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29 Jan, 2024 by Michael
Mr.Peterson is the best choice in the desert area. Concerned and dedicated. His expertise and knowledge helped shine light in the right direction. I have the custody agreement that works to still raise my kids throughout the termoil.
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08 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I have a pending case in O.C. and wanted a second-opinion. While I was questioning my choice to meet with Mike on the 2 hour drive out, I was thankful that I made the choice after spending some valuable time with him. He was prepared, thorough, and answered all of my challenging questions. Most importantly, I never felt that I was "on the clock." I have met with many lawyer's over the years, and it is rare that you meet one with Mike's personal approach. If you are questioning your representation, put in the effort to meet w/Mike!
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14 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
I am active duty in the military, based in California, and Mike Peterson and all of Thurman Arnold have done a phenomenal job representing me in my divorce. Mike is a certified family law specialist and his knowledge and professionalism are evident in his work ethic and the results he wins at trial (my case was in the Joshua Tree Courthouse). Mike has worked tirelessly on my case and obtained custody and financial verdicts far beyond my expectations. I highly recommend Thurman Arnold and Mike Peterson for any family law matters. He is a scratch golfer too, so if you also want expert tips on the course, Mike is your man!
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10 Feb, 2021 by Seth
When I first called this law office and set up my initial consultation with Michael Peterson for my pending divorce, I was impressed with how professional and straight-to-the-point he was. He asked all of the necessary questions and summarized my situation very quickly. His assistant, Jordyn, was also very efficient with scheduling and ensuring they got me in quickly whenever it was needed. I then hired Michael to help me draft a divorce agreement (i.e. settlement offer). We worked together, in person, to think through all of the angles and ensure that my interests were protected. Michael was very realistic, reasonable, articulate, and easy to work with. As much as I thought working with a lawyer might be a miserable experience, I actually enjoyed hanging out in Michael's office and working with him. In the end, I felt that I received solid guidance from Michael throughout the entire process of the divorce and felt confident, despite all of the uncertainties and "what ifs", that he had helped me get through the divorce as quickly and smoothly as possible. He also made phone calls to other experts / consultants / lawyers for advice related to real estate law, since my divorce involved some complicated issues regarding a home my ex wife and I owned together. Compared with other local attorneys - some of whom wanted over $7,000 right at the start - this law office was extremely reasonable with their rates, billing by the hour with full transparency and printed breakdowns along the way. Even after the divorce paperwork has been all signed off and completed, Michael has continued to help answer my questions as they arise. I am extremely grateful to have found Michael and Jordyn, since they saved me a lot of money and made my divorce as painless as possible. I would highly recommend them!
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04 Mar, 2019 by E veritas
I’m pro per and needed a second opinion on my complex court filing. Mr Arnold gave me exceptional advice, highlighting the weaknesses and strengths in my arguments ( immediately targeting and prioritizing the critical aspects, and then backing up his review with an impressive knowledge of the law) I was genuinely impressed, not only with his expertise, but his compassion and kindness in dealing with my difficult circumstances. He took time to make sure I understood, gave exemplary advice and saw the case from all angles. Don’t hesitate to contact him for a second opinion, you won’t regret it.
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04 Jan, 2019 by Dennis
Thank You
The advice I received 01/04/19 form Mr. Arnold on my legal endeavors, as one quoted is "as good as it gets."
Mr. Arnold gratuitously assisted me with the next direction to re-file my request to reduce or terminate a prior award of spousal support with great optimism. Patient to listen.
Second Opinion Client.
Northern, Ca.
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5.0
15 Reviews
23 May, 2023 by Donna duchai
I would recommend Attorney Christopher C Vader for your legal needs in the Palm Springs area.
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23 May, 2023 by Nancy pavao
23 May, 2023 by Dave sperry
First, my sincerest apologies to Chris, Pam, and all the staff for my complete negligence and selfish tardiness in posting these reviews of our experience. My only excuse and defense is that I have been having way too much fun these past few months with the toys I have always hoped for in my “Golden Years” of retirement. I.e. Kubota Tractor, hydraulic dump, flat bed, and now constructing a pole barn to store it.
