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17 Feb, 2023 by Anil cortez
I'd go with a firm more experienced
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16 Feb, 2023 by Ron ronron
Not a good experience.
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16 Feb, 2023 by Fifi nono
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17 Feb, 2023 by Anil cortez
I'd go with a firm more experienced
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16 Feb, 2023 by Ron ronron
Not a good experience.
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16 Feb, 2023 by Fifi nono
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17 Feb, 2023 by Anil cortez
I'd go with a firm more experienced
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16 Feb, 2023 by Ron ronron
Not a good experience.
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16 Feb, 2023 by Fifi nono
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17 Feb, 2023 by Anil cortez
I'd go with a firm more experienced
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16 Feb, 2023 by Ron ronron
Not a good experience.
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16 Feb, 2023 by Fifi nono
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17 Feb, 2023 by Anil cortez
I'd go with a firm more experienced
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16 Feb, 2023 by Ron ronron
Not a good experience.
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16 Feb, 2023 by Fifi nono
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17 Feb, 2023 by Anil cortez
I'd go with a firm more experienced
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16 Feb, 2023 by Ron ronron
Not a good experience.
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16 Feb, 2023 by Fifi nono
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17 Feb, 2023 by Anil cortez
I'd go with a firm more experienced
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16 Feb, 2023 by Ron ronron
Not a good experience.
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16 Feb, 2023 by Fifi nono
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25 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Worst experience of my life with an attorney - we hired her for probate on my dads estate. It was so bad just a few weeks in that we asked for our money back so we could hire someone competent and were told no....so we were stuck. I would provide information requested and wait for her to do her part. After waiting with no response I would call again and ask for progress and be told as soon as she got the info she would get right on it - I advised that I had sent that weeks ago - OOPS …. it was a long drawn out frustrating experience and one I wouldn't wish on anyone. SAVE YOUR TIME AND MONEY!
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16 Jul, 2020 by Joseph
Hired Dana for an emergency custody and divorce case. I did hours and hours of research, and provided her with tons of effective and organized data well ahead of time. She failed to submit the paperwork on time due to “printer and fax errors” (the judge had zero tolerance for her excuses), and showed up to court late, completely unprepared, and distracted. As she was making her weak argument to the judge, she had to stop and whisper to ask me my child’s name while fumbling through paperwork. To say I was embarrassed and absolutely gutted would be an understatement.
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17 Nov, 2018 by Aron
When i hired David, now Dana, the little attention my case received was sloppy and slow. Papers filed incorrectly, calls unreturned, emails not responded to, and assumptions made for me. It delayed my case for 3-4 months before i figured out i was receiving poor representation that was not listening to me and went elsewhere. He was too wrapped up in his conversion and did nothing but make excuses when he did pick up his phone to answer my calls. Do not put your fate in this persons hands....
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29 Aug, 2024 by Jaz
Took our money and never heard from her again. After many email attempts and even a certified letter to her, we end up giving up and hired a different lawyer.
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04 Nov, 2021 by Luis
Hired her in 2018 heard from her once a few months later but after that one time she never answer or call back. I will be reporting her to the BAR soon
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05 Jun, 2017 by Sean champagne
She helped a family member over a long period of time get her immigration status in order after being in the US illegally for 20 years. My family member was terrified and Diana made the process not scary and reassured us the whole way. My family member is now a US citizen. Thank you Diana for all that you do. You go above and beyond.
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20 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
I came across Dan through a friend referral who only has rave reviews about his practice. Dan is a very conscientious, intelligent and thorough lawyer. His expertise shines through during consultation. I can tell he pays attention to detail and actually spend time in knowing his client and the case. Unlike other lawyers, you can definitely tell he is not about the money. He spent time researching my case and did not charge me an exorbitant amount! If you’re looking for an honest, hardworking attorney to get you the best resolution, you can’t go wrong with Dan. I have and will continue to recommend his practice whenever I have the opportunity!
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09 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Rude and Unknowledgeable. I was appalled at how I was treated just during a consult. I feel as if I already new more about the laws of my case than he. Do not even bother to contact this person.
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12 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Beware when dealing with Danny Gonzalez. He is very two-faced very slanderous and can’t run his own company. But will gladly take your money and make it disappear. He should be a magician not a lawyer!
