Lawyers map
>212
experienced lawyers
Filter by
5.0
20 Reviews
4.8
118 Reviews
22 Jan, 2025 by Oraine wallace
Rupal and her team provided exceptional service throughout the process of bringing my wife and child to the United States. They were always available to address our questions and concerns with clarity and patience. Their professionalism and timeliness were truly commendable. We are deeply grateful for their assistance in reuniting our family. Thank you once again to Rupal and her team for their outstanding support.
Read more
21 Jan, 2025 by Rae samms
Arti has been absolutely WONDERFUL to work with. She was highly responsive, took the time to answer all of my questions (even when I asked the same ones twice haha), and was very thorough. She strikes the perfect balance of kindness, professionalism, and skill. I highly recommend her and could not be more happy with how she handled my immigration case.
Read more
14 Jan, 2025 by Sunitha lakshminarayanan
I worked with Arti from the Law Offices of Rupal Parikh for the green card processing for my mom. Last week I received the notice of her GC being approved - This was one of the HAPPIEST moments of my life!
Arti was very detailed in helping me with the application process. Arti and Rupal (behind-the-scenes guidance) provided proactive advice and resources to get her PCC done. This worked out in our favor when this document was asked later - we already had it! Even when the RFEs started coming in, Arti was very patient and helped throughout! Amazing work done by this group in bringing families together!
Arti and Rupal: Heartfelt thanks from me and my sister!
Read more
06 Mar, 2023 by Mashona smith
11 Jan, 2020 by Alan a. kulatti
Pro Lawyers
Read more
18 May, 2018 by Dave
I hired Mr. Daniel Hoberman over a year and a half ago when I was served with a lawsuit. Dan was recently able to settle the case and did a tremendous job litigating for me. He has a clear understanding of New Jersey law and was able to discuss all facets of the case in layman's terms helping us to make sound decisions and eventually achieve excellent results. Dan is clearly professional, knowledgeable, and able to litigate very effectively. I would very highly recommend his services.
Read more
31 Oct, 2024 by Leu
I’ve never met an attorney quite like Jose Echevarria. As a tenant dealing with a hostile landlord—not because of any payment issues but due to unfair treatment and poor property conditions—I needed someone who truly cared and was willing to take a stand for us. Jose is that rare attorney who believes in fairness and fights for his clients’ rights, not just for payment disputes, but because he genuinely cares about doing what’s right. In 30 years, I’ve never encountered a lawyer so patient, understanding, and driven to protect his client’s best interests. Jose took the time to listen, explain, and guide us through every step of the process. He didn’t just use his legal knowledge to gain an advantage; he was fair, ethical, and respectful to everyone involved. For us, it was never about creating conflict—we just wanted protection from a landlord who went out of her way to make us feel unwelcome, even though we never missed a single rent payment. When we moved into our rental in Bloomfield, the issues started almost immediately: broken heating, bathroom leaks, poorly installed floors, and even a window that popped out completely, posing a safety risk to our young children. Despite informing the landlord about these issues, she dismissed us and even told us we could leave if we didn’t like it. But we knew our rights, and with Jose’s help, we were finally able to have the necessary repairs done. However, this only led the landlord to retaliate further, filing false claims to try and evict us without cause. Jose showed up for us with the kind of wisdom and dedication you’d expect from someone with decades of experience. He proved every unfounded claim wrong, protecting our record and ensuring the case was dismissed. I can’t express how grateful we are. Jose is everything you’d want in an attorney—knowledgeable, diligent, respectful, and incredibly skilled. I don’t usually leave reviews, but attorneys like Jose deserve recognition. To any tenant who feels unheard and disrespected, look no further. This is money well spent, and I would hire him again without hesitation. Thank you, Jose, for your hard work and integrity—you truly went above and beyond, and we couldn’t have done it without you!
Read more
12 Aug, 2024 by Janice
I contacted Mr. Echevarria on the phone hoping to get some advice . I am a tenant in Essex County . My situation was urgent at the time of my call. Mr. Echevarria answered the phone and proceeded to andwer all my questions. He was professional and very patient and kind. I would not hesitate to retain him as my lawyer or recommend him.
Read more
30 Mar, 2020 by Tanya freeman
We are both attorneys who practice family law and I used to work with him in his office. I greatly respect him and his ability in court.
