Lawyers map
>361
experienced lawyers
Filter by
13 Sep, 2024 by Armando gamboa
Keith is the attorney for you as he was for me. I hired Keith for my car case and he told me he would win. I wasn’t sure because the case was hard, but he won my case. I highly recommend Keith.
Read more
10 Jun, 2024 by Eddie store
09 May, 2024 by Allan mariano
Great service and assistance
Read more
28 Feb, 2023 by Alisan
It was a privilege to get help from Jae and his team. They helped me to convert my conditional residency to permanent residency without any interview because they prepared my case very well. Before we agreed to work together he worked on my case and gave information about what to expect and what to prepare. He records all information about his clients’ case as soon as you start to get consultancy so that you don’t need to remind him your information every time. Even you call him after 3 years he will recognize everything about you. He suggested me to prepare additional documentation that not any attorney suggested before. His pricing is very fair and he gives payment options. His pricing policy is very transparent. They have an online platform that you can follow all your documents and case status anytime you wish. You will always feel trust and knowledge and experience as you consider his background as a professor. I recommend him everyone at least to get consultation from him. He will do the best to get your case resolved safely. Will always be hiring him for any immigration matters. Next level is citizenship.
Thank you and your team Jae.
Read more
26 Oct, 2020 by Miss ls
Atty J Lee is the best lawyer in Wisconsin he helped me with my I751 removal of conditional residence , he walked me through the entire process him and his team are very helpful without Atty J Lee I would be lost in my case , and he made sure all the documents and everything is good to submit . I would highly recommend Atty J Lee in all immigration matters .
Read more
28 Sep, 2020 by Nicole chuttke
Attorney Ed Siebert has represented me in landlord/tenant proceedings, in addition to real-estate related cases. Attorney Siebert will go above and beyond for his clients and is very knowledgeable across a wide variety of law. I highly recommend Village Law Offices. Do not hesitate to give him a call!!!
Read more
22 Nov, 2022 by M. v.
Mr. Lageotakes is very professional and knowledgeable of both accounting and the law. We have been retaining his services for several years. He is extremely knowledgeable in issues that others would find complicated.
If you want the best, call his law firm, you will not be disappointed.
Read more
27 Aug, 2021 by Steve
Tom did all our trust docs for us and explained every page of what we were signing. He answered all our questions and kept everything very well-organized. Made it very easy to get our estate planning done.
Read more
20 Jul, 2021 by Patricia lampros
I was very pleased with the service from Attorney Tom Legeotakes..he makes you feel at ease and has many years of experience in estate planning!
Read more
22 Nov, 2022 by M. v.
Mr. Lageotakes is very professional and knowledgeable of both accounting and the law. We have been retaining his services for several years. He is extremely knowledgeable in issues that others would find complicated.
If you want the best, call his law firm, you will not be disappointed.
Read more
27 Aug, 2021 by Steve
Tom did all our trust docs for us and explained every page of what we were signing. He answered all our questions and kept everything very well-organized. Made it very easy to get our estate planning done.
Read more
20 Jul, 2021 by Patricia lampros
I was very pleased with the service from Attorney Tom Legeotakes..he makes you feel at ease and has many years of experience in estate planning!
Read more
28 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
Handled everything beautifully. Easy to work with. Follows through and keeps you informed. Minimal interruption of your daily life
Read more
08 May, 2024 by Gwendolyn
Mr. Wrobel handled my case with such excellence, detail, attention and dedication. There were many hours of research, emails during and after hours, careful consideration of what would be in my best interest, and just overall great counseling and advice. Mr. Wrobel walked me through the ENTIRE process, and assured me the days ahead would be brighter and that I would be in a better financial position after completing my bankruptcy. I would not have gone through the process with confidence if Mr. Wrobel had not prepared me the way he did. He went above and beyond to assist me, and the manner of professionalism was 5-Star Service.
Read more
11 Jan, 2024 by Bruce
Joe and his team were great.
Super helpful. I wish I contacted them sooner.
