Lawyers map
>380
experienced lawyers
Filter by
14 May, 2024 by John
13 May, 2024 by Danielle egelandsdal
Despite unfortunate circumstances that brought us to Rosenberg & Gluck, we were thankful for the care and attention there team gave us. Michael was a pleasure to work with and fought so hard for us, I highly recommend!
Read more
22 Apr, 2024 by Pedro eduardo patiño rivera
Escribo a la firma de abogados ROSENBERG & GLUCK , LLP y su asistente INGRID LOPEZ quienes siempre estuvieron pendientes de cada documento, traducción dejándome saber cada novedad en el transcurso de estos 3 (tres) años , facilitándome tramitologia y acortando distancias, firma que recomiendo al 100%.
Su honestidad y responsabilidad para conmigo , logramos un veredicto a nuestro favor por accidente ocurrido el dÃa 30 de Octubre del 2021, donde se vio comprometida mi salud fÃsica, mental y mi profesión como deportista de alto rendimiento. Pues se vio muy comprometida.
Agradezco profundamente su excelente trabajo, su experiencia y enfoque fueron fundamentales para alcanzar un resultado favorable .
Read more
26 Aug, 2024 by Leigh boden
My wife and I were in the middle of planning our trust agreement with Jay when my brother-in-law passed away suddenly. Jay helped us get through the probate process as my brother-in-law did not leave a will. We then switched gears and finished our trust with Jay. Jay and his team are very patient and customer service oriented. They satisfied our every need. I would recommend them to anyone needing estate planning.
Read more
04 Jun, 2024 by Bruce meyer
Very pleased with my Esate Planning update.
Read more
11 Feb, 2024 by Jennifer peros
23 Sep, 2024 by Erica sifre
Absolutely outstanding experience! From the moment I reached out, Dan Aiello was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. He took the time to explain every step of the process, ensuring I felt informed and confident in my case. His expertise was evident, and I truly felt they had my best interests at heart. Communication was top-notch—always quick to respond and available for questions. Thanks to their hard work, the outcome exceeded my expectations. I can't recommend them highly enough!
Read more
05 Aug, 2024 by Anesia york
I am very grateful for finding this firm. Dan and his team was so professional and patient with me. They went above and beyond expectations I had for my case. I would definitely recommend this Firm with friends and family. 5 stars!! i wish i could give 10 stars !! Thank You so much Trantolo & Trantolo for all your hard work
Read more
25 Jul, 2024 by Bernique benjamin
Mr. Daniel is very professional and get the job done and always responds to my queries and follow up as to my health.
Read more
10 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
We retained Richard Pellegrino to represent a teen-aged member of our family who got into trouble after drinking alcohol.
From the moment he was hired late in the evening before an initial court appearance scheduled for the morning of the next day, Richard provided consistently professional, tireless and effective representation that ultimately resulted in a favorable resolution of the case.
Richard was always available to his client, responded promptly to all of his client's telephone calls and answered all of his client's questions. He was very understanding of his client's concerns and developed an excellent rapport with his teen-aged client.
Richard knows the law, has extensive experience with the criminal justice system and is attentive to his client's needs. We highly recommend Richard Pellegrino.
Read more
24 Sep, 2019 by Zach
Richard made everything very easy and straightforward got me a great deal. He was very informative and quick to respond to any questions or inquiries i had. I would highly suggest working with Mr. Pellegrino
Read more
17 Apr, 2019 by Jim
Having never been in legal trouble before, I was fortunate to find a lawyer who was in my corner. He walked me through all of the matter as I needed to know and understand. He made me comfortable from the start. Professional in every aspect without being cold . Hoping to never need him again, but keeping his number if I do or anyone I know needs legal defense they can trust.
