond anything I have ever experienced. I 100% reccomend their team to anyone who needs help.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Ryan feek
Called him from a recommendation. My issues were not his area but he gave me a name and lots of info on my situation. He didn't need to take that time with me but he did.
Read more
01 Apr, 2024 by Don brovick
Steve and his team at Nowlan did an outstanding job with my case. They are extremely knowledgeable and were great to work with. I would recommend them to anyone that has been hurt and needs help with their situation.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Patty montgomery
I am absolutely so grateful and thankful for the care I received during my settlement process .They were not only professional but their personal care of attention to myself and my family was outstanding .They took care of everything .Their diligence to helping their clients goes above and beyond anything I have ever experienced. I 100% reccomend their team to anyone who needs help.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Ryan feek
Called him from a recommendation. My issues were not his area but he gave me a name and lots of info on my situation. He didn't need to take that time with me but he did.
Read more
01 Apr, 2024 by Don brovick
Steve and his team at Nowlan did an outstanding job with my case. They are extremely knowledgeable and were great to work with. I would recommend them to anyone that has been hurt and needs help with their situation.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Patty montgomery
I am absolutely so grateful and thankful for the care I received during my settlement process .They were not only professional but their personal care of attention to myself and my family was outstanding .They took care of everything .Their diligence to helping their clients goes above and beyond anything I have ever experienced. I 100% reccomend their team to anyone who needs help.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Ryan feek
Called him from a recommendation. My issues were not his area but he gave me a name and lots of info on my situation. He didn't need to take that time with me but he did.
Read more
01 Apr, 2024 by Don brovick
Steve and his team at Nowlan did an outstanding job with my case. They are extremely knowledgeable and were great to work with. I would recommend them to anyone that has been hurt and needs help with their situation.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Patty montgomery
I am absolutely so grateful and thankful for the care I received during my settlement process .They were not only professional but their personal care of attention to myself and my family was outstanding .They took care of everything .Their diligence to helping their clients goes above and beyond anything I have ever experienced. I 100% reccomend their team to anyone who needs help.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Ryan feek
Called him from a recommendation. My issues were not his area but he gave me a name and lots of info on my situation. He didn't need to take that time with me but he did.
Read more
01 Apr, 2024 by Don brovick
Steve and his team at Nowlan did an outstanding job with my case. They are extremely knowledgeable and were great to work with. I would recommend them to anyone that has been hurt and needs help with their situation.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Patty montgomery
I am absolutely so grateful and thankful for the care I received during my settlement process .They were not only professional but their personal care of attention to myself and my family was outstanding .They took care of everything .Their diligence to helping their clients goes above and beyond anything I have ever experienced. I 100% reccomend their team to anyone who needs help.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Ryan feek
Called him from a recommendation. My issues were not his area but he gave me a name and lots of info on my situation. He didn't need to take that time with me but he did.
Read more
01 Apr, 2024 by Don brovick
Steve and his team at Nowlan did an outstanding job with my case. They are extremely knowledgeable and were great to work with. I would recommend them to anyone that has been hurt and needs help with their situation.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Patty montgomery
I am absolutely so grateful and thankful for the care I received during my settlement process .They were not only professional but their personal care of attention to myself and my family was outstanding .They took care of everything .Their diligence to helping their clients goes above and beyond anything I have ever experienced. I 100% reccomend their team to anyone who needs help.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Ryan feek
Called him from a recommendation. My issues were not his area but he gave me a name and lots of info on my situation. He didn't need to take that time with me but he did.
Read more
01 Apr, 2024 by Don brovick
Steve and his team at Nowlan did an outstanding job with my case. They are extremely knowledgeable and were great to work with. I would recommend them to anyone that has been hurt and needs help with their situation.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Patty montgomery
I am absolutely so grateful and thankful for the care I received during my settlement process .They were not only professional but their personal care of attention to myself and my family was outstanding .They took care of everything .Their diligence to helping their clients goes above and beyond anything I have ever experienced. I 100% reccomend their team to anyone who needs help.
Read more
08 Mar, 2024 by Ryan feek
Called him from a recommendation. My issues were not his area but he gave me a name and lots of info on my situation. He didn't need to take that time with me but he did.
Read more
02 Dec, 2021 by Lynda applewhite
Matt is the best! Very respectful and knowledgeable! Communicates and responds back immediately in timely manner. Highly recommended. Need a family court lawyer go to him!
Read more
27 Nov, 2021 by Lonie frank
20 Nov, 2021 by Jerry schmidt
Mathew has been my lawyer for a number of years and has always presented himself in an extremely professional manner. During my last visit he worked with my financial advisor to determine the best solution to meet my needs. For wills, POA, etc...I strongly recommend Frank Law.
Read more
18 Aug, 2024 by Stacy medina
100%%%%% AMAZING
Doug truly cares!!! He loves what he’s doing because it’s HIS passion. He knows he’s protecting Our sweethearts (Just like he would want his sweethearts protected) by creating out sweetheart lists, as he would put it :-) He has taken exceptional time and diligence to take care of my parents, estate and trust, and has also gone above and beyond for myself and my children! Honestly, you can’t find somebody that’s on top of the law and has much heart and soul in the game as Doug! You can’t go wrong with his company because they are on top of every new law that could take things away from us in our family and A huge bonus is that they actually care! Do you know how rare that is nowadays to find a company that cares truly cares? That’s Doug and his employees!
Thank you so much, Doug!
Read more
17 Jul, 2024 by Patty heckart
Doug and his crew are exceptionally versed in estate planning. They will set up a plan to protect your hard earned $.
Read more
11 Jan, 2024 by Amber g
My parents did their estate planning with Elder Advisors and they were so pleased! If you’re looking for a personalized approach, clear communication, and expert guidance, look no further. Highly recommend for anyone seeking top-notch legal services!
Read more
18 Aug, 2024 by Stacy medina
100%%%%% AMAZING
Doug truly cares!!! He loves what he’s doing because it’s HIS passion. He knows he’s protecting Our sweethearts (Just like he would want his sweethearts protected) by creating out sweetheart lists, as he would put it :-) He has taken exceptional time and diligence to take care of my parents, estate and trust, and has also gone above and beyond for myself and my children! Honestly, you can’t find somebody that’s on top of the law and has much heart and soul in the game as Doug! You can’t go wrong with his company because they are on top of every new law that could take things away from us in our family and A huge bonus is that they actually care! Do you know how rare that is nowadays to find a company that cares truly cares? That’s Doug and his employees!
Thank you so much, Doug!
Read more
17 Jul, 2024 by Patty heckart
Doug and his crew are exceptionally versed in estate planning. They will set up a plan to protect your hard earned $.
Read more
11 Jan, 2024 by Amber g
My parents did their estate planning with Elder Advisors and they were so pleased! If you’re looking for a personalized approach, clear communication, and expert guidance, look no further. Highly recommend for anyone seeking top-notch legal services!
Read more
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.
