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06 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
I have a longstanding professional relationship with Eric. I have consulted and retained him on a variety of cases. He is thorough, knowledgeable, and very personable. I feel like a priority with every conversation.
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23 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I hadn't worked with a lawyer before so felt somewhat intimidated. Mr. Eric Waxler was professional, confident, compassionate, sincere and also has a great sense of humor which was much appreciated as it eased my nervousness. Mr. Waxler was communicative and kept me the loop every step of the way. He went to bat for me and I am very happy with the results we got. Overall, a great experience working with Mr. Waxler and highly recommend him.
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24 Feb, 2016 by Shane
Scott Levin was great he did a fabulous job for me with by B.K. I had a lot of legal issues and finical debt that I was not able to pay. Scott made everything I was going through so much easier Scott is very professional and he worked very hard to make sure all my issues was handled and done right. I have referred others to Scott because of the great job he did for me I would highly recommend Scott to any one looking for legal work. Shane
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06 Jun, 2012 by Sarah
Mr. Levin, Esq. was extremely helpful and made things a lot easier for me by explaining everything thoroughly and being very clear about what I could and could not expect in the way of potential outcomes. I would definitely recommend him to friends.
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29 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Mark Ditton helped me through an uncomfortable situation. I expecially appreciated his manner; he was straight-forward and kind.
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25 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
Mark helped me file Chapter 7 Bankruptcy last year. He made the process easy by answering all my questions and concerns, filing all the paperwork, allowing me to make payments to him and guiding me through the court process at the meeting of the creditors. He was available through the whole process by phone and e-mail. I would highly recommend him.
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03 Feb, 2015 by Debbie
Marshal helped me with a very complicated divorce involving multiple homes, a very large business, and my two small children. He was kind, compassionate, tough and ruthless when necessary. Marshal is extremely smart and I would recommend him for the most complicated divorce situation to the simplest divorce situation. He can do it all. He is still a friend today and one of the best lawyers I know. Looking back on how complicated my situation was I really appreciate him even more.
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03 Feb, 2015 by Ellen
I engaged Marshal Spector as my attorney to represent my interests in post-divorce conflicts regarding child support and custodial issues. He was in every way responsive to my concerns: a thoughtful listener, a wise advisor, and a trusted counsel during difficult times. I especially appreciated his focus on mediating, as opposed to litigating, ongoing contentions, and believe his method of gently yet authoritatively interacting with opposing counsel/client would be of significant benefit to anyone who finds s/he cannot adequately speak for him or herself. Beyond that, Marshal is a generous man who treats his clients with the respect and graciousness that is often absent in the world of divorce. I cannot possibly recommend him more highly, and I will be forever grateful for his service to me.
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17 Apr, 2011 by Jan
Leslie is without question the finest HR lawyer that I have been associated with throughout my very lengthy HR career. She has exceptional knowledge and presentation which has enabled me and my team to promptly resolve countless issues and most importantly to gain appropriate knowledge to continuously enhance our own awareness and capabilities. Leslie is supported by an industry leading team of lawyers each of which specializes in a diversity of common and uncommon legal threats. Amongst Leslie's many professional gifts she is patient, an excellent communicator, knowledgeable, thorough, confident and timely. Leslie brings a professional yet calm, easily understandable approach to our interactions. I am honored to endorse Leslie and truly pleased to recommend her.
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11 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
Leslie has been our outside employment attorney for the past few years. She is knowledgeable, quick to respond, practical and very balanced in her advice. She helps us figure out what we can do, rather than just telling us what we can't do.
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19 Apr, 2013 by Crystal
Without Janes dedication and hard work, the life of our precious son and that of our family would be very different and difficult indeed. Her staff was amazing and so great about keeping us informed of developments, and were so kind and gracious to work with. Very professional office but with a very compassionate way of dealing with difficult situations. We fell very blessed to have been represented by Jane and her colleagues and would recommend her to anyone we knew that needed this type of help. She has the knowledge and heart to do what she is doing and for that we are forever grateful!
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13 Mar, 2012 by Jeff h
I really couldn't be happier with Jane, John (Coletti), their staff (Carolee, Lisa, and Jan). Breaking from the normal lawyer stereotypes, I found Paulson & Coletti to be ethical, honest, and free of that normal 'slimy' lawyer stigma. Paulson and Coletti are good people, and I go to bed every night thankful to have had them on my team.
