Lawyers map
>308
experienced lawyers
Filter by
07 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Called and did most over the phone with John Frazier. He understood the unusual circumstances of having limited ability to come into the office as I care for my disabled son. He took my minor sons misdemeanor careless driving case. He sent all forms to retain via email. Things got done quickly. He kept me informed of all dealings with the court or prosecutors at all times. We conversed mainly via email and he was very confident for the outcome of my case each step of the way. When I worried or waiverd he was professional in the manner in which to ease my concerns. I gave my complete trust and faith in him and he prevailed. I strongly recommend this firm and its team. Best part he was less than a “friend” was going to charge. Glad I made the call. Thank You John Frazier you will be my to go guy from here in our should I need a lawyer.
Read more
31 Jul, 2018 by Emily
Mr. Fraser represented me in a child custody case in Ingram county. I had not previously been represented in family court and the results were devastating. My sons father was granted full physical custody and I was only allowed weekend and holiday visits. For eight years this went on.
I had told everybody about the situation at my son’s father‘s house and how bad it was a nobody would listen, except for Mr. Fraser.
They’re finally came a time when evidence of alcohol abuse and domestic violence from an outside source became available. And Mr. Fraser utilized that evidence to change my family’s life! After eight years of fighting, tears, lost time, and trying to tell my story, the truth was being told. We took this evidence to friend of the Court in Ingham County and Mr. Fraser was effective in presenting the evidence in a manner in which the judge was able to make a decision that was very positive for me, my son and our family.
I have recommended Mr. Fraser to many of my coworkers and friends struggling to navigate family court and FOC.
I consider Mr. Fraser a part of our extended family and we will forever be grateful.
Read more
08 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
I am a MMMP card holder with medical marijuana patient status and am licensed to grow my own medicinal marijuana plants at home. Thinking I was doing everything according to the rules, didn't prevent law enforcement from coming to the house to pay a visit. And in the process found things that they we're going to challenge....... period. Long story short, I wound up with Felony Manufacturing charges. Which if prosecuted to the full extent of the law would bring 4 years in prison with it. I knew immediately that I would need good, rather great, representation. That's when I contacted attorney John Fraser at Grewal Law in Okemos, and asked him to come on board. And thank God I did. First of all, as far as anyone in the Greater Lansing area that is an expert on Michigan Medical Marijuana Law, it's attorney Fraser for sure. So if you have a case pertaining to anything drug related, I would highly recommend your contacting him. But his expertise travels well beyond that of drug related law. And the team he works with at Grewal are also people of integrity, with a diverse array of special qualifications for really any legal need. My case looked as though it would be bound over to the circuit Court. But when he was able to present a few of our arguments to the prosecutor, she was faced with the reality that her case wasn't worth pursuing. And yes, without ever needing to even be present for my preliminary exam, the decision was made to throw out my case entirely! Judge signed the papers the following morning. And now all of this is behind me now...... for good. And for that I sincerely thank and commend Mr. Fraser.
Read more
28 Nov, 2017 by Michael lassen
Super lawyers in Michigans Ingham county.
Read more
05 Oct, 2016 by Lee ford
We had an amazing experience with Grewal Law. I was pleased with their staff, there attention to detail and how they cared for our family on multiple different legal matters. Both Erin and Jessica helped my family tremendously. Thank you for your help Greywal Law.
Read more
27 Feb, 2013 by Balinda
I've had2 3rd offense drinking n driving in my past nothing to be proud of but instead to be scared of . This time I honestly only was pushing my bike hours later after it stalled but had been drinking n was arrested for drinking n driving. Joseph was honest enough to tell me if we took it to trial he would give it his all but and believes we have a 90% chance of winning but there is a 10 % chance the jurors would look at my past and convict me and I would do 5- 8 years and ask if I was to take that chance. I wasn't, I'm not . Joseph has fought and kept me from going to jail and has also fought for me to be able to battle with my cancer at home. What I'm trying to say is I wasn't just a paycheck or just another client to be pushed and over with . He fought for me as my own individual like he will do his next client. Thank you Joseph!
