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15 Aug, 2024 by Isabel rodriguez
It's been wonderful communicating with this office. Sarah Wohlrab has been so helpful and attentive.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Monmouth associated
Sarah Wohlrab is Friendly, timely and knowledgeable. Accommodating to your needs. Would highly recommend!
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02 Aug, 2024 by Steel wilson
Very comfortable and reassuring counseling session.
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14 Jun, 2024 by Ann
After a slip and fall on a wet floor at a local restaurant, I was left with a badly torn left hamstring and a broken wrist…Tim Rayne was from the start of these serous injuries, compassionate and anxious to seek recompense for me. It’s has been a painful and somewhat life altering year trying to recover from these two injuries…Tim was always completely responsive as I recounted medical visits and rehab. He continued to work diligently to bring a settlement to a successful close as it finally occurred. I have been so satisfied with all the work he has done to make that recompense a reality for me and I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking relief from such an accident or injury.
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09 Aug, 2019 by Chris
I recently had the opportunity to win a difficult Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) case with Tim representing me. Due to the complexity of the case and the type injuries it took over 4 years from beginning to end. From the very beginning I noticed Tim was confident, friendly, and knowledgeable about the best way to handle my situation. Tim quickly earned my complete trust and never wavered throughout. Tim accurately recommended the best course of action for my specific circumstances and was there to support me every step of the way. In addition, Tim focused on doing the right thing not necessarily the easy thing; which demonstrated alot of integrity, hardwork, and dedication not often seen. In the end my voice was heard and I won against a difficult insurance company who didn't want want to pay out. If I ever find myself or my family in need of legal help, Tim will be the first person I call.
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31 Dec, 2018 by Jacqueline
Tim Rayne was excellent in many ways, handling my motor vehicle accident legal matters. He was patient, kind, knowledgeable, organized, persistent and always available to answer the myriad of questions that arise in such a case. He explained the processes involved in my case which gave me great relief. I trusted him.
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06 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
I unfortunately had to go through the Chester County court system for an outstanding traffic violation & soon after a misdemeanor criminal charge. I had never had these kind experiences before and was, well, dead broke and lost. Judge Iacocca was firm with me, but also, unexpectedly, beyond respectful. I don't want to gush too much here, but I believe this man is coming from the highest moral standard, yet with a generous heart and forgiving nature to his character. He comes off as a regular guy with an understanding from lived experience, both inside the courtroom & beyond. I believe he wants to truly have impact in a system that's currently, ahem, "challenged". I'd imagine he's a fine attorney too. Like a guy who'd do what he does just to "keep the lights on". His predecessor, Dan Mansiano, who tragically passed, like Judge Iacocca, did what a good judge is supposed to do: one who listens more than speaks, then tries to make fair decisions based upon what is known without being swayed. In turn, Iacocca sets a real example for the community, and for preserving a level of decency and justice. We are lucky to have him. We need more judges like him, period.
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16 Dec, 2015 by Josh
Enjoyable experience working with Al. He was very good at counseling me through my situation and in the end everything went in my favor. I would recommend him and use him again if needed.
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10 Dec, 2015 by Lisa
I have been working with the Al Iacocca for a several years now. He has been nothing but professional, knowledgeable, and just awesome. He follows up with me on a regular basis, and replies to my emails within minutes (which I greatly appreciate!). Without him, I’m not sure what I would do. I highly recommend him.
