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26 Feb, 2015 by Diana
Both Mr. Reed and his wife have worked on my personal injury case. They have kept me informed and are very knowledgeable in the process. They are professional and always on point with responses to the insurance company's attorney. The insurance company of the individual who rear-ended me at a traffic stop has refused to pay my medical bills. The Reed Law Firm, has been firm and professional in their request that the case be settled. I am confident that we will end up with a favorable outcome. I was previously represented my Ms. Reed in my divorce; I was very please with the representation I received during the divorce. Ms. Reed worked relentlessly, I felt very well represented, Ms. Reed took over my divorce case after a unpleasant experience with another female attorney who lacked in professionalism, ethics and compassion. I can't say enough about both Mr. and Mrs. Reed in the manner in which they have represented me. I was new to this area and did not where to turn when by chance I ran into an individual who highly recommended Ms. Reed to me.
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30 Jan, 2015 by Victoria
I hired Mr. Reed to represent me in a contested divorce. He kept me constantly informed and up-to date throughout the entire case. He was knowledgeable and a great advocate for me. He was great in the courtroom, and we got a complete victory in my opinion. I highly recommend Mr. Reed.
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30 Jan, 2015 by Cole
I worked with Both Richard and his wife/partner, Vanessa on a complicated and important pre-nuptial agreement. I found the entire firm to be absolutely first class. I was originally thinking I would go it alone and write up my own pre-nup using online searches to gather information. THAT would have been a huge mistake, they pointed out many items I would have missed had I done that.
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28 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Armistead is a fantastic attorney. Not only is he experienced, but he is extremely knowledgeable and detail-oriented. Nothing gets past him. He has a commanding presence in the courtroom and knows procedures and evidence like the back of his hand. I would certainly not want to be the attorney against whom he is trying a case. I without hesitation recommend Mr. Armistead for anyone in need of an attorney for a contract dispute or family law issue.
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07 Dec, 2020 by Robert
Despite the complexity of my case. Mr.Armistead stayed true to everything we discussed. He planned accordingly on how to proceed with patience. Overall gaining custody of my children. Thank you
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07 Dec, 2020 by Ashleigh
Mr Armistead stayed in constant contact with me during every step of my case.
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24 Sep, 2019 by Paul
Maureen was the third lawyer with whom I spoke about my need to file for divorce. I chose Maureen to represent me because of her ability to look beyond the conversation toward what it may take to reach the objective. She was always attentive to my concerns and brought me back to focus when it seemed to me that the situation may be going sideways. She has a sense of compassion that managed to bring calm to a very stressful situation. She prepared me for any outcome; good, bad or indifferent. Maureen guided me through each step of the process so that I was included. I knew then as I know now that Maureen is a professional that displays a tremendous level of integrity, compassion, patience and interest in the task at hand.
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02 Mar, 2019 by Anne
From the moment of my first meeting with Maureen she made it clear she was in my corner and ready to go to bat. She was very nurturing and also a very strong, knowledgeable and talented attorney. She got me a very good result and did it in a way to where my ex husband and I are still friendly. She and Teresa have even been very helpful with paperwork and advice after the whole process has been over.
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08 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Maureen is fast, experienced, confident, perceptive, and passionate. She cares about her clients, and she’s responsible with your money. I honestly believe you won’t find anyone more qualified. Thanks again, Maureen!
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26 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Horrible attorney he is lazy! Waits until day of court to review your file. He is unresponsive. expects you to lead him in defending your case in court as if you went to law school. He has no people skills will just repeat “oh yea I like to win” over and over again. All talk no action attorney. I have dealt with numerous lawyers and this one right here makes you question the whole entire process of becoming a lawyer. I knew more then he did. He’s also not respected by prosecutors or judge they play with him in court like a child. I have seen public defenders do excellent jobs for free. I’m looking to file a complaint with the board regarding his behavior. He is a no go! Do not waste your time and he plays on fear tells you bs that’s completely not true. So educate yourself look up laws online he taught me not to ever put your own freedom in anyone’s hands because they will screw u if they are not about standing by you. Oh and his whole entire office is a joke I skipped over to another lawyer and when I tell you results in three weeks that this guy couldn’t provide in 3 months. Literally couldn’t stand him he won’t even greet you in court he treats you like he’s prosecution. But he’s literally a big annoying joke. I never take the time out to write reviews but felt the need because this experience was a jaw dropper. I don’t know how in the world he got a license and my case was so small. He needs to study for that bar exam over again!
