Lawyers map
>20
experienced lawyers
Filter by
25 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Carl helped us several years ago to retrieve our daughter from her mother for our custodial time. Our daughter was on a military base at the time which was near to impossible to get her off the base. Once we had her back in NY Carl was instrumental in helping us get full custody.
Read more
15 Feb, 2022 by Tom
Don has handled multiple real estate transactions and personal business for us. We have found him to be intelligent, honest and efficient. We would highly recommend Don for general legal needs.
Read more
19 Feb, 2020 by Zgirl 13
A recommendation I should not have taken. Find yourself a lawyer out of Penn Yan. You can thank me later
Read more
01 Feb, 2020 by James simmons
Always great went find anyone better
Read more
20 Sep, 2013 by Robert
I cannot say enough positive things about this attorney for Family Court. We found him responsive to our needs, and possessing the talent of being able to speak up, and represent the wishes of his client.
He was forthright while advising us, and we found our experience in our association with him extremely positive.
Read more
10 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Matthew is not a good public defender especially when the judge is not in your favor and matthew still says thatnk you and has no defense to the matter. My boyfriend went through a criminal trial and then had to go to family court and matthew represented him he was on the opposite side then why would your public defender just excuse himself from your case without explaining it to you and just toss you over to another public defender? I would never recommend him to anyone!!
Read more
07 Nov, 2007 by Anonymous
This is an attorney that knows how to speak up for his client. Aggressive, knowledgeable and goal oriented.
And a nice guy to boot!
Read more
26 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Unprofessional! Damages families and risk the life of children! Places children with felons that are not certified foster parents and o.d. and kill children! Sad for the child of yates county and the future!
Read more
11 Dec, 2014 by Joseph and amy erhard
Attorney Ruth Chaffee listened in great detail of our family problems and took notes. She was prepared when it came to court and made sure all matters where addressed. Attorney Chaffee also help take care of legal matters outside the court and followed up when needed. In our second court hearing, she all matters resolved. After court, she sent an accurate account of billing and drawn up the necessary orders for the court. We like to thank her again for her time and services.
Read more
Find Your Lawyer
By Practice Area
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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:
-
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:
-
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:
-
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:
-
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.
-
Hourly Rate:
-
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.
-
Complexity of the Case:
-
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.