Read more
16 Jun, 2019 by Atanas
My ex wife is what people call “helicopter mom.” She would not let me see my daughter. She accused me of ridiculous thigs and asked for 100% of any decision-making because I cannot be trusted. From the very beginning Fedor Kozlov told me that it would be a fight and he took the case to the trial. Everyone was against me, including the child representative. I think that he won trial. I have shared custody now and I see my baby every week. Highly recommended!
Read more
15 Jun, 2019 by Julia
After a year and half of being with another firm during my terrible divorce and very little progress, I made a decision to change the law firm and hired Law Office of Fedor Kozlov. This ended up being the BEST decision I could have made. I reached out to Law Office of Fedor Kozlov at the point where my case was hopeless. Mr. Kozlov and his team are amazing group of lawyers with high professional knowledge, experience and personal respect for a client. They fought for me as if I was a member of their family, while being very conscious of my financials and using time and money in MOST efficient way. They protected me from unnecessary drama, and ALWAYS kept me posted about my case.
Mr. Kozlov is smart, honest, reliable lawyer with strong negotiation skills, great communication skills and most importantly - he will get the job done without wasting your money and time! Another lawyer in practice, Kendall Monson, fought in court for me on more than one occasion and was able to turn around the case in my favor several times. Both Fedor Kozlov and Kendall Monson were able to change the outcome of my divorce, which seemed closed to impossible. They are more than just very experienced and educated professionals; they are best People that you can absolutely trust. Thank you all for hard work and emotional support!!
Read more
12 Jun, 2019 by Mathias
Out of pure revenge my ex filed fraudulent chargers against me accusing of child abuse. DCFS became involved. This was a nightmare. Before I hired Kozlov, I consulted with at least three other lawyers. Kozlov showed a good knowledge of the law and understanding of the procedure. It was very important to me to know everything that was going on in court and Kozlov kept me informed every step of the way. This hell is over and I have my child back. He is not cheap but Kozlov chargers only for actual work. Not BS chargers like travel time. He keeps his word. If you work with him he will get you the result.
Read more
20 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Gardi is an excellent attorney. He assisted us in a real-estate purchase/sale which both closed the same day. We had several speed bumps along the way, including up to the last day before closing. However, Mr. Gardi helped us navigate through all of the issues, and we closed successfully on both properties.
I would recommend him and his team to anyone seeking legal representation.
Read more
07 Oct, 2015 by Moe patel
Excellent services. Very Timely and Informative.
All associates in Group are extremely Helpfull to
resolve your issues.
I have used their services for last 15 years. Hiten Gardi
started with one man operation and Grown to staff of
(5) Attorneys with several staff employees to support
the operations.
I highly Recommend to use His services
Read more
07 Oct, 2015 by Mahendra
I have been dealing with Hiten Gardi and His Associates
for Last 15 Years. My profession is Real Estate Broker and
Loan Officer. I need Attorney all the times
His services were excellent very Timely Informative
I will recommend Highly for his services
Read more
15 Dec, 2023 by Rigo grimaldo
On my way
Read more
04 Oct, 2022 by Debbie winkler
After going through two other lawyers who were no good, I found Ryan and he was amazing! He was very attentive, easy to reach, a good listener and good counselor, and just a great person that you can trust. I’m a small business owner and I’m glad I have Ryan as my lawyer. I know he has my best interest at hand, is very honest and forthcoming. 100% recommend him and his practice.
Read more
08 Mar, 2022 by Mike kadich
My name is Mike Kadich and I own The Son's Group insurance agency. I've been using Mr. Van Osdol and Business Law Group LLC for the past couple years on multiple business matters.. Recently the firm helped us through a shareholder dispute in which we were completely satisfied with the results. Ryan shows patience, transparency, along with an ability to educate you on any business situation or concern you come across. I've also referred his law firm to other businesses that utilize his services today. . I would recommend Ryan to any sized business.
Read more
24 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
“We have worked with Centarus Legal Services for several years now and are always pleased with the quality of their work and the service they provide. When we started our relationship, everything about securities law and capital raising was new, and mostly foreign. Thanks to their expert legal advice and impeccable document preparation, we have since initiated and closed two rounds of financing. We would highly recommend engaging Centarus for all of your private placement needs.”