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01 Jan, 2016 by Elwin
Not being a central player in the legal issues I discussed with Mr. Ellis, I cannot say that I hired him, but what I absolutely must say is that he combines great expertise with great humanity and wide, worldly-wise but (or 'and') empathetic perspective. This is a man I would trust to do the right thing. He heard the case of a family member, and the conversation clarified what actions to take (and not take), and I came away thinking very highly of Jeffrey Ellis and appreciative of his generosity with his time.
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25 Oct, 2015 by Hoyt
After eight years of litigation, taking my case to the door steps of the US Supreme Court, Jeff Ellis on October 5 2015 in Pierce County had the state remove the life without sentence they had given me over 13 plus years before. Jeff's brilliance and unrelenting pursuit of justice was on full display. The passion and care he had for my case and other cases that I am aware of tells of a man who is at the top when it comes to results. Today I sit here a free man because of Jeff and I would like to thank him for my freedom. I will always remember the joy and happiness my friends and family had that day in court. Thank you so much to Jeff for the opportunity to let me shine with my new life. Redemption is a special gift and I will always work hard to show that I am truly a redeemable and changed man.
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01 Sep, 2023 by Larry
Marissa Roldan took over my case mid-way and that was pending to be litigated in court in a very contentious lawsuit. She was able to bring the suit to arbitration and facilitate an out of court agreement, saving weeks and perhaps months of wrangling. Her professionalism and competence enabled an acceptable conclusion. I not only thank her, but I am also pleased to recommend her as a competent attorney.
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01 Sep, 2023 by Amy
Marissa helped me with the last (I hope) of a series of many family / parenting plan matters that Easley Law represented me on throughout the years. Marissa quickly got up to speed on my case, the scope of the matter at hand, and the nuances and challenges with the opposing party. Marissa provided solutions and counsel with creativity and realistic approaches with great competence. She managed opposing counsel with respect and collegiality, yet very adeptly and assertively on my case's behalf. I also appreciate that Marissa was humble enough to research matters to ensure she had the latest and best information. My case included some uniqueness that required some extra research, and her assessment and subsequent strategy was right on, leaving opposing counsel's client without loopholes that were not in our child's best interest. Marissa's was assertive yet tactful, and I feel that she effectively led the process along without excessive costs or time, despite backups and delays on the opposing side and large court backlogs. When needed, Marissa could handily, kindly, and respectfully explain things that became frustrating or not realistic to me, and kept the case moving as effectively as possible. In other words, she quickly and effectively brought me "back down to earth" when things became intense, as it sometimes does in this process. I know I got the best outcome without excessive billing. Most importantly, the interests of my child prevailed to the greatest extent possible, thanks to her superior work and support. We are forever grateful to Marissa, and also to everyone at Easley Law.
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30 Jun, 2019 by Zachary hayes
Has helped me with in every way possible. Please pick him as your attorney if you need one
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21 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Andy to represent me after my girlfriend at the time threatened to accuse me of abuse, then apologized and told me that she was simply drunk and acknowledged that I would never hurt her, then punched me in face on a later date, then followed through with her threat to accuse me of abuse when I asked her to move out. On our initial consultation, Andy met with me personally and was attentive, professional, and impressive. Two days after the incident the police decided not to charge me. With Andy's help we discovered that this woman had a history of violence and abuse of the legal system with other partners. One of her partners warned that I should file a restraining order and to expect her to do the same as she had harassed him, thrown hot coffee in his face, hit him, and called the police on him many times while she was intoxicated and fighting with him about their son. She had me served with a restraining order while I was seeing patients in my office two weeks later. Andy helped me to reconstruct the events and uncover digital evidence showing my partner admitting on multiple occasions that she had fabricated her claims and that her previous threats of abuse accusations were nothing more than the result of her intoxication. Andy even hired a private detective to investigate my former partner. During this time my former partner continued to harass me, stalk me, and break in to the home we had shared together. Through all of this Andy was more than a great attorney, but a reassuring presence that helped to get me through this tough time. He always responded to me quickly and fully. I frankly don't know how he could show me and my case so much personal attention while doing the same for his other clients. But he did. This guy is an outstanding attorney and I couldn't have hired anyone better.
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01 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Good personality, easy to understand and very helpful in general. She was able to answer my questions in a way I could understand and didn't make me feel stupid for asking questions. Concise, professional and expedious. I would recommend to anyone in need of estate planning.
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12 Apr, 2022 by William
Heidi did a will for my wife and I, she was very professional and did a great job. She explained things very well and helped us both understand what we needed and didn't need in our estate plan.
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09 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
I cannot give a high enough recommendation of Kate. She hands down won my case in court. She is effective, ethical, wonderful to work with and truly cares about her clients. I would recommend her to anyone and feel confident they will be just as pleased with her work.
