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07 Nov, 2024 by Nareka
Best lawyer ever. Thanks Mr. Crawford
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05 Nov, 2024 by Chris haupt
Great trial lawyer
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04 Nov, 2024 by Priscilla parker
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31 May, 2024 by Anonymous
One star is too much. Very Unprofessional, disorganized, rude and did not represent her client as agreed. Was "heavily medicated" at times by her own admission, changed stipulations in orders without discussing them with her client, never provided copies of client/attorney contacts, never sent discoveries or even disclosed when mediations were set.
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08 Jun, 2023 by Marie
I am writing this review to share my experience with the legal services provided by Attorney Barton. I believe that providing feedback about my experience is essential in assisting others who may be seeking legal representation. My overall experience with Attorney Barton was deeply disappointing and fell short of my expectations. From the beginning of our professional relationship, I had hoped for a diligent and supportive advocate who would prioritize my best interests. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Firstly, I must express my disappointment regarding the lack of preparation leading up to the hearing. Despite my explicit request, the night before my final hearing I had to contact Mrs. Barton and request last-minute preparation for both myself and my witness. This unexpected request should not have been necessary, as it is a fundamental aspect of legal representation to adequately prepare clients and their witnesses for court proceedings. Furthermore, during the hearing, I was dismayed to learn that she did not mention the incident that occurred at my son school, which resulted in his out-of-school suspension. I made several requests for her to address the opposing parties work schedule and to bring up important issues such as the gun incident, where my son had access to his father’s firearm on multiple occasions (as listed in the threat assessment I provided), the cigarette incident where he brought his father's cigarette to school, and the level of aggression our son has displayed since being in his fathers care. However, none of these crucial points were mentioned during the proceedings. This omission was particularly troubling, as it undermined the opportunity to present relevant and compelling evidence supporting my case. Additionally, Mrs. Barton’s statement that she saw my children’s father as a good parent who cares about his kids contradicted the evidence we had submitted, clearly demonstrating his abusive behavior towards our children. She failed to mention his history of DV, child abuse convictions, DUIs, and the several reports made to the department of family and children services from our children’s school. Throughout the proceedings, I observed several missed opportunities for her to object to inappropriate lines of questioning from the opposing side. Her soft-spoken demeanor and failure to assertively advocate for my interests and the well-being of our children left me feeling unsupported and vulnerable. During a 10-minute mediation period granted by the judge, she allowed the GAL to dominate the conversation with irrelevant matters for a significant portion of the limited time provided. This lack of control over the proceedings and failure to utilize the allotted time effectively further contributed to my disappointment and frustration. Moreover, I was deeply disappointed when the judge announced her intention to make a final ruling without allowing my witness to testify, and Mrs. Barton remained silent, failing to advocate for my rights at that crucial moment. Overall, the services provided by Mrs. Barton fell far short of the level of advocacy and professionalism I expected and deserved. I entrusted her with my faith, time, and financial resources, expecting competent, thorough, and ethical representation. Unfortunately, the outcome of the hearing mirrored what I could have expected if I had represented myself, as no substantial progress was made in addressing my concerns. I sincerely hope that this review prompts Mrs. Barton to reflect upon and address the concerns raised. Constructive feedback can lead to growth and improvement in legal practice, ultimately benefiting future clients. It is my genuine desire that Mrs. Barton takes these matters seriously and makes the necessary changes to better serve her clients in the future.
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06 Feb, 2022 by Teresa
Despite having been in practice for such a short time, LQ is an exceptionally good attorney. She represented me in a case where I was being sued as the Executor of an estate for a debt which the statute of limitations had expired. (I am a retired attorney and know that lawyers who represent themselves have a fool for a client, hence LQ representing me.). I was blown away by how thorough her research was and the complexity of her legal theories, which she then expertly articulated in the legal documents she drafted and filed. Needless to say, I won the case. Or, I should say, LQ won the case. This lady is sharp, sharp, sharp. She is also very client-oriented, and was very good about keeping in touch with me to advise me as to the status of my case, which I appreciated greatly. If you are looking for a jam-up attorney, look no further than LQ. I could not have been more pleased with her services. 10/10, highly recommend.
