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28 Oct, 2019 by Gregg
I retained Kenneth M. Poole, Jr. as my attorney in June 2011. Ken was steadfast in his representation of me in long-drawn-out, post-divorce litigation that concluded in June 2019. Ken never once let me down in his knowledge of my case and its myriad of details. He was quick to produce documents when they were necessary, and I was often in awe at how he made the complex simple. Ken was a steady ship and wise counsel. I highly recommend.
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09 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Poole while I was getting divorce. I hired him because he belongs to a big firm, but that was it. I never heard before of him.
What a terrible mistake!....After we spoke a couple of times, he told me that my case was too difficult and he prefer not to work with me. So I asked him if I could get the $2000 back that I gave him as a retainer fee, and of course he said no.
I hired a second attorney. Yes, my case was difficult because my ex husband run away with my children, but this second attorney got me a mediation in just 3 days and got my children back.
Do not hire Mr. Poole. You will lose your money.
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22 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
This attorney does very minimal work. I was asked to retain him by a partner in his firm and from day one I didnt have a good feeling but given the partner that asked me to retain him, I did. I have pretty much had to beg for proper legal information since that time. He filed some paperwork that anyone could have filed, sent some emails, allowed the other party in my case to threaten him in to bringing such a simple case to a halt and then decided he wanted to remove himself from my case. Beware.............. You get what you pay for.
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17 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
My initial consultation was very comfortable and informative. Her staff continues to keep me informed and are honest even when i dont want to hear it. I would recommend her to anyone whos going through divorce.
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26 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
She missed several hearings related to my case.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
I would not recommend this lawyer for anything. They dooped me, lied to me all to my detriment . Later i found another person they did the same thing too and he ended up spending more money to fix their mistakes.
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23 Dec, 2019 by Amanda
Alicia is an absolutely amazing lawyer. She fought tooth and nail when my fiance was killed in a motorcycle accident and I couldnt have been more happy with choosing her. This was almost 3 years ago and we still talk very often and she checks on me and my daughter at least once a week.
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05 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
I had a better than great experience with this attorney. Any question I had was answered and made me feel better about what I was going through. I truly felt like he had my best interest at heart. He was timely in returning my phone calls and was always professional and informative. I would certainly recomment him to anyone I know who got arrested!
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27 Oct, 2012 by Reta
Had a horrible experience with this attorney. Not to be trusted at all!! The worst decision of my life was to walk into this office. Terrible, terrible experience! A very, very dishonest guy. It is of my opinion that he dislikes women-- is threatened by them... and just wants to make an easy buck. Get a second opinion before ever hiring this man!!
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06 Oct, 2024 by Kamala
This loser wasted more time hating on Trump in Twitter than ever defending me on my case. Id often find him tweeting vitriol towards Trump during my case in court. One time, the Judge had to repeatedly ask him questions, as he was too distracted with posting hateful Tweets online. I lost my case because of Ron.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Ron is an unprofessional buffoon who spends his entire day tweeting anti trump propoganda. He hates this country and wants open borders higher taxes gender surgeries for minors and abortion on tap. Total chine
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27 Jul, 2023 by Shannon greer
Ron is a great lawyer we went over things and he told me what he could do for me. Even though I wasn't able to call him every five minutes with questions that came to mind,the end result was exactly what we discussed. He's a good lawyer and does his homework. I've dealt with him myself,friends,family and others I have referred and I've never heard a single bad outcome or anyone who was upset with the agreed outcome. I'm very thankful I got to k own him and I always feel I could call him with anything. If you don't pay your lawyer they don't work for you.Nobody works for free time is money. So thankful for him many times over.
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15 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
During the initial consultation he told me he had represented a client with a similar charge to mine. He said he got the restitution amount from $5 million to $600. After I retained him and confronted him with these statements, he admitted that there was an error in the way the money was added (did not use GAAP)! So it had nothing to do with his ability to negotiate or his legal expertise.
Burzynski made several unilateral decisions without consulting me. For example, about three months before the scheduled trial, he deposed some witnesses. BUT he did not have the depositions transcribed, he said to save me money AND because he knew we would not be going to trial! Now I need a summary of the depositions and he will do it for $300.00.
In addition, he did not explain to me the repercussions of accepting the guilty verdict, such as the effects it would have on my professional license (probably will lose it).
However, if you are an attractive younger woman, I am positive he WILL represent you to the best of his ability. Burzynski was awe struck by a younger woman I had brought with me to a couple of our meetings. He continued to talk about her weeks after meeting her.