Read more
11 Apr, 2024 by James eivers
11 Apr, 2024 by Michael mcgreevy
Excellent and Professional. Very satisfied
Read more
10 Dec, 2023 by Laura niewadomski
Highly recommend!!! Many years ago my father met with Laura Dunathan to do his estate planning. She was incredibly thorough, efficient, and patient. Laura explained everything to my Dad and made the entire process easy!!! Years later, sadly, my mom passed without any estate planning completed and Laura Dunathan has helped me throughout the entire process with compassion and care. If you are looking for a firm who will put you first, look no further than Dunathan Goodale PC. Laura and AnnMarie use their years of experience to make sure their clients are prepared and protected for the future. After working with Dunathan Goodale I know I have #DunGood for my children and future.
Read more
11 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Catherine was in incredible from start to finish. She was very informative from start to finish. This was an adoption and it everything thing that could go wrong did. Catherine continued to advocate on my behalf as well as ensure she did everything in her power to finalize the adoption. She responded to every email and phone call within hours if not minutes. She went out of the way to make sure we understood every detail of the process. She was even able to adjust the process to accommodate our sensitive situation. It is always humbling to be vulnerable and leave your fears, insecurities and hopes in the hands of others. I can say for myself my family and I was in the best hands. She was beyond words and will never be forgotten.
Read more
28 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Catherine is a wonderful lawyer!
She was able to deal with and resolve my complex court case with ease
She is very experienced and professional
I would recommend her whole heartily
She gets the results you need!!
Read more
27 Feb, 2020 by Gregory
We have been in court on and off for over 7 years fighting for more time and trying to get my ex to actually follow the court paper in general. Obviously, those bill certainly added up and we used a few different lawyers prior to Catherine. Our first lawyer, didn't know family law, our second lawyer over promised and under delievered, our third lawyer had a paralegal doing all the work and messing up everything over and over while charging us for every word we spoke to her. Final we were received a recommendation for Catherine and what a breath of fresh air!! She handled the case on her own and actually remembered us, our case and things we asked of her. She was very real and honest with us and went above and beyond. She also didn't nickle and dime for every question, email or phone call. Catherine was very fair and professional. She is intelligent and knows what she is talking about. You can tell she is well respected in Riverhead court house by the other lawyers, officers and judges. I would recommend Catherine to anyone looking to get the job done correctly with someone who will fight for you, understand you and listen! I hope I never have to be in court again, but if I do, I will 100% be calling Catherine.
Read more
18 Jan, 2024 by Letter space 1 letter space 2
Knowledgeable, on time for meetings and calls, very clear communication on phone and emails. Managed expectations across all parts of our engagement. Able to simplify legal language into terms I can understand.
Read more
18 Jan, 2024 by Domenick baffa
I was fortunate to work with Chad who was very professional and informative. I highly recommend him for all of your real estate legality concerns.
Read more
18 Jan, 2024 by Edward buchanan
Chadwick is very knowledgeable and professional. He is top notch at communicating
Read more
22 Sep, 2015 by Tony du
I live in CT and got a 6 points speeding ticket in Suffolk county NY. I decided to ask for Mr. Bettridge's help with my ticket and that prove to be a wise decision. He was able to help reduce my 6 points speeding ticket to a 0 point jaywalking ticket.
Read more
19 Apr, 2011 by Abe
Brad was amazing i live in Brooklyn he took my case even though he works in a different area. I never knew lawyers that gave great service until I met Brad. He worked on a few cases for me and all of them were satisfactory. I had worked with a few lawyers in the past once they got my money they were very unavailable. Thank you Brad for all of your help.
Read more
13 Feb, 2018 by Tom
I was charged with a DUI in Amityville when I was going to school in Nassau county. I was appointed representation, as I was only a student and working part-time, and couldn't afford a private attorney. I knew the charge I was facing was very serious, and I knew that I was taking a risk using a public defender, but neither I nor my parents could afford a private attorney.