My wife, I, and our Minnie Aussie departed our Olympia, WA home on the start of a month long retirement “road trip of a lifetime.” On day two we were hit by a drunk driver in Joshua Tree, CA. While we were all relatively unharmed our brand new (3,500 miles) GMC truck was totaled. We returned back to Olympia six days later and asked ourselves, “what the heck just happened and now what?” I sat down and composed a six page narrative of what happened describing what was going on in our lives before, at the time, and after, this horrific incident. At the same time, Leta was searching for a personal injury lawyer. After much debate and settling on two, we flipped a coin and Leta won. I am SO glad she did.
I am confident that this narrative assisted Chris greatly in determining the value of our case and, more importantly, who we are, our history, feelings, dreams, etc. And he was able to achieve this without us ever having hade face to face communication. We did, however, enjoy many hours on the phone at both the beginning and at the end of our near 18 month association. And none of that time on the phone was created for “billing hours.” It was all on Chris’s dime.
Chris worked tirelessly in communication with both the defendant’s insurance company, as well as ours to obtain the maximum “underinsured motorist” coverage we carry. Ultimately, we were awarded the maximum limits allowable on both policies. We each received two checks, one from the drunk drivers insurance, and one from ours. We just renewed with our insurance and I have not noticed any increase in premium. The only way we could have received more money would have been to go to court with a jury trial. Given our Covid-19 environment and the snail’s pace the court is moving, I believe Chris advised us correctly in accepting the full limit offer. I can never thank this firm enough and would, without hesitancy, recommend them to anyone who has been wrongly injured in the Palm Springs area. I’m still looking forward to footing the bill for a meal at Elmer’s.
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16 Jan, 2020 by Texas plaintiff
Shaun represented me in a personal injury matter against a vicious predator and his army of victim blaming lawyers. The case went to trial and Shaun single handedly represented me with honor, dignity, and victory. Six lawyers in the courtroom for the opposing side were no match in the seven day trial against solo Shaun Murphy. I knew after the first interview I had with SBEMP that Shaun Murphy was the only lawyer who would properly handle my type of case. Shaun had the knowledge, experience and proven results in the often misunderstood and sensationalized type of personal injury case he represented me in. I spoke with several lawyers before talking to Shaun and they all wanted to take my case. It was only after Shaun reviewed my case that I felt comfortable in moving forward. It was the best thing I did. Shaun confidently and aggressively pursued justice until the mission was complete. Through pre-trial litigation, trial, appeals, and full collection Shaun was a pillar of integrity. He was always responsive and focused on justice. Shaun is not only a fierce litigator but he has a very high emotional intelligence as well. He knew exactly how to respond to me in my most difficult moments of a long haul. He was a rock solid pillar of strength all the way. I can never thank him enough for all that he did while fighting for me. Impeccable with his word. Impeccable honor. Don't trust your highly sensitive litigations matters to anyone else. Proven experience matters. Litigation with Shaun is not a drill or a legal experiment. He knows exactly what he is doing.
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15 Jan, 2020 by Doug
Shaun Murphy has been my attorney against Riverside County for the past 5 years. At the trial court level, the judge made some very poor decisions against me, which the 4th DCA reversed in full last week. Now I have the opportunity to hold the County accountable for some very serious federal civil rights violations, in addition to several state law torts.
Throughout this long, difficult, and very trying process, Shaun Murphy has been a consummate legal professional. He has been personable, knowledgeable, and responsive to all of my legal needs and requirements. He co-authored a masterful appeal that formed the foundation for the appellate reversal in my favor at the 4th District Court of Appeal. He stood up to the bully man tactics of my legal opponents, and protected my legal rights at every critical juncture. Finally, Shaun Murphy has a feel for the litigation process that is difficult to quantify, but that is tactically invaluable, and it inspires client confidence at every point in the legal process.
I highly recommend Shaun and his team at SBEMP for any and all of your legal needs.
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16 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Shaun Murphy is the best Attorney ever! My experience with him was a personal injury case. I contracted an STD from a man that I had been dating long term, who forgot to tell me that he had herpes before we had sex. The devastation, embarrassment and humiliation was unbelievable. My self worth was gone forever, or so I thought. One night I was watching the news and heard of this Attorney who had just won a 4.5 million dollar law suite for a simular case. I had no idea one could sue for something like this. I called his office the next day, told my story and he took me on as a client. Shaun is dedicated to these types of cases, so I felt no embarrassment when I had to discuss anything with him or anyone in the office. When I felt hopeless, Shaun always brought me strength. He was sure we would reach a settlement, which we eventually did. We had to fly to a different state to meet with the X and his Attorney. Four hours later, we settled! The very first day I spoke with Shaun, he told me that we would settle, but I had so many doubts at that time. I gotta hand it too him.... He sure knew what he was doing. He never gave up!