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25 Oct, 2010 by Barb
I highly recommend Kate Brooke to anyone needing excellent legal representation. I have referred her personally to family friends and clients. She has a very disarming personality when meeting her clients and is absolutely deadly in action, which is a wonderful combination. She gained the respect of all at Re/Max equity group, Inc. keeping us safe and informed and since going on her own has taken that same respect with her. Sincerely, Barb Knudsen Knudsen Group LLC
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11 Jul, 2019 by Eli
It was a real pleasure to work with Grant. He was not only prompt, but was able to answer all my questions and also did a great job on the agreement. I would recommend Grant as your attorney.
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21 May, 2019 by Deanna
Grant helped me with a tenant eviction on property owned by my elderly mother. I was unfamiliar with the laws regarding this process and Grant was very helpful, thorough and patient every step of the way. Although having to go through a situation such as this is never pleasant, Grant was always available to put our minds at ease and keep us abreast of what would be our next step and what to expect. I couldn't have asked for better service and I HIGHLY recommend Grant Elder!
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22 May, 2024 by Karen
Abby work hard and diligently to help me in my post-divorce case. I am very satisfied with the work product and the advice she provided along the way. If the need arises again, I will be contacting her!
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29 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Abby was easy to work with from start to finish. She was highly communicative every step of the process. I’d work with her again!
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21 Feb, 2012 by Antoinette
When I was in foster care she was my voice and she was there for me when she didn't have to be. She took me to restaurants to have coffee and see how I was doing. I could call her to ask legal questions. She is just a great person.
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27 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
When i was a state kid in Portland Or from the age of three to eighteen I was told that Louise Palmer would be my lawyer. I first i was like anouther strange person in my life. Once i got to know her i found out that she was very jood at her job and was always showing me howo much she cared about my happyness. If you are looking for an honest person who takes each case to hear and will put her all in the court room. Than look no further you have found the lawyer that always puts her clients first. She is kind,respectful and knows the true meaning of integrity.
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12 May, 2015 by Arthur
Thomas assisted my firm with developing environmental permits, compliance issues, interfaced positively with state agencies including state attorneys, worked closely and successfully with our team of environmental consultants and tended to numerous other matters that led to good resolutions for our business. He is extremely professional, diligent, consistent and very conscience of our budget and legal costs.
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16 Apr, 2015 by Brent
I manage an environmental consulting firm in the Portland, Oregon area and have been working with Thomas Benke for about 12 years. He's provided legal and environmental compliance support for myself and for several of my clients and he's provided outstanding service in each case. I highly recommend Mr. Benke for anyone seeking technical, environmental or legal assistance. I can be reached at anytime regarding this recommendation. Respectfully, Brent Jorgensen / Creekside Environmental Consulting, LLC
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04 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
We had so many questions and Tim patiently addressed each one. Our case was handled professionally and ended with a positive outcome. Highly recommend Tim and Cogan law firm.
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09 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Tim worked diligently on my case. He is also a very considerate, courteous, and compassionate attorney. During my lifetime a number of different attorneys worked on my cases. Tim was the best of them.
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19 Sep, 2023 by Michel acosta
Super cool
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20 Dec, 2022 by Kimberly bailey
Super nice staff
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22 Aug, 2016 by Guy
I was referred to Andrew by Oregon Bar Association for a question about an aggressive internet image website that was demanding an exorbitant amount of money for one photograph I was using. Andrew was very easy to reach, knowledgeable, professional in his dealings, and he was fair in his fee. I would certainly use him again.
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14 Apr, 2016 by Tiffany
I am the CEO of a fairly new company here in Portland (a little over a year old). Because we are new (ish), it is important that we establish relationships with those we NEED to work with that will not kill our bottom line while still providing excellent service and value. Andrew definitely fits the mold here. After a consultation, I knew that he and his partner, Jackson, were going to be a great fit for Guest One. Both Andrew and Jackson go out of their way to make sure that I am informed regarding specific business choices so as to avoid both simple and complex legal landmines. They have never made me feel like I am "one of many", but rather "first", every time.....and they have never made me feel like my questions or needs put me "last in line". They are transparent with what they do and what they offer HUGELY....and will work with their clients to make sure that the services they are offering fit the way that THEIR client needs...both professionally and financially. I would recommend Andrew and Jackson to any other business I know seeking strong, assured, realistic and confident legal counsel for their business needs, and already have. Seriously...if you are looking for business attorneys that WILL go the extra mile, and not just say they will....Andrew and Jackson are who you should speak to.