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24 Oct, 2014 by Joel
Was in a pissing match with a guy who i believe was in the witness protection service. The guy had me charged with a felony. He had his step son who was a marine attempt to kill me. I survived. Fled the state. He informed me to get on a plane for court and take the next flight out and do not come back. Adj was with held. I can legally say I was not found guilty. And I am alive today. Smart man.
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25 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Was facing several 1st degree (capital) offenses. After 2yrs of this case going through the legal system, my case went to trial. NOT GUILTY on ALL charges. He kept an innocent man from spending a mandatory rest of my life in prison. I now have a wife 2 kids and a great paying respectable job. I OWE THIS MAN MY LIFE.
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04 Feb, 2016 by L
Keith is a fantastic lawyer. Worked on my case for 3yrs and really fought for my case! I had horrible doctors and he kept working to get me a compitant one. He always replied to my emails fast. And as far as being a small firm, that makes them that much more one on one and not shoved somewhere on the back burner. To much corporate america these days if you ask me. When I moved out of state before my case was finished he worked and got me a case manager and hunted down a doctor from my new state that would take my out of state case. Amazingly this doctor was compitant as he wasn't paid off by the ins co and then just dump me. Finally got a settlement and couldn't be happier.
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27 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
Unfortunately, I made the huge mistake of hiring this layer/ law firm! He got nothing for me after several years of representation, while telling me my case was worth a couple hundred thousand. Not only did this lawyer deceive me, he caused tremendous hardship for me and my life/ future. I consulted other attorneys and they advised me he committed malpractice. He used to be a good attorney years ago. However, he is not anymore and his resources are limited. I would strongly recommend you hire a different attorney or law firm in the area or in a bigger city with better resources and or outcomes of cases. They talk a great talk when you call their office and lead you to believe you are making a great decision when hiring them, but DO NOT FALL PREY to this attorney/ law firm. Just to let you know, I found out later this person is his wife. They have one lawyer, one paralegal and one assistant. Thirty plus years as a layer sounds great on the surface, but when you think about it, that usually means they are old and operate in/ on old school ways (meaning they do not have the desire, ambition, or energy/ not in the prime of their career) plus if they are so great, why are they still working and not retired by now????
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12 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
She charged significantly more than expected nor agreed. Kathi did not get the results needed. The situation was not rectified by her despite my numerous valid concerns. Tens of thousands were spent on her services with completely unsatisfactory results. As a single mother I cannot afford to live now. I need help badly.
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03 Sep, 2018 by Lisa
I interviewed 6 different divorce attorneys before choosing Kate Halvorsen. I couldn't have made a better choice. It sounds cliche, but she's truly a diamond in the rough. Knowledgeable, sincere, hard-working, experienced, intelligent, perceptive... I could go on. But the things that really set her apart are her devotion to her clients and her personal and professional integrity. (A divorce lawyer with integrity? Hard to believe, I know, but it's true!)
Divorce is never easy (avoid it if you can!), but I knew mine would be especially challenging. Kate has been fighting tirelessly for me and my children for over 3 years now, and I'm thankful every day that she's my attorney. (To clarify, Kate is not the reason my case has dragged on for so long -- my ex is. If it were up to us, it never would've gone to trial.)
Ms. Halvorsen has been practicing family law for 25 years. As they say, this ain't her first rodeo. Her reputation for being honest, fair, level-headed, and a good listener makes her highly sought after as a mediator. With so much experience, she knows the Sarasota/Manatee legal community inside-out. If she can't answer your question, she'll tell you who can.
Kate's very efficient. When she tells you she's going to do something, she does it, and she does it well. She's a one-lawyer practice -- that means she and her amazing assistant Pat do it all. Kate works hard to learn (and remember!) the details of your case. You get her - your case won't be outsourced to a lower-paid junior attorney. Her hourly rate isn't the lowest out there, but she's worth every penny. She's respectful of your budget, realistic in her estimates, and she doesn't pad the bill. (I check!)
She won't promise you a happy ending where there isn't one; she's realistic. And she won't violate her ethical obligations for you. If that's what you're looking for, look elsewhere. Kate knows the law and uses it to full advantage. She's great under pressure, down-to-earth, quick-thinking, and she shines at coming up with creative solutions to complex problems. She gives solid, well-considered legal advice. Best of all, she CARES. Kate Halvorsen isn't just a good lawyer, she's a good person. I highly recommend her.