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08 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
My bro got 63 years after trusting her to be his criminal defense lawyer. She did nothing to defend him. Do not use her as a defense lawyer stick to teaching that literature class at Rainier Beach. Still stuck paying her for nothing!!!
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28 May, 2010 by Anonymous
She is one of the greatest attorneys in the state of Washington , and have saved me from the police for harrastment plenty of times
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28 May, 2010 by Anonymous
I WOULD PERSONALLY ENDORSE LEANNE LUCAS BECAUSE OF HER INTENSE PASSION FOR JUSTICE. LEANNE LUCAS APPROACHES EACH CASE WITH 100%. SHE IS LOYAL, TRUST WORTHY, INTELLIGENT AND SHE HAS HELPED ME MORE THAN MY PREVIOUS ATTORNEYS IN THE PAST.
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26 Jun, 2023 by Carl
I was falsely accused of DV during a divorce the selling phase of the family home which was years after the divorce. I had 48 hours to find a lawyer and get to court. She was highly recommended by two other lawyers I know. So I hired her. She met me the same day, and when we went to court she not only knew what she was doing but had a great repore with the judge. My case was dismissed immediately after she spoke in the court room. Today I am hiring her again and saw the negative reviews. Which is why I am making this review. She is a great lawyer, she was on time professional and a tiger when she needed to be. This is the second time I've hired her. Equally impressed the second time.
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27 Apr, 2023 by Cynthia
Lisa represented me in 2013. I filed for divorce with my abusive and controlling husband. She had been referred by a friend. After our first meeting , I thought she would really have my back. I had forewarned her to not underestimate my ex. because of his background. She did, and he made her look unprepared and she struggled in court. After court she approached me as I was getting on the elevator and told me that I was treated the way I had been by my ex because I had allowed it to happen. Didn’t I just divorce this man? I was shocked by her behavior. Instead of taking responsibility for her not being prepared in front of the judge, she was deflecting onto me! Good riddance, Lisa, I have thought of you so little it’s taken me this long to write a review.
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02 May, 2022 by Anonymous
She doesn't even know how to file for a parenting plan in the correct jurisdiction. She also refuses to communicate with client or the other parties attorney. This caused my case to be drug on for over a year when it could have been finished in a handful of months. But that would not benefit her bank account. She does not care to follow state and federal regulations and she should be ashamed of herself. BEWARE of her!
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24 Oct, 2018 by Ilka
A couple of weeks ago I had a call consultation with Henry Cruz. I called his firm because it was recommended by a acquaintance that faced the same issue I am facing. When I was setting my appointment I specifically gave the secretary my questions and what my case was about. When Mr. Cruz got to the phone, he had no idea what my consultation was about so he kept repeating the same questions I have already answered to the secretary. At some point during our call he would stay silent for about 10 minutes at the time as he was googling the answer to my questions, this happened at least twice (for a call of about an hour!!) and the rest of the time he just kept repeating the information I was giving to him and he had no idea about basics of J-1 visa and seemed very unprepared even for basic questions about immigration. If he had read my questions in advance he could have told me it was not his expertise, he didn't have to take my money to tell me he didn't know about it, it is very unprofessional. At the end of the call he said he would recommend me to another lawyer (at least I got that). I feel I wasted $250 to get a referral. I would not recommend Mr. Cruz to anyone!!!
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12 Oct, 2015 by Kristin
Henry is not only compassionate, but extremely professional and honest. My husband and I had another lawyer to begin with (we were totally ignorant to this process), but after our other lawyer failed to disclose WSBA proceedings against him, we sought the advice of another attorney who highly recommended Henry personally. I have nothing but raves for this man. He was very upfront about cost and everything else that went into this matter. He is highly knowledgeable and is connected not only to his practice, but the community as a whole. I have already recommended him to friends that need a good lawyer and will continue to in the future. We are not yet done with our case, but I have the utmost faith that we are in good hands which I believe is necessary especially with 4 kids to support.
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30 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
There are many really good family lawyers out there. I do not think that Amber is one of them. If you want a good result, I believe you should look elsewhere. I believe Amber is poor at oral arguments, ineffective at brief writing and legal research, and her time management is poor which I believe results in overbilling. She has no support staff so she bills you her hourly rate for work that should be performed by support staff (which should be at a much lower cost). I believe this further results in overbilling. I believe Amber also literally crumbles if opposing counsel is aggressive. I was incredibly unimpressed by Amber's ability as a lawyer and her character which I believe has negatively impacted me for many years to come. I sincerely regret hiring Amber.