Read more
22 Nov, 2023 by Diane
Omar Lopez, is a knowledgeable, professional and dependable attorney. When I went to my first conference with Omar he was a great listener. He told me up front what I needed to know concerning my employment case.
Read more
30 Mar, 2020 by Tanya freeman
We are both attorneys who practice family law and I used to work with him in his office. I greatly respect him and his ability in court.
Read more
23 Feb, 2019 by Michelle
Omar A. Lopez is a fantastic attorney. He always gives the best advice. I suffered for two years in a hostile work environment and was able to keep my job and stop my harasser when management was hoping to fire me because I complained about unfair and unethical workplace practices . This gave me a chance to find another job and keep my good employee records. I was never as upset as I was dealing with that horrible workplace and Mr. Lopez was there when I needed him for morale support. I could have taken the easy way out and quit or let them continue to harass me but I am glad I had Mr. Lopez’ help. I 100% recommend him. He truly is in it for justice and for the best interest of his clients, which is a rarity for lawyers it seems.
Read more
20 Aug, 2021 by Kevin monaghan
Provided terrific legal representation on home sale. Jim Ashenfelter is smart, experienced, honest, no-nonsense pro who did nice job explaining process; avoiding potential issues & delivering on property close. Ann Miscia was also an invaluable help who gets extra marks for very cool, interior design and vibe of their offices :)
Enthusiastically recommend this firm!
Read more
15 Dec, 2017 by Joe dicarlo
06 Nov, 2017 by Hannah
Lori got the job done quickly and correctly but, when you pay a flat rate, you get what you pay for. As a first time home buyer, I had a lot of questions which she always seemed too busy to answer. If I sent her an email with 5 questions, she'd only answer 1 of them. This was extremely frustrating.
Read more
08 Jan, 2025 by Geoff barker
If you’re reading this I don’t have to tell you how stressful moving forward with divorcing can be, especially if you don’t have an attorney and have no idea who to turn to. It was only by a stroke of pure networking luck that I was referred to MELD Law. From the first conversation that I had with Steph(anie) Lomurro, my stress level dropped immediately, and my peace of mind was restored. I cannot express how thankful I am for her counsel and guidance throughout the entire divorce process. My options were always made very clear and I felt that I had a strong advocate in my corner, whichever way I chose to go. I am absolutely and completely satisfied with the final outcome and I appreciate the speed with which Steph and Nikki got things wrapped up, despite the massive backlog in the NJ court system. My only regret is that I will not get to continue working with them—they truly felt more like friends than attorneys. I would highly recommend MELD Law, Steph, and Nikki without hesitation.
Read more
11 Dec, 2024 by Mary
Ashley Manzi is exactly who you need for a high-conflict divorce. I came to her overwhelmed and unsure how to move forward with two young children. From our first consultation, Ashley brought clarity and strategy, helping me focus on what truly mattered.
Her approach is both compassionate and decisive. Within a few months, my divorce was finalized with a settlement that prioritized my children’s well-being. The specificity of the terms has given our family the stability we needed to move forward.
If you're navigating divorce, Ashley is the advocate you want in your corner.
Read more
12 Nov, 2024 by Chris b
Stephanie, Nikki, and Bobby did amazing job representing me. Theres nobody better.
Read more
08 Jan, 2025 by Geoff barker
If you’re reading this I don’t have to tell you how stressful moving forward with divorcing can be, especially if you don’t have an attorney and have no idea who to turn to. It was only by a stroke of pure networking luck that I was referred to MELD Law. From the first conversation that I had with Steph(anie) Lomurro, my stress level dropped immediately, and my peace of mind was restored. I cannot express how thankful I am for her counsel and guidance throughout the entire divorce process. My options were always made very clear and I felt that I had a strong advocate in my corner, whichever way I chose to go. I am absolutely and completely satisfied with the final outcome and I appreciate the speed with which Steph and Nikki got things wrapped up, despite the massive backlog in the NJ court system. My only regret is that I will not get to continue working with them—they truly felt more like friends than attorneys. I would highly recommend MELD Law, Steph, and Nikki without hesitation.
Read more
12 Nov, 2024 by Chris b
Stephanie, Nikki, and Bobby did amazing job representing me. Theres nobody better.
