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09 Nov, 2020 by Roxanne
Mr. Peck is an outstanding attorney. Our family hired him to do several trusts and estate planning. His personalization and attention to detail is very impressive. But, what sets him apart from everyone is his accessibility and personal interest in his clients. He truly cares about making sure his clients are thoroughly taken care of. He would highly recommend him.
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06 Nov, 2019 by Andrea
Steven was very thorough and very easy to work with. I felt confident that my estate was well taken care of. I would highly recommend Steven Peck.
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18 Jul, 2019 by Michael
We were planning an extended foreign trip and had not done proper estate planning. We called Steven and he squeezed us into his schedule for an initial, intensive, consultation. During this extended meeting he was able to determine exactly our plan required. Due to the complexity of the trusts and other documents needed, he and his associate worked over the weekend to finish the full set of trusts, wills, powers of attorney for health care, living will, and a full set of durable powers of attorney. He also detailed how to have all of our property re-titled so it could be transferred to the trusts. Estate planning can be complex so we were happy we were able to find a very knowledgeable specialist in estate and tax law. We couldn't be happier that we found him.
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02 Dec, 2009 by Anonymous
Allison made a difficult case easy for me. She explained things in an easy to understand way and was extremely supportive. Allison spent significant time preparing me for trial, and I knew what to expect. She is very knowledgeable and was prepared for anything in court.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Hannah gould rothschild
My husband and I worked with Jason to sell our condo in Chicago. He and his team were absolutely lovely to work with. We appreciated his patience and detail orientation. This was our first home sale, and he ensured a smooth process. Highly recommend!
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04 Jun, 2024 by Casey close
A friend of ours recommended Mr. Harris and he far exceeded our expectations. He was there for us through the entire process. His hard work and real estate knowledge ensured that we closed on time. I cannot recommend him enough.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Jessica close
Jason was extremely proactive and diligent in following up with our lender, seller’s attorney and closer. It felt like he paid for himself time and time again throughout the process. I highly recommend and plan to use his services again.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Dan
I was referred to Joshua Schwartz by another attorney. Prior to selecting Josh, I interviewed several other attorneys to handle this important family matter. Based on the interview, Josh was the clear frontrunner so I hired Josh. He was thorough and responsive throughout the entire challenging process, he is highly recommended.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Josh Schwartz handled my recent dissolution of marriage with kindness, specificity, and care. I was impressed with his communication and his explanation of the process. I felt very confident throughout the process that my interests were well represented and that Josh was doing everything he could to ensure that the process was seamless and efficient. I would absolutely recommend Josh.
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14 Oct, 2024 by David
Josh Schwartz was easy to work with from the first moment that we spoke. Clearly explained the process every step and never felt that any time was wasted in the process. Especially for someone not familiar with the legal process, the guidance and support that Josh provided made a difficult situation more manageable. Would recommend Josh Schwartz to anyone in need of legal representation
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27 Sep, 2024 by Ronald wittmeyer
I have known and worked with (and against) the lawyers in this firm for many decades. They are bright, diligent, and genuinely care about their clients. I first met attorney Dan Wolf many years ago as an opposing attorney on a civil litigation case. Dan aggressively represented his client, but was always professional. Dan is an exceptional lawyer, and also a quality person. I highly recommend Schwartz, Wolf & Bernstein.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Brian weiner
I was going through a very difficult divorce and I did not think the lawyer I was using was doing a good job for me. A friend of mine recommended Schwartz, Wolf & Bernstein. I worked with Joshua and sometimes with his father Marc. They were amazing. They knew how hard it was going to be for me financially and emotionally so they made sure I wasn't overwhelmed. They explained things to me and made sure I understood everything. They did a great job reaching a settlement with my wife's lawyers. Joshua and Marc's support meant the world to me. They treated me like a friend and I know their care was genuine. I trusted them and I truly wasn't ready to trust anyone. They helped me through the hardest time of my life and I recommend them highly to anyone going through the trauma of a divorce.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Thyra carlstrand
Josh Schwartz was an incredible lawyer. Talked me through every process before court and expectations for each step of the divorce and child custody allocation. Trustworthy and reliable
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27 Sep, 2024 by Ronald wittmeyer
I have known and worked with (and against) the lawyers in this firm for many decades. They are bright, diligent, and genuinely care about their clients. I first met attorney Dan Wolf many years ago as an opposing attorney on a civil litigation case. Dan aggressively represented his client, but was always professional. Dan is an exceptional lawyer, and also a quality person. I highly recommend Schwartz, Wolf & Bernstein.