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31 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
I had Ms. Johnson prepare powers of attorney and health documents. I found her to be very thorough and extremely patient when explaining things, even when asked many questions. I believe her fees to be very reasonable. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
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04 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
I paid $200 for a consultation with attorney Johnson on a real estate contract dispute. She glanced thru the contract, advised that I had no legal options available to me, and had to follow an order of specific performance to purchase a home.
I got the impression that she didn't want to take on my case, so I went to another attorney for a second opinion. They were quickly able to find me a way out of the contract, and the matter was resolved.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Arrogant and cannot be trusted in my honest opinion. There are many other more reputable attorney's in Sarasota County. I would look elsewhere. He seemed to have taken advantage of my wealthy elderly client in many ways. Peggy the only good review, is a personal friend who also worked for him. She was probably in on some of his dirty work too. Keep your loved ones far away. He will take everything they have .
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20 Apr, 2018 by Peggy
I was first employed by (former Sarasota 12th Judicial Circuit Judge and former Judge of Longboat Key) ROY A. CHAPMAN in 1972. I have known him 46 years. His father was also a judge in Sarasota, Florida.
Since I retired as a nationally Certified Paralegal, my family and I have retained him to handle a variety of matters.
Most currently, he has been helping my mother, age 82, with her estate planning including a trust. He also has given her advice and support pertaining to Guardianship over my father with Alzheimers. This is the most difficult time of my parent’s life, and Judge Chapman has given Mom peace of mind.
He is an honorable, trustworthy, experienced lawyer. You will not find a more compassionate, friendly or excellent attorney; therefore, I highly recommend (retired Judge) Roy A. Chapman.
Peggy (Ebright) Knoth
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10 Aug, 2023 by Patrick mcdonough
Make sure you document everything when dealing with a HOA in Florida.
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15 May, 2019 by Taylor a (tay)
I had a family to take my daughter to in Colorado, was represented by a 20 year old named Phillistime Hamdan who seemed impressive but lost my case and conveniently left the office abruptly. I now have discontinued representation from Julia Fletcher, a Red headed attorney whom is past 50 but cannot ascertain a curately due to the massive amounts of cigarettes consumed. I would not accept free or paid representation from such an incompetent bunch. Great source of reasoning as to why Lawyers today are an insindeous plague.
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10 Aug, 2023 by Patrick mcdonough
Make sure you document everything when dealing with a HOA in Florida.
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15 May, 2019 by Taylor a (tay)
I had a family to take my daughter to in Colorado, was represented by a 20 year old named Phillistime Hamdan who seemed impressive but lost my case and conveniently left the office abruptly. I now have discontinued representation from Julia Fletcher, a Red headed attorney whom is past 50 but cannot ascertain a curately due to the massive amounts of cigarettes consumed. I would not accept free or paid representation from such an incompetent bunch. Great source of reasoning as to why Lawyers today are an insindeous plague.
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15 Aug, 2023 by Abel nieto
We paid $150.00 for a consultation fee on July 17, 2023, and explained our contract with our builder and the gouging over the quoted price, and told us to call him back when we received our next invoice, and when we did his office sent to another firm. Typical attorney conduct, save your money and just call Tonya Pitts at 941-777-5529 that the new firm they sent us to-30 minutes and another $150.00 for new consultation fee.
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08 Jul, 2019 by Frank
I don’t like to trust attorneys with reviews from other colleagues. Would rather see reviews from the public. I should have noticed before. My experience with this attorney is horrible. Way too expensive and treated my case like it was a joke. In the end, I lost everything.
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28 Feb, 2015 by Morgan
Michael France PA is in my opinion the best lawyer you will ever work with
He is professional, courteous and personable
Most importantly he knows what he's doing
He will tell you exactly what he can help you with and what he can't
Highly recommend this outstanding professional
Lucky to have him
MOD
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17 May, 2024 by Carol wagner
1 star is to generous. I had the worst experience with this attorney. He is so dishonest and tried to take advantage of my family after my parents died. Make sure you know fees from him he is very deceitful sneaky and corrupt. Run !!!!
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16 Apr, 2024 by Dan dannheisser
08 Nov, 2019 by Anne cannon
17 May, 2024 by Carol wagner
1 star is to generous. I had the worst experience with this attorney. He is so dishonest and tried to take advantage of my family after my parents died. Make sure you know fees from him he is very deceitful sneaky and corrupt. Run !!!!