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19 Sep, 2023 by Michel acosta
Super cool
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20 Dec, 2022 by Kimberly bailey
Super nice staff
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19 Sep, 2023 by Michel acosta
Super cool
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20 Dec, 2022 by Kimberly bailey
Super nice staff
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14 Oct, 2023 by Matt
I hired Tom after a referral. The window of opportunity to file my personal injury and property claim from a vehicle accident was near. Tom was able to gather all of the details in my case in time to file and present the evidence. He was able to get me a just settlement after the insurance claim was initially denied. Tom and his team took care of everything and continually reassured me of my standing in the case. I am grateful for the work that was done and ultimately that we prevailed. I definitely recommend his service.
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06 Oct, 2023 by Patty
Mr. Spooner represented me in a car accident where the other participant was trying to get rich quick and sue for "free" money.. Mr. Spooner handled everything and communicated every step of the way!! I highly recommend him!!! I hope to not to need him ever again ::)).. but if I find myself in need I will definitely call him 1st..
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23 Jan, 2023 by Rowshan r. ceo green leaf lab
Paul has helped my company grow and thrive over the years. He is very knowledgeable, trustworthy and very thoughtful. We have multiple attorneys represent our multi state business over the years and Loney Law Group is the one I trust the most out of all of them and the one I find myself relying on for advice. I highly recommend him as a lawyer.
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07 May, 2011 by Anonymous
Our company hired Paul Loney to help us with our Medical Marijuana Business needs. He seemed to be one of the most experienced attorneys in this field. He is extremely knowledgeable and seems like an person with integrity. I would highly recommend him as an attorney.
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29 Nov, 2021 by Nicole
Lindsey at Stallings Advocacy helped me with a very complicated situation at the end of my employment. Lindsey led with compassion and understanding for my situation. She made it easy to understand the legalities of my circumstances by offering real solutions and holding a strong focus on the possibilities of how we could succeed in winning my case. Lindsey's kindness and thorough understanding of the law helped tremendously in finding an outcome that benefited the good of everyone involved. Without Lindsey I really could not have succeeded in the fair negotiation we were able to achieve. I am so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to work with Lindsey at Stallings Advocacy and highly recommend her services.
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22 Nov, 2020 by Kristin
Really grateful to have had Ms. Stalling’s support with a complicated employment conundrum. She was prompt, reliable, and answered my questions beyond the scope I had even hoped for. Ms. Stallings was very approachable and compassionate — both professional and down to earth. I couldn’t want more in an attorney and highly recommend her!
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12 Jul, 2011 by Violet
Robert Le knows his stuff! It was my first time dealing with a personal injury claim and he made it so easy and understandable. Rob explained everything that was going on with the claim and took me through the whole process step by step. I was very impressed by his obvious dedication to his clients, Rob is a great lawyer to have on your side.
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27 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Le was very professional throughout our entire interaction. He continuously kept me updated on the case and made sure that I understood what was happening and why. The end result was quite successful and I would not hesitate to contact Mr. Le for any future legal needs. It is obvious that he works hard and his clients are extremely important to him.
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06 May, 2017 by Jessica
Jonathan is incredible, he has worked with us for patents and IP. Very straight forward, thorough, amazing service. I couldn't ask for a better attorney for the job. We will be going back to Jonathan for future matters.
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12 Apr, 2017 by Jessica
I contacted Jonathan after discovering a potential infringement issue relating to a product that I've had on the market (with a patent pending status). Jonathan was thorough in his review of my situation, providing an easy to understand analysis of my potential options, including pros and cons of each. I would highly recommend Jonathan to anyone looking to start the patent filing process or for support after filing.
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16 Jul, 2012 by Chuck duffy
Kieran led a team of Miller Nash lawyers that represented us, The Society of Jesus, Rome, during 2 years of very complex litigation, involving both domestic and international law. Kieran demonstrated great patience and also anticipated future events. His recomendations were critical to our successful defense. Kieran worked well with our client group and also led his team with confidence.