E.M., CEO private company
Read more
16 Mar, 2015 by James a. shapiro
I have known Lou for several years and would not hesitate to refer him a securities case. We have worked together on one of them, and I found him to have an extremely keen and perceptive legal mind, together with great writing ability.
Read more
16 Mar, 2015 by James
I have know Lou for several years and would not hesitate to refer him a securities case. We have worked together on one of them, and I found him to have an extremely keen and perceptive legal mind, together with great witting ability.
Read more
10 Feb, 2021 by Fernando
I hired Mr. Nutley to represent me in a case and it was a very good choice. He was able to give me the proper information and guidance with my case. Mr Nutley was able to get my case reduced which turned out to be a great help for me. Thanks!!
Read more
18 Jan, 2021 by Eugenia
Charles Nutley, is not your typical lawyer. He has gone above and beyond in helping me with my divorce. He is a very honest man and has shown me a lot that I did not know. He does not see your case as just a money sign or just another case, but as a person who needs his help and services. He is very knowledgeable, and is sure to help you no matter the case.
Read more
08 Jan, 2017 by Vlad
I would like to say that Charles Nutley is a LAWYER with capital letters. I got pretty complicated case with multiple charges including battery, assault and trespassing. Charles met me before first court appearance and laid out the strategy that he had on his mind. When I approached the judge I knew inside me that everything is going to be ok, because of the confidence radiated by my attorney. The result is dismissal of all charges on FIRST COURT DATE! I have never seen anything like it in Rolling Meadows before. Thanks again for saving me from jail and restoring my honest name!
Read more
06 Jul, 2023 by H
22 Jun, 2020 by Ge n
Rich reviewed severance documents for me after my position was eliminated. He was able to point out some nuances I would not have caught, and was able to explain them in an easy to understand way. He was also very responsive, which was important because I was on a timeline for signing. Will definitely use them again.
Read more
25 Sep, 2019 by Chris weber
Rich, Russ, and team are an amazing bunch. They handled all of our estate planning and brought a massive amount of expertise and logical thinking to the process. On the business side, they have always guided me based on what is best for me, not for them. I trust them completely.
Read more
08 Oct, 2019 by John
Ann did a great job in representing me in my divorce. She gave me ideas on what I should do and what I should expect. She helped me a lot.
Read more
06 Oct, 2019 by Wendy
Ann is an intelligent, efficient, always professional as well as a caring attorney. She definitely knows her stuff! She responded to my calls and emails without delay. Ann kept me informed and explained in detail what to expect during my divorce process; I felt I was well represented. She has excellent communication skills which was key in helping me to make informed decisions and helped make an extremely difficult process run much smoother. I highly recommend Ann. She is excellent at what she does.
Read more
12 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Ann was really professional and listen to my immigration issue. I am so glad that i hired her for my immigration case. She prepared the correct documents for my family USA Visa. Because of her help my family was granted USA visa. I strongly recommend Ann for any immigration and family issue. She was very helpful and respond to my questions very quickly. She is very experience and knowledgeable Attorney in Chicago area.
Read more
31 Mar, 2016 by Valerie
Rajvi fought for me and my kids every step of the way between mediation and court. I would hire her again if I needed representation because I was very happy with the outcome and the way she handled my case. Rajvi was always on top of everything pertaining to my case and responded to my calls always as soon as possible. She put me at ease every step and that is exactly what I needed while going through my situation.
Read more
14 Mar, 2016 by Allen
Rajvi does an excellent job with making sure you are covered. She is fearless and is willing to stand toe to toe where necessary.
I am very happy with the services she has performed on my behalf.
Read more
03 Mar, 2016 by Richard
Rajvi Dhiren Gandhi, was very helpful in helping me refinance my home.. And she was very good at it. She went to bat for me against one of the biggest mortgage lending banks in America and never backed down until my refi was approved. Thanks to her, and president Obama's home refinance program, I was able to save my home.. Thank you again, Rajvi... Mr. Richard M.
