Filter by

star star star star star
28 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Aparentaba saber y conocer muy bien el tema de migracion pero la verdad solo me arrastro alo ondo siempre llega tarde cómete errores que talvez ni los pricipiantes por más que tuvimos una gran oportunidad y a mi parecer no tan difícil no supo explotarla ahora entiendo lo de .. no hay casos malos sino abogados malos solo espero en Dios lo mejor y encontrar un buen abogado que me ayude a salir de esto.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
09 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Alan is incompetent and has no patience. He is very unprofessional when speaking to his clients, and doesn't seem to have a care in the world about anything, I mean we can tell just by his appearance. He lacks self-awareness and is selfish. No idea how he could have kept this job for so long. Seriously, look elsewhere and save yourself the time. All in all, I do not recommend. I'm extremely confident of the fact that a blind 3rd-grader has the ability to do a better job than Alan.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
25 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Ms. Bucher handled my trial case with complete disregard of my best interest or her best abilities in mind. She almost allowed the party making allegations against me to exit the court room without cross examining them. She didn't submit vital evidence for jury view after having me under the guise it was submitted in & stated she "forgot" to have it officially placed in. I expressed I would no longer need her assistance due to her negligence and sudden change in temperament on the case & she began to wave me off while speaking. Shortly after she made it clear she would be removing herself as counsel. At my next appearance she was present but refused to speak with me when approached leaving me completely unprepared for what would happen at my sentencing. All of this egregious behavior came after pleasant interactions with Ms.Bucher. In matters of law which is already a burden, it wouldn't be wise to take a gamble with the potential of your case by allowing her to be your representation.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
23 Feb, 2021 by Juan
Jenifer michaelson lied about evidence in my case. She refused to listen to my story refused to file any motions and constantly pressured me to plead guilty to a crime I did not commit! Do to her being my lawyer and threatening me with malicious prosecution I had to plead guilty and go to jail for something I didn't do. If anyone needs verification of this I can be reached 646 904 1740 thank you
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
02 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
This lawyer was the A.D.A. in my arrest case. When my lawyer told her about evidence which could have gotten my case thrown out, she refused to look at it, in direct violation of the Brady v. Maryland ruling. On the same note, my defense attorney, Steven Isaacs, as well a useless lawyer, didn't fight for me. It should have been his job to say to her, you have to look at this, or I'll tell the judge. This evidence, Isaacs said, was "trial evidence". Both of them are total rejects.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
14 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Don't call this lawyer, he asked $20,000 for just an arraignment. A scammer.
Read more Avvo
See 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:

  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.
Scroll to top