Read more
03 Oct, 2024 by Irina greenman
I worked with Stephanie Lomurro for almost 3 years. She is incredible! She is one of the attorneys who will work with you to reach optimal results for you. Stephanie is extremely organized, knowledgeable, strategic, flexible, understanding and most importantly compassionate and amazing human being. She will listen and hear you out, provide her expertise and experience. Thank you very much for everything, Stephanie! I highly recommend Stephanie, her team and MELD Law!!!
Read more
24 Oct, 2017 by Joseph
"After firing a home-improvement contractor, I was forced to redo his work. The contractor sued me for $3000, the balance he said was still due him. Mr. Melnikoff defended his claim and counter sued him for fraud. The court awarded over $48,000 in my favor and against the contractor. Mr. Melnikoff used his skill and knowledge to turn a bad experience into a happy and successful one.".
Read more
05 Jul, 2017 by Ivan
I was very satisfied with my attourney's services and would definitly recommend him to anyone
Read more
18 Aug, 2015 by James
Mr. Melnikoff exceeded my expectations and fought hard for my case. He was always available to talk on the phone or via email. I could not thank him enough for all the research and effort he provided for my case. He will be the first attorney I call whenever I need one.
Read more
08 Jan, 2025 by Geoff barker
If you’re reading this I don’t have to tell you how stressful moving forward with divorcing can be, especially if you don’t have an attorney and have no idea who to turn to. It was only by a stroke of pure networking luck that I was referred to MELD Law. From the first conversation that I had with Steph(anie) Lomurro, my stress level dropped immediately, and my peace of mind was restored. I cannot express how thankful I am for her counsel and guidance throughout the entire divorce process. My options were always made very clear and I felt that I had a strong advocate in my corner, whichever way I chose to go. I am absolutely and completely satisfied with the final outcome and I appreciate the speed with which Steph and Nikki got things wrapped up, despite the massive backlog in the NJ court system. My only regret is that I will not get to continue working with them—they truly felt more like friends than attorneys. I would highly recommend MELD Law, Steph, and Nikki without hesitation.
Read more
12 Nov, 2024 by Chris b
Stephanie, Nikki, and Bobby did amazing job representing me. Theres nobody better.
Read more
03 Oct, 2024 by Irina greenman
I worked with Stephanie Lomurro for almost 3 years. She is incredible! She is one of the attorneys who will work with you to reach optimal results for you. Stephanie is extremely organized, knowledgeable, strategic, flexible, understanding and most importantly compassionate and amazing human being. She will listen and hear you out, provide her expertise and experience. Thank you very much for everything, Stephanie! I highly recommend Stephanie, her team and MELD Law!!!
Read more
20 Feb, 2017 by Ryan
The experience that I had with Robert was top notch in every aspect; He was very transparent about the process and provided his expert advice every step of the way. He was able to turn a very stressful and uncertain situation into one where I received the best possible outcome available. I would recommend Robert to all of my close family and friends.
Read more
21 Aug, 2014 by Gregg
I hired Rob to handle a dispute with a moving company and to make sure that my interests were protected. Robert negotiated my position with the company and resolved the dispute without filing a formal claim. This saved me money on attorney fees as well as resolving my dispute to my satisfaction.
Read more
25 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Robert was both professional and personable and a pleasure to deal with. He went above and beyond the call of duty in assisting me with my case. I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone seeking an excellent attorney.
Read more
25 Aug, 2022 by Tim
Of course not an easy process overall, but Nick worked with us, made time, listened, educated us. He prepared all the paperwork and guided us through the process. I think we consulted 3-4 mediators, and knew quickly we wanted to work with Nick. We are very glad we did!
Read more
29 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
To say our case was a tough one is an understatement. Most talking points were met with opposing views. Needless to say, most meetings were intense, resulting in a more-than-typical number of meetings to finish. There were many times when it looked like mediation may not be for us; however, Nick DeMetro stuck with us and patiently guided us through this tumultuous process. He was invested in helping us find a common ground.
Throughout the process, I came to know that he was not just doing his job, but that he truly cared. He also showed a deep mindfulness for our children, and that always meant so much to me.
