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04 Aug, 2024 by Kay fina
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05 Oct, 2023 by Nathaniel blood
Avoid using Jon Bonavilla for your divorce attorney. Jon did not provide me with proper representation, overall Jon’s communication was not helpful and left me confused, and Jon provided limited legal advice. After a couple of months, I sought out a new attorney.
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22 Apr, 2023 by Kristen konight
Left a voicemail and emailed. 1 week later still no response.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Kay fina
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05 Oct, 2023 by Nathaniel blood
Avoid using Jon Bonavilla for your divorce attorney. Jon did not provide me with proper representation, overall Jon’s communication was not helpful and left me confused, and Jon provided limited legal advice. After a couple of months, I sought out a new attorney.
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22 Apr, 2023 by Kristen konight
Left a voicemail and emailed. 1 week later still no response.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Kay fina
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05 Oct, 2023 by Nathaniel blood
Avoid using Jon Bonavilla for your divorce attorney. Jon did not provide me with proper representation, overall Jon’s communication was not helpful and left me confused, and Jon provided limited legal advice. After a couple of months, I sought out a new attorney.
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22 Apr, 2023 by Kristen konight
Left a voicemail and emailed. 1 week later still no response.
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13 Mar, 2023 by David everett
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18 Oct, 2021 by Ellen carrion
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26 Mar, 2021 by Renita davie
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jason pilkenton
This man systematically destroyed my chances of being with my son for monetary game because he represented Judge Dollinger’s father years ago, and judge down you allowed him to do such things to dozens of people over the years either deceived to realize what happened to them or it’s too late by the time they’ve been taken for almost everything they have left. This man is in the unique position to help people who are in pain and need, But he chooses to use it like a wolf and chew their bones
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14 Oct, 2021 by Gregg lynch
Gregg represented a child custody case in getting my son moved from NY to VA. It was a long process but Gregg prevailed at the end. Highly recommended. .
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22 Jun, 2020 by Christopher burns
Greg has represented me for many years and I believe he is the consumate professional and fine lawyer. I have referred Greg Tirone to many of my friends and have heard nothing but good things about his legal services. Thank you Greg for everything that you done throughout the years to help me and my family. Your the best!!
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24 Jun, 2022 by Ashley weisenborn
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15 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Lisa closed on three property deals for my in-laws. After we had a major problem from another attorney we asked Lisa to help us. I don't believe she ever even looked at our contract because it should have been voided by multiple clauses. She avoided directly answering any of my questions. Because of her incompetence she recommend we sign over our $2000 down payment to the seller, which we did. There was no reason for this because the home was relisted and resold but she had no clue. I had to inform her of these events. How could we even be under contract for a house like that? Nothing made any sense. I never paid her a dime and her office refused to provide me with a bill or list of services performed.
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15 Mar, 2012 by Luther
John helped my brother and I close on two of our properties after our mother passed.He has an excellent support staff and they were amazing to work with and treated us like family.I could always reach him by phone and he always kept us fully informed.He knows the law and you can trust he will do everthing possible to support and to represent you ,not to mention he is very tuff and knows how to deal with other attorneys.He is a 5 star attorney hands down.
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01 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
I was buying a residential property. John had a capable paralegal who helped me, knew my concerns and wanted to reschedule closing. I should have listened to her instead. I only met John at the closing and was hoping for clearer advice. When I met him, he was in a huge hurry, wanted to get in and out. Told us that he had another closing in 45 minutes downtown, have to run.... I had objections about the condition of the property since it had deterioriated in the months since I offered to buy it. However, John scooted me along so that we will close that morning, he assured me that he will take care of matters, to a reasonable person's standard. However, when matters were not resolved, he said he will take sellers to court on my behalf, for a fee from me. Why did he not protect me from the beginning of the transaction. I felt very blindsided and misled by him. Just be careful, it is worth paying a little more to a smaller law office. I am sharing this, only so that no one else will feel duped, like I have. My real estate agent gave me his name and I just went along, out of convenience, instead of doing my own research and going with a recommendation. Let my painful, expensive (lots of damage in the house I purchase) mistake be a lesson learnt for others in Rochester, NY. Trust your instincts.