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10 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
Amber is a GEM. She's not only a stellar attorney but a wonderful pillar of strength during the most difficult time in my life. She listened to me when I needed to call her up and cry, offered a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear. She was ALL business but not ALL business if you know? She really does care about her clients. Its more than "just a job" for her and you know that after you've sat in her office with her for five minutes. SO professional in the courtroom. My goodness I felt like I had my own personal body guard there who could stand up to this big bully for me....eased so many of my fears. She could walk out of court with me, look me in my eyes and say "You're not OK, are you? Let's go grab a coffee and talk..." Amazing... She really did SAVE my children's lives. I can't thank her enough or pay her enough to come close to the restored value she placed back into our lives after getting out of a terrible marriage and saving my children from having to live with a convicted felon. Yikes!
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21 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
I had high hopes however after paying this attorney approximately $20,000 in fees he essentially quit without notice at a very critical time.
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19 Jul, 2022 by Barrett
Jacob helped us through a very messy landlord issue we had in 2020. The landlord disagreed as to whether water intrusion in our place of resident was worthy of repair. After several weeks of requesting repairs the landlord finally had the flooring and walls removed with no intention of making repairs or replacing drywall/floors. Our landlord then hired a lawyer to harass us in to renouncing our right to the home that we were still paying rent on and threaten to throw our belongings on the curb. The landlord's law firm seemed to have no understanding of tenant landlord law and refused to have further conversation about the illegality of the landlord. Within a matter of weeks after hiring Jacob the landlord was covering all of our moving costs and agreed to return our deposit and rent paid when the unit was not livable. Without Jacob we would have found ourselves with no home and no financial way of obtaining new housing. Jacob was life saver and helped us recover more than SDCI or small claims court in less than a fraction of the time!
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06 Dec, 2017 by Nick
Hired Gibbs to help with a contempt and found out we could file for a modification. Gibbs refused to file the Mod and result was a huge loss and sad part is the commissioner tells Gibbs we had grounds to file the Modification all along. Please consider someone else before hiring him.
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13 Apr, 2017 by Jonathan
My Divorce unlike many has a happy ending. My wife and I ultimately stayed together, but during the process of court dates, settlement paperwork and negotiations, Nathan Gibbs was on top of it all and gave me confidence that our affairs were being handled with care. Nathan's approach was always straight forward and honest and that helped My wife and I actually come back together I believe. When my wife and I agreed to stick together, we asked Nathan to switch gears and instead of helping finalize the divorce, we asked him to help get our dissolution dismissed and with in only a few days it was dismissed and we're up and rebuilding.. Nathan and the Goldberg Jones team were honest, straight fwd and aggressive during this ordeal and in the end were caring and genuine with our final needs, I'd recommend them for men going through what really is/was for me the most difficult times I have been through. thanks, Nathan!
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16 Oct, 2013 by Ronaldo
Represented me in complex injury case, tried to a jury and jury awarded fair compensation. He has a lot of trial practice experience and trying cases to juries in courts throughout Western Washington. I recommend him without qualification and have recommended him to several friends. All have been highly satisfied with the work he did for them.
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08 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Kevin did a great job defending me against a frivolous lawsuit. He not only had the case dismissed but gain a judgment against the opposing party for his fees.
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20 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Do your research, this woman is a member of ANTIFA, she encourages the destruction of property saying it is morally imperative. She should be deported not elected to a attorney generals office. She gave praise for some group of degenerates that burned down what was being built as a new jail for minors.
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25 Apr, 2018 by Jonathan
I was being unfairly accused and charged with the Seattle Police Department. Contrary to all the evidence we had in our favor, we had a judge that suppressed most of our defense. Nicole encouraged me, and fought thru all the odds- and sealed the win f. If I ever have a legal problem again- she is the first I will call. The best!
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26 Feb, 2014 by Robert locke
This attorney has a very promising and "Hope Raising" website. He touts that he "Fights for the Little Guy". I am disabled in my 50's, can't afford my prescribed medications and the State of Washington has RAPED my Constitutional rights. His office said they are unable to help me at this time. He had a movie made about him regarding the 99' WTO protests and the false arrests I guess if your not worth of a movie deal you are not worthy of his representation!!
