Lawyers map
>12.0k
experienced lawyers
Filter by
30 Jan, 2024 by Sam jones
We are contemplating a move back to Washington state where we lived for many years. Without proper estate planning we would potentially be subject to the Washington estate tax. n our initial contacts with the firm, we clearly identified that we were residents in another state. We were instructed to provide our detailed financial picture as well as our current estate planning documents which we provided promptly and told that our information would be forwarded to the attorneys for evaluation. The following is the email response.
“Thank you for filling out and returning your Questionnaire.
I will forward your information to our attorneys for review. Once they have completed their review, I will be back in touch with you regarding a quote for services and the next steps for scheduling.”
Well over a month went by with no word back from STIB. I finally contacted them by email requesting a status update. Within minutes, I received the following reply.
“Thank you very much for contacting our firm. Unfortunately, we are not able to take on your case. Our firm does not advise out-of-state residents on tax issues. Our focus is estate planning and long term care planning.”
The STIB website clearly tax issues as part of estate planning. I also found no restrictions on attorneys in Washington state providing consultation to out-of-state residents considering residency in Washington.
Needless to say, I was astounded by what I consider to extremely poor communication and timely follow-up. If it is indeed not their policy to advise out-of-state residents on tax issues, I would have expected to have been informed of that policy up front thus saving us the time of compiling and sending detailed and confidential financial and estate planning information. In my opinion, this represents incompetent and totally unprofessional behavior.
Read more
18 Jul, 2023 by Michael o'connell
14 Aug, 2022 by Susan zurek
Very experienced attorneys who truly care about their clients
Read more
03 Sep, 2024 by Marilene s.
Jessica Creager at Seattle Litigation Group is an excellent and trustworthy attorney.I highly respect her knowledge, skills, and how quickly she responds, which is so important in any legal process.
Read more
29 Aug, 2024 by James
I highly recommend the Seattle Litigation Group, PLLC. Seth is very professional with a strong legal background. Communication with Seth and his team was also clear and timely.
Read more
18 Aug, 2024 by Mark church
I called Seattle Litigation Group for some legal advise. I spoke with Seth Rosenberg who was extremely knowledgeable and helpful in dealing with my legal issues. I would highly recommend contacting Seattle Litigation for your legal needs.
Read more
16 Jul, 2024 by Nicholas naioti
Deva is a brilliant financial planner. She is an excellent listener & communicator and her advice is sound. She also has experience with filing taxes, so she understands taxation and guides you on the best practices for long term financial well-being, however that looks for you and your goals. She takes a compassionate and prescriptive approach to something that is hard to wrap your mind around and explains it in terms that are easily understood. Her financial planning services are top tier and I would whole-heartedly recommend them to anyone.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by Mandy barbee lanier
I first learned about Angel's services through a "Wine & Wills" event she hosted in Seattle, and I was very impressed by the level of information she shared and the way that she educated about the great importance of considering how we'll leave our affairs after we pass, and how this really does affect all of us. I scheduled an exploratory call with her afterwards that my husband could also attend. It did require a little preparation, but nothing crazy and everything that was requested was totally necessary to having this conversation. At the end of that call, she showed us all of our options and it was easy to understand what would work best for what my husband and I wanted and valued for our family! Working with Angel now, the trust is almost 100% "funded", meaning that should I pass away early, or my husband precede me in death, the other will have an easy, relaxed, peaceful experience, and can focus on grieving rather than worry about our assets be unduly taxed, caught up in lengthy and stressful probate court proceedings, or even become stranded where the surviving spouse does not have the proper permissions with the banks, etc and is unable to access parts of the estate. The way Angel's services work, is that after you pay the flat fee, you have her support for life. This has worked out great for us, as it took us a while to actually complete the actions. Knowing we can reach out with any questions going forward is very comforting. She really does care and is very thorough with the legalities. We feel confident that our affairs are in order now that we have our wills, power of attorneys (medical and financial), and revocable living trust in order. Thank you so much Angel!
Read more
15 Mar, 2024 by Swanson ninan
I’ve loved working with Joseph & Hetrick, LLC. They are experts in their field and are very communicative, detail-oriented, and helpful. I’ve found they go above and beyond to support their clients. I’d highly recommend them!
Read more
11 Oct, 2024 by Derek taylor
Havent heard anything from the firm in over 3 months. No response to any of my emails. All phone calls go immediately to voicemail. Paid them $2500 and at first had a smooth and great experience then they ghosted me. My case has been theirs for a year now.
Read more
30 Sep, 2024 by Nolan bartkowski
Pleasant and professional law firm. I thought with all my offenses that it would cost a fortune, yet it was very affordable. Thank you so much
Read more
19 Sep, 2024 by Perry martin
They made it easy for me to accomplish the task at hand. I appreciate the hard work. It was worth the cost to get my life back.