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14 Mar, 2021 by Christopher
In this day and age, trust is something that does not come easy for many of us. It’s hard to trust our politicians, our business associates and sometimes, sadly, even our own families. Imagine putting full trust into an attorney especially after a traumatic event like the loss of a loved one. I can say without any hesitation that you can absolutely trust Anita D’Amico, ESQ and her firm D’Amico Law. I came to Anita after a former attorney completely broke my trust as the individual led me in the wrong direction when it came to finalizing my beloved mother’s estate. Full disclosure, I had known Anita as she was the estate attorney for my late Grandfather. Although that was an unpleasant experience due to the executors of my grandfather’s estate; I still found Anita to be honest, even when it was painful to hear, available to talk with me within 24 hours or less, and extremely sensitive to my personal situation. Because of my trust towards Anita and her firm, I asked her questions about things that simply did not make sense coming from my former attorney. Without Anita’s guidance, many things would have gone wrong and the “tax man” would be banging on my door as I write this. I had enough of the previous attorney, fired him immediately and hired Anita. In retrospect, I truly wish I did not listen to outside influences who guided me to the former attorney who frankly should retire as in my humble opinion; he hasn’t a clue as to what he is doing. Anita is not your typical “it’s all business” attorney. She is a calming force in times that are dark and scary for her clients. As a person who understands loss and grief; Anita brings a much needed sensitivity and empathetic ear that is extremely rare in the legal profession. Though she is sensitive and caring, she is also a “mama bear” who will not be intimidated by other attorneys and will fight as hard as she can for her clients to bring the best outcome for them. She is a master of her craft. Still a very young woman, she has opened two successful firms. That alone shows her drive and ambition. I am what some attorneys would consider “needy” or “demanding.” I would agree to some degree of those characterizations. I’m a perfectionist and I do have a lot of expectations. I want the job done as quickly as possible. Anita does too but only when she feels she has done everything she can for you. There were weeks that I literally sent emails daily to Anita with questions and concerns. Despite my neuroses, Anita took the time to answer my emails daily and tried her best to put me at ease. After cleaning up the mess left by my former attorney, I had Anita do my own estate planning. I certainly hope to live for quite awhile, but if not, she covered everything with a fine tooth comb. When you combine authenticity, empathy, a full understanding of the law, and the right amount of toughness needed to get the job done; you have had the pleasure of Anita D’Amico working very hard for you while putting you at ease every step of the way. Anita was born and raised in our community. She comes from a wonderful family that has given a great deal to the community. Her upbringing has certainly made her the kind, giving woman with a driven work ethic and passion for what she does. When you add everything up, you simply will not find an attorney with the chops to handle business while being there for you as her client. I cannot recommend anyone as highly as I recommend Ms.D’Amico and her firm. I trust her and you will as well immediately after your first consultation. If you need an attorney whose practice covers the most common legal issues out there; look no further, D’Amico Law has you covered.
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21 Mar, 2018 by Nina
I hired Anita D'Amico to handle my divorce. She also updated my will and estate. Anita was extremely knowledgeable and professional. My divorce was quite complicated. Anita made sure that nothing was missed. I found her advice to be excellent, and her approach was strong yet courteous. She has knowledge well beyond that of family law which was helpful, however if something was out of her area of expertise she did not hesitate to consult with other attorneys or accountants. Anita's office was very polite and timely. I would highly recommend Anita D'Amico.
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16 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
After my grandmother passed away, I was faced with the stress of handling her estate/selling her property . It is a very emotional and overwhelming experience and Anita couldn't have been more warm ,present and professional in this endeavor. Anita and her staff are trustworthy, smart and after this experience, I now call them friends.
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14 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Don & his team helped us with my mother in law’s estate after she passed away. Don is easy to talk to & his staff are very helpful and thorough. His fees are reasonable. I have recommended Don to other people.
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29 Sep, 2020 by Patrick
Don and his associate Linda were well organized, timely in communication and professional in their approach to managing and representing me for my tax assessment appeal. I trust them totally and would recommend them with reservation!
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10 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr Lynn has been the most fabulous attorney for a myriad of legal issues for my husband and I, and, after the passing of my husband, myself. I have been connected with Mr Lynn since joining Lamore -Scarlett. We previously used another attorney with the firm, now retired and have used the firm since the late 1990s. Alway professional, yet personal and always top notch.
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20 Mar, 2018 by Francis miller
Holly Sheridan, Esquire, worked for me before starting her own law practice. She handled each case with passion and integrity. She was able to get maximum awards in serval personal injury cases she handled for me. When dealing with family law client's she listened with compassion and always got the best results for our client's. Highly recommended.
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13 Oct, 2017 by Tracy
Holly Sheridan was a wonderful experience during my divorce. She made the process quickly and painlessly. Very efficienc. Quick to respond emails and phone calls. She is so very nice and always let's you know what when and where she is with your case. Super job done!!!
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11 Oct, 2017 by Shaun
Holly was the game changer in my custody situation and overall divorce. My children are now in a much more stable and calming environment with the current custody schedule. I am extremely grateful for Holly's professionalism within the legal system and her patient advisement to me throughout the long and tedious process that made up my custody and divorce proceedings. I would recommend Holly any time, to any one. Thank you Holly!
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10 Jun, 2016 by Dr. phyllis
Articulate, compassionate, informed, Mr. Twombly and his highly competent staff are at once ethically and compassionately aggressive. I leave Mr.Twombly 's office assured that life will be better.
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09 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Articulate, informed, patient, John R. Twombly, Jr. is a fine lawyer. At once approachable and professional, Mr. Twombly listened to my complexities with intelligent compassion. He helped me define my legal priorities and expectations while allowing for non-legal entities. His calm demeanor illicts confidence. I highly recommend John Twombly as an astute, thoughtful lawyer who discerns and acts on the right thing. I am quite grateful for his legal insights and manners of proceeding.
