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29 Jun, 2022 by Jay
Right now, you're probably reading these reviews and hoping that you find an attorney that fits the description you may have created in your head: professional, thorough, savvy, communicative, zealous to fight for you. You're lucky, because you've just found her. Cheryl is all of these, and so much more. I've had a few attorneys represent me throughout my life, and I can say that the romanticized ideas about them are usually untrue. Generally, they exist on a spectrum from highly competent to laughably inept...with most of them landing closer to "inept". "C's get degrees" as the old college adage goes...and nowhere does this seem to be more true than when it concerns attorneys. Cheryl outshines them all. And that's not an exaggeration. I hired her to represent me in an employment matter: we had frequent brainstorming sessions, she educated me on the finer points of the law in my situation, sent me case law, responded quickly to all my emails and calls (sometimes less than a minute afterward) and believed in what I was trying to accomplish and the rationale behind it. Ultimately, we settled the matter out of court for a sum I'm very happy with. She is truly far above her peers. It is my privilege to recommend her wholeheartedly to you. “It had been her fortune to possess a finer mind than most of the persons among whom her lot was cast; to have a larger perception of surrounding facts and to care for knowledge that was tinged with the unfamiliar.” ― Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady
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01 Apr, 2019 by Kim
I contacted, consulted with and hired C. Sovern to represent me in a matter of employment. She was knowledgeable, professional, and caring. She took my case and worked with me via email which expedited the process rather than my having to meet her each time at the office. She always asked me how I wished to progress and we were successful in the resolution of my case.
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08 Mar, 2019 by Wayne van valkenburgh
Cheryl was prompt and thorough and was there to ask any questions. She made this process pleasurable and easy
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21 Jun, 2019 by Dan
I have used Jennifer multiple times for years and she always goes above and beyond to achieve a desired result. Through numerous tickets, citations, and now real estate she has been honest and told me what could happen without sugarcoating it. I've been amazed at the results everytime even when the outcome didnt look promising. I refer everyone to her with confidence and they were always pleased afterward. Legal or real estate Jennifer should be your first call!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Deb dimauro
I've talked to two separate lawyers, for different needs, as well as Courtney. All of them have been fantastic! They have been super flexible about my crazy work schedule (front line nurse). I highly recommend their company, for any needs you may have!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Katherine mcmahon
We were left with a very bad taste in our mouths after working with this law firm. Things were always left up to the last minute by them when we were in the process of buying our house. Also, the attorney never directly contacted our realtor. All contact with us and our attorney was through the paralegal. Our realtor said he was pretty shocked that the he never was contacted by the attorney, and the realtor said this had never happened before through all his realty experience. We were left frustrated and stressed the day of the closing, as we were not told until less than 24 hours before closing that a bank check was required. My husband spoke to the paralegal, and she said she has been yelled at many times right before closings because details are often given last minute--just like with us. If something keeps happening that produces a poor experience for your client, you should change the way you operate. We are just glad to be done with this company.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Eric landry
Had a great experience with Diana and her team for our will & testament. Highly recommend!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Deb dimauro
I've talked to two separate lawyers, for different needs, as well as Courtney. All of them have been fantastic! They have been super flexible about my crazy work schedule (front line nurse). I highly recommend their company, for any needs you may have!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Katherine mcmahon
We were left with a very bad taste in our mouths after working with this law firm. Things were always left up to the last minute by them when we were in the process of buying our house. Also, the attorney never directly contacted our realtor. All contact with us and our attorney was through the paralegal. Our realtor said he was pretty shocked that the he never was contacted by the attorney, and the realtor said this had never happened before through all his realty experience. We were left frustrated and stressed the day of the closing, as we were not told until less than 24 hours before closing that a bank check was required. My husband spoke to the paralegal, and she said she has been yelled at many times right before closings because details are often given last minute--just like with us. If something keeps happening that produces a poor experience for your client, you should change the way you operate. We are just glad to be done with this company.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Eric landry
Had a great experience with Diana and her team for our will & testament. Highly recommend!
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30 May, 2024 by Clyde pierce
Met and exceeded our financial expectations! Kept us informed and were just great folks all around.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Anne daley
We reached out to Kate Ernst to do our will and other estate paperwork on the recommendation of a family member. The office responded quickly and were professional in our dealings. We were pleased with the thoroughness yet simplicity in how everything was explained. The fee was also more reasonable than other firms we had looked into.
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14 Feb, 2024 by Phillip ardell
I was very impressed with my first meeting with Jim Trainor. He listened intentlyband was extremely knowledgeable. Most definitely a client!
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25 Aug, 2023 by Kathleen copp
Excellent experience. Fully explained the process and offered sound advice. I have referred two friends to her so far.
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22 May, 2023 by Rich palazzo
It was great working with Debbie Cutler at Cutler and Cutler in Malta. Expertise and Details were the reason I chose them
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26 Feb, 2023 by Bryan licata
Have used them for multiple services: will, trust, PoA, etc. Always extremely attentive and responsive and make sure we consider items we never would have thought of on our own.
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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.

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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