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18 Apr, 2024 by Susan c
The most patient, nicest, most professional lawyer you could ever wish for. The best for the best outcome!
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16 Jul, 2023 by Frank rugg
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13 May, 2014 by Chris
Mr Rich is such a nice caring guy. He really listens to what you have to say and cares. He really goes out of his way to help you and he always responds back with no delay! Not like any other lawyers. I'm so glad I found Mr. Rich . I was actually referred to Mr. rich by several other attorneys in the area because I was told he is one fit he top in medical malpractice.
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Gale Foster, experienced  attorney in New Paltz, NY with 2 reviews
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5.0/5
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5.0
1 Reviews
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5.0
1 Reviews
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28 Apr, 2024 by Jane skinner
Steve represented me in a whistle-blower case, and he was incredibly thorough. He helped us win our case against the nursing home and took my case when no one else would. They take cases that they see merit in and not the all mighty dollar sign.
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04 Feb, 2015 by Bill
My family has used Gale's service several times and she has always been very personable and knowledgeable. She is very much your advocate in legal matters and her fees are reasonable and fair.
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27 Aug, 2021 by Marie
Jonathan and his staff were angels. They provided the right information and professionally represented me in court. Most importantly, they provided the relief that I needed at a moment when things looked confused, complicated, and a bit messy (legally). I will always be grateful for how they took care of me personally and professionally. I totally recommend them. They are the Best!!!
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15 Apr, 2021 by David
Got a ticket on the Taconic, and found this firm through google search. They were quick, responsive, professional, and did a thorough and great job representing me. They kept me properly informed through the entire process. I'm driving more slowly now, but if I ever have a problem again, I would use them without a doubt.
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18 Apr, 2019 by David
We were ticketed on the Taconic on our way north, and the town court was much too far away to contest the ticket in person. After research, we chose Jonathan Katz to represent us in town court. Jonathan's office explained the process clearly, and communicated promptly. The ticket was reduced from a 4 point unjust result to a 0 point non-moving violation (improper parking), and we paid the fine by website the same day. Excellent result.
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12 Apr, 2021 by C
"Professional," isn't good enough. My case may have been simple in another's eyes but when I was under investigation by law enforcement, intellectually knowing I did nothing wrong it was still emotionally scary. Andy listened to my story. He explained what I did right but how it could be misrepresented as wrong. He comforted me with his strength and character, assuring me that even if there was going to be hurdles he would get me over them. He made a phone call or two on my half. Two months apprehensively went bye. Then he called me to tell me that those interested parties came to the conclusion he knew they should. Nature made me question, experience and strength gave him the right answer.
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31 May, 2017 by Garth
I am a Army Veteran with no criminal record before an April 2015 arrest in lower NY during which I was charged with a felony (under the dreaded SAFE Act) and 3 misdemeanors. A recommendation from a Veteran's service organization led me to Andy. It took 6 months for the conditional plea-deal from the DA, then another 6 months for it to be officiated by the Judges. Then there was a 1-year period during which the verdict could have been changed if I had gotten into any other trouble... The first six months were the scary part, then things calmed down. Andy did a fantastic job on my case; all charges were vacated. Having SAFE Act charges vacated is a priceless accomplishment, and THANK him for his great work. I do not see how I can be explicit enough: I was on my way to prison and Andy found a way to save my butt. Plus Mr. Kossover only charged me half of what other lawyers were asking for, so I am very happy in that regard. That said, I have 3 complaints (I know some lawyers may look at these complaints and role their eyes, but this is how I feel): 1. Zero sympathy for the Police harassing me during the court-process. I caught people "claiming" to be cops trying to break into my apartment, searching my car, and stopping me repeatedly without charge (some of these stops were quite threatening). Calls and emails about this went unanswered. 2. Zero sympathy for getting my property returned (I left court thinking all property would be returned; actually police have discretion in this matter). Andy won my case, then all services abruptly stopped. It was up to me to call these cops and ask for my property back. 3. Zero sympathy for getting my arrest record off the internet. My charges were vacated and case sealed. CPL 160.55, a, b, c , and d sections say police are supposed to give you back or destroy all records of arrest and contact third parties who may have printed the information. I have been calling Andy for eight months about this, once every month, leave a message with his secretary, and have not heard back yet. The NY State Troopers still have my arrest information posted on the internet. I am left to try and call these cops or the judge myself, which never works. Conclusion: Andy gets 5-stars from me; all charges vacated is a fantastic outcome. Even so, I feel like once he had my money; CASE CLOSED KID! Whatever, he still did a great job.