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02 Mar, 2018 by Kim
Ms. Glennon was extremely thorough, professional, had excellent knowledge and undrrstanding of employment law. She was always very timely in responding to emails and phone calls. My case was handled through the EEOC and the US Department of Justice. I was given the right to sue but Ms. Glennon worked with both of those agencies on my behalf. She was outstanding in mediation with the other party and his attorney. She was able to settle the case out of court.
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10 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Called for case review never got back to me
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02 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Gary is not only an experienced attorney, but a really good one as well. I’ve relied on his sage advice relating to several issues over the years, and he has consistently led me in the right direction. Recently, Gary advised me on a very important legal matter and I couldn’t be more grateful.
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26 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
I was referred to Mr. Muldoon by a friend for my divorce. He made it all sound so easy. In the end, the final court appearance, he threw me to his associate. The final outcome was NOT what I agreed to. And I can't argue the facts because he didn't file the oral stipulation with the clerk's office! As I just learned recently. Every attorney should treat a client like they would want to be treated. I think Mr. Muldoon likes writing about law more than he likes practicing it.
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29 Jun, 2022 by Doorley
As a former county district attorney - she knows all the players ‘ she knows all the games Long story short - at my 1st court date .. I walked in the door with 2 Felonies : Walked out a free man = she exposed Monroe county and attacked their weaknesses ‘ as she knows them personally .. True Queen
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14 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Communication is scarce. Exactly what you would expect from a court appointed attorney.
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04 Jan, 2020 by Vladimir udyak
Lisa Sadinsky represented me in child custody case and reached desired outcome. Very professional and straightforward. Easy to be reached either on the phone, via e-mail or in person. Fees were reasonable and statements of all charges were transparent and timely. Provided free advise on a few occasions even after the case was over.
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05 Dec, 2018 by Corey
This woman--whose "specialty" is Family Law--took $3,500.00 from me to merely enter my e-mail address into a Legal Chat Room, where I was subjected to daily forwarded e-mails from the Court and opposing counsel. She provided no legal context for these messages, insulted me and my family by e-mail, and was woefully unprepared to accomplish anything positive on my behalf. A disaster.
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13 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr Martin handles some simple legal documents for me in a complicated case, but he did let me know he was not proficient in the other areas and recommended I seek the assistance of an attorney in the specific area of my dispute. My case has multiple areas and beyond complicated, the legal documents he provided, I was able to reference later, paper trails are important. He send me regular updates on billing, there was not any dispute, I think there were a fair assessment. He did not do "extra things" like I believe another attorney did NOT 'pad the bill.' His area is clear 'divorce and separation, child Custody, child support. I would be interested in the outcome of the other review.
