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09 Sep, 2024 by Ryan deangelis
Not a very good law firm you speak to a very knowledgeable very intelligent person at first and then you get stuck with another attorney that does not fully handle the situation properly. Then adds fees can't show up on time and does not do exactly what you asked from the first point of contact before the retainer was even placed. They ask for more money much like trying to hire a contractor you hire I'm thinking they're going to do the work and then when they get to start the work they claim they need more money. Even though it was claimed in the beginning exactly what was needed.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Ash cat
I recently had the pleasure of working with Matthew Winchell who was incredibly helpful and kind! Thank you so much again for everything!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Toni stein
The staff is very professional and listens to your needs. The response time for your questions and concerns are in an appropriate time manner. I would recommend this firm to anyone.
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08 Jul, 2024 by David mack
While working for Mr. Witmer in an investigative capacity as a N.Y. State license private investigator.... In the last 5 years, In criminal matters, I've worked on more acquittals with Mr. Witmer than any other lawyer who I currently work with.
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08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
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08 Jul, 2024 by David mack
While working for Mr. Witmer in an investigative capacity as a N.Y. State license private investigator.... In the last 5 years, In criminal matters, I've worked on more acquittals with Mr. Witmer than any other lawyer who I currently work with.
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08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
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08 Jul, 2024 by David mack
While working for Mr. Witmer in an investigative capacity as a N.Y. State license private investigator.... In the last 5 years, In criminal matters, I've worked on more acquittals with Mr. Witmer than any other lawyer who I currently work with.
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08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
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08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
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08 Jul, 2024 by James furey
Michael has been very good to me and my family and has always taken care of us. He will work hard to help you with whatever you have going on, and do everything he can to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Michael to anyone who needs his help.
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08 Jul, 2024 by David mack
While working for Mr. Witmer in an investigative capacity as a N.Y. State license private investigator.... In the last 5 years, In criminal matters, I've worked on more acquittals with Mr. Witmer than any other lawyer who I currently work with.
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08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
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29 Jun, 2024 by Curtiss lowe
Mr. Cordello I just wanted you to know that my former employer is stalking me. I sent him a email on September 7, 2023 demanding the $12,000 he owes me and in that letter I specifically wrote, “Should you need to contact me, use this email or USPS.” I then blocked him from calling or texting me but despite this he has left me 13 voice messages which he made threats against me. After he couldn’t call me on his cell phone he called me from his office phone. After I blocked that number he started harassing me via email.
Plus, he’s calling all my business clients including
a hearing aid manufacturer who offered me a $140,000 to open my own hearing aid business. He admitted to these issues in his voice messages. Needless to say no one will return calls including the hearing aid manufacturer and he’s doing this for the sole purpose of destroying my career and life. All this has transpired since my last day of work on September 1st 2023. He is obsessed with me and his actions have no legitimate purpose but to destroy me. If you heard these maniacal messages you wouldn’t believe it.
I have saved all the voicemails and emails and am intending to go the police to press charges for stalking but I’m afraid he’ll retaliate. I know he owns multiple firearms and I am emotionally, physically and mentally afraid. He also has a history of verbally abusing people and while I worked there he put his hands on me, without my permission, at least three times. I don’t know what to do anymore, I deliberately avoided going to a hearing aid convention earlier this month because I knew he would be there and in one of the emails he wrote,
“Can’t wait to see you.”
I don’t know what to do anymore, I’m having nightmares and in his voice messages he has this sinister laugh which I can’t get out of head. It’s tearing me apart and I’m afraid I’ll have to leave the state of NY to get away from him. I just want him to leave me alone. Mr. Cordello I’m begging you, please, please help me. I don’t know where else to go.
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11 Mar, 2024 by Samantha avies
Excellent service and communication. I reached out to Justin on a Tuesday evening and he met with me the next day! Now I know that can’t always be the case; however his attentiveness to my needs were remarkable. He took his time to review my situation, answered all my questions and gave me great ideas and plausible options. I am very impressed with how he treats his clients.
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22 Feb, 2024 by Curtiss lowe
I always felt that people become Attorney's to help people or to make money. My experience with Mr. Cordello leads me to wonder did Mr. Cordello become a lawyer solely for the money?
I say this because I'm having a problem that needs an Attorney's help with a written/email campaign to contact the State Of New New York regarding a liscening issue. It wouldn't have required courtroom time but he refused to help me and told a 59 year old man to change professions. I paid him $275 for a consultation and would be MORE than happy to pay him $275 per hour to help me.