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15 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Andrew Kossover is the guy to go to in New Paltz. First time ever needing and hiring an attorney. He calmed me down, explained every bit of the process, answered the millions of questions I had to the fullest extent and was able to get the case dismissed quickly, just as he said he would. He is honest, to the point, and overall a very nice person. He very clearly has dealt with a lot of cases and knows exactly what to do. I would recommend him to anyone. Thank you Andrew!
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22 Aug, 2015 by Susan
I have asked Jon Simonson to represent me in both real estate and business matters. He did so quickly, thoroughly, respectfully and at a fee that was very fair. I am very happy to have Jon on my team - highly knowledgable and a man with natural class.
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11 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
I have never met a more professional lawyer in my life. He handled my case, which a previous lawyer was unable to handle, for a quarter of the price. I highly recommend Jon to anyone looking for an attorney. He is a man of class and action. Calling Jon was the best decision I ever made.
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27 Apr, 2020 by Nicholas polydorou
Jack asside from being a thorough lawyer, is a pleasure to deal with. Don't hesitant to contact him if you are in need of an attorney!
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26 Dec, 2019 by Wendy crowell sutherland
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29 Sep, 2016 by Martin
Chris Watkins did a totally amazing job in helping me with my legal issue. He was able to win my case and arrange a far better settlement than I ever dreamed of. His follow through is perfect. His knowledge of the law concerning my problem was amazing. He is incredibly pleasant and professional. It took only 2 weeks from the time he submitted the lawsuit for him to receive an offer to resolve and settle. Words cannot express our extreme gratitude for helping us with an issue that has haunted us for 10 years. You won't find a harder working attornet out there than Chris Watkins
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02 Jul, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Watkins is without a doubt a brillant Attorney. He is also an incredible human being. If not for his Faith in me and his Brillance my life would be drastically different. The best thing I ever did was call his office and meet with him. If you have a problem, his Firm is the best around. All of them real people, who really care.
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07 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Joe represented me for a residential real estate transaction. He knew all of the players in the Ulster County area and gave me really excellent advice to accomplish a moderately challenging deal. He was true to his word with his fees and has a really nice way about him.
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25 Apr, 2018 by Jack
When I needed someone to represent me in a civil rights matter, I called about a dozen lawyers. Attorney Stephen Bergstein was clearly the best given his quarter century of experience and encyclopedic understanding of civil rights law. My family's case took over four years to resolve. During that time, attorney Stephen Bergstein demonstrated dedication and ethical behavior while passionately advocating for my family. Because of his efforts, I got great results on motions, letters to the court, etc. The defendants’ attorneys’ were clearly outmatched. I highly recommend attorney Stephen Bergstein.
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01 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
They were truly on my side during a very tough time after I was wrongfully fired because of my painful and debilitating disability. All of my inquiries were answered in a timely fashion, and my concerns were always taken into account. There is something that makes this team so different from any other legal professionals I've dealt with. If I ever have a claim which falls under one of their practice areas, I will be a repeat client. Thanks for your hard work, Bergstein & Ullrich!
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30 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
I contacted Stephen Bergstein as I thought he would be able to help me. I just Consulted with him. After we had a few emails exchanged with questions and answers I knew I had to find an attorney that deals with Federal Law and can do more than I can ask any local attorney to do as it is a huge case. He directed me in the right direction to contact people that might be able to help. I don't stop so am working with several different attorneys at the moment to find out who will be the best for me.