Mr. Devito fought for me TOOTH. AND. NAIL. The entire process took almost two years, because he simply would not give up on me, and would not stop fighting on my behalf with the DA's office. Finally, after driving over 5 hours every other month (I transferred to a school closer to home after this incident), he was able to get the district attorney to agree to a reduction on the charge. The DA initially had said "no way" several times, so he went AROUND THEM, and made a case directly to the DA supervisor. He pushed for over a year with the DA's office. He left no stone unturned - he had me get letters from employers and professors regarding my character, he had me send my academic transcript from the semester in which I was charged to the DA office, the whole works.
I've heard time and time again that public defenders will always just advise that you plea, but Mr. Devito didn't do that. He did absolutely everything he could possibly do for me.
Perhaps most importantly, I felt like he genuinely cared about me and the disaster I was going through. He was extremely transparent about what our options were in contesting the charge, and he seemed so genuinely invested in helping me through this. This case went on for a long time, and after a few meetings he gave me his working email to make correspondence easier (I can't guarantee he'll do this for you though; this came only after a few court sessions, and after he'd determined that I wasn't some delinquent with a long history of breaking the law). After one particular court session, he was with me in the elevator ride down to the parking lot, and after reviewing with me what his game plan was, he said "you're a young man. I don't want you to have this on your record."
If I'd been assigned another attorney that wasn't prepared to fight as hard for me as Mr. Devito did, I could very well be in a very different place today. I was studying to be a music educator, and having a criminal record would have made continuing with that path effectively impossible.
I'm don't know if I'll ever truly be able to pay him back - he quite literally single-handedly saved my future and kept my life from being ruined. Public defenders like this are egregiously underpaid and overworked.
I really lucked out in having this attorney assigned to my case.
Mr. Devito was an absolute saint.
Read more
10 Oct, 2017 by Katherine
Vincent Lyons, Esq assisted my family in multiple real estate transactions, as well as gave us peace of mind regarding Wills, Trusts and other planning. He is courteous, kind, highly educated on matters of law and is highly recommended.
Read more
12 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Mazzei is an exceptional lawyer that is meticulous and on target with his work. He is very personable and very knowledgeable of Criminal and Family law. Mr. Mazzei has performed his work for my needs with a level of professionalism that was outstanding!
Read more
11 Oct, 2010 by Anonymous
Ms. Bergmann made my divorce clean and simple. She is highly responsible and hardworking. Unlike a previous attorney I had she knew the law and knew what she was doing. I would send any one of my friends or family to her.
Read more
25 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
My aunt is the best thing money could buy I need at least 75 characters so I will now write random nonsense hi I am a person hi hi hi hi hi hi hi hire Kathryn Dalli SHE DATED VIN DEISEL YOU KNOW HI HI HI HI HI HI HI JOE JOE JOE JOE JOE JOE JOW JOW JOW HOW HOW HOW HIW
Read more
05 Apr, 2017 by Christopher
Adam helped my family successfully settle 3 lawsuits in our favor. One of them my first lawyer was losing and I asked him to take over the case and travel to Queens for me. In another case, he helped us reverse a deed to a house (other lawyers would not take the case). He listens, remembers every detail and does an effective job documenting our case to the court. He accurately accounts for his time and completes all legal activities in a reasonable time. He successfully helped us when we were in a desperate situation.
Read more
11 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Civil suit was able to get my garnishment stop . Thank you Annette
Read more
17 Sep, 2015 by Michael desmond
Helpful and caring, defies all expectations of a legal aid lawyer.
Most important he is effective, would use again but hopefully i will never have to go back to court
Read more
13 May, 2022 by A
Mary Hartill handled an out-of-town ticket I received driving westward from the ferry seamlessly and reasonably. Highly recommend her should you find yourself in a similar position.
Read more
26 Aug, 2024 by Leigh boden
My wife and I were in the middle of planning our trust agreement with Jay when my brother-in-law passed away suddenly. Jay helped us get through the probate process as my brother-in-law did not leave a will. We then switched gears and finished our trust with Jay. Jay and his team are very patient and customer service oriented. They satisfied our every need. I would recommend them to anyone needing estate planning.
Read more
04 Jun, 2024 by Bruce meyer
Very pleased with my Esate Planning update.
