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15 Jul, 2024 by Susan palmer
17 Aug, 2021 by Steve lansing
Too honest for a lawyer. Patriot! Really a good guy. The world needs more of him. Honesty first, money later. I'm not his business manager, just a friend
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11 Jun, 2021 by Marisol diana
Beatiful and peaceful park.
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11 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Unprepared, expensive, rude, lazy and made me do most of the research. I hired her for family court and just one example of all of the above is that we had a whitness come to the atand and once he got there, she had to ask me who he was and why he was there. She couldnt find her notes and had no formal questions prepared to ask. legalzoom would have suited me or anyone else better than her.
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10 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
I too had a distressing experience with Patricia Crippen's law firm in handling the probate of a will. There was duplication of efforts which added to the fee charged. I also agree that her staff were either inexperienced or incompetent. Not enough copies of documents ordered, then waiting time till more were received. Money that was requested when funds were left in escrow to cover final expenses. Then was told it was good that I remembered that and the staff would check. Isn't it their job to know that information, not me to have to provide?? Not very diligent nor professional. It was a very distressing time for me, and I didn't need this.
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14 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Patricia to handle my divorce & it was a terrible experience from beginning to end. She charged alot of money for me doing most of the work. I had to correct the agreement several times for errors on the offices part such as mixing up what i was asking for vs what husband wanted and typos galore! She never bothered to tell me what the next step in the process would be but never ceased to not send me a bill for her money when that came due. It was truely dissappointing. After i received my closing letter saying "good luck in the future" basically stating the fact she would need another retaining fee to go onto the next step for the domestic relations portion. that was never conveyed in the initial meeting we had to discuss the divorce. I hired a real lawyer to take care of that for me and he was perfect. I wish i had Mr. Bill Farr from the beginning. Because her office changes staff on a constant basis all of my paperwork and accounts were constantly wrong. i have gotten 2 separate bills for over 1,700 each time stating i didn't pay her office and had to prove each time that i did, and in turn she sent an apology email. This has happened twice within the last 2 years now and i had paid my final bill over 2 years ago so that is scary. I would never recommend this unprofessional lawyer and her staff to anyone. Extremely dissatisfied for all the thousands of dollars this woman charged. Its terrible service.
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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.