It's extremely difficult to find employment Attorney's in rural areas because I've been trying now since January. it's obvious to me that Mr. Cordello doesn't care about me so why should he care about you?
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16 Jan, 2024 by Bob ziegler
Don’t waste your money !! He will talk like he is going to help but will drag your divorce on and suck every penny out of you because the longer he makes it last the more money he sucks out of you !!! STAY AWAY !!!!!!!
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13 Jan, 2024 by Louise spinelli
11 Jan, 2024 by Trish norton
16 Jan, 2024 by Bob ziegler
Don’t waste your money !! He will talk like he is going to help but will drag your divorce on and suck every penny out of you because the longer he makes it last the more money he sucks out of you !!! STAY AWAY !!!!!!!
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13 Jan, 2024 by Louise spinelli
11 Jan, 2024 by Trish norton
08 Apr, 2024 by Carolyn engel
Love this office. Down to earth, knowledgeable and very personable. Would recommend her in a heartbeat!
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07 May, 2023 by Kris pankiw
05 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Readily available, thoroughly professional as regards will, power of atty et al
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23 Aug, 2024 by Angel
It’s been a year since I was served court papers. Should’ve read the one star reviews. Attorney set me back thousands and gave the impression that there was NEVER any intention to win my case. Lack of communication, charging me for fruitless research. None of that is important now. I’ve since tried to self-delete several times since and my life has never been worse since. This is what greed and dishonesty does to people. This law firm took my money so I have the right o share my experience
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20 Aug, 2024 by Macavery shafer
So grateful to the team here for their hard work! They helped me get a ticket reduced and were extremely friendly, transparent, and made sure I understood every step of the process! As someone living in the backcountry with limited service, I appreciated the fact that Destinee and Brian were able to handle everything virtually and were extremely patient with my delayed communication.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Tom dombroski
I highly recommend The Law Office of James L. Riotto. I am extremely pleased with the outcome of my case and they made the process as easy as possible.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Angel
It’s been a year since I was served court papers. Should’ve read the one star reviews. Attorney set me back thousands and gave the impression that there was NEVER any intention to win my case. Lack of communication, charging me for fruitless research. None of that is important now. I’ve since tried to self-delete several times since and my life has never been worse since. This is what greed and dishonesty does to people. This law firm took my money so I have the right o share my experience
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20 Aug, 2024 by Macavery shafer
So grateful to the team here for their hard work! They helped me get a ticket reduced and were extremely friendly, transparent, and made sure I understood every step of the process! As someone living in the backcountry with limited service, I appreciated the fact that Destinee and Brian were able to handle everything virtually and were extremely patient with my delayed communication.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Tom dombroski
I highly recommend The Law Office of James L. Riotto. I am extremely pleased with the outcome of my case and they made the process as easy as possible.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Angel
It’s been a year since I was served court papers. Should’ve read the one star reviews. Attorney set me back thousands and gave the impression that there was NEVER any intention to win my case. Lack of communication, charging me for fruitless research. None of that is important now. I’ve since tried to self-delete several times since and my life has never been worse since. This is what greed and dishonesty does to people. This law firm took my money so I have the right o share my experience
Read more
20 Aug, 2024 by Macavery shafer
So grateful to the team here for their hard work! They helped me get a ticket reduced and were extremely friendly, transparent, and made sure I understood every step of the process! As someone living in the backcountry with limited service, I appreciated the fact that Destinee and Brian were able to handle everything virtually and were extremely patient with my delayed communication.
Read more
19 Aug, 2024 by Tom dombroski
I highly recommend The Law Office of James L. Riotto. I am extremely pleased with the outcome of my case and they made the process as easy as possible.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Angel
It’s been a year since I was served court papers. Should’ve read the one star reviews. Attorney set me back thousands and gave the impression that there was NEVER any intention to win my case. Lack of communication, charging me for fruitless research. None of that is important now. I’ve since tried to self-delete several times since and my life has never been worse since. This is what greed and dishonesty does to people. This law firm took my money so I have the right o share my experience
Read more
20 Aug, 2024 by Macavery shafer
So grateful to the team here for their hard work! They helped me get a ticket reduced and were extremely friendly, transparent, and made sure I understood every step of the process! As someone living in the backcountry with limited service, I appreciated the fact that Destinee and Brian were able to handle everything virtually and were extremely patient with my delayed communication.