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18 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
This lawyer did not communicate with us until it was too late to pursue other avenues, stating he couldn't find this or get a reply from anyone. What a complete waste of time. He does not possess the skills of Craig Jones, Ralph Goldberg or any other top notch litigators. I wouldn't recommend this lawyer to nobody
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19 Aug, 2018 by Clara
Mr. Mance is the kind of lawyer who will talk you through the whole process of what you are facing and reassure you, and it is clear that he knows his stuff! He is up-to-date on the science surrounding various kinds of injuries, while explaining things in a way that anyone could understand. I trust him completely and would recommend him to anyone, including my own mother, which I did. She had nothing but great things to say about him and what an “amazing young man” he is and how very smart he is. This guy is clearly all about his clients.
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10 Sep, 2018 by Alonzo
Hired as a contractual lawyer back in 2014. Have been consulting him ever since. Always available, sometimes even last minute and worked after hours. Lifesaver. Very professional, personable and knowledgeable. Already suggested to friend who had same experience.
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15 Jun, 2017 by Troy
We contacted Matthew to represent our neighborhood homeowners against the developers who were negligent in their repairs to our neighborhood. Matt was interested and said he would help. However after trying to email and call him for 2 weeks leaving messages with his secretary he never returned our calls. This was a time sensitive issues in which we needed something and instead of telling us he was not interested he ignored us. Not recommended.
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31 May, 2020 by Courtney gardiner
I am very pleased with the course of action suggested as well as the professional yet caring attitude displayed. Highly recommend.
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08 Aug, 2018 by Randall futch
Not very good
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31 May, 2020 by Courtney gardiner
I am very pleased with the course of action suggested as well as the professional yet caring attitude displayed. Highly recommend.
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08 Aug, 2018 by Randall futch
Not very good
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31 May, 2020 by Courtney gardiner
I am very pleased with the course of action suggested as well as the professional yet caring attitude displayed. Highly recommend.
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08 Aug, 2018 by Randall futch
Not very good
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13 Jul, 2015 by Former mrs. quitman
During my entire case I did all the foot work and I brought him countless evidence and he presented none worth my fight. He asked me for character witnesses I gave him 4 he supeona them but said know need to call on them. Bottom line I lost custody of my son not because I was unfit but because I was represented poorly. He is hard of hearing so during the trail as I was telling him of errors from my now ex husband he couldn't hear me so I had to write as fast as I could. When the ruling was passed down he didn't offer to appeal on my behalf he attached a note saying he agreed with the judge. So in the end a child I have cared for on my own for 2 years without any child support what so ever has been taken away and I now am ordered to pay child support all because of a temporary order that the child's doctor went against when the child fell ill, he never supeona the doctor. I wouldn't recommend him if you love your children because you will loose them in the end.
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01 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired this lawyer a few years back. I had worked with several other lawyers in the past. He was by far the best. I would highly recommend him.
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27 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Riddle is the best adoption attorney in Savannah. He worked with my husband and I when we adopted our daughter. He is very knowledgeable and made sure we had all our bases covered. I would say without a doubt that he is one of the most compassionate attorneys in Savannah and I give him my highest recommendation. Anyone who is looking to adopt, whether it be here in the U.S., internationally, or even if they are working with a surrogate, should use Mr. Riddle. He is an excellent attorney and my husband and I believe he is the only choice for adoption in Savannah.
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15 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Bateski represented me back in 2008 before I knew of this website. It was a serious matter. My dad had a friend who recommended Mr. Bateski We had a few meetings discussing the case and law. My situation was explained to me. I was left to make my own choices. He stated that he had to be prepared to go to trial regardless of what happens during the hearings. He was competent in court. He represented me and protected my rights in court and phone calls with the judge and DA. Ultimately, my case was not prosecuted so we never started a trial and I cannot comment on his work in trial. This other reviewer talking about anxiety is not like what I remember. I would not call him the worst lawyer as that reviewer did. Since we didn't go to trial he refunded most of his retainer. His retainer was very reasonable in the first place. I think he charged much less than other lawyers would've charged.
