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13 Sep, 2014 by Fran
Harriet helped me get properties and and legal 'loose ends' neatly bundled into Trusts after my husband of 29 years passed away in 2009 here in California. He was a lawyer and I was involved in his Ohio practice so I knew what competence and an honest lawyer looked like. Ms Brown came recommended and I can reiterate that recommendation. She was open and listened to what I wanted, no bafflegab, no pressure for complicated legal vehicles. She was fair with her charges and fees. There were areas in which she was not as versed and she told me upfront that I would need a specialist in these legal territories. I am happy and secure with her work and have given her name to several friends.
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08 Feb, 2010 by Neil
I've given Ms. Brown the highest ratings, both overall and in the individual categories. Quite simply, I've had excellent experiences with her over the course of several years, spanning a variety of Estate and Business law issues.
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03 Aug, 2021 by Linda
Jonathan Che Gettleman is the best, brightest and most humane lawyer I have had the privilege to utilize. Indeed, he is the only one I know. I have had multiple experiences with soul sick rapacious lazy attorneys thus I speak from experience. Gettleman saved me from an evil premeditated ploy by the former DA Boob Lee, who fabricated & falsified evidence to incarcerate me for 4.5 years. In court the gallant & savvy Gettleman well established within the first month the DA had done so. But the corrupt John Gallagher, the presiding court overlord - he doesn't deserve the title 'judge' - let their shameful sham continue for one year. This at considerable waste of tax payers precious revenues in order to psychologically terrorize me. This is only one example of the elite privileged Santa Cruz good ole white boys in pubic law enforcement who commit financial fraud paid for by local tax payers. As I asserted to these Santa Cruz overlords "if they had to pay for this out of their own bank accounts their crass corruption would be over". I was shocked at how easy LEO's abuse their sacred vows & squander tax payer money. This motivated me to write a research paper titled "Jails R Us". Detailing the disgusting ways the U$A uses & abuses law enforcement, government prisons & the cannibalizing for profit prisons to destroy 'We the Peons".
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08 Dec, 2015 by Bryan
He was diligent with his research and realistic with his forecasts. Which I hope every lawyer would be. But at the same time he was calming. He made sure I stayed out of my own head and that my family felt comfortable. In the end he kept me out of jail. I was exposed to 11 years and served 3 months.
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15 Nov, 2021 by Debora and clint
Bryan has provided excellent service and representation handling our case. He has guided us all along the way, being informative and clear. Very dependable, easy to talk to, and knowledgeable. He has tackled every aspect available to resolve our issue for our best outcome. Highly recommend him.
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05 Feb, 2010 by Tammy
My case was extremely hard to win - yet Mr. Hackett won my case!! At my trial, Mr. Hackett got the judge to exclude the prosecution's evidence and have all public records of my arrest sealed!! I learned about Mr. Hackett by asking another lawyer in the area that did not feel qualified in handling my case who they would recommend, and he was their top recommendation in the Monterrey / Salinas area. Before learning of Mr. Hackett I was desperate and had even contacted a lawyer from one of those big state-wide legal websites - they said my case wasn't worth their time and hung up on me. Yet when I first called Mr. Hackett, he asked for details of my case, and then researched my case further on his own before agreeing to take the case. He did so because he wanted to help me, yet did not feel comfortable taking my money if he did think there was at least a chance he could win my case. For him to do non-billable work before even taking the case, solely for my benefit, speaks volumes on his character. Mr. Hackett is incredibly honest, knowledgeable, and hard-working. After he agreed to take my case, he continually kept me informed by email and phone. Not once did I have to contact him first and wait for a return a call. He contacted me whenever there was an update or merely to see if I had any questions. If I did call, he always called me back immediately. He also explained his reasoning for each action involved with the case, which was extremely helpful to someone like me that knows nothing of the law. Lastly, and the most important part - he is a fantastic lawyer! He is incredibly thorough and meticulous - researching the law, searching for anything that can help your case, evaluating numerous avenues for your defense, with no stone left unturned. Mr. Hackett's thorough knowledge of the law and perseverance in finding ways to support my evidence was incredible, and as stated above, won my case, leaving me with a clean record!! I couldn't be happier!!
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20 Mar, 2023 by Andres martin
Gave her a call and was given a great referral and advice. Her specialty did not fit with my specific case, but I could tell she has great communication skills and seems like an A+ individual.
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12 May, 2022 by Logan
Jamyrson is an animal. She is one of the first attorney's I got in touch with and stood out amongst the others, tenfold. She is very busy but always made time for my questions. The legal system can be very stressful but Jamyrson kept things light and has a sense of humor which helped keeping stress levels down. Don't let her laid back approach fool you - she is so confident and knowledgeable in what she does and knows all the ins and outs of the overwhelming number of protocols/deadlines. I couldn't have asked for a better attorney or outcome, my case was somewhat minor but I feel she fought it as if everything was on the line. I couldn't be happier with Jamyrson, I just wish there was an option to give her 10 stars! She is a great person and an even better lawyer. Why are you still reading this? Hire Jamyrson already!