Read more
11 Feb, 2024 by Jennifer peros
26 Aug, 2024 by Leigh boden
My wife and I were in the middle of planning our trust agreement with Jay when my brother-in-law passed away suddenly. Jay helped us get through the probate process as my brother-in-law did not leave a will. We then switched gears and finished our trust with Jay. Jay and his team are very patient and customer service oriented. They satisfied our every need. I would recommend them to anyone needing estate planning.
Read more
04 Jun, 2024 by Bruce meyer
Very pleased with my Esate Planning update.
Read more
11 Feb, 2024 by Jennifer peros
26 Aug, 2024 by Leigh boden
My wife and I were in the middle of planning our trust agreement with Jay when my brother-in-law passed away suddenly. Jay helped us get through the probate process as my brother-in-law did not leave a will. We then switched gears and finished our trust with Jay. Jay and his team are very patient and customer service oriented. They satisfied our every need. I would recommend them to anyone needing estate planning.
Read more
04 Jun, 2024 by Bruce meyer
Very pleased with my Esate Planning update.
Read more
11 Feb, 2024 by Jennifer peros
10 Apr, 2024 by Lynn brown
30 Sep, 2023 by Dan gornetzki
Mr. Pellegrino is an absolutely exemplary attorney. He is dedicated to his clients and will represent you with great care, compassion, patience and complete thoroughness. He does a wonderful job leveraging his strong legal acumen to explain each part of the process to you, and simply put, he will go above and beyond to ensure a successful disposition for you. Moreover, he is always accessible and available to answer any questions you might have. You can rest assured that you're in the best of hands with him serving as your attorney. Thank you so much, Rich!
Read more
17 Aug, 2022 by Markos vidalon
Five stars is a very unfair rating for such a thorough professional. Richard walked me through the entire process, understanding my emotions and taking the time to clearly explain how things were progressing. He amply demonstrates his knowledge and experience. Richard dedicates all his attention to you to the point of making you feel like an exclusive client. I can't imagine what would have happened if I had chosen another attorney. Those of us who take the time to dedicate these words is because we do it from the heart and so many good comments cannot be a coincidence. Richard has been a fabulous attorney and friend. I highly recommend Richard, he exceeded my expectations and will exceed yours too.
Read more
26 Aug, 2024 by Leigh boden
My wife and I were in the middle of planning our trust agreement with Jay when my brother-in-law passed away suddenly. Jay helped us get through the probate process as my brother-in-law did not leave a will. We then switched gears and finished our trust with Jay. Jay and his team are very patient and customer service oriented. They satisfied our every need. I would recommend them to anyone needing estate planning.
Read more
04 Jun, 2024 by Bruce meyer
Very pleased with my Esate Planning update.
Read more
11 Feb, 2024 by Jennifer peros
09 Sep, 2024 by Tommy goodwin
Catherine represented me on a custody modification case. I found her to be very dedicated, honest and fair, but most importantly she was prepared. She always reached out to make me aware of updates in our case, and was very quick in any responses if I had any questions. The opposing attorney in our case, even stated Cathy is a tough adversary, and that's what you want to hear! I was very pleased with the outcome of our case, she cares about seeking the best possible outcome for her clients, I highly recommend her if seeking an attorney!
Read more
11 Jun, 2024 by Harold jones
If you're in need of a divorce attorney, look no further. Catherine is the best on the east end of Long Island. She makes such a complicated and emotional process seem simple. She guides you through the entire process with amazing attention to detail, professionalism and great care. She's a great attorney with a big heart. I was lucky to have her represent me.
Read more
08 Dec, 2023 by Bridget dyer
I cannot speak highly enough of Catherine. She represented me on a custody modification case and I found her to be dedicated, responsive, thorough, level headed, and fair. She took the time to explain everything to me and direct me to the best possible resolution. Catherine knows what she's doing and truly cares about her clients, which is a rarity these days. Highly recommend!