Read more
23 Aug, 2024 by Khristine schaffner
Highly Recommend Dave and his team. They took over from our original attorney when our case stalled and helped our HOA to secure a settlement. It's a relief being able to repair our roofs and get back to the rest of our lives.
Read more
17 Jul, 2024 by Blair macdonald
Dave and his team were exquisite in negotiating our bad faith insurance issues. Him and his team were responsive, communicative, engaging, and speedy in working to resolve our issue. We highly recommend Dave.
Read more
03 May, 2024 by C f
Unknowledgeable, Way Too Expensive, Dropped the Ball and Miserably Failed Us
Paid $3,500 for absolutely nothing accomplished! Lacked basic knowledge and failed to get it yet charged a fee for nothing but excuses. Charge for reading and sending every email, even though the staff were not well trained to explain important information. Cancelled twice at last minute and was always providing unencouraging depressing hopelessness. Finally dropped me for complaining. THIS IS THE TYPE OF ATTORNEY WE WERE ALL WARNED ABOUT! Complete waste of time and money.
Read more
06 Nov, 2023 by Abin nellams
It was great to speak to the actual attorney. Professionalism at the highest level.
Read more
11 Sep, 2023 by Cassieopia toro
21 Jun, 2023 by Michael kirk
Gave me great counseling.
Read more
01 Aug, 2024 by David fingerhut
Sam is an excellent real estate lawyer and someone you definitely want in your corner when negotiating complex real estate transactions or disputing a contract.
Read more
13 Mar, 2024 by Nikki newby
25 Feb, 2024 by Db
John Henry Browne was the biggest blunder in my federal case. He was so unprepared for trial that the prosecution labeled him "pathetic." The judge also later described his representation as poor and inadequate. Anyone facing criminal charges for the first time might feel overwhelmed and fall into the trap of hiring someone with an inflated or manipulated reputation.
The only times I met John were during the initial consultation and to pay him trial fees. The suppression hearing was handled by an incompetent attorney (C.S.) who was nearly ejected from the courtroom by the screaming judge. He fired the only attorney handling my case just days before trial, with whom he had a falling out in another courtroom, later becoming the town's gossip. It's clear now that JHB ensured I didn't have a defense and wouldn't have the opportunity to make a record. JHB did not meet with me after I was convicted and locked away. He told me it was a better place to argue my case on appeal rather than the district court, and besides, he was going on vacation. The judge had few words on record regarding his vacation priority. There were instances of slurred speech and clown-like behavior that made us wonder if he was on drugs or perhaps heavily medicated due to some condition. Turns out he's a known junkie!
The case was later handled by a few more inexperienced attorneys, another one (C.V.) to be yelled at and nearly thrown out of the courtroom by Judge Robart, whose behavior raised concerns about his mental stability, to say the least. Unfortunately, it isn't easy to find court filings and transcripts where the public could gain better insight into JHB. Sadly, these real reviews might not do much, as he's enjoyed himself for far too long at the expense of desperate people. I hope no one has to deal with him because your future options may have to be creative and well-motivated. It's best to avoid JHB altogether; nothing good can come of him.
Read more
25 Apr, 2024 by Allen lowery
There the bést añd tóók my case with no money down ór àny payments uñtil we wiñ wiçh they hàve çontacted Dódge experts to testify and everything very prompt and get down to all the right facs there's no way can loose when the other gúys don't have the éxperts
Read more
15 Mar, 2024 by Andrew williams
27 Oct, 2023 by Lexi poborsky
21 May, 2022 by Zoi encinas
He has saved me over and over and over again
Read more
27 Feb, 2021 by Jordan
I consulted with Mr. Jarski for a non-us account compliance issue. Mr. Jarski was very knowledgable, practical, helpful, and friendly. His assistance was greatly appreciated, and I'd definitely work with him again in the future. I highly recommend.