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14 Oct, 2020 by Brian greve
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14 Dec, 2018 by David wyncoop
Excellent attorney! Attentive, empathetic and accomplished. Steven makes himself easily accessible and is proficient in family and real estate law. He has expertly handled both personal and professional matters for me. I would never seek legal counsel elsewhere.
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13 Dec, 2018 by Chris kasprzyk
I went to Stephen Nussbaum ten years ago to guide me through proceedings and he has never hesitated to help me with anything from the court room to just a phone call or an email. He is an easy recommendation for me to give to anyone looking for a person who cares and will give their best to help with whatever issues you may be having. Thank You Steve for everything you have ever done to help me.
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16 Nov, 2023 by Joseph tocci
I've been dealing with an unusual divorce for about seven years and Diana has been exemplary. She is empathetic, thorough, and worked for the best possible outcome for me. I highly recommend her.
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07 Jun, 2023 by Megan s
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08 Feb, 2023 by Nancy
Diana and her staff took what another attorney made a mess of and restored my faith that there are good people in the legal field. Diana is the expert in divorce law and is also compassionate, fair, reasonable and cares. Yes! She cares. I wish I went to her first.. Would have saved me tons of money and unnecessary stress.
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08 Aug, 2022 by April
I needed a lawyer. My husband had fallen out of bed resulting in a severe concussion and serious short term memory loss. He was also diabetic with oncoming dementia. I needed an estate lawyer. It was one and a half years ago when I was introduced to James Yastion. I was so nervous the day I walked into the office I had no idea what was in store for me to become my husband’s guardian. Now it is my pleasure to write this review. I have only positive words because of the compassion, intelligence, and thoroughness of all tasks James and his staff completed for me. I am so grateful to have met James. I needed to have legal guardianship to manage my husband’s healthcare, nursing home care and our life investments. I needed a lawyer, a serious professional, and with experience. It was James who helped me have guardianship for my husband, to manage our properties, and he has been working hand in hand with another attorney he recommended who managed the Medicaid application successfully for my husband’s nursing home care. In the meantime, there was another issue. There was a substantial inheritance intended for my husband that had been diverted. James was able to apply substantial legal pressure to correct the situation and recover the entire inheritance plus legal fees on top. I am in such capable hands with this law office. Also, I must mention James' paralegal, Jocelyn. She is another legal pro in the office. She is so pleasant and patient, never forgetting any details and always accurate. My best interest is their main concern. To sum it up, initially I had no idea what was needed to process all this legally, filing applications, etc. I could have never done this on my own. James took care of everything necessary for me to be the legal guardian. The lawyers have guided and provided a way for me to continue my work as guardian. Now my life is in order and is doable. Also, to manage my life worries better, I was able to get a will/trust set up, so no matter what I do not have to worry anymore about my family’s inheritance from the estate. All decisions are made intelligently and lovingly. Having had a farming family, this old saying comes to mind. “it’s nice to have all your eggs in one basket.” That is how I feel about this law office. It is a safe place to be. A big Thank You to your office. I am very grateful!
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19 Sep, 2018 by Chris
James has helped my family and my business with several important legal matters. First, he took care of wills and trusts for my wife and I to protect our children. The process was clear, efficient and empowering. Of course no one wants to talk about their own demise, but James made it easy to handle the difficult decisions of who should take care of our minor children if we both passed away. Additionally, James helped us create instructions for how our children should be cared for and protections for the assets we would leave them. For my business James has helped me revise commercial leases that made the terms much more favorable for me in a way the land lords went along with. James provided advice on business contracts that led to much more favorable outcomes. Overall my wife and I find James to be honest, attentive, and efficient. He balances a healthy professional demeanor with compassion and practical advice. He was cognizant of our budget and provided advice and strategies that were within our budgets for the various affairs he helped us with. I recommend James without hesitation.