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30 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
I wish we had known of her existence 6 years ago. She is very smart, whitout having to work with her or being her client you will never know what a elite character she Has. Extreme good proffesional attitude and a character strenght what will knock You out icecold if You think all lawyers are in it just to get your hard earned dough. After my opinion, she IS the BEST you can have on your side . She Will not let You down no matter how hairy the situation gets. The feeling You get having her represent You has no paralell. Correctitude par excellence. Devotion to her job and her client has no equal, in a positive sense.
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05 Jul, 2007 by Anonymous
Ms. DiBenedetto is the best. She's knowledgeable, efficient, but best is she gets awesome results. I'd recommend her in a heartbeat.
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27 Feb, 2017 by David
Mr. Dudley is an excellent attorney and is very knowledgeable. My expungement process was handled very well and I was kept informed throughout the process. His billing was fair and I am glad I hired him to handle my expungements.
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04 Jan, 2017 by Jim
Great attorney. would hire Michael again. I highly recommend him He worked very long and hard on my case.
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26 Apr, 2013 by Ellie
Tim Morgan has been my attorney since October 2009. He has successfully handled several real estate transactions for me. Throughout these transactions Tim kept me informed and advised me of legal steps necessary to prevent any complications. I highly recommend Tim Morgan. Tim Morgan’s Key strengths: Very professional, high-level of integrity, excellent interpersonal and communication skills , detail oriented, organized, solution oriented, always willing to help and make time for you. --- Ellie, Los Gatos, CA
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16 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Leo gave me a call back, a day or two after I left him a voice message requesting his assistance for a consultation. In just 10 minutes, he gave me better advice than any other attorney I had consulted. He was quick to look up the municipal code ordinances I cited, helped me understand the law, and gave me clear options on what my best/worst case scenarios were. He helped me in 10 minutes, make a clear decision on a matter that was consuming me for two weeks. He didn't request money for the consult, and didn't push me to go to court. He advised me towards making a smart decision for my wallet and my mental health. Thanks Leo.
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28 Sep, 2010 by Jhr james roberts
Martin has represented me for for over 25 years and has done a great job including several court trial litigations and numerous other adversarial legal matters. Without Martin's aggressive and well planned representation I would not have collected many righteous real estate brokerage commissions due me. Thanks for a great ride Martin, JHR
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10 May, 2011 by Tom m
Sean Larkin, is a Professional Associate and Friend. His dedication to truth and justice as an attorney has been proven to me in work for a firm I managed and also personally. I gave him excellent ratings as trustworthy, responsive and knowledgeable—if I had any question of law, he would, If not immediately knowing, research the most current legislation and inform me. I would highly recommend Attorney Sean Larkin as a lawyer of principle in his practice whether his client is rich or poor.
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19 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
Vilma always kept me informed on my clients case yolanda
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07 Oct, 2009 by Troyvoi
She is very responsible, non judemental and open minded. Her skills as an immigration lawyer, helped me in obtaining my asylum. Thank you Jenni, for everything.
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19 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Carmela did an excellent and timely job for us with an employee situation. She was able to get the employee to agree to a reasonable settlement and also got the employee to sign off that the employment would be terminated and the issue would be fully resolved and closed by the settlement. She also did a great job on advising us how to handle the employee while the issue was being negotiated.
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02 Mar, 2011 by Jim in santa cruz
I retained Mr. Mendivil to represent me in a landlord/tenant dispute. I found him to be knowledgeable, focused, and empathetic to my concerns. He reviewed the pertinent documents, assessed the facts and asked relevant questions before succinctly explaining my options. At my request, he prioritized my options and made recommendations I followed his guidance and the result was extremely favorable; in addition, he was conscious of time and billable hours and minimized costs to me. I have found Mr. Mendivil to be an excellent attorney. He is even-tempered, approachable, and easy to work with. His ethics are beyond reproach and yet still he has a "will to win". I am delighted with all aspects of the professional service and representation I received from Creighton and I recommend him unconditionally.
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04 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
We retained Mr. Killeen due to a sad family dispute over an estate. He did a wonderful job on a case which became emotional and quite protracted. He wore both his legal and counselor-at-law hats with grace and ease. We especially appreciated his attention to detail and creative problem solving. As with any case, the outcome was not guaranteed, however, we were quite satisfied with our result.
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26 Dec, 2017 by Robert
I hired Michael Mehr while in custody of ICE. He was able to get me out on bail and then knew which direction to go, and the right approach to win my case. I find Michael and his staff very professional and knowledgeable about the complex immigration system. I'm glad I hired him. I'm forever thankful to him and his staff.
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01 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Always returned my calls promptly, great source of other attorney referrals, and incredibly helpful.