Read more
19 Aug, 2024 by Tom dombroski
I highly recommend The Law Office of James L. Riotto. I am extremely pleased with the outcome of my case and they made the process as easy as possible.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Angel
It’s been a year since I was served court papers. Should’ve read the one star reviews. Attorney set me back thousands and gave the impression that there was NEVER any intention to win my case. Lack of communication, charging me for fruitless research. None of that is important now. I’ve since tried to self-delete several times since and my life has never been worse since. This is what greed and dishonesty does to people. This law firm took my money so I have the right o share my experience
Read more
20 Aug, 2024 by Macavery shafer
So grateful to the team here for their hard work! They helped me get a ticket reduced and were extremely friendly, transparent, and made sure I understood every step of the process! As someone living in the backcountry with limited service, I appreciated the fact that Destinee and Brian were able to handle everything virtually and were extremely patient with my delayed communication.
Read more
19 Aug, 2024 by Tom dombroski
I highly recommend The Law Office of James L. Riotto. I am extremely pleased with the outcome of my case and they made the process as easy as possible.
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08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
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08 Jul, 2024 by James furey
Michael has been very good to me and my family and has always taken care of us. He will work hard to help you with whatever you have going on, and do everything he can to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Michael to anyone who needs his help.
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08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by James furey
Michael has been very good to me and my family and has always taken care of us. He will work hard to help you with whatever you have going on, and do everything he can to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Michael to anyone who needs his help.
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08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by James furey
Michael has been very good to me and my family and has always taken care of us. He will work hard to help you with whatever you have going on, and do everything he can to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Michael to anyone who needs his help.
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08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by James furey
Michael has been very good to me and my family and has always taken care of us. He will work hard to help you with whatever you have going on, and do everything he can to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Michael to anyone who needs his help.
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08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by James furey
Michael has been very good to me and my family and has always taken care of us. He will work hard to help you with whatever you have going on, and do everything he can to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Michael to anyone who needs his help.
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08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by James furey
Michael has been very good to me and my family and has always taken care of us. He will work hard to help you with whatever you have going on, and do everything he can to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Michael to anyone who needs his help.
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08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by James furey
Michael has been very good to me and my family and has always taken care of us. He will work hard to help you with whatever you have going on, and do everything he can to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Michael to anyone who needs his help.
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08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by James furey
Michael has been very good to me and my family and has always taken care of us. He will work hard to help you with whatever you have going on, and do everything he can to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Michael to anyone who needs his help.
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08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by James furey
Michael has been very good to me and my family and has always taken care of us. He will work hard to help you with whatever you have going on, and do everything he can to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Michael to anyone who needs his help.
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08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by James furey
Michael has been very good to me and my family and has always taken care of us. He will work hard to help you with whatever you have going on, and do everything he can to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Michael to anyone who needs his help.
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08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by James furey
Michael has been very good to me and my family and has always taken care of us. He will work hard to help you with whatever you have going on, and do everything he can to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Michael to anyone who needs his help.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by James furey
Michael has been very good to me and my family and has always taken care of us. He will work hard to help you with whatever you have going on, and do everything he can to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Michael to anyone who needs his help.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by James furey
Michael has been very good to me and my family and has always taken care of us. He will work hard to help you with whatever you have going on, and do everything he can to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Michael to anyone who needs his help.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by James furey
Michael has been very good to me and my family and has always taken care of us. He will work hard to help you with whatever you have going on, and do everything he can to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Michael to anyone who needs his help.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by C
Great lawyer great mind. He fought hard and got everything straightened out when I was held illegally. I Would highly recommend.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Scott f
Michael is not only the most ferocious talented defense attorney I've ever seen. He also genuinely cares about his clients and will stop at nothing to keep their best interest his top priority. He's the last guy any DA wants to see walk into their courtroom!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by James furey
Michael has been very good to me and my family and has always taken care of us. He will work hard to help you with whatever you have going on, and do everything he can to make the process easy for you. I highly recommend Michael to anyone who needs his help.
Read more
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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:
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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?
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Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation. -
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Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals. -
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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
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Verify Their License:
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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. -
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Awards and Recognitions:
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Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns. -
Ask for References:
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Relevant Documents:
Bring all documents related to your case, such as contracts, correspondence, legal notices, court papers, or evidence. -
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How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
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Fee Structures:
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Lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on experience and location. -
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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. -
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For ongoing services, businesses might pay a monthly fee for a set number of hours or services.
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Hourly Rate:
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Factors Affecting Cost:
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Lawyer's Experience:
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Estimating Total Costs:
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