Read more
28 Nov, 2017 by Michael lassen
Super lawyers in Michigans Ingham county.
Read more
30 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Mick and his office after I was way in over my head with my mortgage. I came to Mick desperate to save my family home. He reassured me that he would do everything in his power to get the best result for me and save my home. I worked with Mick and Jessica for about a year, they were quick to answer my calls, emails, etc. It has been about a year now, but I can happily say Mick and his staff SAVED my home, they not only saved me $300,000.00 on my principle alone but cut my payments in half. I would never refer a friend or family member to anybody but Mick. They can be trusted, fair fees and excellent results, what more can you ask for?
Read more
28 Nov, 2016 by Terry
Mick Grewal and his associates have done an excellent job in representing me, my partners, and my clients with complex real estate related issues to our complete satisfaction. He is trustworthy, diligent, knowledgeable and caring. I will surely continue to use and recommend him in the future.
Read more
25 Sep, 2024 by Mark hampton
I appreciate Sean's straightforward approach and explanations of the law. Any time I have a friend who needs legal help, I recommend Sean over anyone else local!!
Read more
02 Apr, 2024 by Geoff leverenz
I used Sean for a license restoration hearing and he was great nothing but positive things to say
Read more
31 Mar, 2023 by Jesse knapp
I would highly recommend him he he did my bankruptcy paperwork and walked me through everything
Read more
30 Sep, 2024 by Sharon doherty
My son faced some serious charges, and Toby and Gidget worked tirelessly to secure a good result. They cared a lot, and were always good to deal with.
Read more
26 Sep, 2024 by Brett pearson
Toby is a great lawyer. Very easy to communicate with. Definitely someone I would recommend to anyone needing legal advise.
Read more
26 Apr, 2024 by Georges njinang
Bonsoir, très intéressant pour tout ‘information et éducation . Bonne continuation et nous savons compter sur vous…
Read more
11 Dec, 2024 by Amy blackburn
Cullen was amazing at getting my case taken care of. With limited stress on me! Also works with met life legal plan which was also a bonus! 10/10 would recommend and will continue to come to them with any legal issues.
Read more
03 Dec, 2024 by Lauren johnson
I had an incredible experience with Mr. Harkness, he is very knowledgeable and handles himself with very positive confidence. I couldn’t be happier with my time with him! I would highly recommend his services.
Read more
21 Nov, 2024 by Karen sue hensleytoddy
The secretary answered the phone very fast !She was very thorough very friendly she contacted me with an attorney Zach who is very friendly very knowledgeable I hired him on the spot to represent me.Thankyou !!
Read more
11 Dec, 2024 by Amy blackburn
Cullen was amazing at getting my case taken care of. With limited stress on me! Also works with met life legal plan which was also a bonus! 10/10 would recommend and will continue to come to them with any legal issues.
Read more
03 Dec, 2024 by Lauren johnson
I had an incredible experience with Mr. Harkness, he is very knowledgeable and handles himself with very positive confidence. I couldn’t be happier with my time with him! I would highly recommend his services.
Read more
21 Nov, 2024 by Karen sue hensleytoddy
The secretary answered the phone very fast !She was very thorough very friendly she contacted me with an attorney Zach who is very friendly very knowledgeable I hired him on the spot to represent me.Thankyou !!
Read more
11 Dec, 2024 by Amy blackburn
Cullen was amazing at getting my case taken care of. With limited stress on me! Also works with met life legal plan which was also a bonus! 10/10 would recommend and will continue to come to them with any legal issues.
Read more
03 Dec, 2024 by Lauren johnson
I had an incredible experience with Mr. Harkness, he is very knowledgeable and handles himself with very positive confidence. I couldn’t be happier with my time with him! I would highly recommend his services.
Read more
21 Nov, 2024 by Karen sue hensleytoddy
The secretary answered the phone very fast !She was very thorough very friendly she contacted me with an attorney Zach who is very friendly very knowledgeable I hired him on the spot to represent me.Thankyou !!