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30 Apr, 2015 by Anthony
Mr Reeve-Wilson is well qualified in the field of personal injury and represented my family in a car accident. He did a outstanding job and I would recommend him to anyone looking for a compassionate attorney that will actually return your calls and really seems to care about your well being. These types of lawyers are hard to find. 5 stars!
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03 Jul, 2013 by Carole
I was so please to see that Mr. Pardue was both ethical and reliable. He first represented my daughter then, myself. He is most capable and came highly recommended. Be honest with him and give him all your information truthfully and he will represent you fairly and competently. I would very much recommend Mr. Pardue.
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16 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I couldn't ask for more. I was facing an inordinately nasty charge for a relatively small misunderstanding at a very young, barely adult age. With a court appointed attorney, I would've received jail time, despite it being my first arrest. I asked the bail bondsman who the good attorneys are in town. He gave a few names, paused, and then said "but if you've got the money and really want the best, Paul Meltzer is it." I spoke with the other attorneys first, and they seemed perfectly fine. Their retainers were about $3,000. I met with Paul last. His credentials largely speak for themselves. Berkeley Law, suma somethin' cum laude, represents some large real estate entity in Pebble Beach, etc. Paul's retainer was $5,000 (pretty sure). Keep in mind this was in the early 2000's. If the case needed to go to trial, Paul's well-earned services become very expensive - too expensive for me. Fortunately, Paul had my case dismissed much faster than any CA trial could begin. I still remember my last court date and seeing the look on the ADA's face after the judge ruled for dismissal. He was staring right at Paul with his eyes wide and mouth slightly agape, as if to say "how in the world did this guy just pull that off?!" If there were a law against being smooth and getting things done, Paul would be a wanted man, and the only criminal in court that day.
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18 Nov, 2010 by Selma seljuk
MandyTover was a great help in my brothers case ,if you need a good attorney with a compassionate heart and smart's she is the one i recomend. appreciated mandy very much .......thank you ..
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20 Nov, 2016 by Robert
Hired Mr. Stotter to defend me in a DUI case. I crashed my car after a medical emergency, but I had alcohol and medications in my system so they arrested me for DUI. I had a prior felony DUI, so they wanted state prison! Mr. Stotter refused to settle the case and fought all the way to trial. Our witnesses convinced the jury to dismiss all the charges.
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14 Jul, 2010 by Lydia
I've dealt with other lawyers with refernce to a family partiton and lot split. Larry was the best, He listened and asked questions, reviewed my case, gave me different scenarios, while keeping in mind what I wanted- A,very thoughtful lawyer and great person to know.
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22 Jan, 2016 by Traci
I've used Ms. Lawler Bodmer's services on various occasions and she is always very knowledgeable about the subject matter. She initiates a follow up with me whenever a change in the law may affect my situation. She responds promptly to my inquiries. I would highly recommend her for any business, estate or trust work needed. In fact, I have recommended her to many of my friends and family. They have all had very positive experiences with her.
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28 Sep, 2010 by Jhr james roberts
Michael did what other Patent attorneys told me could not happen. He has represented me for over five (5) years and done a great job. I've referred him to other folks wanting patents to my knowledge they all have felt the same way I do. A+
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19 Sep, 2015 by Kaila buerger
Nicole was an amazing help to me. I am dealing with a small claims toward a business in California and she was able to give me lots of good information on what kind of case I have, and what to do to prepare for my court hearing. She told me that she would be there with any questions that I may have. I feel very supported knowing that she is there to give me her professional legal advice. I would recommend Nicole because she is there to help in the best capacity, and responded extremely quickly to me. Thank you Nicole.
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30 Apr, 2012 by Nancy
Mike Corman is the best, he is a great lawyer. I had to use him twice for estates. Mike helped me so much, as well has Laurie his wonderful assistant. Yes, I would tell anyone who needs legal help to see Mike Corman. Nancy Lovett
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26 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
I worked with Caleb at Baskin and Grant for a debt collection case in 2011. He kept me informed throughout the process, explained all avenues and possible outcomes and ultimately settled the issue in a way that was amenable to both parties. He, and others at the firm, approached the issue with great care, confidentiality and integrity.
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07 May, 2024 by Collin hannigan
Really good team at King. My situation sucked but they fought for me and delivered.
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31 Oct, 2023 by Tiana malave
Great staff and business and Great experience! Very well done work start to finish. Highly recommend!
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30 Oct, 2023 by K h
Best I've worked with after other companies were quick to give me the run around. Would recommend them to anyone in need.
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07 May, 2024 by Collin hannigan
Really good team at King. My situation sucked but they fought for me and delivered.
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31 Oct, 2023 by Tiana malave
Great staff and business and Great experience! Very well done work start to finish. Highly recommend!
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30 Oct, 2023 by K h
Best I've worked with after other companies were quick to give me the run around. Would recommend them to anyone in need.
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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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