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30 Jan, 2019 by Joel
I used Mr. Morrison for a driving on a suspended I received. He provided top notch service and Acheived excellent results for my case. He exceeded my expectations with results achieved. I highly recommend using Matthew Morrison as your attorney. You won’t be disappointed! Thank you! Joel Unger
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19 Nov, 2018 by Sean
He treated me the way a deputy treats a prisoner. I'm going to begin by saying I have sustained a lot of injury to my brain and am not smart. My car was hijacked with me in the passenger seat, and the hijackers OD'ed (but were still breathing despite being catatonic). An onlooker called the police and I was charged for possessing their drugs even though there were still two bags of drugs in my car when I got it back, meaning the floormats and glove compartment had not been searched by the police, who reported that all bags of drugs were found in the pocket in the passenger seat where I was sitting, when that wasn't the case. The wife of the man who kidnapped me must have put all the evidence there while the police thought she was unresponsive, because she was waking up as the police arrived and made me get out of the car first, leaving her alone in the car for a minute. The police also "lost" $300 of my stuff including, literally, the key to the car. Matt told me I was not telling the truth and refused to join any line of conversation that wasn't about him irrefutably calling all of the shots----throughout his entire lifetime----always and forever the biggest diva ever to strut about the crust of the earth. He said that he tells all his clients to write on a fresh sheet of paper that they would like him to submit a guilty plea: meaning he systematically tells all his clients that they are lying to him and actually are criminals regardless of their innocence or guilt. He's been in Manassas for years and had just been a police officer here for a decade, and then a lawyer for around the same amount of time but he implied that he didn't know the officer who arrested me who is not a newbie, and would ostensibly know Matt if they worked for years in the same place. I just don't see any redemption for Matt. Lying makes things inconvenient for others in your community, but to use lying to make others decide out of terror to also lie is the definition of a criminal in my book--someone who needs to be put away indefinitely. Imagine hiring a lawyer and when you go over the case he points fingers at you for crimes that were done against you, he wont respond to anything other than "Tell the judge I'm guilty", he repeats himself a thousand times about how his experience is the end-all-be-all of subjectivities and that the whole time every planet has been revolving around him he's "never" seen a case where someone claimed to be innocent. Yeah right. I was arrested for possessing drugs that I don't know how imbibe in, and to be honest Matt made me want to fatally OD on drugs even though I'm too scared to use a syringe. To rephrase it to make this statement completely impartial, Matt thinks highly of himself and I would like to bring death upon myself as a result of his actions toward me. People get put to death in this state, and then there's people like Matthew James Morrison. Who's ready to drive to their hearing with Matt as their lawyer? Hey, I'm unfortunately still alive to tell the tale: I dare you to hire Matt, and find out whether you'll go over the case with him at his office or soil your pants before making it through all the way. I do this with all my clients. Write down on a piece of paper that you would like to have Matt be your lawyer and then sign it. Potentially I could find you to contain a shred of sanity otherwise. This is a lawyer who for absolutely no reason tells you he called you multiple times when he didn't and you have the same phone number as always. Seriously--and he didn't even inform me of the reason why he called--he just wanted me to feel like I was in the wrong so that what he had made me do would line up with him making me feel like I was in the wrong for not answering his calls. I have brain damage, ok? I'm not smart. Matt, though? He's some kind of mastermind.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Thomas
David McKennett and his team are top of the line. We have been working with David and his firm for over two years now. Truly professional, competent, knowledgeable and honest. If you’re in need of legal services look no further and contact this firm. I highly recommend
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01 Feb, 2019 by Tammy
This Attorney is Manassas' best kept secret. Hired him to help us resolve landlord issue best case scenario to try to get it dismissed ..... he won the case for us recovered attorney fees and got our deposit back plus damages. He restored our faith in the justice system.
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06 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Pros: fast to respond, easy to communicate, helpful general advise Cons: did not go into specifics of my issue.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
I recently hired Donna based on her website and the testimonials. That was my bad. I now know that Donna has had 5 different lawyer firms in like 5 years so I didn't see all the bad reviews. Donnie is kinda mean and talks down to her clients. She bills alot. Like every possible penny. She lost our case and just giggled and sent more invoices. She humiliated me and made me poorer than i was before my ex. I wish I could go back and hire a good lawyer. There are way better lawyers than her.
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30 Mar, 2023 by Steve
Through an extremely difficult situation Donna and with an ex that is a psychopath, Donna was able to provide help and counsel. She worked hard to provide the best resolution to a seemingly impossible issue. Her fees were reasonable and she used her staff to keep the bills down where appropriate.
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28 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).