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04 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
My family’s estate was handled extremely poorly from another law firm in Kennett Square. She ended up costing us thousands of dollars and jeopardizing our tax returns. Peter Temple’s firm stepped in and did everything possible to rectify our worries and put our minds at ease. He was fantastic!
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21 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I had a terrible experience with another lawyer in the Kennett Borough. Unfortunately, she was shady and did not perform the job she was paid to do. Because of her unprofessionalism, I ended up losing a huge amount of money. Peter helped me with my case and felt so bad that I was treated poorly by a fellow lawyer in the community, he provided his services at no charge. He was truly compassionate and wanted to help me. It was very hard to trust a lawyer after the experience I had. I am glad I was put in contact with Peter and he accepted my case. He has been nothing but knowledgeable and professional right from the start. I would highly recommend him to anyone searching for a trustworthy, dependable lawyer.
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29 May, 2012 by Richard l
I have worked with Neil Land for the past decade and have found him to have an exceptional business law perspective. For my business, Neil serves as our General Counsel with respect to general practice and litigation. He has also handled IP matters from time to time. I have also met other clients of Neil's who have stated that he is an expert on real estate and zoning law, so I'm confident that you'll be as impressed as I've been. He has a calm demeanor and does what he says he'll do. I appreciate that in an attorney and highly recommend Neil Land.
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15 Mar, 2023 by Carol
Leslie was wonderful to work with during a stressful time for me. Leslie’s knowledge base, calm demeanor, professionalism and genuine caring nature all came into play during her aid to my real estate issue. The end result was a successful resolution with no hard feelings. That’s priceless.
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28 May, 2015 by Anonymous
What could be more important -- or daunting -- than selecting an attorney to represent you? Regardless of the type of case, it is crucial to have a good relationship built on mutual trust and respect. Mr. Donze came highly recommended to me, yet still managed to exceed my expectations. He has the rare combination of skill, breadth of expertise, years of experience, and compassion. He listens. He counsels. He goes to bat for you. He cares. His calming manner leaves you with the peace of mind of knowing things will be taken care of. He is confident and likable. Highly recommend.
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16 Feb, 2014 by Marci
Clare Milliner Esq has been my divorce attorney now for two years ! This is/was in no way typical, and is/was usually impeded by my husbands relentless inability to cooperate ! Clare, was always extremely professional , supportive and most important available ! Regardless of my emotional upset at times, not once was criticized, or every spoken too in anyway that was not compassionate and informative ! Looking for perfect Clare Milliner is as close as you will find !
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03 Jan, 2024 by Jen samuel
Five Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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07 Dec, 2023 by Shalene zaucha
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09 Nov, 2023 by Ruth calle
This attorney took advantage of my elderly father. Charged 3.5k as a retainer and till today he hasn’t credited my father. No way it costs that much to print a settlement template and send a few emails. Instead of receive some sort of payment from the defendant during the settlement (Nov of 2022), this attorney pressured my father to await payment from the opposing party in June of 2023 (who till this day hasn’t paid a penny because he’s in prison!!!). This attorney also disclosed information about this case with others who weren’t privy to the case then decided to not continue representing my father after I (an ex law student) mentioned the unethical practices he was conducting. The nerve of his comments below to say it’s false when I have the file in my possession! Please be weary of this attorney!!!
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Ryan Greg Borchik, experienced  attorney in Kennett Square, PA with 20 reviews
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4.7/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
Google Maps
4.5
19 Reviews
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30 Dec, 2022 by Karen bourne
Perna & Abracht LLC Law Offices is one of the best places you can go for your divorce, custody and support matters. I specifically worked with Ryan Borchik. Ryan is the best family law attorney I have ever worked with. From our first meeting, he explained everything to me in terms I could easily understand and was always very responsive when I had questions outside of our meetings. He is very professional and he genuinely cared and he did all the “fighting” for me so I could do more of the “relaxing” in this difficult process. He helped me accomplish what I was looking for in my divorce, custody and support matters. I interacted with most of the staff at Perna & Abracht and they all conducted themselves, the same way that Ryan did!!! One of the things that I loved about this law firm and what I really appreciated about Ryan, is that everyone still has the family values that are extremely important when they are assisting you in your legal matters instead of just a “business transaction” like the rest of the law firms out there. Thank you!