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20 Oct, 2010 by Diem
Mike represented me in a case that was extremely contentious and long drawn. From the moment he came on board, he alleviated my concerns at having to deal with the opposing counsels' tactics. Mike's dedication to his clients is unsurpassed in more ways that I can articulate. He is tenacious in his representation of his clients, he is protective of his clients' interests, and he is committed and skillful in getting the best results for them. In short, Mike's experience coupled with his integrity and compassion that few others can compete with are just a few reasons why I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Mike.
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29 Dec, 2020 by Danielle
John Velthuyzen was recommended to me by a friend of a friend. I couldn't have found a better lawyer! Since my divorce in 2016 a few of my friends have needed a divorce lawyer. I recommend him every time! When John took over my case he began fixing things that my 1st lawyer did differently. John was prompt and communicative. He was very calm, organized and prepared all the time. My ex did a lot of things to make me work extra hard in discovery and in filing frivolous motions. John was a fighter and responded to each of my ex's motions and succeeded in getting my ex to have to pay for many of those frivolous motions and court costs. My divorce ended up in trial. John was beyond excellent in trial! He was more than prepared for the games my ex played. I was so absolutely impressed and feel so blessed that I ended up with John to represent my case. I don't know if another lawyer could have done better. John knew exactly how trial would go and was able to respond to every game my ex tried to play. My ex's lawyer was even impressed and called him a "Cadillac lawyer." So you know he was fancy! The entire cost with 3 days of trial included was less than $35K. I ended up with the best results that I could have considering the situation I was in with my ex. If I ever need a lawyer in the future I will definitely call John and see if he will be able to handle my case. Not only was John an excellent lawyer, he is also a quality, caring person. He has stayed in touch with me over the years, and has offered to help with various things related to my divorce and child support. He remembers my child and me and asks how we are doing. Great lawyer, great person! I highly recommend him!
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07 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
All I can say is there are way better attorneys out there that actually care about their clients and their children. I’m a low income parent and this guy charged me and my family $75,000 for a Washington State parenting plan. That’s right $75,000 for a mediated parenting plan. Instead of sending my child to college I have to take out a loan to pay this guy for being really bad at his job and getting out maneuvered in every possible way by attorneys that were paid less than $10,000 for their work. Maybe If you want to lose and spend way too much money for almost nothing he would be a good attorney to hire? Hire someone else that actually cares.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
communication was poor, and it was difficult to get timely responses to my questions and concerns
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23 Mar, 2017 by Ryan
Ryan is competent in multiple areas of litigation and is extremely professional in his work. I would recommend him anytime.
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14 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
harold federow helped me with my book and he was supposed to protect it by securing the copyright and also by protecting my domain name for my publishing company. he did not do the national trademark registration and he did not protect my domain name. i would never recommend him as my attorney again.
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21 Feb, 2013 by Bethany
I met Harold through the Entrepreneur Law Clinic at UW. While I wasn't accepted into the program, he took me on as a client anyway. Harold helped me file trademark registration and kept me informed throughout the whole process, (which took over a year!) I found Harold to be generous with his time, sincere, knowledgable and willing to help. I am very happy to have him as an integral part of my "team" and look forward to working with him again!
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14 May, 2019 by Nancy
Bruce McDermott is a brilliant and effective attorney. He took over my case and brought it to a conclusion with a more favorable outcome than I had imagined was possible. He fought doggedly for my interests and never failed to communicate directly and personally with me to keep me updated about my case. I cannot say enough about the level of expert personal service I received from Mr. McDermott.
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08 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Talks a good game. Has lots of experience. But from my experience as his client, he doesn't do much of the work himself and has the peons do the work. That's OK on some level, but when push comes to shove he doesn't know your case and all he really cares about is billable hours. For $400+ an hour I'm quite sure you can find somebody significantly better.