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16 Apr, 2024 by Dan dannheisser
08 Nov, 2019 by Anne cannon
17 May, 2024 by Rick greendonner
Prompt, professional legal services!
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09 Nov, 2023 by Eitan spell
09 Nov, 2023 by Vitaliy kurdyuk
17 May, 2024 by Rick greendonner
Prompt, professional legal services!
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09 Nov, 2023 by Eitan spell
09 Nov, 2023 by Vitaliy kurdyuk
17 May, 2024 by Rick greendonner
Prompt, professional legal services!
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09 Nov, 2023 by Eitan spell
09 Nov, 2023 by Vitaliy kurdyuk
17 May, 2024 by Rick greendonner
Prompt, professional legal services!
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09 Nov, 2023 by Eitan spell
09 Nov, 2023 by Vitaliy kurdyuk
10 Oct, 2020 by Juanita
Attorney Kelly Rodenas is very knowledgeable, professional and will fight for you! She does an amazing job and is passionate about what she does. She handles cases with the most care. You will be glad that you hired her to help you solve your legal matters. I highly recommend her services to everyone!
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28 Jul, 2017 by Janette
Kelly is a very nice person but not a good lawyer. She put the least amount of effort possible into my case and of course lost. She filed no motions or paperwork even though I gave her a lot of help with my case, she didn't know how to cross examine and show that the witness was lying and I would not put a perfectly good witness on the stand even though he missed work to help me. She was unprepared for another of my witnesses testimony and I would have preferred to save my money and couldn't have done any worse as my own attorney. She needs to listen to her clients and not just take money without giving a damn what the outcome of the case is. I've filed a complaint with the BAR to get my money back. Very Poor Job she did for me!!!
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13 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I just signed my contact less than 24 hours and already I have not heard back from my emails or left messages and calls. Yesterday, after leaving the office I could not get a hold of the office (two person team) and today the same. Tomorrow is a holiday so I doubt anyone will be working. Also, I expect a lawyer to be truthful, in my case my lawyer expense may not be compensated unless a judgement is won through litigation, not negotiation. I was told by Kelly it could be compensated. Two other lawyers with 20 years experience over her clam this to be false.
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13 Oct, 2021 by Dan
i just read the 2 reviews here---I HAD TO WRITE!! He resolved my daughter's THIRD DUI w/o it going felony, w/o her doing ANY JAIL TIME (which was mandatory on 3 DUIs in 10 years). Steve became a friend for his personality, his doggedness and attention, and his professionalism.... and how we all interacted. I CAN NOT BELIEVE that really good lawyer I know is who was being reviewed!!! OH!! AND He was amazingly reasonable AND better than any other lawyer I have used(God knows I have had many lawyers and bondsmen on a first name basis) ----I HAVE NEVER WRITTEN ANOTHER (review) EXCEPT FOR HIM.....he did us that good!
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15 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
I just read the review about Steve Zimath from April 2015 and felt that I needed to add my experience with him. Mr. Zimath was not avaible and "out of town" multiple times during the months that he was working on my case. He was short when answering questions and always seem to be dismiss my thoughts and concerns about the case. He never did show proof about the amount of restitution that needed to be paid back to the victims when I requested it. I also asked him for copies of all that was in my file only one week after being taken into custody and he said that he had "thrown it out already", that he closed out the file once the case was resolved so he did not have the documents. Who does that one week later? I found this lawyer in a bail bondsman office and I never researched him, which was a big mistake. I did not have a lot of money for my defense and I was scared so when he said that he would accepted payments after giving him a lump sum , I went with him. I feel that I made a big mistake and am now trying to find someone else to help correct the restitution and hopefully change the sentence. I would NOT recommend Steve Zimath as your defense attorney!
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23 Apr, 2015 by Chad
I regret paying any money to Steve Zimath.
After paying him in full at the start of my case, Steve Zimath never replied to any of my emails, nor did he ever return any of my phone calls. Often he was "out of town" or "in New York".
After I paid Steve Zimath to represent me he moved his office from a downtown Sarasota Main Street corporate bank building location to a cubicle in a strip mall bail bondsman office behind a drive-thru fast food hamburger restaurant, but he never notified me, and this resulted in the loss of my personal medical and legal documents.
When I put personal medical and legal documents in the mail slot of his old office door, as he instructed, Steve Zimath moved to a new office location and lost my papers. Steve Zimath left his name plate attached to his old office door after he moved to a new location and never notified me, so my personal medical and legal documents were lost forever, and ended up in the hands of some unknown third party.