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22 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Andrew Martin through the MCBA Lawyer Referral Service and it was one of the worst mistakes I made in my life. When he told me he was a comedian my radar went up but because he was recommended through the MCBA (Monroe County Bar Association) I thought he would handle my case like a professional because if you can't trust A Bar Association recommended attorney who can you trust right? Well my situation was a business dispute with a former partner. I can't go into full detail because the case is still open but I hired him to do a civil case. I explained to him my situation and let him know an attorney had already had recommended a few other attorneys. After speaking with a few they were talking very expensive and Mr. Martin told me he would handle my whole case for set amount. Needless to say when I agreed with him he sent me a contract that didn't say the same thing as we agreed upon but I figured it was just his standard contract so I asked him to remove the line about paying extra money and he did. Once the money cleared we met and went over the case and I explained the story to him. Mr. Martin and his paralegal (who I later figured out does his damage control.) Had me doing everything but the actual things that was pertinent to my case. While showing me what he was billing me for until we were almost half way through with my money. He told me he was going to get the case over with quickly and try to get me some of my money back. Did he ever pull a fast one on me?! He had me going to the Family courts instead of the Civil Courts and he kept lying to me telling me he was going to write up a motion to file in the Civil Courts. The people I were suing had dragged my name in the mud and stole my money and my business. I literally begged this guy to put my case through the civil courts. Originally he said he would handle my whole case for a set amount but it didn't dawn on me that he was doing all these little things and making up charges to avoid the civil courts and go the cheaper route and misappropriate my funds so he could justify ripping me off . Which is what he ultimately did. My business got sold and he filed a poorly rushed legal motion two months later without it including everybody's name and left it sitting without serving anybody. I hired this man In July 2018. It took him until November to file the Civil Case. He ignored me for awhile that. He lied to me and said he would try to get the defendant served so he had me come in to pay for a skip tracer in January 2019. He proceeded to lie and act like the defendant could not be found for about 2 and half months until a friend of mind told me the defendant was at the same address and still doing business at the same location with the same people. He had me under the impression that the defendant moved out of state! I was going to just fire him at that point and try to do the case myself but because there were more defendants involved now because of his in action on my case it was going to be too complicated for me to handle. I didn't have much money left because I had been out of work recuperating from surgery all the way until towards the end of 2018. Instead of Andrew Martin helping my case he made it more complicated and literally destroyed any chance I have of winning. It wasn't until I filed a Grievance on him in May that he finally had two of three defendants served towards the end of June 2019. He wanted me to remove the grievance but he wouldn't show proof everybody was served. He then made up a extra bill and gave me a week to respond. I emailed him trying to settle our dispute and he proceeded to send me all the people he served and withdrawing himself from representing me. He still has my files and the money he billed me for should be up for dispute. Depending on what the Grievance office will say should let you know how much protection we as citizens have against these lawyers that pray on the innocent.
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26 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Christopher Mesh made me feel like I wasn't a priority. He asked me to ask my doctor to lie for me. He asked me to lie to unemployment. To delay my care and treatment. He didn't go over the fine details with me for my original award. He didn't fight for me to cover all of my injuries. He only focused on the part of my injury that would make him money. Now, I'm still out of work, not getting any wages, and fighting for approval for my meds, procedures, etc. on my own. He's currently not making any money off of my case, and he clearly only cares and does his job when there are dollar signs in his future.
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26 Aug, 2013 by Theodore
Chris was great, better than I hoped. He stated it would take anywhere from 4 mos. to 2 years to get my SSD claim approved. In 4 mos. I received my approval. He walked me through the letter from my PMD, and reviewed my SSD questionnaire before submitting it. He took care of everything else after an approx. 1 hour meeting with my wife and I. If you need help with an SSD claim, Christopher Mesh, and Connors and Ferris is where you want to be.
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24 Jan, 2008 by Anonymous
I like his up to dating service- he kept you inform. I like his personality. I like his comforting demeanor. I just wish he was more aggressive toward other lawyers, and more defensive of his clients. It is not a friendship club.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Kay fina
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05 Oct, 2023 by Nathaniel blood
Avoid using Jon Bonavilla for your divorce attorney. Jon did not provide me with proper representation, overall Jon’s communication was not helpful and left me confused, and Jon provided limited legal advice. After a couple of months, I sought out a new attorney.
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04 Oct, 2023 by Nathaniel
Avoid using Jon Bonavilla for your divorce attorney. After a couple of months I sought out a new attorney. Jon did not provide me with proper representation, overall Jon’s communication was not helpful and left me confused, and Jon provided limited legal advice.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Kay fina
Google Maps
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05 Oct, 2023 by Nathaniel blood
Avoid using Jon Bonavilla for your divorce attorney. Jon did not provide me with proper representation, overall Jon’s communication was not helpful and left me confused, and Jon provided limited legal advice. After a couple of months, I sought out a new attorney.