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26 Apr, 2023 by Gene
I had hired Mr. Kirkevold on retainer in Jan 2022 in an effort to prevent my siblings from stealing my inheritance. My siblings were successful, so lobg as the property remains unsold I am denied my inheritance and as long as my brothers continue to live their, the the property will degrade. They ignored him essentially. My attorney did not stick up for me. I was charged well above market prices. In fact, because He charged so much and always unprepared for when I had conversations with him, half of my retainer was cobsumed with nothing really to show for it. Mr Kirkevold FAILED to live up to his firms mission statement of, "Our Mission We provide trusted advice and formidable advocacy for our clients. Our core responsibilities include understanding our clients’ goals, aspirations, and challenges, and using those insights to deliver the highest standard of personalized services in a timely and efficient manner. " This did not happen for me and this experience has made me even less mistrustful of lawyer in general. I deplore the terrible service and lack of attention and comittment to me since I was paying top dollar for his service. He is a nice enough person, but he failed me.
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17 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
If you want the best possible legal defense in the Seattle area and beyond, look no further. Kameron Kirkevold is your man. When Kameron represents you, he will deliver a world-class defense on your behalf, while establishing a strong rapport with you, ensuring you will not face a serious legal challenge alone. Kameron fiercely defended me from start to finish, culminating in a settlement —at least ten times smaller than what was demanded by the opposing attorney. With great attention and expertise, Kameron analyzed my case to determine that my former attorney would need to serve as a witness on my behalf. Kameron contacted my former attorney and convinced him to provide a detailed declaration in support of my case. Kameron directed a member of his team—another attorney—to reach out to other key witnesses who agreed to provide additional critical declarations. These actions by Kameron and his team turned the case around 180 degrees in less than one month. Instead of facing the real possibility of being drug into court by the opposing party, Kameron pulled together a brilliant legal defense and negotiated a small settlement that was significantly reduced from the original demand. I was blown away by Kameron’s legal defense of me and his personal characteristics. Based on my experience as his client, I believe Kameron’s illustrious legal career is built in no small measure on a foundation of extraordinary personal characteristics and professional competencies. Paramount among all others is that Kameron is TRUSTWORTHY. Kameron builds trust by standing by you steadfastly throughout the challenging legal process and its aftermath; patiently explaining the entire legal process ahead including the potential risks, exposure, and scenarios; and answering every question forthrightly without being dismissive or impatient. Kameron has many other admirable qualities: fierceness, brilliance, authenticity, steadfastness, attentiveness, compassion, honorable, and humbleness; in addition, he possesses deep legal knowledge and acumen, phenomenal writing skills, and exquisite listening skills. For the first time in my life, with Kameron’s representation, I felt the full force of a highly competent legal defense and witnessed what a truly talented attorney is capable of. I am deeply grateful to Kameron and his team for their stellar representation and life-changing outcome. Over the course of the last year and a half, I have come to know Kameron to be someone with the highest integrity who embraces his humanity. Kameron stood by me steadfastly during a very painful time in my life, and he continues to provide me with legal advice. I wholeheartedly recommend Kameron to others who need the absolute best possible legal advice and defense. Kameron Kirkevold is among the very best, as an attorney and human being.
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06 Dec, 2022 by Rowan
Hey Arthur, sorry about that rude man that gave your a 1 ⭐️ Review, but you are amazing
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26 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Tried working with this asshat but he was arrogant and obnoxious. Would get angry and throw fits for no reason and is a total misogynist who treats woman horribly and then gaslights them into submission. I know this because Seattle is a small town and we share mutual acquaintances he wasn’t aware of. He boasted that he “lulls clients into a feeling of false security” and “does whatever it takes to destroy people.” This guys is an manipulative and lying creep. Be advised to stay away.
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16 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr Doros may be qualified to handle your speeding ticket, but, beyond that, I would avoid him, particularly for legal issues that are emotionally challenging. My experience with Mr Doros demonstrated that he is sorely lacking in empathy and compassion and is in need of anger management. I also wondered at times who's side he was on.
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13 Nov, 2011 by Angelo
I hired Jim Doros to help me with establishing parentage of my baby daughter and setting up a parenting plan. The mom fought hard every step of the way. I now have my daughter every other weekend for three days. He is an aggressive lawyer who fights hard for his clients and is always available...seems like he works 7 days a week!
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29 Aug, 2020 by Ryan menges
After contacting James I felt really good about connecting with him! He referred i to a colleague of his saying that he was so busy and bogged down and he assured i his colleague would be very helpful! i met with his colleague and felt great and inspired and felt a relief of a burden on my back believing i was getting the help i desired! Then Covid-19 swooped in and our communication very quickly declined! it declined so much so that after signing a contract with his colleague I do not believe I ever spoke with James ever again! See the colleague and James were both to be working for me! They both totally did an about face on me and ceased communications!!! It was very bizarre!
