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03 Sep, 2024 by Kirsten perkins
Got so much more out of my taxes than expected. Both in knowledge and refund. Highly recommend if you don't want to fear doing your taxes in the future.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Michael m
Neeraj did an excellent job of helping with our personal and business filings. Very knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our questions.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Heather merlo
Very thorough and easy to work with.
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06 Sep, 2013 by Jerry
Brett has assisted me on several fronts concerning franchise law, as well as several other legal issues. He has always been responsive and handled each issue with ease. Thanks Brett
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17 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
A debt collector tried to sue me for a very old debt that they couldn’t legally collect. David contacted me and offered to represent me for free. Not only did the debtor drop the lawsuit, they actually were ordered to pay for illegal collection activities! I’d definitely recommend Mr. Kaplan to my family and friends!
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01 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Dave contacted me after hearing I had a judgment against me, and he did a wonderful; job. My anxiety greatly diminished and he assured me he would do whatever he could. I could not have asked for a better experience!
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28 Apr, 2016 by Rebecca
I was contacted by Mr. Kaplan when he became aware of a judgement that had been filed against me. He not only had the judgement dropped, he eliminated several other items that an agency was illegally attempting to collect upon. I highly recommend him to anyone who is experiencing issues with unscrupulous debt collectors.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Katelynn coffey
We had a great experience working with Kristin! She was very helpful in the estate planning process. Would highly recommend!
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05 Jun, 2024 by Edwardh fawcett
I highly recommend P&J for estate planning services. This is my third plan over 20+ years and this firm stands above others I have used in both service and price. Kristin was always easy to reach and happy to address any questions, making the somewhat dry subject matter easy to understand. Their efficient process made the experience seamless, and I was thoroughly satisfied with the resulting plan. I wholeheartedly endorse P&J for anyone seeking reliable estate planning assistance.
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07 Feb, 2024 by Douglas bufano
We consulted Kristin Jonsson for estate planning on the recommendation of Todd Gunther, our financial advisor. We were seeking information about practical ways to protect our assets while dealing with the prospect of expensive long term health care. Kristin addressed our concerns with practical and concrete advice that included information about management of our largest assets, our home, and Medicaid eligibility to pay for nursing home care. She provided us with a roadmap to use to navigate future situations under various health care and financial scenarios. She was consistently pleasant and professional. She listened attentively to our questions and responded thoroughly and often with examples to clarify our understanding. In addition, the office staff was equally professional and accommodating. We would recommend Kristin and her legal team to others seeking legal advice for estate planning. Doug and Betty Bufano, Penfield, NY (November 2023)
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05 Jul, 2024 by Kim weerasinghe
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31 Dec, 2023 by Randy wightman
Friendly and helpful.
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04 Sep, 2023 by Kathy millington
Very professional and helpful.
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24 Jan, 2024 by Alec
Please read if you're looking for a new lawyer.. I don't have a Single good thing to say about this guy and highly recommend looking elsewhere. He does not have you're best interest in mind and it's shockingly clear.
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29 Jan, 2015 by Rhyan
I was appointed Mr. Catalano recently and was extremely happy with my results. From the very beginning I was nervous but he made me very comfortable and I trusted he had my best interest in mind. He was always very helpful and understanding every time I called and asked him questions regarding the case, or when I was confused. Even over the holidays he always made time to check in and keep me updated and well informed. Christian made me feel like a priority and was very personable, instead of just making it seem like a job. I recommend him highly as he made the court process run very smooth and painlessly. He is both a great Lawyer and person! Thanks again Mr. Catalano!
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18 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
Christian Catalano is not only knowledgable, efficient, and competent, but he is compassionate and caring about his clients. I came to him for a problem I had getting my nursing license to be process due to a violation I had 30 years ago. He cleared it up and got me my license in a matter of 24 hours. He went above and beyond to resolve the issue and thanks to him, I can start work and not worry about any loss of income. Many thanks to you Christian and there should be more attorneys like you, stay true to the clients! AML
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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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