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03 Jan, 2018 by Regina
Our behavioral health company hired Mr. Berlandi and his law firm to assist us with ongoing compliance, human resources and overall personnel issues. Mr. Berlandi has been nothing but professional, friendly and accommodating. He and his firm are quick to respond and readily available. His knowledge, expertise, and assertiveness as an attorney has been exceptional. He maintains an exemplary work ethic and great dedication to his clients. Our continued working relationship with Mr. Berlandi and his firm for nearly 2 years speaks for itself.... we wouldn't have any other firm.
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22 Nov, 2017 by Dan
Brian has provided me with strategic advice on mitigating risks inherent in my real estate joint venture investing, and the legal documents to create the joint ventures (e.g. operating agreements, etc). With Brian, I am receiving the expertise one would expect from top-shelf NYC law firms. He has my fullest recommendation.
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22 Nov, 2017 by James
I've known and used Brian as my attorney for twelve years. Additionally, I have recommended him to several friends. He is a tenacious and tough attorney. When faced with an adversary who needs to be fought hard, Brian is the right choice. Very smart, but more importantly, Brian is extraordinarily generous with his time. he knows when to flip the switch from tough to consoling, also. Great attorney. I will continue to use and recommend Brian to others.
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22 Dec, 2018 by Lana mann rizzo
Very professional, reasonably priced, provided good guidance
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11 Oct, 2016 by Toni tammaro
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22 Dec, 2018 by Lana mann rizzo
Very professional, reasonably priced, provided good guidance
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11 Oct, 2016 by Toni tammaro
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03 Jul, 2022 by Kathe strang
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16 May, 2018 by Kim hampton
I've worked with Ian MacDonald several times, and I've been very pleased!
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03 Jul, 2022 by Kathe strang
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16 May, 2018 by Kim hampton
I've worked with Ian MacDonald several times, and I've been very pleased!
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12 Sep, 2018 by Mike m
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30 Apr, 2018 by Samara nascimento
Jon victor has all the knowledge, experience and ethics that all other attorneys should have. He will advocate for you, work with you and for you. If I ever need a lawyer for whatever reason, he is the only person I will trust. He is a great a attorney, who I have had the pleasure of working with through my divorce, custody and support.
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22 Dec, 2018 by Lana mann rizzo
Very professional, reasonably priced, provided good guidance
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11 Oct, 2016 by Toni tammaro
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03 Jul, 2022 by Kathe strang
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16 May, 2018 by Kim hampton
I've worked with Ian MacDonald several times, and I've been very pleased!
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15 Sep, 2014 by Michele
Jamie did a great job preparing our will. She was very professional and did a great job helping us navigate difficult choices. She was a pleasure to work with.
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17 Jun, 2014 by Dody
Jamie was an exceptional lawyer for our business. She was prompt and extremely knowledgeable in getting us just the right lease for our business. We will definitely recommend her to friends and family.
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16 Mar, 2014 by Dorinda
We highly recommend Jamie. She goes above and beyond in every aspect. She was the driving force behind getting a contract closed for us, when it truly wasn't her job to do this. We are extremely happy with all of the work she has done for us. She was also excellent in helping us navigate the difficult task of estate planning. I feel so much better now that we have this is place and know that our children are protected.
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15 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Jessica made my home buying process a stressful nightmare. She was irresponsible and nonresponsive; other colleagues such as the real estate agents and co-op board would call me complaining about my lawyer. At times, after many calls, texts, and emails, she still wouldn't answer. Also, her work was very incompetent, I had to reach out to two other lawyers to finish responsibilities that were hers.
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17 Oct, 2019 by Melissa
Initially, my Husband and I were working with an Attorney who sold himself like a car salesman, but his work ethic didn't quite match up. As Buyer's in a Seller's market, working with an attorney who drags their feet was NOT an option. Expressing our frustrations to our Realtor, she referred Ms. Jessica Figueroa- which later on, proved itself to be a blessing in more ways than one. From inception to completion, Jessica was thorough, efficient and has an unparalleled response time (I mean, if 5 minutes had went by and she didn't respond, I would be VERY surprised). She kept me (a very anxious client) calm in stressful situations, and she was on top of everything. It truly doesn't get better than Jessica. You definitely want her next to you at the closing table- Trust me!. We can not thank her enough for all of her hard work in helping us buy our first home
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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:

  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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