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12 Jan, 2019 by Drew
A fantastic lawyer who helped me trademark my business. Mike is extremely responsive and helped me every step of the way.
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07 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Michael has served my business extremely well in the areas of copyright law and litigation. He is a competent, no-nonsense lawyer with an intimate knowledge of copyright law, and a knack for applying his intellect in a fair and sensible way to real-world business situations.
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03 Feb, 2020 by Gerson
Kevin Mulhearn is an excellent attorney. He is client focused, compassionate and knowledgeable.
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06 Sep, 2018 by Jim
Mr. Phillips handled my first divorce and, to the extent one can say he is pleased when getting divorced, I was very pleased with the outcome. I got excellent advice and was always better informed about what to expect and what was happening than my former wife throughout the process. Over the years, I had questions which arose in connection with a possible prenuptial agreement and thoughts of remarrying. Ultimately, Ron prepared a prenuptial agreement which was executed by my now wife and I; it took a lot of the anxiety out of getting remarried after the first unpleasant go-around. While I never felt I was over billed, divorces can be expensive when your spouse gets stubbornly stupid and drags the divorce out hoping for a better outcome than she was told to expect by her attorney. The outcome predicted by Mr. Phillips was fairly accurate and my ex-wife really thought it was unfair. I also had Family Court questions over the years due to my children making their own mistakes. Mr. Phillips explained what was happening and took a lot of the anxiety a parent experiences when their children are involved with their own disputes. I can only say I highly recommend Mr. Phillips. Experience counts and he has it.
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24 Aug, 2018 by Tim
Lets face it, divorce can be stressful, painful and sometimes just sad. Divorce is not an easy event to go through in life, especially if you have been married for many years. You hear other people talking about their experiences, but until you go through it yourself you have no idea of the impact, especially when your emotions are running high and your children and assets are involved. Ron Phillips, attorney with the Phillips Law Firm, was on my side from the very beginning. I had interviewed several other attorneys, however when I started speaking to Ron I knew I was speaking to the “right” attorney. Ron explains every step of the divorce process and makes sure you are “protected” during what may be a very difficult journey. Ron understands the necessity to do what is right for your children. Ron works hard to allow you to keep the assets you are entitled to. I would highly recommend Ron if you are ever faced with a divorce. You need someone on your side who will work in your best interest, provide you with professional guidance and “keep you in the loop“ during this challenging process. Ron Phillips is the attorney you need to call… Tim B
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21 Aug, 2018 by Pat
have used Ron Phillips as my personal attorney for many years, and the result was always positive. I have had him in my corner for close to 25 years,so much so I recommended him to my brother for his divorce and my brother came out on top. No better lawyer for personal matters in the Hudson Valley than Ron Phillips.   Grateful, Patrick
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08 Feb, 2024 by Joe and kim depaola
Patricia Habas is an excellent attorney and helped me greatly. I'm forever grateful. Also, what a happy, energetic person to have in your corner.
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08 Jan, 2024 by Risa hoag
We are so grateful to have found Lauren to assist with my family's legal needs. Not only did she help my parents write their wills, she also helped with their healthcare proxies and their trust. In addition, she created a special needs trust for my sister with care and compassion. Lauren is the trusted advisor you want on your side to help you with those all important documents that we all tend to put off. We highly recommend working with Lauren and her team.
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27 Oct, 2022 by Roger
Patricia is the best!!!
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08 Feb, 2024 by Joe and kim depaola
Patricia Habas is an excellent attorney and helped me greatly. I'm forever grateful. Also, what a happy, energetic person to have in your corner.
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08 Jan, 2024 by Risa hoag
We are so grateful to have found Lauren to assist with my family's legal needs. Not only did she help my parents write their wills, she also helped with their healthcare proxies and their trust. In addition, she created a special needs trust for my sister with care and compassion. Lauren is the trusted advisor you want on your side to help you with those all important documents that we all tend to put off. We highly recommend working with Lauren and her team.
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27 Oct, 2022 by Roger
Patricia is the best!!!
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08 Feb, 2024 by Joe and kim depaola
Patricia Habas is an excellent attorney and helped me greatly. I'm forever grateful. Also, what a happy, energetic person to have in your corner.
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star star star star star
08 Jan, 2024 by Risa hoag
We are so grateful to have found Lauren to assist with my family's legal needs. Not only did she help my parents write their wills, she also helped with their healthcare proxies and their trust. In addition, she created a special needs trust for my sister with care and compassion. Lauren is the trusted advisor you want on your side to help you with those all important documents that we all tend to put off. We highly recommend working with Lauren and her team.
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27 Oct, 2022 by Roger
Patricia is the best!!!
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08 Feb, 2024 by Joe and kim depaola
Patricia Habas is an excellent attorney and helped me greatly. I'm forever grateful. Also, what a happy, energetic person to have in your corner.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
08 Jan, 2024 by Risa hoag
We are so grateful to have found Lauren to assist with my family's legal needs. Not only did she help my parents write their wills, she also helped with their healthcare proxies and their trust. In addition, she created a special needs trust for my sister with care and compassion. Lauren is the trusted advisor you want on your side to help you with those all important documents that we all tend to put off. We highly recommend working with Lauren and her team.
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star star star star star
27 Oct, 2022 by Roger
Patricia is the best!!!
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08 Feb, 2024 by Joe and kim depaola
Patricia Habas is an excellent attorney and helped me greatly. I'm forever grateful. Also, what a happy, energetic person to have in your corner.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
08 Jan, 2024 by Risa hoag
We are so grateful to have found Lauren to assist with my family's legal needs. Not only did she help my parents write their wills, she also helped with their healthcare proxies and their trust. In addition, she created a special needs trust for my sister with care and compassion. Lauren is the trusted advisor you want on your side to help you with those all important documents that we all tend to put off. We highly recommend working with Lauren and her team.
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27 Oct, 2022 by Roger
Patricia is the best!!!
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29 Apr, 2023 by Michael
I was appointed this idiot in orange county family court and unfortunately he still representing me. I’m in the process of trying to find a lawyer that knows what he or she doing. He does not return calls he does not go through the case with you he can’t even remember my name, he is totally worthless ……stay far far away from this attorney.
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25 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Unprepared, doesn't return calls, unfamiliar with family law. Would not recommend to anyone who needs an experienced on their side.
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20 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
I don't know is he is a good lawyer, but the fact that he or her office didn't reply to my email at all would steer me clear of him.
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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:

  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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