Not only has Shaun won a settlement for me, but he was instrumental in helping me to believe in myself again and to trust in others. Thank you Shaun for making someone else think twice before spreading an STD around again! "One down..... thousands to go"!
I would not hesitate to hire this man as my Attorney again. Highly recommend him, especially for Personal Injury involving an STD.
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22 Dec, 2022 by Jared chongarlides
Mark is an honest attorney who puts his clients first. Mark never mislead me in the divorce and custody process. He never told me what I wanted to hear, but told me what I needed to hear. Mark is a great attorney and I am very thankful I retained him for my case. With the representation of Mark, I finalized my divorce and was awarded sole physical custody of my son! Mark’s assistant is wonderful and always answered any of my questions. Communication was excellent throughout the entire process. Mark is intelligent, well-spoken, and has a calm demeanor always even in the courtroom.
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01 Sep, 2021 by John acosta
I have worked with Mark for several years on matters unrelated to dissolution/separation and find him to be professional and responsive. I am glad we found him.
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01 Apr, 2021 by Mike bali
01 Jun, 2017 by Morgan
Mr. Klatchko came highly recommended through another law firm to assist in estate probate matters in the greater Palm Springs area of Riverside County. His firm is efficient and gets the job done, with clear communication to the client along the way. I recommend Klatchko without hesitation.
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03 Mar, 2017 by Cynthia and sara
The 5 star rating for Attorney Philip Klatchko (and also his assistant Jolene) is richly deserved. I would have given him a 10 on a 10 point scale, based on interactions to date.
In our case, the actual client was an elderly parent whose mental abilities have been fading. He functioned adeptly as part lawyer and part psychologist and seemed to understand the innuendos of dealing with this category of client and their families. The presentation of all legal documents appeared immaculate. He (and Jolene) responded to and initiated communications in a timely and proactive manner - especially with regards to setting up appointments and replies to emails and "requests." While his services are not cheap, we believe (and have been told by others) that his fees are "well worth it." In our specific case we can highly recommend Attorney Klatchko for estate and trust-related matters of an aging or elderly clientele and their families.
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12 Jun, 2016 by Kerri
Philip Klatchko was my mother's attorney. He managed all arrangements for her Estate and drew her Will. He was incredibly thorough and easy for her to work with.
After my mom passed away, I was appointed Executrix of her Estate. I turned to Philip to help me through this murky process... a job one can't possibly prepare for. Philip was patient, kind, supportive, trustworthy, available and always willing to educate when I needed it. He held my hand through this very confusing and emotional process to the very end.
When the time came to purchase my own home in Los Angeles, Philip assisted me in buying the home from directly from the owner.
I have also consulted Philip on a number of occasions for miscellaneous legal advice. I would recommend him to anyone wholeheartedly.
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23 May, 2013 by Doug
As a long-time M&A professional representing both sellers and buyers of lower middle market companies, I have introduced Marc Empey to several clients and closed five (5) transactions with him . Marc is a top shelf transaction attorney representing both public and private companies. Marc is not only a highly experienced and effective M&A attorney, he also brings brings particular expertise to corporate transactions that include real property and/or environmental challenges. Unlike many attorneys at larger firms that often "over-bill" to support large staffs and high operating overhead , Marc is always very fair with his billing - a feature that my clients have always appreciated a great deal. I would highly recommend Marc to any company in need of buy-side or sell side legal counsel.
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17 May, 2013 by Scott
Marc Empey provided excellent and detailed service when I merged my company with another entity.
His commitment to detail was most impressive as well as protecting his main concern, his client.
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15 May, 2013 by Rick
I was referred to Marc when I nearing the end of my search to buy a small software company. Marc jumped right in with me and gave me a quick education on the fundamentals, as well as more advanced concepts necessary in this area since this was my first endeavor away from the corporate world. He exhibited great patience when the first deal fell through, and gave me encouragement and a few new tips to think through as I went after my next couple of opportunities. Marc was there every step of the way from that point forward in executing the purchase order agreement, along with a series of schedules protecting me on intellectual property, setting up my LLC, getting licensed in the appropriate state, etc. In the end, the legal costs expectation that Marc put in front of me were very fair, and actually came in under where they easily could have gone since I had a false start before executing my eventual deal.
