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16 Sep, 2016 by Sarah
Attorney Smith has been a breath of fresh air! She is smart, quick witted, Professional, honest, and affordable. I've had several attorneys while fighting an ongoing custody battle with my sons father and she puts all of the others to shame! I would highly recommend her to anyone
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16 Nov, 2020 by Haley
I had received representation from Hartley in 2017/2018 for Endangering the Welfare of a Child- M1. Everyone except the ADA of Venango Co. Brenda Servidio, knew I was innocent and wrongfully charged and imprisoned. Hartley was appointed to me through the Venango Co. Public Defenders Office. He was hands down the absolute best attorney I ever had to represent me! He was very detail oriented, professional, very knowledgeable about criminal law, and he held several consultations with me about my case. He tried pleading down the charge with the ADA to avoid trial and she of course refused all plea negotiations. Claimed she was “going to make an example out of me”. So he took my case clear to a jury trial. Hartley had just become a Public Defender for Venango Co. & I was Hartley’s very first case in venango co. I also was his first case in venango that went clear to trial. He was confident we had a good chance at winning my case at trial. Before trial began, as we sat in the courtroom waiting for the jury to be brought it, the ADA tried offering a plea. We did not accept any plea from her and proceeded with trial. Hartley made the ADA look very unprofessional and really got her flustered during the course of my trial. His cross examinations were flawless and his opening & closing arguments were nothing but extraordinary! After trial was over and the jury was sent out for deliberation, Hartley spoke with me & my family about everything. The jury took roughly 30-45 minutes to deliberate and was back with a final decision. As we all gathered in the courtroom to hear the final verdict, Hartley was confident the jury was going to make the right verdict and serve justice! And the jury did just that with a final verdict of “NOT GUILTY” to 1 count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child- M1. Everyone in the courtroom cheered as justice had been finally served on my behalf! I honestly do not think I would have even went to trial if Hartley was not representing me. His hard work, determination, professionalism, knowledge of the criminal justice system, and his dedication to me as his client (and to prove my innocence) showed the courts, the PD office, the ADA/DA, and everyone else he was the BEST attorney! And I can’t thank Hartley enough for everything he did for me & for not giving up on me even when things got rough!
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29 Jan, 2024 by Karen davis
Thank you Attorney Lucas for all your hard work today. Karen Lippmann
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21 Aug, 2023 by Matina mihalson
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30 Jun, 2023 by Geri perna
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29 Oct, 2015 by Joe l.
I consulted with Chris Strem and found him to be very polite and understanding - He was contracted by State Farm Insurance to represent me in a dog bite case. I will hire him to represent me.
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18 Feb, 2022 by Brandy
Ted Isoldi has been my attorney for 15 years, and I would highly recommend him to anyone! He is trustworthy and dedicated. I appreciate having him and his staff who I can go to with any questions or concerns. I really feel confident in his knowledge, and he really listens and cares. I'm very thankful to have an attorney I can count on.
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05 Oct, 2017 by Laura
If you are looking for an experienced attorney who specializes in divorce and custody matters to handle your case, look no more! Attorney Isoldi not only has the knowledge and expertise, but he listened to my concerns and truly advocated on my behalf. He handled everything in a very professional manner. I was able to reach a settlement agreement that reflected my wishes and concerns because of his abilities in these matters. Going through a custody battle is stressful enough. Having an attorney that listens to you and truly cares about what is happening in your case, working toward the best interest of your child, means so much. I can't say enough about how much I appreciate all of his help during a very stressful time. Thank you Attorney Isoldi!
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08 Feb, 2017 by Bill
I used Mr. Isoldi on a property matter. He was very helpful and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. I wanted to take the time to write this review even though I normally don't. I would recommend Mr. Isoldi to anyone looking for an attorney willing to listen to their concerns, explain the options, and go the extra mile to address a last minute issue that could have easily required us to have to reschedule.