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15 Nov, 2016 by Roger
This guy sounded good on the phone interview. I thought he could/ would help with my concern. It became apparent very quickly he did not follow my instructions and that he was just milking my retainer fee for all he could get. He was taking care of his interest, not mine. His tune changed after he received my retainer, and after he sent, or said he sent, two useless letters that received no reply from who he sent them to. He could not justify his actions, but rather started suggesting that more money would be needed to continue to do work, only in a different manner than what we agreed upon. A good attorney should know how to approach a case in a direct manner to help with a client's concern. Yastion just did what he could do to take care of his own pocket. Avoid this attorney. Look elsewhere, and be very careful.
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18 Jun, 2022 by Dennis annastas
Always the best and most honest straight forward attorney around. Highly recommend them.
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11 Dec, 2021 by Steve bartholomew
Excellent customer service. Patient and understanding for your personal needs.
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29 Nov, 2021 by Molly hallenbach
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04 Mar, 2017 by Brian
John handled a Workmans comp case for me. To say the treatment I received from him and his secretary was terrible and unprofessional would be an understatement. On many occasions it became obvious that he simply didn't know the law and I was repeatedly told conflicting information by him. His secretary will tell you anything to get you off the phone if you call to speak with him. Her favorite seems to be "I will have him call you later today". NEVER HAPPENS. On top of all his he appears to be going senile. On more occasions than I can remember he simply forgot what he had previously told me. FIND A DIFFERENT ATTORNEY
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24 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I was graced with a divorce that was somewhat sudden to myself. I called and Mr. Sisti had his secretary squeeze me in (on his lunch hour) which I didn't know until after I got to his office. He made me feel much better and isolated the issues immediately. He drafted all of the documents for me, in a very timely manner and within the year everything was done. He's was very understanding and compassionate. Having to go through something like this stinks, but having an attorney who is truly on your side and listens to your concerns is exactly what I needed. He made an awful situation less stressful. I would definitely recommend Mr. Sisti.
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07 Aug, 2013 by Anthony
He is a clueless man he should not be practicing !!! He sits there and is afraid to speak up against the judge who is railroading his client. I had to speak up to save my ass and get to see my kid !!! Then I fire him after giving him 5000.00 and he sends me a bill for 7800.00 with no minutes.
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09 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I used her to get my K-1 Visa. She was alright. I don't think she did much work at all and I think I should have never used here. It was a waste of my money. I would not recommend to get her if it all you need is to fill out forms with the government. Maybe she can actually show her worth when it comes to more difficult cases.
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07 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
I honestly can't recommend a lawyer who speaks against others in her field, in order to have you transfer your case to her. I also don't trust her in not disclosing my information with friends of mine. She clearly gave me incorrect information and no meaningful advice during my expensive consultation session. Needless to say, I switched lawyers and my case is now fixed. I wish I had gone to someone else from the beginning...
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11 Jun, 2018 by Nicole
In my opinion, this lawyer was unprofessional, incompetent, rude and dressed inappropriately in the courtroom. I would not hire her even for free. She needs to shadow a real lawyer and not play around with serious matters such as criminal cases. It's really sad that people who cannot afford a good attorney has to often deal with Legal Aid Society's free attorneys i.e. Ms. Salomone. #Lousy
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10 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
I was extremely dissatisfied with the professionalism & quality of the legal service I received from Ms Rudikoff during the Nov 2022 sale of my home. The atty hired by my buyers made an error scheduling our closing and failed to notify any other parties to the closing other than the buyers and their parties. Ms Rudikoff’s response was to exert such ridiculous pressure on me to accommodate the buyers & their attorney that I thought to fire her immediately. Ms Rudikoff well knew that I was working to arrange a contingent purchase of our new home with a long-haul move from my local home, using the proceeds of my home sale for the new purchase to be scheduled the day after the closing on the sale of my home. Of course, I refused to further complicate my back-to-back closings but didn’t fire her as I should have. During the coordination efforts to schedule the 2 closings, Ms Rudikoff failed to keep me informed of the scheduling efforts which caused unnecessary difficulties. Following the closing on the sale of my home which I did not attend, I received from Ms Rudikoff only a brief email that it went smoothly and wished me well. I did not receive any closing documents from the sale of my own home until a month later when I emailed her asking for them and then emailed again reminding her that I had emailed asking for them.
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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:

  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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