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18 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
Alan Cohen is the type of attorney that is very refreshing in this day and age. He talks to you about the law but not at you. He was and is very committed to overall best options for my life, utilizing the law for big picture life, family and business strategizing. I highly recommend Alan Cohen as a lawyer for any needs.
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15 Dec, 2018 by Ernesto
"Mr Allan Cohen was a light of hope in one of the darkest times my family has ever experienced. When our options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed almost impossible, not only was he able to defend us from an unjust accusation but his calm and empathetic demeanor offered emotional support to us.
My wife and I are eternally grateful for his service and I hereby recommend Mr Allan Cohen without reservation.”
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15 Dec, 2018 by Lidia
Alan Cohen provided excellent service, demonstrating professionalism and personal attention to all details of our Family Trust, Power of Attorney and Will.
Alan gave us the right advice in every step of the process to prevent any future problems. Alan was also available for questions over the phone after the documents were completed. We are very happy with Alan Cohen's job and will recommend his services to our family and friends.
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10 Jan, 2021 by Dave
First, my sincerest apologies to Chris, Pam, and all the staff for my complete negligence and selfish tardiness in posting these reviews of our experience. My only excuse and defense is that I have been having way too much fun these past few months with the toys I have always hoped for in my “Golden Years” of retirement. I.e. Kubota Tractor, hydraulic dump, flat bed, and now constructing a pole barn to store it.
My wife, I, and our Minnie Aussie departed our Olympia, WA home on the start of a month long retirement “road trip of a lifetime.” On day two we were hit by a drunk driver in Joshua Tree, CA. While we were all relatively unharmed our brand new (3,500 miles) GMC truck was totaled. We returned back to Olympia six days later and asked ourselves, “what the heck just happened and now what?” I sat down and composed a six page narrative of what happened describing what was going on in our lives before, at the time, and after, this horrific incident. At the same time, Leta was searching for a personal injury lawyer. After much debate and settling on two, we flipped a coin and Leta won. I am SO glad she did.
I am confident that this narrative assisted Chris greatly in determining the value of our case and, more importantly, who we are, our history, feelings, dreams, etc. And he was able to achieve this without us ever having hade face to face communication. We did have, however, enjoy many hours on the phone at both the beginning and at the end of our near 18 month association. And none of that time on the phone was created for “billing hours.” It was all on Chris’s dime.
Chris worked tirelessly in communication with both the defendant’s insurance company, as well as ours to obtain the maximum “underinsured motorist” coverage we carry. Ultimately, we were awarded the maximum limits allowable on both policies. We each received two checks, one from the drunk drivers insurance, and one from ours. We just renewed with our insurance and I have not noticed any increase in premium. The only way we could have received more money would have been to go to court with a jury trial. Given our Covid-19 environment and the snail’s pace the court is moving, I believe Chris advised us correctly in accepting the full limit offer. I can never thank this firm enough and would, without hesitancy, recommend them to anyone who has been wrongly injured in the Palm Springs area. I’m still looking forward to footing the bill for a meal at Elmer’s.
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28 Dec, 2020 by Leta
We had the misfortune of being 1200 miles and 2 states away from home when we were broadsided by a drunk driver in Feb. 2019. Our new truck was totaled right in the middle of 29 Palms Highway. Our injuries were not life threatening thanks to air bags and other safety features. We found Christopher Vader, who along with his trusted sidekick, Pam Kitchens, handled all the details, medical billing, communicating with insurance adjusters and providing us with frequent updates. When it seemed like we were preparing to settle with all involved parties, the Courts shut down due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Chris remained optimistic and by mid summer we received the maximum payout awarded by the Insurance companies. We couldn't be happier with the process and outcome. Thank you Chris (and Pam)!
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19 Sep, 2017 by David
Mr. Vader was my choice for attorney for a personal injury event I had in Palm Springs, 1,000 miles away from my home. He listened carefully to my case, evaluated me as much as I did him, and was completely honest about the possible outcomes, promising nothing more than hard and honest work.
And that is what I received; skilled and careful preparation all done with an honestly friendly demeanor that resulted in a fair settlement. I felt included and valued as a client and Mr. Vader respected my own professionalism and communication skills, consulting at all times for consensus and agreement on the path of the case.