Read more
02 Jul, 2024 by Dennis henderson
Eric Shepherd is a great lawyer! He is very professional, and puts in the work for your case. He is the working Man's lawyer and there fore a little more cost efficient than the big law offices, but just as good at law. I was facing three felonies and years in prison for sure, And he was able to get it broke down to a misdemeanor! I am so thankful for his expertise. I would advise anybody in trouble to contact him ASAP!
Read more
11 Nov, 2023 by Tim
Eric Sheppard went well out of his way to represent me in an awful situation, at the moment I had lost hope that anyone would. I could not give a stronger recommendation. If you seek a true believer in honesty, integrity, fairness, and your constitutional protections, then you should immediately add Mr. Sheppard to your contact list. I really cannot fathom any reason why someone in his profession would go so far above and beyond for a total stranger, but Eric demonstrated that he is an expert at his craft in a very, very, short amount of time. Don’t even think you could do better than this consummate professional. Thank you, Eric Sheppard.
Read more
11 Oct, 2023 by Tim hahn
Eric Sheppard went well out of his way to represent me in an awful situation, at the moment I had lost hope that anyone would. I could not give a stronger recommendation. If you seek a true believer in honesty, integrity, fairness, and your constitutional protections, then you should immediately add Mr. Sheppard to your contact list. I really cannot fathom any reason why someone in his profession would go so far above and beyond for a total stranger, but Eric demonstrated that he is an expert at his craft in a very, very, short amount of time. Don’t even think you could do better than this consummate professional. Thank you, Eric Sheppard.
Read more
29 Oct, 2021 by Diane
Elizabeth helped us re new our trust. She updated us on new laws and guided us on our options.
Read more
11 Oct, 2021 by Patricia
I met with Elizabeth to have my will and trust drawn up. I explained to her what I wanted and she explained to me what I needed to provide. Within a couple of weeks, my documents were prepared and signed. She went through the trust step-by-step and explained it carefully. Very pleased with her and my will and trust.
Read more
25 Sep, 2021 by John
Ms. Siefker worked with my wife and I to create a family trust, our wills, POA documents and memorial preferences. She is knowledgeable in these areas and provided sound advice to help us personalize our estate plans. Her explanations were clear which allowed us to put our "plan" into the documents. The process is efficient and streamlined. I expect that we will contact Ms. Siefker in the future as we modify our plans.
Read more
11 Mar, 2020 by Shawn
Gabrielle made this process very easy to understand! The process was quick and painless!! Our Will and Trust Fund was prepared and signed within a month.
Read more
27 Feb, 2020 by Lara
Gabrielle and her assistant were great. They were efficient and reassuring in our future care needs to help support our children and family moving forward.
Read more
18 Feb, 2020 by Rita
Our financial advisor had been urging us to get our estate planning done, and recommended attorney Gabrielle Lawrence. We are grateful for the recommendation. Gabrielle put together a very complete trust package for us. We found her to be knowledgeable, thorough, understandable, patient, and accessible. She made good points and gave good advice. It was a very easy process. It is a comfort knowing we and our family have her as a resource.
Read more
01 Feb, 2024 by Steven graham
Just rude. Cut me off thinking he knew the answer to my question. Of course my case was with his predecessor so he did not want to be bothered. I was just looking for a copy or how to obtain one of my case with Scott, but he never even let me finish. Now I am being garnished for something I filed bankruptcy on in 2014. I kept the paperwork for nine years and right after I threw it away, thinking I was in the clear i got agarnishment for 65
K.
Read more
06 Nov, 2023 by Deedee sylvester
25 Oct, 2023 by Sarah
Mr. Crockett and Mr. Fulger are selfless with high morals. They provided clarity along with courage. I am forever grateful as they were body guards, dragon slayers and law experts all at once. Mr. Crockett and Mr. Fulger treat me with kindness. They are knowledgeable and understanding. As a survivor of domestic abuse I highly recommend them!
Read more
30 Sep, 2024 by Sharon doherty
My son faced some serious charges, and Toby and Gidget worked tirelessly to secure a good result. They cared a lot, and were always good to deal with.