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10 Dec, 2022 by Sarkawt shamsulddin
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30 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
a while ago, The Manassas court attorney referral department referred me ( for a reasonable of $75.00 or so ) to contact attorney Scott J. Newton. My first meeting with Attorney Newton was great he was very informative on my options to my case that I had won judgement by the court . couple months later I decided to hire Mr. Scott J. Newton and use his services to follow-up and continue my small case. So I went ahead and called his Manassas office, a receptionist answered. I asked her if I could speak with attorney Newton regarding a previous consultation I had with the Attorney, she asked me multiple questions as if she was checking if my case was worth the attorney's time. then i was transferred to a different receptionist, I again asked if I could speak with attorney Newton, then i was transferred back to the first receptionist. I again asked if attorney Newton was available. Her responds was " "Mr. Newton Does recall speaking with you but you will have to schedule an appointment again with Mr. Newton. You will have to pay a fee of $250.00 for your visit again " Wow ! So my personal experience is that, Mr. Newton and his staff are all about their own benefit and not about helping. So I don't think its fair to pay this attorney 250.00 just to fully refresh his memory. I felt this was so unfair, Was it because my case was not as profitable for him ? maybe so..
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05 Dec, 2022 by L
Dirty law. Hired by a former employer and apartment complex for unjustified eviction.
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08 Mar, 2022 by Hannah lee
McCarthy and Akers made the closing to our house buying smooth and efficient. Josh Peterson walked us through the process and answered any questions we had. Definitely will use them again!
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08 Mar, 2022 by Timothy cook
We used McCarthy and Akers for two of our house closings (selling and buying), and we were very impressed by their professionalism, friendliness, and willingness to explain each step of the process. And when our buyer’s title company had made an error on the buyer’s documents, McCarthy and Akers caught it and got everything squared out with them before we signed the paperwork. We were so impressed that my wife and I came back to them when we decided to make our wills. Doug McCarthy, Dan Mitchell, and their team made the process extremely simple and explained all of our options that made it very easy to understand. We filled out a small packet ahead of time to give them pertinent information, and when we came for our initial meeting, Doug and Dan were prepared, and we were able to go through all the necessary information in 30 minutes. They had refreshments for us as well to top it all off! I recommend McCarthy and Akers to my family and friends, and I would do the same for anyone who needs the services they have to offer.
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22 Dec, 2022 by David
Paid an hourly rate for consultation only to be given a business card and some horrible NON-legal advice. I did not retain him as he seemed more interested in getting my check and offered little legal guidance that I needed at the time. Do not waste your time on this lawyer. There are much better options out there.
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10 Dec, 2022 by Sarkawt shamsulddin
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04 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
If your court appointed with this lawyer he will not consult with you prior to your hearing and he makes it very clear that he doesn’t care about you or your case. When it comes to your freedom , life and your background he doesn’t care.
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12 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Henderson returned my call personally and was quite helpful in answering my questions. I plan to hire him very shortly and believe that others would benefit from his expertise and professionalism.
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10 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
He seemed eager to take my case but then probably realized he couldnt make much money on me so he stopped there. I filed the appeal myself and did work that his office was supposed to do. I didnt hear from him for months except when i owed him money.
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27 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
After hiring this attorney for a workers compensation matter Kernbach failed me greatly in my case. Communication was terrible. He is not an aggressive attorney, when I needed help and things got tough he treated my case like a side job. In short, he did a half job. I strongly recommend that readers of this review do not hire this attorney.
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29 Aug, 2015 by Doug
I initially contacted Mr. Kernbach to sue the lawyer that represented me in 2012, his advice was to not pursue the suit because I'd likely lose and then end up owing Michael for defense fees as well.
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26 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Dishonest attorney -avoid her.Acts against client interests and only in her own interests.I do not recommend this attorney.
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04 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
I was his client. He missed a very important filing deadline and then proceeded to bill me extra to try to correct his own mistake, that he ultimately was unable to correct himself. Would not recommend
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24 Nov, 2020 by Addie worrell
The most unprofessional person I’ve ever had to deal with. My husband is being held in a completely different county due to this lawyers lack of notice about a new court date. When I called to ask what’s going on, he said “What do you expect me to do about it” and hung up the phone on me. After speaking with the courthouse and confirming this is who was still technically representing him, they were appalled. Words can’t even describe how rude this man is and/or how the hell he’s even able to call himself a lawyer. As a law student myself, it’s an insult to have people like this working for our justice system.
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21 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
When I called to schedule a meeting with Ms. Spitler I was told it would be $200 which would also include the cost of the initial filing. At the end of our meeting I ended up paying $600 for Ms. Spitler to tell me I had a case but she only represents businesses and referred me to another attorney
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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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