He proved to be reliable, loving, and trustworthy. Divorce is never where I imagined I would be. I believed that no matter the challenge, I could make my marriage work. Sadly, I was wrong. When you realize you have to make one of the toughest decisions of your life, you need someone by your side that can be trusted in a time of insecurity and fear. Nick was/is that person. I am so grateful that I found a person like Nick to rely on from beginning to end.
Read more
05 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
After meeting with a few mediators, we finally settled on Nicholas and we are very happy that we did.
He was a really good listener who asked us the right questions so we could arrive at a fair agreement. His rate was extremely competitive and he was very efficient during our meetings (we got a lot done in each session), While the process in general is a stressful one, his supportive approach made it comfortable and safe.
He was a man of his word - he did everything that he said he would and he never surprised us with unexpected charges. He also articulated the whole process well and by the time we met with the judge, we had everything that we needed and we were well prepared.
I don't typically (i.e., almost never) write reviews, but my experience with Nicholas was so positive that I wanted to write this one.
Read more
07 Sep, 2019 by Ricky / joanne
I was looking for a real estate lawyer to represent me on a home purchase I was given at lease four other names after calling and leaving messages . The only one who returned my call was Evelyn.
This was one of the best decisions I could have made
Having her on my side made was awesome she covered every angle and kept me informed every through out the mortgage process
She is knowledgeable experienced and committed to her clients to ensure that their needs are met
I felt like she was my big sister had control of everything that came up during the process. Today I closed and very satisfied with her representation
Thank you Evelyn.
Ricky / Joanne
Read more
13 Jun, 2019 by Samantha
As a real estate professional for the past 8 years I have worked with many attorneys on real estate transactions. Ms. Latse is by far the absolute best. She is attentive, patient, understanding and all transactions are smooth with her. I highly recommend Ms. Latse as an attorney.
Read more
23 Jan, 2015 by Les
I had a situation where my former employer refused to pay benefits that was owed me. This wasn't a simple case by any stretch of the imagination given it involved stock options, the balance of my time, and more. Evelyn took on this case and did a great job. Her first contact with my former employee yielded the results I was looking for. My former employer paid everything that was due me. I will gladly use Evelyn again. Brilliance personified.
Read more
10 Nov, 2015 by Jason
I have consulted with Alan on several areas of entrepreneurship and have found his advice and guidance to be forward thinking and succinct. He offered specific insight I had not considered and guided me towards the best outcome. I would not hesitate to call upon Alan again when the need arises.
Read more
21 Jan, 2015 by Simeon
I have known Alan Walter for at least 18 years and during that time he has successfully represented me at least three times and I am forever grateful for his counsel as well as his broad knowledge in both the law and business. He is both smart and insightful as to how to address and manage complex legal and administrative issues and above all, his integrity has been remarkable. He has been scrupulous in his dealings with both me and my family along with others to whom I have recommended him to. He has always been available and easy to interact with.
Read more
20 Jan, 2015 by Jerry
I've worked with other lawyers in the past, but I enjoyed working with Alan the most. He was, by far, the most responsive to my needs.
Alan helped me form and organize my LLC and addressed the issues that my partners and I were facing as a startup.
Read more
15 Jan, 2015 by Joe
I was referred to John Olsen by a family member who had used him for an employment related issue and recomended him as I was in need of an employment attorney I have a small contracting company in NYC and had a serious problem come up. from the first time I spoke to John I knew he was the guy for the job he was always on point always returned my calls and worked out a great payment plan and may I say also won my case I would recomend John Olsen to anyone looking to hire a lawyer hes a winner!
Read more
08 Jan, 2015 by Joe
I had the pleasure of working with John on my employment case. John was extremely knowledgeable of the laws surrounding my case and kept me informed each step of the way during negotiations. The outcome was not only favorable and more to my satisfaction, but the time and effort that John put into this case proved that he is there for his client.
I am more than happy to write this review for John and I would highly recommend him to anyone needing his services.
He is by far one of the best attorney's I have ever retained to help with any legal matters and wouldn't hesitate to use him again.
Joe V
Read more
16 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
I was looking for a local lawyer to help with a child support and custody issue, who actually had expertise in this area, and Mrs. Clark was the right person for my case. She was efficient, thorough, knowledgeable and paid attention to detail, and stayed in contact with me from the start of my case until the end. The Clark Law Group comes highly recommended, as I understand she has a fluid understanding of other areas of law as well.