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26 Oct, 2013 by Catherine
I received a speeding citation 2 years ago in GA while driving from FL back home to NC. Without knowing all my rights I paid the fine because I was out of state. About 3 months later I was sent a second fine for the same ticket (super speeder fine). Again, I was out of state and unfortunately just paid the ticket. Then GA finally got around to notifying my home state about the citation almost two years after the fact and they sent me a notice that my drivers license was being revoked for 6 mths. Mr. Bateski advised me very well and worked with the court in GA on my behalf. Ultimately, Mr. Bateski got the original citation vacated in GA, which saved my license in NC. I am so grateful for his dedication, speed with handling my case and responsiveness. I hope to never need an attorney again, but if I do he will be the one!
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29 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
MR. BATESKI IS THE WORST LAWYER TO GET. ALTHOUGH HE IS CHEAP, HE HAS ANXIETY ISSUES AND GETS VERY NERVOUS WHEN IN COURT. I HAD A SIMPLE CITY ORDINANCE AND BEFORE I COULD EVEN SAY ANYTHING HE HAD ALREADY AGREED TO TAKE A PLEA THAT WOULD HAVE RUINED MY CAREER. HE THEN WENT ON TO GIVE ME BACK MY MONEY BEFORE I HAD TO GET STERN AND ALMOST MOTIVATE HIM TO DO HIS JOB! I EVEN HAD TO TELL HIM TO SAY WHEN TALKING WITH THE JUDGE...PATHETIC!
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07 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
I tried to call him to ask about some time to book an appointment with him...I was trying to apply for the O1 visa... he was being very inconsiderate and didnt want to hear what I have to say... he immediately said that " he doesn't think im fit" but what are y... you haven't even heard what I have to say... and then he started talking about how I was wasting his time... well, if I am wasting your time then you shouldn't be here... you should be at a job that doesn't require you to waste your time with people.
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29 Apr, 2013 by Roy
John helped my wife and me through our rather convoluted and somewhat unusual change of status/PR process, but he went right past any thoughts of "can't be done" to "let's find out how to do it!" He did so, and the whole procedure went through smoothly! We found John and Claire both helpful and friendly, efficient without being officious. We are now entrusting him with our daughter's Green Card process.
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23 Feb, 2010 by Charles
I used Mr. Watts a few years ago pertaining to my wife petitioning for her Green Card. Mr. Watts clearly explained everything we needed to do and what we should expect step by step. He is very knowledgeable and professional. His rates are very reasonable, and I would strongly recommend his services to anyone concerning their immigration issues. He worked very hard to see our case through with success. We were very satisfied.
