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John Thomas Billings, experienced  attorney in La Plata, MD with 2 reviews
Average
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44,03
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
Google Maps
5.0
1 Reviews
star star star star star
01 Mar, 2023 by Nicole hardesty
Mr Ray is great!! Had represented our family in several cases! Highly-recomended!
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21 Feb, 2019 by Susan
John Billings represented me in my sisters Trust. He did an excellent job communicating with all sides, retrieving my fair share. He’s not only very intelligent, skilled, tactful and gracious, but also a genuinely good human being. I find it hard to get these qualities in other attorneys. I was very lucky that he chose to represent me.
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William Charles Fanning JR, experienced Child Custody, Child Support attorney in La Plata, MD with 20 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
41,52
star star star star star
4.7/5
Avvo
4.7
20 Reviews
star star star star star
25 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Bill definitely fought hard for me and my daughter. Having seen the opposing side and counsel he was cool and never resorted to childish court room theatrics. Told methe truth of what to expect and happen. His give a little now and see the light at the end if the tunnel approach is accurate and holds true. As a father fighting hard for the safety and well being of my daughter it was tough accept the courts decision, but Bill reassured me that this pain will be short lived and greener pastures await. Thank you Bill, Jennifer and all the amazing office staff.
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09 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Fanning is an amazing highly intelligent lawyer. I am grateful for his passion, dedication, and professionalism. Thank you so much!
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26 Oct, 2020 by Carolyn
Epic fail. Charges for every little thing, even if you call him or email him. Had nothing to day in court, as if he were a new lawyer. Shameful and downright embarrassing. Would have done a better job representing myself.
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Albert Hughes Williams, experienced Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence attorney in La Plata, MD with 114 reviews
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info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,95
star star star star star
4.7/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
Google Maps
4.7
113 Reviews
star star star star star
02 Oct, 2024 by Lanny weese
Mr. Matin is by far the best defense attorney you could have. Along with his intelligence and integrity, he is an outstandingly caring person. He makes time in his extremely busy schedule to personally call his clients and keep them at ease during a stressful situation. I highly recommend The Law Office of Hammad Matin to anyone in need of his services, you will not find a better attorney along with his staff who is always very pleasant and will also go above and beyond to meet the needs of their clients.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Shay s
Hands down The best attorney in Charles County. When he walks in the courtroom sit back and get ready for the Matin show!! He goes above and beyond for his clients to get the best possible outcome. I’m telling you if you are facing serious charges, don’t be cheap and put your freedom in nobody else’s hands. Contact The Law Office of Hammad Matin he treat these cases as if his freedom is on the line!! The State’s Attorney knows when Matin is on the case it’s going to be a long trial. He’s not going down without a fight!! Trust me numbers doesn’t lie!! He’s “HIM” A beast
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25 Jul, 2024 by S weber
Mr.Matin is on my opinion, the best lawyer in our area. His knowledge of the law is amazing! He is kind to his clients, but firm in the courtroom, also very thorough with his research. I highly recommend him for any case you may need him for.
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William Mark Burgess, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in La Plata, MD with 158 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,72
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
4.5
2 Reviews
Google Maps
5.0
156 Reviews
star star star star star
07 Jan, 2025 by Doris walsh
I was involved in a personal injury accident and working with Mr. William Burgess and his team made things so much easier his office was very helpful and informative. I would definitely recommend using them again if needed. Thank you to Mr. Burgess and his amazing staff.
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09 Nov, 2024 by Judy clark
Mr. Burgess and his staff were an exceptional team! He settled my case in record time. I would recommend him to anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident! Thank you again!
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star star star star star
09 Nov, 2024 by Eley brian
The Law Office was professional and provided superior service and honest expectations. They worked hard to deliver the settlement that was fair from my auto accident. I highly recommend the Law Office of Burgess.
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John Taft Loughney, experienced Family Law attorney in La Plata, MD with 1 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,03
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
star star star star star
09 Oct, 2019 by Sean
John was brought into my custody modification very late in the stages before trial and he was able to help me get more time with my son. I would recommend John to anyone who is looking for a talented young attorney who gets things done.