When the case settled, Mr. Vader showed the content of his character with clarity. An error of the written word, in the firm's favor, was corrected in my favor, honoring our handshake agreement. And he was the one finding the error, not I.
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30 Oct, 2011 by Dana and terri
My wife and I were the victims of a vexacious litigant and her highly unethical contingency fee attorney. After our young "pitbull" attorney blew through $35,000.00 and then asked for another $35,000.00 we parted ways. We sought the help of two expert witnesses. These two people deal with attorneys on a daily basis. The exact words from them were "99 out of 100 attorneys we would not recommend to you, but we have a high regard for Daniel Martorella. We retained Mr. Martorella and within 3 weeks of him being involved in our case the contingency fee attorney left his client high and dry. It was not long after this that we were cleared of all charges.
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28 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
He is knowledgable, insightful, understanding and intelligent; well-informed; discerning; perceptive and efficeint and helped me with my civil matter avoiding court and saving me money.
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28 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
Thanks to Dan I still have a drivers license to drive my car!!!
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05 Mar, 2018 by G
I found Linda Klatchko on Martindale Hubbell Peer Rating Service after a former legal secretary confirmed this as the site that attorneys use. Linda was very highly rated on that sight, and in our first conversation gave me the impression that she was meticulous (which turned out to be true). I am grateful that I had her to represent me. She coached me well in covering my paperwork and interpersonal bases. She was understanding and helped me correct common misconceptions I had. She caught and followed up with details missed by other parties, and enlisted her husband Phil in making sure an important real-estate issue was correctly executed. She coached me how to protect some of my more vulnerable supporting records. She discussed options with me and helped me be realistic. Her staff was both friendly and responsive to my calls, as was Ms. Klatchko in her call-backs. Emails and mailings from her office were timely. Based on my experience I recommend her.
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04 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Utilizing her legal expertise, business acumen, and effective communication skills, Linda Klatchko is one of the best attorneys in the Coachella Valley. I was fortunate to have her professional representation, and highly recommend her and her husband, Phil.
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16 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
Linda was recommended by a friend of mine. I was going through a divorce and wanted a female attorney. The fact that Linda's husband Phil is also a Family Law attorney was a big plus for me since I also had a business to deal with. They were fair and represented me well in all aspects. My case involved being referred out for forensic accounting and marriage and family therapy. Those were good choices as well. Definite win win as far as I was concerned.
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26 Apr, 2018 by Gerald
We brought an interesting case to Mr. Darrin that required him to be extremely methodical and creative throughout the process. Mr. Darrin navigated the complexity of the case as a seasoned professional. Not only did we prevent the defendant from walking away with all of our money, we controlled the disbursement of funds that were held in escrow until we came to a full and mutually beneficial resolution. I’d highly recommend Mr. Darrin for Real Estate and Business matters.
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28 Sep, 2014 by Jack
I am currently working with Mr. Darrin on a case where locating a participating partner has been very difficult. Although we have not made definitive contact yet, we are working on several excellent leads thanks to the work of Mr. Darrin and his supporting team of experts. I am optimistic we will reach a satisfactory conclusion to this case very soon. Regardless of the eventual outcome, the process of working with Mr. Darrin has been delightful, very professional, and most congenial with excellent progress to date. I recommend Mr. Darrin very highly and would work with him without hesitation should the need arise.
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12 Jun, 2013 by Jack
6/12/13
My sister and I were very interested in starting our own restaurant. The idea of setting up the business was intimidating to say the least. After retaining David as our attorney all of our apprehension disappeared. He covered the different ways of setting up our business explaining the advantages of going with a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in easy to understand terms, keeping us informed every step of the way. I’m very impressed with his accessibility; I can contact him any time, either by phone or email. David handles himself in a very professional manner, always giving sound advice. And his services are very reasonably priced. Moving forward, I will continue to seek David’s legal advice.
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30 Aug, 2011 by Judy
Mr. Weitkamp is honest as the day is long. He gives every client his complete attention and exemplary advice and guidance. The many contributions he makes as a volunteer for worthy causes throughout the community attests to his deep sense of compassion for those less fortunate. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants an attorney they can truly trust.
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21 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Weitkamp helped me in a time where my husband became almost totally physically impaired. Hedirected us in the course of action to take and he saw us through every step of the way.
