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18 Jul, 2022 by Joseph
Tom has helped my parents and myself with estate planning. He was amazing helping my parents, patiently answering all their questions and making them feel at ease.
He did the same for myself and all aspects were addressed and handled with much attention to detail.
Then recently I decided to sell my house and I didn't consider hiring anyone other than Tom.
He was incredible at guiding me through every step of the process. I cannot express enough how thorough, knowledgeable and helpful Tom is in handling these matters.
He was there every step of the way and closing was a breeze thanks to his diligence.
I will be buying a house upstate soon and there is no doubt Tom will be my attorney for that also. Thank you Tom.
I call ya as soon as I'm ready to buy.
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13 Jul, 2022 by Deena
We found Thomas McGovern through very good friends while looking for a real estate attorney for a co-op we were putting an offer on in Queens. We called a few other recommendations from other people but automatically felt comfortable with choosing Tom due to his experience with co-ops and more importantly, his friendly and efficient demeanor. He guided us through more than just the law side of the process. We were actually rejected from the co-op board without an interview. All the work that Tom had done for months was down the co-op tubes… he did not, for one second, make us feel like his time was wasted! He was disappointed for us and encouraged us back on our search. There were a few more offers made (and accepted) and contracts reviewed. We weren't in love with anything until we finally found our house on Long Island!! Tom was so patient as we went through a few places before actually going through with the purchase process again. The house we ended up buying had an offer or two ahead of ours that fell through due to missing paperwork on the seller’s side fore it being an estate. Tom reassured us that he had dealt with many estate scenarios and this missing paperwork was not a challenge for him or us. Something that was too complicated for the lawyers of offers ahead of ours—was no problem at all for Tom!! Throughout the process of finally buying our house, Tom guided, advised, revised, and reassured our side every step of the way. He certainly dotted every “i” and crossed every “t” to ensure the smooth transfer of title. Our closing was scheduled as soon as could be and ran without any hiccups at all—all honestly thanks to Tom. We invited him back to the house once it was officially ours to celebrate. It didn’t end there… Tom also recommended a great contractor when our previous had abandoned us the day before closing. He also periodically checked in on us along the way to see how the house was coming along and just to see how we were doing. Tom did what others couldn't and what others wouldn’t. I highly, highly, highly recommend Thomas McGovern as an Attorney!! As a real estate agent myself—I am constantly recommending him to all of my real estate network.
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02 Jul, 2022 by Jim griffin
We were about to lose the home my wife had her heart set on and Tom was recommended to us. Within hours of our speaking to Tom we had a contract on the table. Tom kept us well advised during the sale and closing and I never had any additional worries. I would strongly recommend Him and plan on using Him in the future.
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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?
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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:
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Contact Information:
Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case. -
Personal Identification:
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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:
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Complexity of the Case:
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Estimating Total Costs:
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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.