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29 Jan, 2024 by Karen davis
Thank you Attorney Lucas for all your hard work today. Karen Lippmann
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21 Aug, 2023 by Matina mihalson
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30 Jun, 2023 by Geri perna
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02 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Save your money! Alissa is money hungry. Acts like she cares but just wants your money. Once you pay her, shes lazy, drags her feet, she is never in the office, and doesn't return your phone calls or emails! Thank goodness for the the Attorney in the office and the two other fabulous kind girls that helped me through this terrible divorce. My divorced took so much longer than it should've, she lacks empathy for anyone. Then she will demand more money at the end to finish!
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10 Jun, 2017 by Denise
Alissa has been with us for several years now with an ongoing case. She is always available, always caring, very informed and very trustworthy. She has gone above and beyond on our case on several occasions. I really feel you would be hard pressed to find an attorney that will go the extra mile just for your own piece of mind.
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27 Feb, 2017 by Desiree
Alissa Kretser is an amazing attorney. She is dedicated to her work and sympathizes with her clients. She helped my fiancé and I obtain emergency custody of my fiancé's children. Our battle to obtain custody has been close to a 2 year battle thus far. Although our case still continues as we reach for permanent custody, Alissa has communicated with us every step of the way and has basically become a part of our family. We couldn't have done this without her and I would recommend her to anyone dealing with family issues! My fiancé and I have been blessed to have her represent us through this entire process. Retainers/Fees were greatly priced verses other attorneys we had spoken with. She put in hours upon hours without complaint through the entire process as well. She has answered/ returned our calls over the most simple to the more complex questions each and every time. She puts forth 200% effort with a smile on her face and has been honest and upfront about what we could expect each step of the way. Not once have we been blindsided and she continues to keep us informed of any changes or challenges she may foresee. She is confident in what she does and has stuck to her word every step along the way as well. Hands down, she’s a fantastic attorney and I would recommend her to anyone and everyone looking for representation.
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26 May, 2021 by Matthew
I personally retained Attorney Hetrick. Very professional & very attentive. I recommend his office. He fought for me !
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09 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I contacted Randy for my third underage drinking citation and he gathered all necessary information from me. Looking at an additional two year license suspension, while I was already two months into my one year license suspension, I was very nervous. I knew that I had gotten myself into a load of trouble and I wasn't expecting to get a lesser sentence. Randy got me a plea deal in which I plead guilty to public drunkeness (no license suspension). It did help that I enrolled in therapy and showed proof of compliance to the judge. I was very pleased with him and thought he was professional.
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24 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
when i first met with randy he assured me my defense case was a breeze. he could "easily" win my case, and it was a "no-brainer" that the police were at fault. a few months, a preliminary hearing, and maybe a total of 3 phone calls later, i received a call from randy telling me that my official hearing is THE NEXT DAY. oh and that I'm probably going to jail. which i did. he was unhelpful, unsupportive, and gave no communication or any advice.
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22 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
I consulted with this attorney to investigate additional charges I was assessed while incarcerated. He never acted on them nor responded to my requests and I have since had to seek other representation.
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05 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
Very frustrated client. I do not feel like I got my money's worth with this lawyer. He was very expensive and did not work for me.
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10 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Stranahan was hired to represent the family in an elder abuse case. Unfortunately, despite his repeated promises otherwise, during the eight months his services were engaged, he failed to perform any discovery: not a single document request, interrogatory or deposition. In the meantime, the primary plaintiff, our mother, passed away, significantly weakening our attempts to secure restitution. He also attempted to bill us for a judicial status conference that had to be cancelled because he had not properly served the defendants. His negligent representation not only forced us to retain other counsel at significant additional expense and delay, but he then saw fit to sue us for time he spent preparing for a deposition that he cancelled and never rescheduled.
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25 May, 2017 by Katie
She reviewed a case for me and showed little compassion or knowledge. Just concerned about a paycheck.
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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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