Read more
14 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I use Crew to manage business contracts and legal handlings within my business. I am very demanding and Crew never ceases to impress with his thorough research and professionalism. He is completely methodical in handling processes and covers all grounds that I have seen judge after judge have respect for Crew. He has always shown care and desire to provide the best service.
Read more
06 Apr, 2010 by Anonymous
I needed guidance on a severance agreement with some sensitive issues. Mark Lurie was an excellent listener and gave sound advice. I was able to negotiate the changes that were most important to me without harming the relationship with my past employer. That was very important to my ultimate goal.
Read more
24 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
She knows the law and fights for you. She always keeps you updated. I highly recommend her. I watching her defend my son and was at peace knowing his life was in good hands.
Read more
20 Aug, 2021 by Kevin monaghan
Provided terrific legal representation on home sale. Jim Ashenfelter is smart, experienced, honest, no-nonsense pro who did nice job explaining process; avoiding potential issues & delivering on property close. Ann Miscia was also an invaluable help who gets extra marks for very cool, interior design and vibe of their offices :)
Enthusiastically recommend this firm!
Read more
15 Dec, 2017 by Joe dicarlo
07 Sep, 2017 by Sandy sorkin
30 Mar, 2020 by Tanya freeman
We are both attorneys who practice family law and I used to work with him in his office. I greatly respect him and his ability in court.
Read more
19 Jan, 2024 by Sheikh elahi
I had the privilege of working with Mr John Ambrosio and I wholeheartedly recommend him for all your legal needs. He is not only a top-notch attorney with a remarkable track record, but he also possesses a unique combination of professionalism and personability. His sincere advice and genuine interest in his clients' cases make him stand out from the rest. If you're looking for an attorney who will provide the most sincere advice and exceptional service, John is the one to choose.
Read more
18 Dec, 2021 by Al mac
John and the whole team are great!
Read more
13 Jun, 2021 by Annmarie
Elisa and her team are so detail oriented and specific.
Through our whole experience, we always felt IMPORTANT....isn't that the idea?? A 5 star rating is an understatement!!
Read more
17 Feb, 2019 by Alexis justiniano
23 Mar, 2017 by Muriel g
Best lawyer by far!!
Read more
09 Nov, 2020 by Peggy jurow
08 Jan, 2018 by Robert defranza
Probably the most professional and socially responsible law firm in the area.
Read more
21 Jan, 2020 by Xavier abreu cedeno
24 Mar, 2023 by Dick grabowsky
A dozen years of quality legal representation for our companies from local courts to the NJ Supreme Court. Definitely a winning team.
Read more
18 Aug, 2022 by E f
07 Oct, 2015 by Mayra
Teresa is an amazing lawyer that is very skilled at handling employment law matters. She is professional, caring and always makes herself available to her clients. I had an extraordinarily difficult employment claim that was very challenging and with great tact and respect she counseled me on the best way to proceed for my case. Teresa guided me every step of the way and was always looking out for my best interest. Due to her counsel and her acting as an advocate for me I received a positive financial outcome to my case. I would highly recommend Teresa to anyone who is seeking an employment lawyer.
Read more
14 Apr, 2014 by Joe
Teresa Boyle Vellucci blended professionalism, knowledge, and most of all sincerity into a very favorable experience for me. She was honest and informative through the entire time we worked together. I knew shortly after I met her that she was very trustworthy and now several years later I am assured that she has kept my matters confidential.
Although the matter I was involved in was emotional and at times stressful, Teresa's demeanor and attitude proved to be a positive influence on me.
Read more
11 Sep, 2024 by Bhakti curtis
I would like to acknowledge Ty & his staff for being trustworthy, understanding, respectful & honorable... His attention to detail & preciseness is impeccable!!! I have a very serious case of racial discrimination & other violations ...Ty & Staff are not ignorant & will take positive /precise measures to ensure equity....I must say it was very hard to find a lawyer to take a stance against the police ...most Attorneys go along with systemic racism & profit off it !!!!!!! Thansk to this firm I'm able to take be assertive & help others .... We are & will make a change for equality. Thank u
Read more
13 Aug, 2024 by Cutedemon
The person on the phone with my mom or secretary was really rude to her and we asked for a representative who speaked spanish and the representative was super rude and didnt let us get a word in and acted as if we didnt know what we called for. She kept on cutting off my mom and wouldnt let us get in contact with the lawyer. My mother had questions asked and she needed time to remember them and she kept ln rushing her. Bad service i wouldnt contact again
Read more
11 Apr, 2024 by John lemieszewski
Our initial consultation was very productive and we look forward to work closely with Mr. Hyderally to achieve justice and positive results.