Read more
26 Sep, 2024 by Brett pearson
Toby is a great lawyer. Very easy to communicate with. Definitely someone I would recommend to anyone needing legal advise.
Read more
26 Apr, 2024 by Georges njinang
Bonsoir, très intéressant pour tout ‘information et éducation . Bonne continuation et nous savons compter sur vous…
Read more
06 Sep, 2019 by Tamera
Mr. Basiga is extremely knowledgeable and caring. He is the epitome of the law profession. His integrity and tenacity produced excellent results.
Read more
27 Mar, 2015 by Terry bawden
sience carolyn ayres retired I have bin useing brendon and he has done nothing but excellent work for me and I couldn't be happier with the results hes gotten and I would recommend him to anyone
Read more
19 Oct, 2024 by Maria g
Attorney Matthew and his team helped me get paid for my medical bills, pain and suffering, rental car, and did everything to get me the maximum amount for the car accident I was involved in.
Read more
11 Oct, 2024 by Tom finch
Every time I called I was able to speak to attorney Mattherw on the phone about my car accident. He made sure to answer all my questions in an easy way to understand. He put up with me bugging him all the time. He did everything he promised. I recommend him.
Read more
25 Feb, 2019 by Marilyn
I enthusiastically recommend Thomas A. Klug of Klug Law Firm to anyone searching for an ethical and hardworking attorney. Tom has been handling our legal matters since the mid-1980s. He works honestly with his clients, who are encouraged to be part of the legal process. Tom has advised us regarding property acquisitions and sales; commercial retail, and residential rentals/leases; trust, estate, and tax matters; and of particular significance, an appeal before the State of Michigan Tax Tribunal. All of this is important to us because Tom has a full and complete understanding of our business and personal situations and, therefore, is in a position to help plan and make recommendations for the future.
Tom Klug is not just our attorney, but has become a friend. We have unequivocally referred friends and colleagues to Tom because of our complete trust and confidence in him as he has wisely guided us through the years.
Read more
27 Sep, 2018 by Trisha
Casey Conklin is extremely personable and always willing to provide information, answers, and help us in our legal matters. Our family and business highly recommend Casey and his team.
Read more
17 Oct, 2021 by Barbara
kind, caring…close timely attention to detail. Consistently on top of your legal issues, good negotiator.
Read more
15 Jun, 2022 by Jacki
Ms. Adel helped with my case vs the UIA by writing an appeal letter with supporting evidence to the ALJ. She worked in a timely manner to do this, answered all my questions via email within one day, explained every step of the appeal process, faxed the appeal on my behalf, and even spoke with me over the phone. Ms. Adel even answered my questions after the appeal was submitted regarding the next steps for either outcome but due to the strong letter she wrote me, the ALJ rule was in our favor. I am very thankful to have had Ms. Adel helping me and I will hire her again in the future if I ever need it.
Read more
13 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
To all the staff at Grewal Law....specifically Ashlee.
About a year ago my family began a journey that I knew would be an uphill battle. Looking into my daughters eyes and seeing the tears on her face made the decision to begin that battle an no decision. My wife and I began our search of an attorney who we thought would have my daughters best interest in mind and would listen to all the facts and would be able to advise us accordingly. Being a father who didn't have much faith in the Friend of the Court system I knew we would have a lot of tough decisions ahead of us. We interviewed another attorney who had advertised themselves as a member of the ADAM (American Divorce Association for Men) and would fight for fathers rights. From the start of this initial consultation my wife and I felt he was not listening to what we were saying and told us we were crazy for trying to obtain custody of a minor child who was already living with her mom. We had pleaded and tried to get him to understand it wasn't us trying to get custody. It was our daughter indicating she did not want to live with her mother and stepfather any longer for a multitude of reasons. It was very disappointing as I was hoping that with this ADAM advertisement they would have been more on my side so to speak. We repeatedly indicated to him that we knew we had to try as our daughter was hurting. He continued to tell us that we didn't really stand a chance but if we really wanted to pursue it that he would represent us. Not the answers or attitude we were looking for. So we moved on to our next firm and were immediately struck by what we found.