We also had him do our Livng trust.
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30 Oct, 2008 by Anonymous
John was refered to me by my grandmother when my child was taken from me by the father. john was so fast to act and we got my little girl back in no time.i cant thank john enough and he continues to serve as my lawyer to this day.
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19 Dec, 2014 by Jeff
John is an excellent attorney
He has done excellent work for our city
I am very impressed with his knowledge aND his abilities in court.
John is also not afraid to go to court. Several attorneys I have worked with want you to settle everything John is not like that.
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15 Dec, 2014 by Earl
Mr. John Pinkney is a fabulous, caring and aggressive attorney who knows the law and delivers favorable results to his clients. John's guidance and demeanor along with his excellent staff offer great communication along the way of the issues being addressed. If you are looking for a smart attorney that you can trust and feel at ease with from your initial meeting, I highly recommend John and the services he can offer to resolve the most complex legal issues we face in today's world.
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06 Jun, 2018 by Joe martin
Bill Manuel has help me with several legal issues over the past 20 years. I have always found his advice sound, to the point and easy to understand. His fees are very reasonable and he has always resolved whatever matter is at hand quickly. He’s an awesome attorney and I feel fortunate that he is "my lawyer".
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29 Mar, 2018 by William manuel
Mr Manuel I am extremely happy with my end result. I had all the faith and confidence
In you and your ability to solve my problem. It was difficult to do thank you
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01 Aug, 2017 by Ramez
Jim Deen is not just a knowledgeable and effective attorney, he's a caring and sympathetic human being. As a small business owner, I need to focus on my core business and not worry about the occasional petty legal dispute that may infrequently arise. As such, it was refreshing to have someone, Mr. Deen, who was perfectly capable and able to extinguish and make go away, in very short order, a small legal dispute I encountered.
I received practical and realistic legal advise from Mr. Deen. He then allowed me to make the business decision on how to proceed. Once we agreed on a direction, he went to work right away to bring immediate closure to the matter.
I highly recommend James Deen to anyone seeking the help of a knowledgeable and very effective business attorney.
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27 Feb, 2017 by Gorden
As a Californian business owner I need to have a good corporate lawyer. James Deen has been that lawyer for me. Together we have purchased businesses, created new entities and even have had a bit of fun along the way. His work is impeccable and timely.
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20 May, 2015 by Marc
Orlando Gotay patiently, and step by step, went through the FTB formulas and made it all comprehensible.
He is personable and understanding and very generous with his time. And we met the deadline.
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30 Jan, 2015 by Jimmy
In life there are NO coincidences. Having been at the right place and at the right time is how I was introduced to Orlando Gotay.
He is by definition to me: humble, hardworking, dedicated, thee most social & critical thinking attorney I've know thus far in my lifetime. He made himself available when needed and always provided me with straightforward answers regarding my case, but always allowed me to make the final decisions myself.
Personally he assisted through what was years of taxes and simplified the matter in layman's terms so that I could grasp. When it comes to dealing with State & Federal tax issues its Orlando!
I personally feel very fortunate to have worked and continue to work with him.
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08 May, 2019 by Carolyn bailey
I needed advise on a contract I was planning on entering into and Ms. McKee pointed out some problems and some possible future problems. We were able to work out a new contract and meet my deadline.
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07 Oct, 2018 by Deanna
I cannot speak highly enough about Mr. Nolan and the legal services he and his firm provided for me in regards to the Unlawful Detainer I had to deal with. Not only is Mr. Nolan compassionate to his clients, but his professionalism and tactics to fight for your rights are tremendous. He knows his way around a courtroom and all legal "mumbo-jumbo", that is without a doubt. If I ever need services in the area again, I would not hesitate at all to contact Mr. Nolan. I honestly cannot speak highly enough about Mr. Nolan, words are just not enough to do his legal services justice, nor anywhere near enough to thank him!
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24 Mar, 2015 by Helene
Used this attorney for contested probate matter. She was excellent, well prepared, articulate, very professional and compassionate. I highly recommend her.
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27 Nov, 2013 by Kurt
I am a retired English teacher on a pension. Accordingly, I was also an estate document do-it-yourselfer. I thought that after spending many hours carefully researching and writing my documents, that it would be an easy matter to find an estate attorney to vet them and pay a consult fee for this service.