Read more
15 Aug, 2023 by Joseph koppinger
Hiring Casey Anthony a known murderer who killed her very own 3 year old daughter can never be trustworthy! Shame on you for hiring a psycho like that it's so detestable. Let God judge them both with the same measuring stick on the last day!!!!
Read more
20 Aug, 2022 by Mary brophy
For over twenty years, Andrew Rubin has represented me in a series of complex post divorce agreement issues. There is a statement in Mr. Rubin's profile that I wish to amplify:
"He will work tirelessly to resolve the legal matters at hand efficiently, cost effectively and in your best interest."
That statement is 100% true and he usually wins. In addition, Mr. Rubin's advice is rock solid - even when I did not want to listen.
Read more
30 Apr, 2020 by Zef gjini
Andrew is a magnificently talented attorney. I had a case in Nj with an unprofessional awful lawyer from Woodbridge nj, who has the worst reviews on the planet, and who lost my case in all courts and disappeared, but thankfully I found Mr. Andrew Rubins through my real Estate attorney in NY, and this man is highly educated, professional and competent. He successfully fought and won my massively damaged court case in a detailed lawsuit which he fought hard to win. He also was able to win back and retrieve all my prior legal fees and for this I am so incredibly thankful for such a great attorney.
You should call and hire Andrew Rubins, he’s the man.
Read more
06 Mar, 2019 by Aman
We enjoyed working with attorney Shilpa Samuel during our mortgage closing process.
She is knowledgable, responsive, easy to work with and looks out for her client's best interest.
Read more
17 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Had consulted her recently, she was extremely professional and provided the right insights and advise.
Read more
27 Nov, 2024 by Matthew rechs
Trust me on this one: you want Melanie on your side when dealing with a complex, important, stressful transaction.
Read more
21 Oct, 2023 by Brian l
21 Jan, 2023 by Daryn wolfson
If you want a top-tier attorney who is a wealth of knowledge and tirelessly fights for you - Melanie Factor is who to call.
Read more
Find Your Lawyer
By Practice Area
-
Business
-
Real Estate
-
Litigation
-
Estate Planning
-
Family Law
-
Criminal Defense
-
Consumer Protection
-
Mediation
-
Tax
-
Appeals
-
Civil Rights
-
Probate
-
Discrimination
-
Immigration
-
Intellectual Property
-
Government
-
Wrongful Termination
-
Domestic Violence
-
Elder Law
-
Personal Injury
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Child Custody
-
Child Support
-
Insurance
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Trusts
-
Workers Compensation
-
Adoption
-
Bankruptcy
-
Class Action
-
Copyright Application
-
Employment / Labor
-
Entertainment
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
Juvenile Law
-
Medical Malpractice
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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:
-
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. -
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. -
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. -
What is your approach to handling cases like mine?
Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation. -
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. -
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times. -
What is the likely timeline for resolving my case?
Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish. -
Do you have references from past clients?
Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness. -
What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
Understanding potential challenges helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations. -
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:
-
Verify Their License:
Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. -
Experience and Specialization:
Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. -
Disciplinary Record:
Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association. -
Client Reviews and Testimonials:
Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge client satisfaction. -
Professional Memberships:
Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field. -
Awards and Recognitions:
Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation. -
Consultation Assessment:
Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns. -
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:
-
Relevant Documents:
Bring all documents related to your case, such as contracts, correspondence, legal notices, court papers, or evidence. -
Written Summary:
Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and involved parties. -
List of Questions:
Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, or the lawyer's experience. -
Financial Information:
If applicable, bring financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements. -
Contact Information:
Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case. -
Personal Identification:
Bring a valid ID for verification purposes. -
Pen and Notebook:
Take notes during the consultation to remember important points. -
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.
-
Hourly Rate:
-
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.
-
Complexity of the Case:
-
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.