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22 Apr, 2023 by Kristen konight
Left a voicemail and emailed. 1 week later still no response.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Kay fina
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05 Oct, 2023 by Nathaniel blood
Avoid using Jon Bonavilla for your divorce attorney. Jon did not provide me with proper representation, overall Jon’s communication was not helpful and left me confused, and Jon provided limited legal advice. After a couple of months, I sought out a new attorney.
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22 Apr, 2023 by Kristen konight
Left a voicemail and emailed. 1 week later still no response.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Kay fina
Google Maps
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05 Oct, 2023 by Nathaniel blood
Avoid using Jon Bonavilla for your divorce attorney. Jon did not provide me with proper representation, overall Jon’s communication was not helpful and left me confused, and Jon provided limited legal advice. After a couple of months, I sought out a new attorney.
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22 Apr, 2023 by Kristen konight
Left a voicemail and emailed. 1 week later still no response.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Kay fina
Google Maps
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05 Oct, 2023 by Nathaniel blood
Avoid using Jon Bonavilla for your divorce attorney. Jon did not provide me with proper representation, overall Jon’s communication was not helpful and left me confused, and Jon provided limited legal advice. After a couple of months, I sought out a new attorney.
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22 Apr, 2023 by Kristen konight
Left a voicemail and emailed. 1 week later still no response.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Kay fina
Google Maps
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05 Oct, 2023 by Nathaniel blood
Avoid using Jon Bonavilla for your divorce attorney. Jon did not provide me with proper representation, overall Jon’s communication was not helpful and left me confused, and Jon provided limited legal advice. After a couple of months, I sought out a new attorney.
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22 Apr, 2023 by Kristen konight
Left a voicemail and emailed. 1 week later still no response.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Kay fina
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05 Oct, 2023 by Nathaniel blood
Avoid using Jon Bonavilla for your divorce attorney. Jon did not provide me with proper representation, overall Jon’s communication was not helpful and left me confused, and Jon provided limited legal advice. After a couple of months, I sought out a new attorney.
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22 Apr, 2023 by Kristen konight
Left a voicemail and emailed. 1 week later still no response.
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13 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Pros: Kind, listens without interrupting, respectful, very calm, relaxed energy, non-intimidating, provides cell phone number, Sarcastic- kind of annoying but harmless and funny. She knows the law. On time to court. Cons: not as organized as I would like her to be, gets distracted quickly, you have to really be on her, she's not an attorney that's going to do everything for you if you're not taking the initiative to follow up and push her to do that she said she would. She's forgetful. I feel She does try- but she clearly has alot on her plate and she needs to try harder, I think she may have some ADHD or Idk, she's a bit all over the place. She talks really fast which I enjoy bc I'm the same way but the judge and the clerks constantly tell her to slow down which is annoying. She gets overwhelmed and really pink quickly. She needs to argue better, more effectively, more assertively- she's too soft and arguments are very weak and she uses words like "can we do" or "my client feels" it's just weak, If I wanted to talk about how I feel I would've represented myself. She says things that are irrelevant, like I would tell her "well this weekend didn't go too bad" and she'll mention that to the court. I found that to be dumb and counter productive. She also downplays a lot of things that are serious to me as a parent. She's Spaced out half the time. Worst of all, I gave her a hug at the end (because ik I stressed her out, I'm very pushy) and she had the most disgusted look on her face as I hugged her. She's weird. She also doesn't call you back. She'll email or text when she gets around to it.
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12 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
I was appointed Ms.Kovalsky for family violence and modifying custody order. Ms. Kovalsky would not return my calls or emails. She would call me a few minutes before our Zoom conference and ask if anything was new or resolved. I would tell her about my issue and state what I would like her to ask the Judge. She would provide incorrect information and would not admit she was wrong. When I saw Ms.Kovalsky in person, it would be for a few minutes, and in the conversation, she would drift off to something else. This interchange has happened a few times. I don't know if she has a medical issue, but it was very frustrating. I would suggest anyone who has her as a court-appointed attorney to request a new attorney or to hit the law books. I wouldn't recommend her to handle a parking ticket.