Ashlee Lynn sat down with us and immediately we felt that she was what we were looking for. She was honest about the challenges that we would be facing with the Court, Judge and opposing counsel. While we were discussing our case at one point I looked at Ashley and asked her this one question, " will you fight for our daughter"? She without hesitation said "absolutely". So my wife and I left her office that day and sat in the parking lot discussing our options and made the decision very quickly that yes Ashlee was the type of attorney that we were looking for.
In the months ahead we went through several ups and downs in our case but always Ashlee and the staff were honest and professional and kept us informed of what we needed to do. At one point we had a meeting with Ashlee and Mick Grewal so that we all could discuss how the case was proceeding. I will never forget but Mick and Ashlee turned to my wife and I and said, "this is what we are going to do for (daughters name)". My wife and I almost cried. My faith with the Court came down to Ashlee and our case preparation, documentation and the facts. We thought , wow, that's how it should be. Not about who has the best or highest paid attorney but about the facts.
After many many phone calls, emails, court hearings and what seemed like an eternity our daughter got the decision she (and we) were looking for. Through her guidance Ashlee was able to walk us through a very difficult 9 months. I am very glad we made the decision not to just buy into some advertisement. As it turned out the opposing counsel was working at that other firm we initially interviewed.
I am generally not a fan of writing or reading testimonials but my wife and I felt that everyone should know the professional job that Ashlee did. Maybe more importantly is the type of person that she is and was willing to be more than just counsel.
Thank you Ashlee for all your hard work on our daughters behalf, you have changed a life.
Read more
25 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I found Ms. Elster to be very efficient in working with my case. She kept in contact with me, and answered any questions that I had and updates on the case. She returned calls quickly, and was on top of any issues that arose.
Read more
07 Apr, 2016 by Diana
I have come to Ron Berry for consulting on multiple times from divorce to business and all legal advice in between. He is always so thorough. He takes time to know all the details of my situation to make sure he gives me the most beneficial and most accurate information. He is always thinking one step ahead and that has helped me tremendously. I highly recommend Ron Berry.
Read more
28 Nov, 2017 by Michael lassen
Super lawyers in Michigans Ingham county.
Read more
05 Oct, 2016 by Lee ford
We had an amazing experience with Grewal Law. I was pleased with their staff, there attention to detail and how they cared for our family on multiple different legal matters. Both Erin and Jessica helped my family tremendously. Thank you for your help Greywal Law.
Read more
28 Nov, 2017 by Michael lassen
Super lawyers in Michigans Ingham county.
Read more
05 Oct, 2016 by Lee ford
We had an amazing experience with Grewal Law. I was pleased with their staff, there attention to detail and how they cared for our family on multiple different legal matters. Both Erin and Jessica helped my family tremendously. Thank you for your help Greywal Law.
Read more
01 Feb, 2024 by Steven graham
Just rude. Cut me off thinking he knew the answer to my question. Of course my case was with his predecessor so he did not want to be bothered. I was just looking for a copy or how to obtain one of my case with Scott, but he never even let me finish. Now I am being garnished for something I filed bankruptcy on in 2014. I kept the paperwork for nine years and right after I threw it away, thinking I was in the clear i got agarnishment for 65
K.
Read more
06 Nov, 2023 by Deedee sylvester
22 Mar, 2023 by Michelle lalonde
Scott and Gila were Amazing! I was very comfortable with the initial appointment and felt like family when everything was done. Gila had to redo the paperwork a few times and she was very understanding. They were very informative of how the process works. I would 100% recommend contacting Scott Neuman.
Read more
17 Jan, 2025 by Don toddy
09 Jan, 2025 by David smith
Marcus was an incredibly important asset in my legal troubles. He maintained a high level of professionalism throughout the entire process and was available whenever I had questions or needed anything. He recommended some resources that helped with my case that ultimately led to less severe consequences. He also traveled from his office, over an hour away, without any complaints when the zoom requests were denied. Would absolutely recommend him to anybody that has issues in the fields he has expertise in.
Read more
08 Jan, 2025 by Lee rademacher
I used Marcus for help with a custody issue. He was super helpful, prompt, excellent communication. Overall just a really great guy.