Read more
22 Jul, 2017 by Phil
Amanda was the lawyer who managed my application for permanent residence. She was fantastic. Not only does she have a deep understanding of the labyrinthine contradictions of US immigration law, but she has a talent for explaining them to normal people. She understands that you will have options for how you choose to present and file your application, and will guide you towards the choice that is most likely to produce success.
She marched me through the process of creating an application like a (very polite) drill sergeant, ensuring that each letter, and each piece of supporting information, was presented in the optimal fashion.
I will gladly vouch for both her expertise and her professionalism.
Read more
22 Dec, 2015 by Ewelina
I am a former client of Amanda's and her work is great. She is very patient, understanding and loyal to her clients. She made me feel very comfortable with her working on my case. I also love how Amanda kept me informed about what's going on and all of the progress that has been made in my case. Amanda was great and I will forever be thankful. Amanda is incredibly intelligent and determined. I would recommend her without reservation.
Read more
02 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
I was very happy with Amanda's service. She was always prompt at answering all my questions, making the entire greencard process very smooth.
When there were problems with the application, Amanda promptly dealt with it, smoothing out problems and making the entire process smooth and stress free.
I would highly recommend Amanda to anyone else and I will be calling on Amanda again in a few years when I apply for my citizenship.
Read more
21 Apr, 2021 by Mary
I've known Karl for a few years now. I needed a trust drawn up and Karl was recommended by another attorney for his expertise and experience (trusts can be complicated). Karl was professional to work with, explained everything clearly, was dependable and returned phone calls promptly. Recently, I began the processof refinancing my home. Unfortuately, the day before the signing date , I was advised I needed last minute additional paperwork
Verified due to my home being in a trust. I was very stressed and reached out to Karl. He answered my call and handled this last minute problem so I could refinance on time. Karl should wear a cape because he rescued me from a complicated situation. Go with Karl's experience and work ethic. Your legal work is just too important!
Read more
28 Sep, 2020 by Nicole chuttke
Attorney Ed Siebert has represented me in landlord/tenant proceedings, in addition to real-estate related cases. Attorney Siebert will go above and beyond for his clients and is very knowledgeable across a wide variety of law. I highly recommend Village Law Offices. Do not hesitate to give him a call!!!
Read more
18 May, 2020 by Jessica wettstein
We worked with Ed Siebert to buy and sell our home and he was wonderful to work with. My sister and sister-in-law also used Ed when they purchased homes and we are all very satisfied. Ed made the complicated process of home closings easy for us. Even with Covid-19 and our virtual closings, he explained everything to us and even made us laugh during the process :) He was available to answer any and all of our questions. We would recommend Ed to anyone and will use him again if we need legal help. Thanks Ed!!!
Read more
19 Mar, 2019 by Shari p.
I am very happy with Phil and his team. Highly recommend him. He is always prompt in returning calls. He also takes his time when explaining details.
Read more
15 Feb, 2018 by Daniel & catherine
Thank you Phil and Lori for totally handling our house closing completely and efficiently. We appreciate your promptness and professionalism with this whole process.
Read more
04 May, 2017 by Rich
Phil has helped in my selling and buying a home. He also was great with my Will. He has helped many of my friends in selling and buying a home, saved them many problems and money. I highly recommend Phil!!!!!!
Read more
22 Apr, 2015 by Sonia
I needed a power of attorney. Mira explained all the different options available to me. She got it done for me pretty quickly. She is also really friendly and responsive to all my queries. I would recommend her for her knowledge and it doesn't hurt that the prices are reasonable.
Read more
27 Feb, 2015 by Vikas
Mira has been easy to work with and helped me out with my financial start-up. I needed a contract with the website development company I was working with. I made one on my own but didn't know if it was enough and I was worried about getting sued. She gave me pretty solid advice and made a contract for me that was way better. I didn't realize how much I didn't know!
Everything ended up being fine with the website development company, so I'm glad I don't have to worry about that anymore. I totally recommend Mira for doing contracts.