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29 Aug, 2022 by Jackson
Don’t let her height fool you, Ms. Kovalsky is a beast in the court room. She fought very hard on my behalf and got me just about everything I could have hoped to get. It was a tough case, not easy to win, but she got me what she could, most everything I asked for. She’s smart, she’s tough. Outstanding experience for me, I highly recommend.
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17 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
I attended court with a family friend. This woman was very nervous and afraid and good ol Len (who was representing her abusive husband) looked over at her and said something to the effect of "well maybe today's the day we'll have you thrown in jail" She was obviously terrified and Len knew that wasn't going to happen...one of the most disgusting displays of cruelty I've ever seen. Loser, not a good guy
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04 Apr, 2019 by Thomas
Len dropped the ball multiple times during my divorce. Always has excuses. Save yourself the aggravation.
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12 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I love how Leonard is always patient with his clients and makes sure that we know all the options we have while working with him. He assures that the best decision will be made.
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04 Aug, 2021 by Jon
The circumstances: My ex was charged with neglecting our child for allowing her abusive ex boyfriend to routinely strike our child and leave marks on his body, including the face. Our child, who routinely visited me on weekends and during the week. Every report to the court was that our child received nothing but outstanding care with me, including providing a living and nurturing environment where our little one was thriving. I have never been charged with a crime, never had CPS trouble, never accused of having done one single thing that would suggest my home was anything other than a better and safer place for our child. The problem: Ed was never prepared for the appearances and lacked a fundamental understanding of the law. He was consistently outperformed by opposing counsel, an assigned public defender, my ex’s free and obviously overburdened attorney. That attorney consistently and effectively made arguments to the judge that received vastly more consideration and respect than Ed was capable of making. Ed’s arguments were largely ignored by the judge, at one point receiving an actual eye roll from the court and comment regarding his mistakes in his interpretations of the issues. There was an instance when Ed would argue facts that were from some other case he was working on and the judge had to reprimand him for unpreparedness. In short, opposing counsel ran circles around him. Further, he always failed to contact me before court appearances and would not return any of my phone calls which were only occasional, about once per week. As a result, he knew nothing about the present circumstances of the case. It was truly amazing… in the worst possible way. RESULT: I retained new counsel who did win my case in the ensuing custody trial. My child lingered in another less suitable environment unnecessarily and that enormous error was only corrected once I retained an obviously superior advocate. USE YOUR MONEY WISELY, HIRE SOMEONE ELSE.
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25 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Narcissistic! Is the best way to describe Mr Edward W. McClenathan. There was a red flag at first when I saw that Ed was licensed to practice law in NY state for only the past few years. He is much older then the average college graduate that takes the bar exam. When we met at first he appeared professional like an attorney from the past wearing suspenders to hold up his trousers. His office at the time was in a store front formerly a drug store and it did not have a professional atmosphere. He had an associate wearing jeans that was suppose to be a lawyer also. He approached me to barter his services for a vehicle that he desperately needed. I agreed reluctantly to pay for services with my vehicle before completion of the documents. He drew up the items we discussed for services on a napkin or similar piece of paper. I was not asked to sign or did not receive a copy of his agreement. I gladly gave him possession of my vehicle for his services of payment. That was the end of it. After filing a complaint with the NY state attorney grievance committee a few months later they issued a "Letter Of Caution" to him.
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14 Jan, 2015 by Eric
Ed helped me through an ugly divorce. He has a very strong knowledge of the law and will fight hard for your interest. With every curve thrown at us he came up with a solid response. He was good at breaking down what we were up against and how it had to be handled. I hope to never need his services again!!
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16 Jun, 2017 by William mcpherson
Great guy very trustworthy.