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03 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
For a Father custody and support matters can be daunting in Chester County P.A. What Ryan brings to the table is legitimacy amongst his peers in Chester County, and the combination of knowledge with respect to Family and Criminal law. One could have a slam dunk case and still fail to succeed because they have the wrong representation. Ryan is a former Assistant D.A. That means he brings credibility to your case when before a Master and Judge who KNOWS what Ryans about and is trusted. Ryan is a great listener, communicator, strategist , litigator and has the ability to persuade which is why he is a tops and NEVER lost a case as an assistant district attorney in Chester County. Ryan is humble, has high morals, and most importantly gets you RESULTS. The other thing about Ryan is that he has the ability to help the client understand the situation and given realistic expectations. It’s hard to explain this but I instantly trusted him. This is the lawyer you wish you had but didn’t know existed that’s totally different from most other attorneys in the area. Retain him before your opponent does. You don’t want to go against him !
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24 Feb, 2022 by Caryn pasciak
Personable, friendly, professional. After I moved 45 minutes away, I STILL come back here, just because they are that amazing!
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30 Dec, 2022 by Karen bourne
Perna & Abracht LLC Law Offices is one of the best places you can go for your divorce, custody and support matters. I specifically worked with Ryan Borchik. Ryan is the best family law attorney I have ever worked with. From our first meeting, he explained everything to me in terms I could easily understand and was always very responsive when I had questions outside of our meetings. He is very professional and he genuinely cared and he did all the “fighting” for me so I could do more of the “relaxing” in this difficult process. He helped me accomplish what I was looking for in my divorce, custody and support matters. I interacted with most of the staff at Perna & Abracht and they all conducted themselves, the same way that Ryan did!!! One of the things that I loved about this law firm and what I really appreciated about Ryan, is that everyone still has the family values that are extremely important when they are assisting you in your legal matters instead of just a “business transaction” like the rest of the law firms out there. Thank you!
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03 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Perna took on my family and support cases which are complicated and complex. This man has assembled quite a team. Mr. Perna’s practice handles a wide array of legal matters that often intertwine. I think of Mr. Perna as a general, so-to-speak, who makes a sobering analysis of the situation and deploys his resources accordingly to achieve the best result and/or to mitigate damage. The experience that Mr. Perna brings to the table is what gives him the uncanny ability to strategize in order to bring a most favorable solution. This is one cool customer. Mr. Perna will keep it real and walk you through different hypotheticals and explain why certain courses of actions would likely prevail or fail. He and is firm are very adept with case law. In the event matters escalate to higher levels, he preemptively sets forth the ground work within the foundation of his legal arguments that are sound and have merit. The second you walk into his office to meet with him and the team you’ll feel secure. The retainer and hourly fees are absolutely reasonable. Mr. Perna and his firm will not nickel and dime the client. If YOU want results, security, and have pending legal matters in Chester County, P.A., retain Mr. Perna and his firm, Perna & Abracht , LLC. The magic with this firm is combination of a full-service law firm that gives personal and individualized touch in which they approach legal matters with a team approach.
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24 Feb, 2022 by Caryn pasciak
Personable, friendly, professional. After I moved 45 minutes away, I STILL come back here, just because they are that amazing!
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23 Jan, 2024 by Ken dickinson
This law practice no longer exists Closed due to disciplinary actions. But remains listed on the web when searching. Don't waste your time trying to contact.
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22 Oct, 2020 by Robin west
Exceptional attention to detail with quick service, I am very pleased with their professionalism and support!
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21 Oct, 2020 by Margaret cange
This is a great firm. They are thorough and deliver on their promise. They represented me fairly and made it easy. They did not hound me for payment but trusted me to pay, which I did. I so appreciated their kindness and patience and understanding. Kelly was fantastic!! I would use them again and again. Thank you Kelly!!!
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Cynthia Turner, experienced  attorney in Kennett Square, PA with 14 reviews
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4.6/5
Avvo
5.0
2 Reviews
Google Maps
4.6
12 Reviews
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16 Sep, 2023 by Tara spears
Cindy is very knowledgeable and provided thorough explanations and expert guidance. She is very responsive, compassionate, and professional, which made me feel at ease during an overwhelming time. During our discussions, she made me feel seen, heard, and understood. I felt confident attending various meetings because of her preparedness, communication, and thoroughness. I am very fortunate to have had Cindy as my attorney, and she has my highest of recommendations.
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15 Sep, 2023 by Tara
Cindy is very knowledgeable and provided thorough explanations and expert guidance. She is very responsive, compassionate, and professional, which made me feel at ease during an overwhelming time. During our discussions, she made me feel seen, heard, and understood. I felt confident attending various meetings because of her preparedness, communication, and thoroughness. I am very fortunate to have had Cindy as my attorney, and she has my highest of recommendations.