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14 Jul, 2012 by Don
Securities offering; very large sum; many twists and turns including agreements between plaintiffs and co-defendants that were kept from the other defendant attorneys. During the entire case, Mr. Curley was well prepared (and ensured that others in the firm were also), knowledgeable about State law and the necessary filings, and always kept client informed. His ability to remain calm and focused in light of unexpected actions on the part of the co-defendant contributed greatly to the settlement of this case for an insignificant amount as compared to the multi-million amount asked for. Having spent 42 years in the private sector, Mr. Curley is without question the best negotiator that I have seen. When others were willing to settle, he refused and ultimately the case went exactly as he had predicted. He has a unique ability to understand the other side, their strengths and weaknesses, and their next steps. Ultimately, Mr. Curley managed a relationship with multiple attorneys within his own firm as well as attorneys for three other firms sitting at the defense table. His knowledge of the facts, his understanding of the potential outcomes, and his factual based decision making provided a solid base for the other attorneys and kept them focused on the long term objective when they might otherwise have been distracted by actions that, while irritating, ultimately had little impact on the case. Never once during the 3 year life of this case did I have to call and ask to kept informed, ask for information, or request to be involved. In fact, Mr. Curley continued to keep me involved and to ensure that I was neither over involved or under involved. He and his team valued my opinions and my questions were always considered valuable and worthy input. In addition, there was no animosity between the plaintiff attorneys and Mr. Curley and not once did I hear him speak in an unprofessional manner about the defendant attorney team. It was also clear to me that the judge valued the preparation and knowledge of Mr. Curley and the Miller Nash team. While curt and short with some others, she was always open and willing to listen to Mr. Curley and his team.There is no question that I would go to Mr. Curley and his firm again for any legal matter. It is easy for me to rank Mr. Curley as "excellent" and if the scale was a 1-10 my ranking would be a 10 without reservation.
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05 Mar, 2016 by G
Curently in the middle of a car-dooring incedent, this gentelmen is always attentive. Alwaya respods immediately to emails and texts, not to mention always answers the phone. Tells it how it is, but willing to go the extra mile. I feel I am in good hands.
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21 May, 2012 by Anonymous
This guy is stellar! He helped me out about 6 months ago and I truly could not have asked for more in a lawyer.
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09 Aug, 2022 by Mckinzie simonis
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09 Dec, 2016 by Jamie
Ms. Browning was part of my legal team in 2015 in a criminal defense case. I've heard so many negative stories about attorneys, but her presence, professionalism, and knowledge extinguished any doubts I had about my own representation and attorneys in general. Ms. Browning always told me the truth, comforted me, kept me relaxed, and worked extremely hard on my case. Needless to say, we won. And I credit her with much of the reason. I'll never be able to thank her enough. She helped save my life. If you hire her, you'll have the hardest working lawyer in town. I've seen it myself. Sincerely, J.D.W.
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06 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Assisted me and my family through one of the most challenging times of our lives, listened to our concerns, provided expert advice and representation.
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24 Jan, 2010 by Anonymous
Ms. Gutierrez represented me in an unemployment case and did an excellent job explaining my case to me and preparing me for my testimony. I was really nervous!! Her patience meant a lot to me and my family.
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02 Jun, 2021 by Melissa work
My father had a horrible accident that almost ended his life. I was stuck in a world that was unknown to me. How do I deal with insurance companies? Hospitals? Interpreting Medical Charts? I googled a few attorneys and the one that stood out to me was Mr. Coon. Mr. Coon has led an admirable career and has helped people like you and me his whole life. I contacted Mr. Coon's office and spoke to a nice lady who scheduled a meeting. After meeting with Mr. Coon he decided to take my father's case. It ended up being one of the best decisions I have ever made. What is remarkable about the Thomas Coon Newton & Frost team is that they each specialize in their own field. Mr. Coon leveraged the expertise of Mrs. Newton (Who is a remarkably kind, and a killer negotiator.) She made the world of difference within my father's case. Mr. Coon and Mrs. Newton were the light at the end of the tunnel for my family. This law firm puts their heart and soul regarding the individuals they represent. Mr. Coon and Mrs. Newton got justice for my family and my mother, father and I will forever be grateful for them. Thank you Mr. Coon and Mrs. Newton for representing our family. If I could give you 100 stars I would. Sincerely, -The Work Family
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11 Sep, 2017 by Lyle & gladys
We traveled from Utah for a two week bicycling vacation in Oregon. Our first ride, first hour we were hit by an RV mirror it shattered my left humerus and caused my wife to crash too with numerous injuries. Upon returning home a friend knew this firm and reputation for handling bike v auto accidents. We researched this law firm and on our first phone call late on a Friday afternoon, Jim Coon took the time to explain Oregon bike (friendly) law; some legislated by their firm, and how his firm could help us through the insurance claim - alleviating our concerns for the claim so we could focus on healing (year long process). The claim involved two insurance companies and a mountain of medical which his staff assisted in managing throughout the nearly two year process. They were able to bring about the settlement we were expecting and manage our fiduciary responsibilities in the closure of the case. Sadly we never personally met our team because they deserve a HUGE hug from these Utahan’s. Lyle & Gladys
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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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