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22 Jun, 2022 by Tracy
Michael failed to litigate effectively. My case quickly deteriorated with his counsel. Because of him I was displaced from my home and agreed to a temporary custody order that is not satisfactory. He suggested I get an order of protection after being the victim of domestic abuse and swiftly recommended I lower it. At the end of our relationship he told me the order of protection was suggested to gain leverage in negotiation but was not about my safety. He also made agreements to the judge on my behalf but never informed me of these agreements leaving me in danger of acting against the judges wishes. Michael rarely kept meetings, rarely responded to emails, never furnished his cell phone number so I could not reach him and even billed me for work he did not do. He left me in the care of his uninformed paralegals.
UPDATE: was offered financial compensation to remove negative reviews
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19 Jul, 2019 by Jan s.
Started divorce proceedings in November 2018 and now I am almost at the end. From the first consultation with Michael, I knew he was the right attorney for me. He is very honest and caring and just genuinely a nice guy. His advice was invaluable and always on time for our court dates. The divorce process is ugly and long but Michael, Jennifer, Maria, Susan and the rest of the staff were always amazing.
I’m looking forward to a new start and will be using Michael Catalanotto when I buy my next place.
Divorce is never pleasant but having a strong, knowledgeable team behind you, makes an awful situation more bearable!
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23 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Michael and his entire staff worked tirelessly to assist during my divorce mediation process. All of the staff was very knowledgeable and responsive when questions arose, and Michael himself was fair and balanced in terms of helping us during our mediation. It was a lot less stressful than going through litigation and I was thankful to have guidance along the way. I highly recommend Michael Catalanotto.
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05 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr Castellano went above and beyond the call of duty. He was always honest and fought for my rights and freedom. I recommend Phil to anybody looking for a NYS Established attorney! Wish I could give 10 stars!
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21 Feb, 2017 by John
I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr D'onofrio regarding my divorce and he provided me with valuable insights that made my legal separation from my ex-wife far more equitable. I wasn't able to retain his services only because we were married in another state. I recommend his services to anyone who needs a friend in the legal business.
John
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25 May, 2015 by Victor
Mr. Monahan represented me in 2003 for a Fla warrant for violation of probation and other felonies on top of that. He did it in a very professional, caring and enthusiastic manner. He took me through the process and explained my options in clear detail. I would be forever in his debt. He did not charge me a single penny!
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19 Dec, 2023 by Mark
Steve & Dan are simply the best. The firm has represented us for several years, and we could not be more pleased. They are open, direct, and informative. More importantly, they are understanding, professional, knowledgable, and kind. Their integrity is impeccable, which is a rare quality these days...
We are grateful....
Mark & Reina
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04 Oct, 2023 by Christian rivera
21 Dec, 2022 by Dolores witt
Highly recommend this law firm. Was recommended by a friend that had secured Dan O’Brien and he was spot on!! Calls were returned, my legal issues were handled with professional care, the staff is outstanding.
So glad to find a lawyer to care and gets the job done. Thank you
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17 Aug, 2022 by Dina
I have been doing real estate for 22 years I have personally used Grace and recommend her to all my clients she is the Best attorney in real estate!! Not one person that I have ever recommended Grace to has ever been disappointed she is available, knowledgeable, reasonable and goes out of her way for every client!! I love working with her and I don't know what I would do without her!!
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14 Feb, 2020 by Denise
AWESOME EXPLAINED EVERYTHING IN DETAIL AND TOOK CARE OF EVERYTHING. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER.
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28 Oct, 2019 by Melodie
We used Grace as she came very highly recommended from my sister-in-law. She was extremely responsive, highly knowledgeable, and super easy to work with. I was impressed at her attention to detail and thoroughness. She was also very well-acquainted with the laws and regulations of the town we were purchasing in.
Our home buying process wasn't always easy (due to a difficult seller/agents), but she really brought stability and reassurance throughout the process. She was always accessible, regardless of the day or time. I will be recommending Grace to anyone who has a need for a real estate attorney in the future!
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19 Dec, 2023 by Mark
Steve & Dan are simply the best. The firm has represented us for several years, and we could not be more pleased. They are open, direct, and informative. More importantly, they are understanding, professional, knowledgable, and kind. Their integrity is impeccable, which is a rare quality these days...
We are grateful....
Mark & Reina
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04 Oct, 2023 by Christian rivera
21 Dec, 2022 by Dolores witt
Highly recommend this law firm. Was recommended by a friend that had secured Dan O’Brien and he was spot on!! Calls were returned, my legal issues were handled with professional care, the staff is outstanding.
So glad to find a lawyer to care and gets the job done. Thank you
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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Fee Structures:
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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.
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Hourly Rate:
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Factors Affecting Cost:
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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.
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Complexity of the Case:
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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.