Read more
16 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. LaScola was professional from the first moment that I reached out to him. He made efforts to keep me informed of all of the steps that he took to make sure that my case was handled in the best way. At no point did he leave room for doubt that I had made a mistake in retaining his services.
Read more
08 Nov, 2018 by T - forever appreciative
You messed up but relief is nearby. You want an expert who will also listen to you, explain the situation and your options and put you in the best situation for a positive outcome. Martin is your guy. After you hire him when you are going through waves of freaking out you can come to Avvo and re-read the 100+ positive comments (I've read them all for comfort 8 times by now) and know you've done all you can to help your situation.
I put myself in a tough situation. I went out for a few drinks, nothing egregious but when I was leaving a parking lot I goosed it around a corner and squeeled my tires. I was pulled over and declined to talk the the officers about where I was that evening or participate in any sobriety tests. The prosecutors for DUI trials in Lake county are farmed out to a private firm and the state's firm sent their #1 top guy. Martin got us a Not Guilty on DUI and Reckless driving, and a modest fine and court supervision for squealing tires. Martin went head-to-head with the state's top dui prosecutor and left him noticeably pissed while we walked out with a huge W.
You'll be comforted by his understanding of Lake county courts and procedures. He will listen to you. We worked together to craft a defense and no point anything that I thought important was left unconsidered.
Even though my case hit a complication and dragged on a bit his flat rate fees were clear fair. Quite honestly they were about 75% of what I expected and was willing to pay for a proven winner.
He's super busy but will always make time for you. Most importantly, he's a genuinely good guy.
There's a reason for Martin's top rating. Do yourself a favor and pick the best. Get the free consult and make your own choice. It's hard to put a price in peace of mind. If you've read this, you've been informed. Unless you have another proven rockstar at your disposal to consider I strongly advise you to go with Martin.
Read more
03 Mar, 2021 by Maryann and tom
Atty. Novasic represented me and my husband for injuries we got when we fell walking into a big box store. We are senior citizens and never went through anything like this before. We weren't sure what to do. He made us feel comfortable in pursuing legal action for payment of our medical bills. He knew what he was doing, understanding and easy to get in touch with. He kept us informed as to the progress of the case. He even fought to get the video footage. He got all our medical bills paid and extra for all we went through. Very pleased with his work.
Read more
25 Feb, 2021 by Amaris
As a single mom I was stressed after my son and I were in a car accident. After talking to Aaron he assured me that he would take care of us. He was calm and understanding especially after I broke down crying to him about the crash. Aaron worked quick and checked in on us to see how the doctor visits were going. Aaron got us a great settlement with the insurance company of the person that hit us. He told us from the first day talking that we won’t have to worry about a thing and that our only job was to focus on our health and he did the rest. I cannot thank him enough!
Read more
30 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
I have worked closely with Viren on several different cases, from patent searches on consumer products to business entity selection (LLC, Partnership, etc.) on incorporation, to contract review. Viren was very knowledgeable and talked to me as a partner as opposed to a subordinate. Most importantly, he has a knack for technology and seeking information when an answer is not known.
I work with a large base of sophisticated clients and high-net worth individuals, and having access to Viren on my team makes me feel very comfortable when his services are needed in front of my client. You can feel confident that Viren will represent you well..
Read more
01 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
Thanks for your professional, kind and thoughtful service. It is a pleasure and a comfort for us to work with you.
Read more
17 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
Have used Mr. Seidler several times for both myself and my family. We know that he and his firm are very knowledgeable of the law and always consider their clients interests. I have recommended them in the past and will continue to in the future. Good firm with caring people.
Read more
18 Mar, 2011 by Adam c
I had a very serious dui case with multiple tickets, and these guys got my case dropped. It was incredible. I will never recommend a different lawyer. They are the best!
Read more
05 Jan, 2015 by Joe
Mary Brady was able to handle a difficult eviction for one of my tenants who was not paying rent to me.
She was knowledgeable about the law and prepared me for the eviction trial. We ended up getting the tenant evicted and got a Court award of back money owed me and my attorneys fee I spent.