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30 Aug, 2023 by Douglas fletcher
Cindy helped me through a difficult time in my life. She was an ear for me when I needed one. In my divorce case we used a mediator. Cindy represented me and was always available to discuss different issues and always had good suggestions. Thanks
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16 Sep, 2023 by Tara spears
Cindy is very knowledgeable and provided thorough explanations and expert guidance. She is very responsive, compassionate, and professional, which made me feel at ease during an overwhelming time. During our discussions, she made me feel seen, heard, and understood. I felt confident attending various meetings because of her preparedness, communication, and thoroughness. I am very fortunate to have had Cindy as my attorney, and she has my highest of recommendations.
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30 Aug, 2023 by Douglas fletcher
Cindy helped me through a difficult time in my life. She was an ear for me when I needed one. In my divorce case we used a mediator. Cindy represented me and was always available to discuss different issues and always had good suggestions. Thanks
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31 May, 2023 by Chris
Great guy to have on your case!
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30 Jan, 2020 by Paul
Hired this guy for a civil matter and he was terrible. Was late for meeting, unprepared for the court hearing. Basically drained the retainer then wanted to be removed from case and keep the retainer. In the end, I was worst off and had to get a real lawyer to clean his mess up. Hiring him is the same as no representation at all, actually you be better off without over having him.
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06 Sep, 2016 by Albert
Tom was consistently professional from oyr very first meeting till my hearing today. His advise led to the best possible outcome. While others were given different penalties, or delays in the process because of incomplete requirements, i was given the lightest possible sentencing because Tom has provided step by step instructions. He also contacted me unsolicited to advise and remind.
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06 Oct, 2023 by Valerie
I had the pleasure of working with John once upon a time. He is an excellent attorney. Lucky for me I do not need an attorney at this time he explained.
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24 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
I was originally planning to plead guilty to my second DUI with a public defender and this lawyers partner promised he could probably get me off. So I hired him then the day before my hearing he said he couldn't make it to my hearing. So he gave me this guy his partner to represent me. I was ultimately told I had no defense in the end. Then he screwed up my paperwork at my sentencing hearing and I almost sat in jail for 6 months because he didn't label that the judge said I could be paroled after 30 days. Also at the sentencing he didn't check off that the judge approved work release eligible as he promised and I had to wait another week for the judge to sign off that I could get on work release. I don't recommend this lawyer or his partner. They were not prompt at returning my phone calls either. I feel after talking about my case with a lot of other people that if I would have had a better lawyer, I would not have gotten charged with this at all based on the circumstances around how I was arrested.
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21 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
I was not guilty and never been in trouble before in my whole entire life. I wanted to take my case to trial but nope he made plea bargain and got me worse deal ever for first time plus for truly being not guilty. Would not recommend.
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14 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
In February 2017, I hired and paid Mr. Rassman to draft and file a custody agreement for me. The draft took several months to finalize after multiple attempts to communicate with Mark. Eventually the final agreement was mailed to myself and my ex husband. We signed the agreement and mailed it back to Mark per his request. At that time Mr. Rassman told me he had received the signed copy and had filed it with our county court. Several more months went by with me requesting an update from Mark on the status of my custody agreement. Eventually I called the court myself and ask for an update. At that time I was informed there was no custody agreement under my last name. I immediately contacted Mr. Rassman via phone, text and email but never heard from him again. I attempted to hold Mark accountable by taking him to small claims court but he never appeared for our scheduled date. Unfortunately more than 2 years later, I still do not have a custody agreement and I have never been reimbursed.
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23 May, 2013 by Mark
He never showed for any of the District Courts hearings, had to waive all my charges without any representation, was even advised by two different Judge's Judge Mylin and Judge Benner of Lancaster County to fire him and get another attorney. Then when my hearings were at the common pleas level he lied to me and said I had to plead guilty to all my charges to be quallified for the ARD Program. I never was offered the ARD Program & I received over $12,000.00 dollars in fines and cost and 11 years license suspension, and can not even applied for a bread and butter license because I was tricked to plead guilty to do ARD program.
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15 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr Kalmbach did the very least he could do to represent me. He was assigned by the Federal Court to defend me and rarely returned calls or emails, skipped a scheduled meeting, and provided virtually no guidance or assistance in helping my defense.
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11 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
talks a good game but does not deliver. she explains all the effort she is going to make but pretty much just bills you to do administrative duties. she didn't even come to my court case she sent an assistant who had never had any experience in court. fresh out of college. Needless to say I wasn't very happy to be the case to get her new hire experience in court.
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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:

  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.

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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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