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07 Nov, 2024 by Nareka
Best lawyer ever. Thanks Mr. Crawford
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05 Nov, 2024 by Chris haupt
Great trial lawyer
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04 Nov, 2024 by Priscilla parker
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03 Dec, 2024 by Shartina d. adderley
David Utter with the Claiborne Firm does have a slight bit of classist and maybe racist in him. After bad customer service and interrupting my consultation twice, he emailed me this morning to let me know he couldn’t take my case on a contingency basis, WHICH I NEVER ASKED FOR! Please read the email below… I responded for a free consultation which I actually did not receive, never spoke on the extensive amount of case hours(of which I am aware my case might take). Please do not use this firm…
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05 Oct, 2024 by Jacob clayton
William Claiborne is, without question, the most skilled and tenacious divorce attorney I could have ever asked for. When I was blindsided by a barrage of legal accusations aimed at stripping me of custody of my 8-year-old son, I was in desperate need of a legal advocate who could not only defend me but truly fight for what mattered most—my relationship with my child. With only ten days to find representation, I turned to a trusted friend who didn’t just recommend William based on personal experience but on his stellar reputation as a fierce legal opponent. In fact, they had watched him decisively outmaneuver their own attorney during their divorce. That level of respect and recommendation from the opposing side spoke louder than any review ever could, and from the moment I met William, I understood why. William is a master of the law. His intelligence, strategic thinking, and comprehensive understanding of the legal system are unmatched. Even with only days to prepare, William dove into the complexities of my case, developed an airtight strategy, and ensured that I was informed and ready every step of the way. His attention to detail was unparalleled, and his ability to navigate the courtroom—knowing when to press and when to pull back—was nothing short of surgical. Alongside him, Kimberly Griffin, his paralegal, displayed an incredible capacity to process information at lightning speed, ensuring no detail was overlooked. Together, they formed a legal team that was seamless, efficient, and exceptionally powerful. Throughout the process, the ultimate goal was always clear—maintaining my relationship with my son. William never lost sight of that, even when the other side employed every tactic imaginable to undermine me. His calm under pressure, combined with his relentless pursuit of the facts, ensured that we remained one step ahead. William’s professionalism, preparedness, and persuasive courtroom presence consistently gave me confidence, even when the situation felt overwhelming. He fought for my son and me as if it were personal to him, and that made all the difference. When the final verdict came, the weight of what William and Kimberly had achieved was overwhelming. I had been awarded primary custody of my son, a result that once seemed like a distant hope. As the decision was read, tears of relief and joy filled the room—Kim cried, I cried, and even William, typically composed, became choked up. That moment—hugging both William and Kimberly in shared victory—will forever be etched in my memory. Winning custody of my son meant securing his future, preserving our bond, and protecting him from a life where he would have been deprived of one of his parents. It was the most important battle of my life, and William made it possible. No amount of money, property, or material gain could ever compare to the value of that victory. William Claiborne didn’t just represent me; he fought for my family as if it were his own. His professionalism, skill, and dedication are beyond compare, and I am forever grateful for his unwavering support. If you are looking for an attorney who will go above and beyond, who will fight with everything they have for what matters most, William is your person. I cannot recommend him and his team highly enough—they truly changed the course of my life and my son’s future.
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21 Dec, 2023 by C smith
Set AND PAID $400 for a consultation, discussed my case with them on how a police chief is aiding in the abuse of my elderly mother and took out a false police report on me when I challenged them (but they dropped it later). The Claiborne attorneys referred me to Adult Protective Services and told me they'd email me some direct contacts. I never got the list . A paralegal could have told me this for free. THANKS FOR ADDING FIRE TO MY ANGUISH! My mother died alone. FYI, when I spoke to an APS Agent and told her who the players were, she immediately stated, "get a dash cam for your car asap," then two days later stated, she "and the police chief don't feel there is any abuse, goodbye." I NOW HAVE MEDICAL RECORDS STATING SEVERAL CONCERNS OF ABUSE, BODY PARTS INFECTED AND HAD TO BE REMOVED, A MIS-NOTARIZED POA BY THE POLICE CHIEFS COUSIN, NOTARIZED AFTER MY MOTHER WAS DIAGNOSED WITH DEMENTIA-HER SIGNING OVER HER HOME AND ALL ASSETS, BANK RECORDS SHOWING OTHER PERSONS BILLS BEING PAID, INCIDENT REPORTS WHERE MY MOTHER WAS TRYING TO ESCAPE AND THE POLICE RETURNED HER TO THEIR BUDDIES, HER BEGGING.......but "there's no sign of abuse!" All it took was just a little paralegal digging! I just hope everyone at The Claiborne Firm sleeps well! Yall turning me away after charging me a huge fee was devastating.
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25 May, 2021 by David
Ms. Serlis has assisted me with several legal matters over the years and I have always been very pleased with her work. She always stayed in close contact with me, always informed me of any new developments, wrote excellent documents and had great trial skills. Just recently, she successfully helped me with a family law matter, for which I am very grateful to her. I would recommend her without any reservation.