Steve Zimath never notified me of the address of his new office location, and he gave me a business card with his old office address.
Steve Zimath never gave me any documents related to my case until three days before the trial date.
When I showed my painful facial mouth injuries to Steve Zimath he laughed at me saying I was "making a funny face" at him, yet he never made any effort to help me obtain medical care like he promised upon my hiring of him.
There are many other problems I had with Steve Zimath including conflicts of interest regarding his personal friendships with people that I had legal entanglements with , even after he told me he did not know any of these people I found photographs of him on the internet participating in leisure activities with same people.
I wish I had paid double the money to a different lawyer rather than hiring Steve Zimath to represent me.
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08 Feb, 2023 by Janelle
Our organization emailed Andrew a petition with 16,035 signatures to help fight for the maximum punishment for an animal abuser case he was prosecuting. He obviously praises the animal abusers because he deleted our petition without reading it. People don't get any more pathetic than that.
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19 Dec, 2022 by Kevin
Mr Van Sickle took over our case as the third state attorney and plead the case without talking to the victims. He did speak to us but only on the morning that he agreed to let the defendant get away with brutally hanging a Black Lab Service dog from a chicken coop with an extension cord. Really nice of him! he got basically time served of 4 months in jail and 1 year probation. All of this for killing the service dog, assaulting a minor, assaulting an adult AND working as a contractor without a license, and not filing workers compensation. Look it up at https://records.manateeclerk.com/CourtRecords/Case/Details The defendant he did a favor for will be off probation in less than 2 months keep your animals and children safe!
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22 Dec, 2021 by Lori newman
After years of waiting this man got into office and made sure that our debt owed from a crooked contractor got paid up. We are forever grateful to him.
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17 May, 2024 by Carol wagner
1 star is to generous. I had the worst experience with this attorney. He is so dishonest and tried to take advantage of my family after my parents died. Make sure you know fees from him he is very deceitful sneaky and corrupt. Run !!!!
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16 Apr, 2024 by Dan dannheisser
08 Nov, 2019 by Anne cannon
17 May, 2024 by Carol wagner
1 star is to generous. I had the worst experience with this attorney. He is so dishonest and tried to take advantage of my family after my parents died. Make sure you know fees from him he is very deceitful sneaky and corrupt. Run !!!!
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16 Apr, 2024 by Dan dannheisser
13 Jan, 2022 by Dale t
I used him to do a real estate closing. He refused to answer simple questions, never responds, made many errors, including 5 versions of the closing statement. Took forever to get him to correct. Charges on the wrong side, math errors, etc. Finally I gave up and closed after he wasted 2 weeks of time for nothing with his and his team, incompetence.
Cost a few hundred dollars for nothing, unbelievably frustrating, the worst experience I have ever had with a lawyer and I have had many. Stay away.
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17 May, 2024 by Rick greendonner
Prompt, professional legal services!
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09 Nov, 2023 by Eitan spell
09 Nov, 2023 by Vitaliy kurdyuk
17 May, 2024 by Rick greendonner
Prompt, professional legal services!
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09 Nov, 2023 by Eitan spell
09 Nov, 2023 by Vitaliy kurdyuk
17 May, 2024 by Rick greendonner
Prompt, professional legal services!
Read more
09 Nov, 2023 by Eitan spell
09 Nov, 2023 by Vitaliy kurdyuk
17 May, 2024 by Rick greendonner
Prompt, professional legal services!
Read more
09 Nov, 2023 by Eitan spell
09 Nov, 2023 by Vitaliy kurdyuk
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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:
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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?
While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience. -
What is your approach to handling cases like mine?
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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. -
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times. -
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Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish. -
Do you have references from past clients?
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
Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:
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Verify Their License:
Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. -
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. -
Client Reviews and Testimonials:
Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge client satisfaction. -
Professional Memberships:
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Awards and Recognitions:
Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation. -
Consultation Assessment:
Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns. -
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:
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Relevant Documents:
Bring all documents related to your case, such as contracts, correspondence, legal notices, court papers, or evidence. -
Written Summary:
Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and involved parties. -
List of Questions:
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Pen and Notebook:
Take notes during the consultation to remember important points. -
Budget Constraints:
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How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a lawyer varies widely based on several factors:
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Fee Structures:
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Hourly Rate:
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. -
Monthly Retainer:
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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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. -
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Estimating Total Costs:
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Negotiating Fees:
Some lawyers may be willing to negotiate fees or offer payment plans, especially for clients with financial constraints. -
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