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16 May, 2019 by Paul bufalini
Jim did my appeal for my dosa revoke. The end result was 34,000 dollars but on the bright side I won my appeal with the court of appeals granting me immediate release from prison. There is in fact case law regarding my case. At a dosa revoke hearing due to the potential loss of freedom you have a right to have a lawyer present. So for those who had there dosa revoke without a lawyer you need to a appeal that revoke. The state tried to appeal it to the Supreme Court but the court denied review so after a ton of money and 14months we won. Jim’s brief was unbelievable he is a genius when it comes to the law. I have read hundreds of briefs and Jim’s was above and beyond anything I’ve ever read.
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05 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
I consulted with Ms. Freel-Sparks regarding our case and felt she was honest about her professional opinions. She made some assumptions about our case without having a clear picture of certain issues and not reviewing the information we were willing to provide. She didn't feel it would have made a difference, I totally disagreed with this assessment. Overall, she is an attorney that claims to be a very good negotiator, but not a fighter or one to take a firm stance. This is someone to bridge the gap, to discuss issues that specifically deal with special education, but feels there has to be a real need to retain attorney.
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07 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Was off put by this attorneys poor communication skills. Our initial meeting was met with many hem's and haw's when I asked specific questions about my litigation. He is a knowledgeable individual, however I would not want him representing me in a court room.
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05 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Took over my case from another lawyer that left the firm she worked for. Treated me like a left over, not totally committing herself to my case. Postponed settlement meeting a few days in order to bump up her percentage to a higher ammount resulting in more funds for her and her firm and less for her client. Her clients intrests are not above her own. Very knowledgable regarding employment law and harassment and discrimination.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer

When meeting with a lawyer for the first time, it's important to ask the right questions to understand their expertise and determine if they're the right fit for your legal needs. Here are some top questions to consider:

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
  3. What potential outcomes can I expect from my case?
    While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience.
  4. What is your approach to handling cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. Who will be working on my case?
    Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals.
  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the likely timeline for resolving my case?
    Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish.
  8. Do you have references from past clients?
    Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness.
  9. What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
    Understanding potential challenges helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
  10. Are there alternative ways to solve my legal problem?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:

  1. Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing.
  2. Experience and Specialization:
    Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case.
  3. Disciplinary Record:
    Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association.
  4. Client Reviews and Testimonials:
    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge client satisfaction.
  5. Professional Memberships:
    Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field.
  6. Awards and Recognitions:
    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation.
  7. Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  8. Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:

  1. Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as contracts, correspondence, legal notices, court papers, or evidence.
  2. Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and involved parties.
  3. List of Questions:
    Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, or the lawyer's experience.
  4. Financial Information:
    If applicable, bring financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements.
  5. Contact Information:
    Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case.
  6. Personal Identification:
    Bring a valid ID for verification purposes.
  7. Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points.
  8. Budget Constraints:
    Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a lawyer varies widely based on several factors:

  • Fee Structures:
    • Hourly Rate:
      Lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on experience and location.
    • Flat Fee:
      For routine legal services like drafting a will or handling an uncontested divorce, lawyers might offer a flat fee.
    • Retainer Fee:
      An upfront payment against which the lawyer bills hourly fees.
    • Contingency Fee:
      Common in personal injury cases; the lawyer receives a percentage (typically 25% to 40%) of any settlement or award.
    • Monthly Retainer:
      For ongoing services, businesses might pay a monthly fee for a set number of hours or services.
  • Factors Affecting Cost:
    • Complexity of the Case:
      More complex cases require more time and resources, increasing costs.
    • Lawyer's Experience:
      Highly experienced lawyers may charge higher fees.
    • Geographic Location:
      Legal fees can vary significantly by region or city.
    • Additional Expenses:
      Court filing fees, expert witness fees, travel expenses, and administrative costs may be extra.
  • Estimating Total Costs:
    Request a detailed fee agreement outlining all potential costs.
    Discuss any additional expenses that may arise during the case.
  • Negotiating Fees:
    Some lawyers may be willing to negotiate fees or offer payment plans, especially for clients with financial constraints.
  • Pro Bono Services:
    For those who cannot afford legal services, some lawyers or legal aid organizations offer services at reduced rates or for free.
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