Read more
07 Apr, 2013 by Angela
I needed a good Real Estate Attorney who could help me with my investment properties. Ms. Brady was able to provide services so that my tenant who had not been paying me was evicted. After the eviction, she represented me in the sale of the condominium because I did not want to be a landlord after having a bad tenant.
Ms. Brady, was kind, thoughtful, and very professional. She had two other paralegals in the office who were very experienced and could answer my questions. Attorney Brady gave me her personal cell phone number which I appreciated,
Read more
23 Oct, 2023 by Alexander
Stella was referred to us for a Real Estate purchase. Her communication during the process was very prompt, and her customer service was stellar. Highly recommended for any Real Estate transactions !
Read more
31 May, 2018 by Gordon erickson
Mr. Harth handled out company incorporation and has acted as our registered agent since 1990. He has consulted for us on numerous potential legal issues over the years and saved us many times from going to court when negotiating was a smarter alternative. I would recommend him and still use his services to this day.
Read more
12 May, 2009 by Anonymous
Working with Biagio was a pleasure. He was always prompt at returning calls.
Was always aware of what was happening with our particular case. We had unusual events happen and his knowledge was quite helpful both in giving us options as well as resolving issues. We have since then contancted him with other matters which he has also been very helpful in.
Read more
26 Jul, 2016 by Kerry
Steve has done two patent applications for our firm, and is working on a third. He possesses a good "engineering sense" to understand our product with minimal input. His work is timely and thorough, and he utilizes a good calendar system for docketing our applications and reporting to us regularly. He acted as our liaison to our Canadian attorney, insuring that we didn't miss critical filing deadlines. I recommend him highly.
Read more
24 Feb, 2010 by Debbie
Jeff is the most professional and decent attorney I have ever known. Although a shark in the courtroom, he defies the sterotypical Personal Injury attorney's reputation as being in it "only for a quick buck." Jeff is honest, and answered all my questions, no matter how trivial. He treats you like a real person, not just another client. Jeff always puts his clients' needs first, and worked hard to get results that satisfied me. I would HIGHLY recommend Jeff Saltzman to anyone looking for a great PI attorney in the NW suburbs - and beyond!
Read more
07 Jun, 2023 by Lucille strickland
07 Jun, 2023 by Lucille strickland
22 Mar, 2012 by Barb
Mr. Mastny took on my case of negotiating a better severance package from my ex-employer. I was very concerned with the process but he made me feel at ease and felt it was the right thing to do. He always kept me informed and was very responsive when I reached out to him with any questions. In the end, he accomplished what he set out to do and I was extremely happy with the outcome and the quick time that it was handled. I would highly recommend his firm.
Read more
Find Your Lawyer
By Practice Area
-
Business
-
Real Estate
-
Litigation
-
Personal Injury
-
Estate Planning
-
Family Law
-
Criminal Defense
-
Insurance
-
Immigration
-
Tax
-
Intellectual Property
-
Workers Compensation
-
Government
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Probate
-
Civil Rights
-
Child Custody
-
Trusts
-
Consumer Protection
-
Child Support
-
Divorce
-
Wrongful Death
-
Bankruptcy
-
Elder Law
-
Appeals
-
Car Accident
-
Debt Collection
-
Domestic Violence
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
Class Action
-
Federal Crime
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Discrimination
-
DUI / DWI
-
Mediation
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Adoption
-
Debt Settlement
-
Drug Crime
-
Employment / Labor
-
Foreclosure
-
Juvenile Law
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Wrongful Termination
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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:
-
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?
Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation. -
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. -
What is the likely timeline for resolving my case?
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:
-
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:
Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field. -
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:
-
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:
Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, or the lawyer's experience. -
Financial Information:
If applicable, bring financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements. -
Contact Information:
Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case. -
Personal Identification:
Bring a valid ID for verification purposes. -
Pen and Notebook:
Take notes during the consultation to remember important points. -
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.
-
Hourly Rate:
-
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.
-
Complexity of the Case:
-
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.