Read more Google Maps
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11 Sep, 2024 by Brian weiner
I was going through a very difficult divorce and I did not think the lawyer I was using was doing a good job for me. A friend of mine recommended Schwartz, Wolf & Bernstein. I worked with Joshua and sometimes with his father Marc. They were amazing. They knew how hard it was going to be for me financially and emotionally so they made sure I wasn't overwhelmed. They explained things to me and made sure I understood everything. They did a great job reaching a settlement with my wife's lawyers. Joshua and Marc's support meant the world to me. They treated me like a friend and I know their care was genuine. I trusted them and I truly wasn't ready to trust anyone. They helped me through the hardest time of my life and I recommend them highly to anyone going through the trauma of a divorce.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Thyra carlstrand
Josh Schwartz was an incredible lawyer. Talked me through every process before court and expectations for each step of the divorce and child custody allocation. Trustworthy and reliable
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
27 Sep, 2024 by Ronald wittmeyer
I have known and worked with (and against) the lawyers in this firm for many decades. They are bright, diligent, and genuinely care about their clients. I first met attorney Dan Wolf many years ago as an opposing attorney on a civil litigation case. Dan aggressively represented his client, but was always professional. Dan is an exceptional lawyer, and also a quality person. I highly recommend Schwartz, Wolf & Bernstein.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
11 Sep, 2024 by Brian weiner
I was going through a very difficult divorce and I did not think the lawyer I was using was doing a good job for me. A friend of mine recommended Schwartz, Wolf & Bernstein. I worked with Joshua and sometimes with his father Marc. They were amazing. They knew how hard it was going to be for me financially and emotionally so they made sure I wasn't overwhelmed. They explained things to me and made sure I understood everything. They did a great job reaching a settlement with my wife's lawyers. Joshua and Marc's support meant the world to me. They treated me like a friend and I know their care was genuine. I trusted them and I truly wasn't ready to trust anyone. They helped me through the hardest time of my life and I recommend them highly to anyone going through the trauma of a divorce.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
21 Jun, 2024 by Thyra carlstrand
Josh Schwartz was an incredible lawyer. Talked me through every process before court and expectations for each step of the divorce and child custody allocation. Trustworthy and reliable
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
27 Sep, 2024 by Ronald wittmeyer
I have known and worked with (and against) the lawyers in this firm for many decades. They are bright, diligent, and genuinely care about their clients. I first met attorney Dan Wolf many years ago as an opposing attorney on a civil litigation case. Dan aggressively represented his client, but was always professional. Dan is an exceptional lawyer, and also a quality person. I highly recommend Schwartz, Wolf & Bernstein.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
11 Sep, 2024 by Brian weiner
I was going through a very difficult divorce and I did not think the lawyer I was using was doing a good job for me. A friend of mine recommended Schwartz, Wolf & Bernstein. I worked with Joshua and sometimes with his father Marc. They were amazing. They knew how hard it was going to be for me financially and emotionally so they made sure I wasn't overwhelmed. They explained things to me and made sure I understood everything. They did a great job reaching a settlement with my wife's lawyers. Joshua and Marc's support meant the world to me. They treated me like a friend and I know their care was genuine. I trusted them and I truly wasn't ready to trust anyone. They helped me through the hardest time of my life and I recommend them highly to anyone going through the trauma of a divorce.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
21 Jun, 2024 by Thyra carlstrand
Josh Schwartz was an incredible lawyer. Talked me through every process before court and expectations for each step of the divorce and child custody allocation. Trustworthy and reliable
Read more Google Maps
See more
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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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