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John Francis Mudd, experienced Criminal Defense attorney in La Plata, MD with 1 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,03
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
star star star star star
06 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
The absolute best lawyer to hire in LavPlata, or all of Charles County, MD... bar none!! I've been very impressed with every legal issue handled for me and watched him hard work for others too. Thanx John for all your expert services rendered....
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Hammad Shaikh Matin, experienced Criminal Defense attorney in La Plata, MD with 113 reviews
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info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
38,97
star star star star star
4.7/5
Google Maps
4.7
113 Reviews
star star star star star
02 Oct, 2024 by Lanny weese
Mr. Matin is by far the best defense attorney you could have. Along with his intelligence and integrity, he is an outstandingly caring person. He makes time in his extremely busy schedule to personally call his clients and keep them at ease during a stressful situation. I highly recommend The Law Office of Hammad Matin to anyone in need of his services, you will not find a better attorney along with his staff who is always very pleasant and will also go above and beyond to meet the needs of their clients.
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star star star star star
09 Aug, 2024 by Shay s
Hands down The best attorney in Charles County. When he walks in the courtroom sit back and get ready for the Matin show!! He goes above and beyond for his clients to get the best possible outcome. I’m telling you if you are facing serious charges, don’t be cheap and put your freedom in nobody else’s hands. Contact The Law Office of Hammad Matin he treat these cases as if his freedom is on the line!! The State’s Attorney knows when Matin is on the case it’s going to be a long trial. He’s not going down without a fight!! Trust me numbers doesn’t lie!! He’s “HIM” A beast
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star star star star star
25 Jul, 2024 by S weber
Mr.Matin is on my opinion, the best lawyer in our area. His knowledge of the law is amazing! He is kind to his clients, but firm in the courtroom, also very thorough with his research. I highly recommend him for any case you may need him for.
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Robert M Burke, experienced Estate Planning, Real Estate attorney in La Plata, MD with 27 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
38,33
star star star star star
4.9/5
Google Maps
4.9
27 Reviews
star star star star star
28 Sep, 2024 by Rebecca turner
I was treated with respect and given excellent advice. This company has a great reputation in the community. They handled my business with efficiency and competence. I recommend them highly.
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29 May, 2024 by Carla machado-edelen
Bob Burke was a pleasure to work with. He explained the process with best options and made it less complicated than I expected. I was very pleased to know he has 30 yrs of state planning experience.
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01 Oct, 2023 by George echino
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Juan Talib-Deen El-Amin, experienced Insurance, Litigation attorney in La Plata, MD with 156 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
35,16
star star star star star
5.0/5
Google Maps
5.0
156 Reviews
star star star star star
07 Jan, 2025 by Doris walsh
I was involved in a personal injury accident and working with Mr. William Burgess and his team made things so much easier his office was very helpful and informative. I would definitely recommend using them again if needed. Thank you to Mr. Burgess and his amazing staff.
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09 Nov, 2024 by Judy clark
Mr. Burgess and his staff were an exceptional team! He settled my case in record time. I would recommend him to anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident! Thank you again!
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star star star star star
09 Nov, 2024 by Eley brian
The Law Office was professional and provided superior service and honest expectations. They worked hard to deliver the settlement that was fair from my auto accident. I highly recommend the Law Office of Burgess.
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Fernando Esteban Guerra, experienced  attorney in La Plata, MD with 3 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
35,09
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
3 Reviews
star star star star star
07 Jun, 2022 by Matt
Fernando recently represented me in a custody case and was an exceptional attorney. From the initial consultation to the final hearing, Fernando was very helpful, listened to my concerns, gave realistic expectations on my case, had thorough explanations on all aspects of the case, was diligent to keep me updated throughout the process, and had excellent communication. As a single father, I believe that Fernando truly took into consideration the best interest of myself and my sons and attempted to work with the opposing attorney to come to fair and equitable outcome. I also appreciate his honesty in providing fair, reasonable, and detailed billing statements. I would highly recommend Fernando for any custody matters.
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27 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Over my bankruptcy process and he was incredibly knowledgeable and clear. He was so nice to deal with and such a thorough professional and personable lawyer. Unlike any lawyer I've ever seen before. Competent and nice! Terrific experience! Highly recommend!