I was mistaken. The first attorney I spoke to, one with superior ratings, said that if I paid $1.00, he risked liability. Attorney after attorney, likewise, did not offer assistance, essentially ignoring my do-it-yourselfer status and, instead, offering exorbitant services. Needless to say, being made to feel like a pariah was not the expected outcome for my self-reliance!
After attorney number eight, in steps Attorney O'Kane, the first person sympathetic to my predicament. She confirmed that, in general, attorneys would be reluctant to take my case “as is” because the practice of estate law is rife with malpractice lawsuits.
Yet, she was concerned and agreed to help me. We made an appointment for a consult, free of charge. She made sure I understood that she would examine my documents but that she would not warrant them. She would then offer a price for re-doing my documents according to California law and that I could accept or reject that price without obligation.
She spent at least one hour carefully reading, taking notes and asking questions. The price she offered was more than reasonable. Through the process, we communicated easily via email. Her office staff were very helpful.
I am now finished with my bona fide documents, the time I spent as a do-it-yourselfer was not wasted, and I'm very happy.
Attorney O'Kane is to be commended not only for her astuteness and workmanship but, moreover, for her warmth, caring and integrity. She therefore receives five stars.
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18 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I've been in pain for a very long time he opened my mouth and saw what was hurting and asked the judge to get me help. Not many lawyers do that. Thank you Mr. Burden for patience and help. Interpreter .
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17 Jun, 2015 by Dennis
Maureen has prepared loan documentation involving some of the most complex real estate secured, franchise based loans. She is exceptional at spotting title issues and potential issues that may arise in collateral foreclosures or borrower bankruptcy filings. I have personally worked with attorneys at prominent San Francisco and Silicon Valley law firms on complicated creditor and real property issues. Maureen takes a back seat to none.
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30 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
I contacted Vanessa and she responded right away. She let me know she was not currently accepting new clients but helped me find others who were. She was very courteous and professional.
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15 Apr, 2016 by David
Brent handled my mediation regarding a real estate dispute. Even though an attorney is not required at mediation I was very pleased at his due diligence. If he was not involved I do not feel the result would have been favorable. I would definitely recommend Brent Clemmer as he is one great attorney!
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22 Apr, 2012 by Carole
Douglas Field helped me with a case involving monies left to me, which were being contested. He got all the facts, and stepped up to the plate, and got me the monies coming to me. He is very smart and wise, and very patient. He would ask me a question, and really listen to my answer. He is a very good person, who is not too busy to take a call. He is very reasonable. He has done pro bono work for the under privileged, and he speaks about 6 languages fluently.
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5.0
18 Reviews
4.9
181 Reviews
15 May, 2024 by D b
Attorney Rhea is a straight shooter, knows his profession well and is very friendly to deal with. If you have any issues in life that require legal support, I would not hesitate to call Joseph Rhea.
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13 May, 2024 by Alex chavira
06 May, 2024 by Adam morales
Definitely recommend Attorney Joseph Rhea. He is very knowledgeable, professional, and downright great at his career. I am a client and will always use him if needed (hopefully not)
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15 May, 2024 by D b
Attorney Rhea is a straight shooter, knows his profession well and is very friendly to deal with. If you have any issues in life that require legal support, I would not hesitate to call Joseph Rhea.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by Alex chavira
06 May, 2024 by Adam morales
Definitely recommend Attorney Joseph Rhea. He is very knowledgeable, professional, and downright great at his career. I am a client and will always use him if needed (hopefully not)
Read more
15 May, 2024 by D b
Attorney Rhea is a straight shooter, knows his profession well and is very friendly to deal with. If you have any issues in life that require legal support, I would not hesitate to call Joseph Rhea.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by Alex chavira
06 May, 2024 by Adam morales
Definitely recommend Attorney Joseph Rhea. He is very knowledgeable, professional, and downright great at his career. I am a client and will always use him if needed (hopefully not)
Read more
15 May, 2024 by D b
Attorney Rhea is a straight shooter, knows his profession well and is very friendly to deal with. If you have any issues in life that require legal support, I would not hesitate to call Joseph Rhea.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by Alex chavira
06 May, 2024 by Adam morales
Definitely recommend Attorney Joseph Rhea. He is very knowledgeable, professional, and downright great at his career. I am a client and will always use him if needed (hopefully not)
Read more
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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:
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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.
