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19 Aug, 2022 by Seidou
I like Christ, because he is very thorough in what he is doing. I will recommend him to any one I know. Christ, I would like to say thank you for what you did for me.
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20 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
I received multiple tickets when I traveled to work in Malta, New York. Needless to say, I was extremely scared. I am so grateful to have Mr. Luhn representing me. Mr. Luhn helped reducing my fines significantly. Mr. Luhn even personally delivered my papers to the Court on his way to a meeting. I wish my colleagues do not get any traffic ticket when they travel to Malta. But if they do, I would highly recommend them to contact Mr. Luhn.
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09 Jul, 2018 by Aisha
I found Christopher online and I was happy I hired him without hesitation. He was very professional and he was always sending updates about my case. I was really impressed! He solved my problem. He is a winner! He gets the job done! I am thankful.
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Joyce Serbalik Choi, experienced  attorney in Mechanicville, NY with 15 reviews
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4.8/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
Google Maps
4.7
14 Reviews
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19 Mar, 2024 by Megan morse
Joyce is absolutely amazing! As a realtor, all my clients that have worked with Joyce have said wonderful things! I know my clients are in great hands with her. She is responsive and trustworthy. Highly recommend her
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14 Oct, 2023 by Taryn m
I worked with Joyce for the purchase of my new home and the sale of my old home. She was professional, responsive, and supportive during a very stressful time in my life. Easy to work with and highly recommend!
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22 Apr, 2023 by William connors
Joyce is so thorough and professional! She returns calls, cares about her clients and pays attention to the details. She’s the best!
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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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23 Apr, 2024 by John laurenzo
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31 Mar, 2024 by John laurenzo
Good people good work
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17 Oct, 2023 by Christopher ward
Great people, easy to work with ! A++
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23 Apr, 2024 by John laurenzo
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31 Mar, 2024 by John laurenzo
Good people good work
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17 Oct, 2023 by Christopher ward
Great people, easy to work with ! A++
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23 Apr, 2024 by John laurenzo
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31 Mar, 2024 by John laurenzo
Good people good work
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17 Oct, 2023 by Christopher ward
Great people, easy to work with ! A++
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23 Jan, 2024 by Barbara carpenter
If I could rate her LESS then any stars I would. I would NOT recommended her at ALL. She is a selfish lawyer!!!! She Took an extra retainer from me, that was never used!!! Because I had to hire a different lawyer. She refused to give the retainer back!!!
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21 Nov, 2023 by Matt wilming
Google Maps
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14 Nov, 2023 by Matt wilming
Really good at taking walk-ins, very professional and great cuts. Nice women there
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23 Jan, 2024 by Barbara carpenter
If I could rate her LESS then any stars I would. I would NOT recommended her at ALL. She is a selfish lawyer!!!! She Took an extra retainer from me, that was never used!!! Because I had to hire a different lawyer. She refused to give the retainer back!!!
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star star star star star
21 Nov, 2023 by Matt wilming
Google Maps
star star star star star
14 Nov, 2023 by Matt wilming
Really good at taking walk-ins, very professional and great cuts. Nice women there
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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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