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27 Oct, 2016 by Phillip
I recently contacted Fernando for consultation in regards to a pending landlord lawsuit. Fernando was very helpful and laid out clearly what my rights and options were. His professional and personable demeanor helped me turn a very stressful situation into one with great confidence. His advice led to a successful outcome and I was able to get back to everyday life. Great lawyer to have on your side!
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Edward Warren Olmsted, experienced Criminal Defense, Estate Planning attorney in La Plata, MD with 1 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
35,03
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
star star star star star
20 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Olmsted provided sound advice on my traffic violation(s) and he obtained very positive results for both my cases. He clearly explained how the proceeding would go and he also explained the results clearly. I highly recommend him!
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Keith Andrew Horton, experienced  attorney in La Plata, MD with 1 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
35,03
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
star star star star star
22 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Keith Horton did an outstanding job representing me with my case. He was great about responding to my questions and was helpful in all aspects of handling my case. Keith was very helpful and always professional. Thank you Keith.
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Shelley R. Culhane, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in La Plata, MD with 31 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
30,62
star star star star star
4.6/5
Google Maps
4.6
31 Reviews
star star star star star
19 Oct, 2024 by Little beans orphan ark rescue
Very reasonable and friendly service.
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29 Feb, 2024 by Wilkins chiropractic center
Google Maps
star star star star star
19 Dec, 2023 by Katherine d.
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Rudolf Ambrose Carrico Jr, experienced Criminal Defense, Estate Planning attorney in La Plata, MD with 8 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
26,78
star star star star star
4.5/5
Google Maps
4.5
8 Reviews
star star star star star
02 Feb, 2023 by Angel simmons
Rudy Carrico has helped my Mother and I many times. He is an excellent attorney who really cares about his clients. He has always put his community and family first, selflessly supporting important issues which help many others. Rudy is the first person I will call if I have any legal questions. I trust him completely to always do the right thing with conscientious follow thru - just like his Father (Rudolf Carrico) - another important attorney in Charles County did for our community for many years! And Rudy’s staff is excellent as well. I cannot recommend Rudy Carrico enough for all your legal needs. You will not be disappointed, and you will be treated with importance, care, and compassion, along with being given the best legal services available!
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star star star star star
02 Jan, 2023 by Max garner (maxscout)
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star star star star star
01 Dec, 2022 by Joel c
Pompous and arrogant for absolutely no reason! AVOID!
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Sophia Lorain Hollis, experienced Business, Criminal Defense attorney in La Plata, MD with 28 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
25,87
star star star star star
3.9/5
Avvo
3.0
2 Reviews
Google Maps
4.0
26 Reviews
star star star star star
02 Aug, 2024 by L. m. grozev
My case is ongoing currently, but I love that he itemizes everything on the bill and consistently updates weekly (through paralegal). I think for the quality of the attention to detail his fees are reasonable. The office is great and responds quickly if I have a question. I really do feel that he cares and it's not just about making his living. My case is family court related. He is 1000x better than an office I worked with previously. (Not in the state of MD) The outcome is based on my strength to push through and to make sure to throughly communicate.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Casey reed
Do not use this lawyer. I used him for a custody case and end up with nothing but a bill. The day of my final case he throw my case away to go to the airport to get his son. He did nothing of what he talked about or had me pay for when he did an amended complaint on my case. So I refused to pay the rest of the bill so he took me to court.
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01 Feb, 2024 by John brassfield
Don’t even bother!!! They are quick to quote a price and then hang up on you when you ask about it or why it is 200 for 30 min? So quick I could even say ok and thank you!! And if this wasn’t enough I called back requesting to speak with the manager as this is very unprofessional. When she picked up she told me she had othe things to deal with and hung up 🆙 n me as well!!!! Unreal!! Look for someone that care about you not just your money. I’m already miserable as I’m looking at divorce so can’t you be nice!!
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Sue A. Greer, experienced Government, Real Estate attorney in La Plata, MD with 5 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
24,99
star star star star star
4.2/5
Google Maps
4.2
5 Reviews
star star star star star
24 Mar, 2021 by Clover wilson
Very pleasant customer service. Second time using for mortgage financing. Highly recommended.