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29 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
She was never dressed professionally, did not keep in contact, and I had to ask her to send the remainder of my funds instead of them automatically being forwarded to me. I paid a huge amount of fees for calls and emails. I never ended up going to family court and Irene Serlis took 80% of my retainer. Overall unprofessional, I do not recommend.
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15 Oct, 2021 by Yolanda
I do not recommend this lawyer. I’m Still waiting on my paperwork to be submitted to the Judicial board. I paid all my fees in full to be told he has other cases that have come up after my case.
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12 Dec, 2019 by Luciana
Attorney Ervin was an excellent advisor during my personal injury claim. I was in a terrible auto accident and not only was he passionate towards my circumstance, he also did not over charge me. He kept in contact with me and walked me through the entire process. I was very pleased with my settlement and I would refer his services to anyone that I know has been injured.
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31 May, 2020 by Courtney gardiner
I am very pleased with the course of action suggested as well as the professional yet caring attitude displayed. Highly recommend.
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08 Aug, 2018 by Randall futch
Not very good
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31 May, 2020 by Courtney gardiner
I am very pleased with the course of action suggested as well as the professional yet caring attitude displayed. Highly recommend.
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08 Aug, 2018 by Randall futch
Not very good
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21 Feb, 2023 by Anthony
Mr. Carson was hesitant at both of my trials, I had to stand up and say objection myself. He only had one defense, which was my client wasn't on the scene, which the Supreme Court Of Bulloch County doesn't care about. I ended up with a life sentence without parole.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
This lawyer did not do his job effectively. In fact he told me I was being railroad in my custody case during consultation and assure he could help me. John did the complete opposite and allowed me to be railroad by Bryan county lawyers and judges. He knew he couldn’t fight those unethical court officials. The GAL in the case he claim he knew personally. The judge recused himself on the day of a prior hearing and John was hired as the Judge gave me 45 days (giving temporary custody to opposing party) John suggested mediation and another judge was hired to perform a long 4 hour mediation. John didn’t go over mediation with me prior to this day, however, he billed me for it. There was a final decree in which I had no clue was changed in favor of the opposing party. John never went over those changes with me. Things I never agreed on was in the final order, but not on the form I signed during mediation. The change was a total nightmare as I had to make accommodations which cost me my job. I do not recommend this attorney. He took my money and did absolutely nothing. I will forever remember how I was treated unethically.
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17 Oct, 2017 by Elaine
I have hired Mr Carson on criminal charges he went beyond expectations to prove my case he worked hard and was compassionate and caring. It was a tough case to prove your innocence when you did no wrong. I am very pleased and we won. Thank you for all your hard work .
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23 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Excellent at writing bills and asking for more money via phone. Funds that are accumulated in your account will be completely drained to zero in the next bill. Invoices / bills seem to match the account balance or exceed with no balance remaining. Paul demands to be paid in advance and wants a positive balance in the account at all times. Working class people cannot afford to; nor are they accustomed to pay for legal services in ADVANCE, try that as a restaurant, a doctor, a plumber or a mechanic...not sure why any lawyer should operate in a different manner. My numerous medical problems / bills, auto repairs and hurricane Debbie and Helene damage to my home have drained me financially, and although Paul said he understood; he is most interested in his next payment...all about the $$$$. Paul uses all the correct words in conversation, but it is the actions and the billing that speak volumes to me as a former client. To me it seemed like he was charging me to keep him on a retainer as I got billed excessively after sending him emails relevant to my case as I wanted to keep him informed of the ongoing issues relevant to the case. When I explained to Paul that I would send more money after our call and when I got a bill, he became defensive and was upset explaining that he cannot operate that way. Although I always paid Paul every cent I owed him, he seemed insulted that I did not send him $$$$ before our upcoming scheduled phone conference later that day. Verbal legal information provided by Paul costs you dearly, and a phone call can cost up to $300 to get answers to relevant case issues. When you ask for copies / documentation of the staff meeting minutes that you are charged for on the bill... you won't get them as they did not happen. Last bill I got charged $5 for postage and his office never mailed me anything. Documents provided to him by Dept of Labor were not forwarded to me by his office, I missed a