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09 Aug, 2016 by Mary
I am selling the house I bought 5 years ago. Mr. Stephano was e attorney recommended to me by Hunt Realty. I now find there are undischarged mortgages on my title that Mr. Stephano should have cleared at the time I bought the house. This was a complete surprise to me and is wreaking havoc on my finance and peace of mind. I cannot recommend using his services.
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04 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
I used Mr Stefano for the closing on my first home. There were all kinds of prior tax liens and cleanup fees that were never dealt with at closing and as a result I seem to now be responsible for these issues. Mr Stefano never explained any of this to me at the closing and has been unresposive and uncooperative in resolving these issues after the fact.
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27 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
This woman should not be able to practice. She ignores abuse going on in homes. She keeps kids from family's that deserve to see the children she's awful I don't know how she sleeps at night
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23 Apr, 2019 by Angel
This woman was court appointed and now I am having her removed for NUMEROUS reasons. Had primary residency taken from me under false pretenses. Also is ignoring major health issues concerning my child along with many more issues that if appointed again will be brought up in court and asked to be permanently removed for the sake of my child. Be careful who you have represent you or your child. Also do background checks on not just her but anyone you may feel is off. I've learned my lesson I just don't want it to happen to anyone else.
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05 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
love the way she handle my case (child custody) in a professional manner. the way she treat me it was like a friend instead of a client. excellent person and outstanding lawyer.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Michael
Find someone else! She is horrible with communication and fighting for you. During the divorce process, she was more concerned with taking notes than doing the best for her client. We had a third-party financial person with our divorce. Sometimes it felt like five against one. Hardly four against two. But definitely not two versus two and an impartial third-party. before the divorce was final, she mentioned she had something for me to sign which I was going to take about five minutes. After going to her office and her fumbling through her phone for over 45 minutes, my address was changed. That’s all it was. My address. After my divorce was approved by the judge, I was notified by my ex-wife that we were officially divorced. Six days later, SIX, I called my attorney to find out what the deal was. She said she “just received the paperwork.” So I called her out on it and asked what day she received the email from the other attorney. It was the prior week. But no correspondence to me saying hey, we need to talk about something and finish up signing some paperwork, or hey, you’re divorced. No phone call. No text. No email. At the end of this same conversation, she said that she would mail me a hardcopy of the divorce. Decree for my files. It is now been three weeks. I have yet to get my divorce decree in the mail. Do yourself a favor, get someone else. Someone who will fight for you and be on your side and has the decency to communicate with you. It’s your life! It’s your divorce!
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13 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Julie wrote up separation paperwork incorrectly by using the incorrect dates. This is causing agreed upon spousal support to end a year sooner than it should have. When error brought to her attention she refused to correct her error. Her response was to “sue” me. Tells you what kind of attorney she is that she refuses to be held accountable for her error. She is obviously not working in your best interest but her own!
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10 Jan, 2021 by Vivi
Julie was a fantastic advocate for me and my children during the collaborative law process. She was flexible with her schedule to work around times when i needed consultation and explained all aspects of collaborative as we went through the process and i had questions. I truly felt like I had a partner to help me navigate this difficult part of my life. For anyone who thinks Collaborative could be a route for them, I would highly recommend you work with Julie.
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01 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Hired Sue for a collaborative divorce ....ended up cancelling her services as she “nickels and dimes” you for the most minor things - an email that she likely spent 20 seconds to compose will be automatically charged at $66.....so as such I resorted finding someone else.
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22 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I worked with this attorney/firm in connection with a real estate transaction. Attorney Leone was fine to deal with, his staff on the other hand is another story. I have never dealt with an office staff person as rude and unprofessional as Michele of this office. I wonder if Attorney Leone knows how rude and nasty she is? If not, someone should clue him in soon because he will lose my business and I'm sure any others as a result of her attitude and demeanor.
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06 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
He is dedicatedly someone who will trust the truth and make things go in your favor. But tries to pump you up to be angry and exaggerate hire scared or worried you are
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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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