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20 Nov, 2020 by Meredith wagner
Sue Greer of The Greer Law Firm is a wonderful asset to the Laplata community. She is a professional, knowledgeable, and hard working attorney and genuinely cares about her clients and her community. She has greatly helped local businesses on a professional and personal level during this difficult time of COVID19.
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23 Sep, 2020 by Jennifer yates
Sue Greer is not only a very professional and hardworking attorney, she is also a compassionate and caring person. I retained Sue during one of the most devastating times of mine and my family’s lives. She worked diligently and meticulously on our case. She was there for us for every phone call, email, and meeting. There were so many people who told us to walk away and suffer our losses. Sue NEVER gave up. She made sure that my family and I were able to live a normal life again. Her perseverance and dedication to her clients knows no boundaries. She is our angel.
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Reuben Burton Collins II, experienced Business, Real Estate attorney in La Plata, MD with 26 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
24,02
star star star star star
4.0/5
Google Maps
4.0
26 Reviews
star star star star star
02 Aug, 2024 by L. m. grozev
My case is ongoing currently, but I love that he itemizes everything on the bill and consistently updates weekly (through paralegal). I think for the quality of the attention to detail his fees are reasonable. The office is great and responds quickly if I have a question. I really do feel that he cares and it's not just about making his living. My case is family court related. He is 1000x better than an office I worked with previously. (Not in the state of MD) The outcome is based on my strength to push through and to make sure to throughly communicate.
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star star star star star
08 Jul, 2024 by Nancy wild
Lies lies lies
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08 Jul, 2024 by Daniel simons
I found William through the bar association, searching for a reputable lawyer can be very cumbersome and frustrating. I am aware that there are alot of lawyers out there with little experience and will tell you anything just to separate you from your money. Speaking with WIlliam instantly aleviated my fears and concerns. He was obviously very knowledgeable, experienced and I could tell client care was a priority. I was comfortable speaking about personal matters and I fully trust him to handle my affairs. I hope that this review is helpful and will sway someone to schedule a consultation if they are looking for a trustworthy good lawyer.
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James Joseph Gorney, experienced Insurance, Litigation attorney in La Plata, MD with 2 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
13,69
star star star star star
3.0/5
Avvo
3.0
2 Reviews
star star star star star
27 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Jim has helped me with multiple matters related to my business over the past year. He's done exactly as we needed and asked at reasonable cost. He's very professional and patient and has been very willing to take extra time to make sure I understand the legal process in each case, even when it's a flat fee issue and he has absolutely no incentive to spend extra time helping me.
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29 Jan, 2013 by Us
All he want is your money and not caring at all no you are not paying him to be caring but you dont desire it to be obvious he was hired for a case that didn't even go to court and all he did was ask for money we had to call him for information. When we asked him questions we can tell he didn't give a dame and just wanted us off the phone, will over talk you can't get a word in with this guy. Go with a another attorney, I was being sued by a gold digger and didn't realize we hired another gold digger to represent us. We had spoken with another attorney but we didn't have all the money at the time to hire him so this attorney gladly took OUR CASE AND ALL he wanted to know was when are you going to pay.. STAY AWAY FROM THIS GUY THERE ARE GOOD LAWYERS WHO CARE IN LAPLATA My stupidity. lesson learned. GO THE OTHER WAY
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William C. Fanning, Jr., experienced  attorney in La Plata, MD with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
8,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Mark Dolan Mudd, experienced Trusts attorney in La Plata, MD with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Francis Jones, experienced  attorney in La Plata, MD with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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William C. Fanning, Jr., experienced  attorney in La Plata, MD with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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James J. Gorney, experienced  attorney in La Plata, MD with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Nancy L Slepicka, experienced Government, Real Estate attorney in La Plata, MD with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Wilmer R Ticer, experienced Business, Criminal Defense attorney in La Plata, MD with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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William Franklin Olmsted, experienced Criminal Defense, Estate Planning attorney in La Plata, MD with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Franklin Bigelow Olmsted, experienced Criminal Defense, Litigation attorney in La Plata, MD with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Nicholas James Panos, experienced  attorney in La Plata, MD with  reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0/5
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John Francis Mudd, experienced  attorney in La Plata, MD with  reviews
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info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0/5
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Matthew Bryan Hawkins, experienced  attorney in La Plata, MD with  reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0/5
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Discover the ideal lawyer
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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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