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Tommy goodwin
Catherine represented me on a custody modification case. I found her to be very dedicated, honest and fair, but most importantly she was prepared. She always reached out to make me aware of updates in our case, and was very quick in any responses if I had any questions. The opposing attorney in our case, even stated Cathy is a tough adversary, and that's what you want to hear! I was very pleased with the outcome of our case, she cares about seeking the best possible outcome for her clients, I highly recommend her if seeking an attorney!
Read more
11 Jun, 2024 by Harold jones
If you're in need of a divorce attorney, look no further. Catherine is the best on the east end of Long Island. She makes such a complicated and emotional process seem simple. She guides you through the entire process with amazing attention to detail, professionalism and great care. She's a great attorney with a big heart. I was lucky to have her represent me.
Read more
08 Dec, 2023 by Bridget dyer
I cannot speak highly enough of Catherine. She represented me on a custody modification case and I found her to be dedicated, responsive, thorough, level headed, and fair. She took the time to explain everything to me and direct me to the best possible resolution. Catherine knows what she's doing and truly cares about her clients, which is a rarity these days. Highly recommend!
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Tommy goodwin
Catherine represented me on a custody modification case. I found her to be very dedicated, honest and fair, but most importantly she was prepared. She always reached out to make me aware of updates in our case, and was very quick in any responses if I had any questions. The opposing attorney in our case, even stated Cathy is a tough adversary, and that's what you want to hear! I was very pleased with the outcome of our case, she cares about seeking the best possible outcome for her clients, I highly recommend her if seeking an attorney!
Read more
11 Jun, 2024 by Harold jones
If you're in need of a divorce attorney, look no further. Catherine is the best on the east end of Long Island. She makes such a complicated and emotional process seem simple. She guides you through the entire process with amazing attention to detail, professionalism and great care. She's a great attorney with a big heart. I was lucky to have her represent me.
Read more
08 Dec, 2023 by Bridget dyer
I cannot speak highly enough of Catherine. She represented me on a custody modification case and I found her to be dedicated, responsive, thorough, level headed, and fair. She took the time to explain everything to me and direct me to the best possible resolution. Catherine knows what she's doing and truly cares about her clients, which is a rarity these days. Highly recommend!
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Tommy goodwin
Catherine represented me on a custody modification case. I found her to be very dedicated, honest and fair, but most importantly she was prepared. She always reached out to make me aware of updates in our case, and was very quick in any responses if I had any questions. The opposing attorney in our case, even stated Cathy is a tough adversary, and that's what you want to hear! I was very pleased with the outcome of our case, she cares about seeking the best possible outcome for her clients, I highly recommend her if seeking an attorney!
Read more
11 Jun, 2024 by Harold jones
If you're in need of a divorce attorney, look no further. Catherine is the best on the east end of Long Island. She makes such a complicated and emotional process seem simple. She guides you through the entire process with amazing attention to detail, professionalism and great care. She's a great attorney with a big heart. I was lucky to have her represent me.
Read more
08 Dec, 2023 by Bridget dyer
I cannot speak highly enough of Catherine. She represented me on a custody modification case and I found her to be dedicated, responsive, thorough, level headed, and fair. She took the time to explain everything to me and direct me to the best possible resolution. Catherine knows what she's doing and truly cares about her clients, which is a rarity these days. Highly recommend!
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Tommy goodwin
Catherine represented me on a custody modification case. I found her to be very dedicated, honest and fair, but most importantly she was prepared. She always reached out to make me aware of updates in our case, and was very quick in any responses if I had any questions. The opposing attorney in our case, even stated Cathy is a tough adversary, and that's what you want to hear! I was very pleased with the outcome of our case, she cares about seeking the best possible outcome for her clients, I highly recommend her if seeking an attorney!
Read more
11 Jun, 2024 by Harold jones
If you're in need of a divorce attorney, look no further. Catherine is the best on the east end of Long Island. She makes such a complicated and emotional process seem simple. She guides you through the entire process with amazing attention to detail, professionalism and great care. She's a great attorney with a big heart. I was lucky to have her represent me.