DOL appointment as I did not know where to go and with what Doctor it was scheduled as DOL did not send me the information. Pauls's time clock runs very fast, and he will mention midway through a call that we are 15 minutes into a conference call and after the call, the entire call according to the cell phone timer was less than 13 minutes total time. Although Paul Felser may have helped some people, he provided me some very expensive advice, did not forward DOL documentation, did not see my case to completion and was most concerned about extracting monies from my account. Paul mentions while is talking to you about the time that he spends preparing in advance by reading case notes before the next call and gives you the impression that he spends a lot of time preparing for each call in advance of each call. My impression on several occasions was that he had not read what I had sent him and was shooting from the hip as specific questions that I wanted answers to were not always addressed. Photo shows a youthful and energetic young man fresh out of law school, I speculate that this photo it is at least 30years old and not indicative of the elderly and moderately grumpy attorney focused on $$$ that you will be dealing with. There are not many Workman's Comp lawyers in the SAV area, and you are rolling the dice selecting Paul Felser to represent you especially if you cannot afford to spend at least $300 a month at minimum in your legal account with him. I do not have a lot of experience with other lawyers to compare, but as a 60 year old disabled veteran I can state that I am not pleased with the service that I received from Paul Felser. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend Paul Felser as a Workmans Compensation lawyer based on my experiences and the return that I got for all the money I spent.
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26 May, 2024 by Robert
Paul Felser is a do Lawyer who just take you money,I would think this is malpractice.
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30 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Amazing!!! Was able to get all my benefits back and then some. The staff was so helpful in a very hard time in my life .
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30 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Will came on strong recommendation thanks to the practice's reputation out of Atlanta. We had very high hopes. Will is such a friendly man with an excellent staff. He knows the ins and outs of adoption, however knowledge can't trump the lack of everything else in the process. Getting a call or email back from him was next impossible. Now, I understand many people in today's day expect people to answer their calls immediately or even within an hour. I'm usually cool at the 24-48 hour mark. We went weeks without getting emails and calls returned. It took literally me calling every 10 minutes until someone answered, which usually didn't happen. Ultimately, we got to the point where we couldn't handle the no response and went with another attorney who finished everything up in a few weeks. It didn't help that I was called by his mother out of the Atlanta office when he disappeared and was pretty much dismissed, insulted and intimidated. The office is convenient and they rest on a stellar history in adoption cases. If you want knowledge, you're in excellent hands when you get them to share it with you.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Sakinah brightwell-white
Not Good with Communicating
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03 Sep, 2024 by Madison walker
Female public defender with blonde hair who represented my husband in his case is truly horrible please don’t use her find another public defender or pay for a lawyer yourself. She called my husband by another defendant’s name and began to discuss the other defendant until my husband stopped her and corrected her. Throughout the whole process she was never prepared always saying I don’t know, I’m not sure, I haven’t spoken to them about that can I have a few minutes, sending someone from court the day of court to get paperwork for her client. She has no idea what she is doing and for the sake of your family member or yourself please do your research. I wish I had done mine.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Vickie capers
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12 Nov, 2024 by Sakinah brightwell-white
Not Good with Communicating
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03 Sep, 2024 by Madison walker
Female public defender with blonde hair who represented my husband in his case is truly horrible please don’t use her find another public defender or pay for a lawyer yourself. She called my husband by another defendant’s name and began to discuss the other defendant until my husband stopped her and corrected her. Throughout the whole process she was never prepared always saying I don’t know, I’m not sure, I haven’t spoken to them about that can I have a few minutes, sending someone from court the day of court to get paperwork for her client. She has no idea what she is doing and for the sake of your family member or yourself please do your research. I wish I had done mine.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Vickie capers
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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:
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  7. Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points.
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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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