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28 Jan, 2024 by Barbara
Bruce was an amazing lawyer… As you can imagine, going through a custody battle is never easy or fun , he always kept us calm and informed and had our best interest at heart. Bruce always took our phone calls and if he was unable to get to the phone he would get back to us as soon as possible … The line of communication via email /phone calls etc. was always open , we always felt like we were his top priority (a huge factor when choosing a lawyer!) Bruce has such a good heart and is a strong advocate for children and making sure their voices are heard…Needless to say with his knowledge of the law, sincere compassion, and fierce determination , we won our case! We highly recommend the Entelisano law firm!!
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15 Nov, 2019 by John
Previous tenants had caused significant damages to our rental property so we asked Mr.Entelisano for help with the case. After his review he took on the challenge . Bruce kept in constant communication with us every step of the way and never kept us in the dark. His dedication, professionalism, and thorough preparation won our case and justice was served. We would gladly recommend Bruce to anyone and he will be our attorney in the future if ever needed.
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14 Nov, 2019 by Beth
Bruce represented me personally in a real estate transaction with extraordinary competence and diligence. He is without question the best legal value for the money I have experienced. Bruce is extremely knowledgeable of his profession and well versed in a variety of legal matters. He is determined to help his clients on all accounts. His dedication and communication skills are beyond compare!
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30 Jul, 2015 by Rob
Nobody wants to leave their family for long periods of time no matter what mistake we make...sometimes the court system itself is the wake up call we need...and after watching my kids cry about my situation Frank was able to help me get my time offer from 6 years down to 1 year during motions...very thankful for that...but even more grateful that I still owe him 1500 and told him the process of paying him might take a bit cause I had other traffic cases I needed to pay and school clothes shopping to do for my children before I left which he was very understanding about...never been comfortable with putting the time of my life in anyone's hands but very glad I chose to put my life in Frank's hands...he did a very remarkable job and filed great motions on my behalf...never once judged me as a criminal or anything less than him...but judged me as I should be judged...a man with a family trying to survive the life were given...and I would recommend this man to anyone...thank you Frank
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26 Jun, 2015 by Brian
I heard nothing but positive feedback regarding Frank Mellace which is why he was the first attorney I reached out to when I found myself in legal trouble. He was able to reduce my bail by 50% and had me back at home with my family within two days of being arrested. I found Frank to not only be knowledgeable, but he was also very easy to talk to and always handled our interactions in a professional and respectful manner. He told me what he could do for me regarding my case and followed through with his word. He was also very responsive if I had a question regarding my case and usually got back to me that same day if he wasn't in the office upon my initial call. I would highly recommend Frank Mellace to anyone in need of legal counsel.
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27 Apr, 2015 by Theresa
Excellent criminal defense attorney, highly recommend. I was able to easily reach Frank whenever I had questions. He is a good listener, very easy to talk to. The motions in my case were extremely well researched and written. Frank explained each phase of the court proceedings and my options from onset to conclusion. It was obvious to me, watching him in court, that his experience and professional demeanor has earned him the respect of the judges and his peers.
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27 Sep, 2022 by Mrs. vrslayer420
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21 Apr, 2021 by Amy backman
An extremely smart and knowledgeable woman. Extremely nice. Really wants what's next for the kids
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13 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I had the pleasure of having Robert Hershman represent me in a bankruptcy case. Mr. Hershman was very helpful and walked me through the whole process. He settled my case quickly and he was very reasonable in cost. I would recommend Mr. Hershman to anyone that is looking for a quality lawyer. Thank you Mr. Hershman for all that you have done for me.
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05 Feb, 2021 by Breana beam
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06 Aug, 2014 by Colleen
He was very helpful in guiding us through the legal process after the passing of our Mother. He was kind, responsive and understanding of our specific case. He did not have us go through unneccesary legal processes that would have cost us a great deal in legal fees.
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13 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Kevin has represented me personally and our company in real estate, estate and corporate matters for many years with extraordinary competence and diligence. Without question the best legal value for money I have experienced. Trustworthy beyond compare.
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27 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
First, I must say that Attorney Peter Antonowicz is a very humbled human being and in addition, the legal work he does is accurate, timely, and he goes out of his way for others, his clients, and without a second thought! SSI and SSDI Disability cases are what his specialty is, with a heart as big as Texas, and patience galore. Peter is a very gracious and patient person, understanding the difficulties that those who are less fortunate face and on a daily basis. Never once did he not explain something to me, when I asked nor did he whip out a bunch of fancy legal mumbo-jumbo! *************************************************************************** It is very easy to communicate with his office "team" and himself, as far as always reaching a person and not an answering machine. Their main office is located in Rome (NY), but he often accommodates those living in Utica (NY) with his Genesee St. office location. Without hesitation, I have and would recommend anyone to him, for the fantastic services he offers and with positive results. If he feels there is little to no chance of his winning a case, then he will be honest and say so, but if he can - then he gladly accepts the case and works just as hard, if not harder, than a top notch lawyer in New York City!
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20 Jun, 2018 by Josie clark
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25 Mar, 2024 by Monica marie
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05 Mar, 2024 by Peter maneri
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02 Feb, 2024 by Kellie scott
Very professional , defiantly knows his job, fast and accurate , polite -understanding and one damn good lawyer I recommend Mellace law firm to anyone in need ! He did amazing by my family and helped us so much
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09 Apr, 2024 by Bob seitz
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10 Aug, 2023 by Louise pavlock
Reinhardt & Bray handled our mom's estate. Attorney Christopher Bray and the entire staff were attentive to our needs and alleviated our concerns and anxiety. Everyone was friendly and patient with us. We highly recommend Attorney Bray and this law firm for estate and related real estate matters.
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14 Jul, 2023 by Barry hewitt
I can't comment on their performance because I called them a week ago and they never responded. Not good business practice.
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22 Aug, 2023 by Samantha la barge
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28 Jan, 2022 by Carrie genther
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13 Jun, 2021 by Michelle deblois
Never answer your calls
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22 Aug, 2023 by Samantha la barge
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28 Jan, 2022 by Carrie genther
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13 Jun, 2021 by Michelle deblois
Never answer your calls
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27 Jan, 2017 by Lisa
I had a very difficult divorce that was negotiated with great skill, intelligence, and concern by Michael Putter. His experience and ability to change his strategy when necessary was essential to the settling of my case. He can be quite a bull dog when that is required. I don't think anyone else could have done a better job than him. I am very grateful that I chose him to represent me.
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17 Aug, 2016 by Leila
I was skeptical of most lawyers but Mr. Putter really changed my mind about that. I had a complex marital case that he worked tirelessly to settle. He was very responsive, honest, and knowledgeable. I always felt I was in the know about what was going on and his experience trumps the novice of many of the new, young lawyers in the area. If you want quality legal advice you need to pay for quality legal advice. He is well worth the investment. Thank you, Mr. Putter!
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16 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
He can be contacted via phone, letter & email, so he gets an average for responsiveness. Unfortunately, his legal advice showed he was not knowledgeable of recent case law. His knowledge of the rules of evidence needs improvement. His rate is $350 per hour, which is higher than some other lawyers in the area, so I had expected better service. Check your bill for errors. I recommend clients bring in an outside lawyer to break up the cabal that exists among the handful of lawyers in Oneida, County.
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27 Sep, 2022 by Mrs. vrslayer420
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21 Apr, 2021 by Amy backman
An extremely smart and knowledgeable woman. Extremely nice. Really wants what's next for the kids
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18 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
She wouldn’t listen that her client was being abused she was repeatedly called but never returned the calls. She isn’t a caring person at all.very cold.
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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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