Read more
08 Dec, 2023 by Bridget dyer
I cannot speak highly enough of Catherine. She represented me on a custody modification case and I found her to be dedicated, responsive, thorough, level headed, and fair. She took the time to explain everything to me and direct me to the best possible resolution. Catherine knows what she's doing and truly cares about her clients, which is a rarity these days. Highly recommend!
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Tommy goodwin
Catherine represented me on a custody modification case. I found her to be very dedicated, honest and fair, but most importantly she was prepared. She always reached out to make me aware of updates in our case, and was very quick in any responses if I had any questions. The opposing attorney in our case, even stated Cathy is a tough adversary, and that's what you want to hear! I was very pleased with the outcome of our case, she cares about seeking the best possible outcome for her clients, I highly recommend her if seeking an attorney!
Read more
11 Jun, 2024 by Harold jones
If you're in need of a divorce attorney, look no further. Catherine is the best on the east end of Long Island. She makes such a complicated and emotional process seem simple. She guides you through the entire process with amazing attention to detail, professionalism and great care. She's a great attorney with a big heart. I was lucky to have her represent me.
Read more
08 Dec, 2023 by Bridget dyer
I cannot speak highly enough of Catherine. She represented me on a custody modification case and I found her to be dedicated, responsive, thorough, level headed, and fair. She took the time to explain everything to me and direct me to the best possible resolution. Catherine knows what she's doing and truly cares about her clients, which is a rarity these days. Highly recommend!
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Tommy goodwin
Catherine represented me on a custody modification case. I found her to be very dedicated, honest and fair, but most importantly she was prepared. She always reached out to make me aware of updates in our case, and was very quick in any responses if I had any questions. The opposing attorney in our case, even stated Cathy is a tough adversary, and that's what you want to hear! I was very pleased with the outcome of our case, she cares about seeking the best possible outcome for her clients, I highly recommend her if seeking an attorney!
Read more
11 Jun, 2024 by Harold jones
If you're in need of a divorce attorney, look no further. Catherine is the best on the east end of Long Island. She makes such a complicated and emotional process seem simple. She guides you through the entire process with amazing attention to detail, professionalism and great care. She's a great attorney with a big heart. I was lucky to have her represent me.
Read more
08 Dec, 2023 by Bridget dyer
I cannot speak highly enough of Catherine. She represented me on a custody modification case and I found her to be dedicated, responsive, thorough, level headed, and fair. She took the time to explain everything to me and direct me to the best possible resolution. Catherine knows what she's doing and truly cares about her clients, which is a rarity these days. Highly recommend!
Read more
11 Apr, 2024 by James eivers
11 Apr, 2024 by Michael mcgreevy
Excellent and Professional. Very satisfied
Read more
10 Dec, 2023 by Laura niewadomski
Highly recommend!!! Many years ago my father met with Laura Dunathan to do his estate planning. She was incredibly thorough, efficient, and patient. Laura explained everything to my Dad and made the entire process easy!!! Years later, sadly, my mom passed without any estate planning completed and Laura Dunathan has helped me throughout the entire process with compassion and care. If you are looking for a firm who will put you first, look no further than Dunathan Goodale PC. Laura and AnnMarie use their years of experience to make sure their clients are prepared and protected for the future. After working with Dunathan Goodale I know I have #DunGood for my children and future.
Read more
Find Your Lawyer
By Practice Area
-
Real Estate
-
Litigation
-
Estate Planning
-
Family Law
-
Business
-
Criminal Defense
-
Personal Injury
-
Appeals
-
Elder Law
-
Government
-
Probate
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Civil Rights
-
Tax
-
Child Custody
-
Insurance
-
Car Accident
-
Child Support
-
Domestic Violence
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Trusts
-
Consumer Protection
-
Intellectual Property
-
Mediation
-
Adoption
-
Discrimination
-
Juvenile Law
-
Sex Crime
-
Sexual Harassment
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.