Read more
25 Jul, 2024 by Christine wasmund
22 Jul, 2024 by Daniel kring
Good
Read more
04 Mar, 2024 by Anthony graybosch
'Spoke with Matt; honest, knowledgable, strategically sound. Hopefully we don't need representation and are just sore but we'd come back if things went south.
Read more
20 Jul, 2015 by Rosemary
My case was handled with professional integrity and I was very satisfied with the results. Gene Turnwald is an excellent legal representative.
Read more
31 Mar, 2014 by Jessica
I had called around and gotten a few different quotes, but from my first consultation, I knew I made the right choice. My appointment with Mr. Turnwald was very thorough, and I had the entire process explained to me up front. As soon as I had everything to them that was needed, he got it all filed extremely fast. I never feel like I am missing out on something that is going on, because he is very good about sending me the information he gets, so I always know if something is going on with my case. In the past, I have had lawyers that don't make me feel like they care about my case, but that has never been the situation here. I am very happy with the service I have received so far, and I would recommend Gene Turnwald to any of my friends and family.
Read more
20 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I don't understand why, but my experience with Mr. Turnwald has been pretty unsatisfactory to say the least. While handling my bankruptcy I was given specific information by Gene only to receive opposite information by his secretary. I have been given deadlines for certain things that needed to be filed ,only to HAVE to call them numerous times later on to remind them to do it. They never seem to know who the hell I even am. This is after my fee has been paid to them in full. His secretary is never on the same page with Gene. Ever. Gene didn't even know that she filed my bankruptcy before I had found all of my creditors. Any time I call I feel as if though they think I should be paying extra to ask questions. I would never go through him again. Hopefully I can get ahold of them soon to remind them of my ammendment deadline. This is really important and I already paid for it to be filed. This has been a nightmare of misinformation and unprofessionalism .
Read more
23 May, 2019 by Jack
Mr.Yagalla was my attorney for a business related matter. All I can say is how thankful I am for his excellence and honesty. He handled my case with skill and sensitivity. Because of his input and legal skills, I was able to see a very satisfactory outcome.
Read more
30 Oct, 2017 by Garcia
I hired Mr. Yagalla for my son's case. He treated us with honesty and respect. My son's case was very difficult but Mr.Yagalla handled it with great skill. He is very skilled and knows what it takes to win a case. I will use him in the future and will suggest him to my family too. Hiring him really made a true difference in my life.
Read more
18 Jan, 2017 by Ms. chima
Mr Yagalla was in charge of my mother immigration process, she made the process seamless and hassel free. My mother was given her green card and I am very happy with his work. He held our hand throughout the process and was able to assure us that the there was nothing to worry about. He filled all the forms and kept us in the loop at all times.
Read more
12 Dec, 2024 by Alan canady
Very professional. Kept me well informed about the progress of my case. I would highly recommend them!
Read more
10 Dec, 2024 by Christina torpey
Alexa handled all concerns I had and was very polite.
Read more
10 Dec, 2024 by Jason cords
Definitely would recommend using White law! I wouldn’t trust any other law firm. Their people are amazing at what they do made me feel so comfortable in the process. Thank you for handling my situation
Read more
Find Your Lawyer
By Practice Area
-
Business
-
Government
-
Criminal Defense
-
Family Law
-
Estate Planning
-
Real Estate
-
Litigation
-
Personal Injury
-
Appeals
-
Insurance
-
Immigration
-
Tax
-
Probate
-
Civil Rights
-
Intellectual Property
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Cannabis Law
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Workers Compensation
-
Elder Law
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Consumer Protection
-
Debt Collection
-
Car Accident
-
Bankruptcy
-
Domestic Violence
-
Entertainment
-
Juvenile Law
-
Trusts
-
Adoption
-
Child Custody
-
Child Support
-
Class Action
-
Construction
-
Copyright Application
-
Divorce
-
DUI / DWI
-
Foreclosure
-
Landlord & Tenant
-
Wrongful Death
-
Wrongful Termination
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.