Read more
02 Mar, 2020 by Jennifer kemp
26 Sep, 2024 by Sandy martinez
The worst lawyer you can find in Seattle, really don't waste your time or money with these people. He worked on my case for 7 years, I was married to an American citizen, he was never able to fix my status, he just stole my money. I was done with him when immigration once called me to an appointment and Bart charged me $1000 just to go go with me to the appointment and what do you think? On the day of the appointment he told me to wait for him because he was already with another client at another appointment in the same place but then it was my turn as if immigration was going to wait for him, well the fact is that I showed up alone and he never arrived at the appointment. Then I called and called his office, which are also super unprofessional, to begin with, the one who answers the phone is the wife who is not even in the office but at home, she knows absolutely nothing about your case and always acts like she does . Well that day she answered my call and told me that the lawyer Bart couldn't answer me because he had others important clients, as if he would work for me for free... I was so pissed well I explored and I fired Bart and asked him to give me my money back, the $1000 that I paid him because he was going to go with me to my appointment but he didn't go, he replied that he was only going to return $800 since he had gone to the immigration offices even if it wasn't for me. I couldn't believe how cruel he was. But I went with my case with another great lawyer, in less than 3 months she solved what Bart couldn't do in 7 years. I went to my country and in 3 months I received my green card. Please don't fall into this horrible place, they are good for nothing, the only person who does their job is Kara, his assistant. I spent more then 15,000 in 7 years and all he did was nothing
You suck Bart
Read more
13 Sep, 2024 by Yooku morro
22 Aug, 2024 by William morris
Bart didn't let me finish a single sentence on the phone before interjecting. He was condescending, rude, and unhelpful.
Read more
20 Jun, 2024 by Starseed
24 May, 2024 by Greg p
Leading international law firm. Best places to work award for decades
Read more
22 May, 2024 by Jaz hindu
The views on the 48th floor is so breathtaking very peaceful work environment with the catering team♥️
Read more
20 Jun, 2024 by Starseed
24 May, 2024 by Greg p
Leading international law firm. Best places to work award for decades
Read more
22 May, 2024 by Jaz hindu
The views on the 48th floor is so breathtaking very peaceful work environment with the catering team♥️
Read more
06 Sep, 2024 by Vincent - chief orchestrator
Great family law firm. Well connected to the legal community, empowering quick solutions with integrity and fairness.
Read more
27 May, 2024 by Peter
I trusted Lucia to work on a case of mine for almost two years. She left the case at an important moment. I very much regret hiring Lucia for my case, and recommend that you do not.
Read more
03 May, 2024 by Peter creed
I had worked with Lucia Levias for almost two years on a case and regret doing so. Based on my experiences, I would not recommend Dubois levias law group
Read more
11 Nov, 2024 by Alicia miner
Over the past 20 years, we've bought and sold numerous businesses, and each time we've relied on Holmquist and Gardiner to review contracts and ensure we’re fully protected and informed about every detail. Their expertise and guidance have always been spot-on and well worth the investment.
For a recent legal issue related to a business sale, Imants once again helped us navigate a potentially stressful situation with professionalism and clear advice. We're incredibly pleased with the outcome.
We highly recommend this firm without hesitation.
Read more
04 Nov, 2024 by Ismael “izzy” chavez
I was referred to Kelley Duggan by my real estate attorney, John Forderhase at Forderhase Law & Escrow, and I can't thank him enough for the recommendation. I was in the process of purchasing a property from a seller who hadn’t completed the probate process after his mother passed away in 2001. Since John didn’t specialize in probates, he referred me to Kelley at Holmquist & Gardiner.
From the very beginning, Kelley was extremely knowledgeable and reassuring. She immediately took action to resolve this complex issue, which involved going back over 20 years to locate the seller's mother's will. It was no easy task, but within a few weeks, she achieved a resolution, and the seller was appointed as the trustee of his mother's estate.
Throughout the entire process, Kelley was up front and transparent, and her hard work truly shone through. She dedicated countless hours to research and was always communicative, keeping me informed every step of the way. I am certain that without Kelley’s efforts, we would still be running in circles.
Thanks to her determination and expertise, the seller, Skip, was able to sell me his house and move on to pursue his dreams of living out the rest of his days in Montana. Kelley, thank you for all your hard work—you made the impossible possible!
Read more
10 Sep, 2024 by River witch
Michelle Fze Chong So is an extraordinary lawyer who embodies the passion and tenacity often portrayed in movies and TV shows. Her commitment to delivering justice is inspiring and remarkable, reflecting the true spirit of a legal champion. Her unwavering support and expertise were nothing short of amazing.
Winning a case others claimed was hopeless showcased her exceptional skills and immensely impacted our lives. We are profoundly grateful for her ability to turn the tide in our favor when all seemed lost. She not only our saved our butts, but she also saved us tens of thousands of dollars. She is a true warrior with superpower legal skills. Her legal expertise was vital to securing our future. Her dedication and hard work have made all the difference in our lives. We are forever appreciative and profoundly grateful for all her effort and hard work.
Read more
11 Nov, 2024 by Alicia miner
Over the past 20 years, we've bought and sold numerous businesses, and each time we've relied on Holmquist and Gardiner to review contracts and ensure we’re fully protected and informed about every detail. Their expertise and guidance have always been spot-on and well worth the investment.
For a recent legal issue related to a business sale, Imants once again helped us navigate a potentially stressful situation with professionalism and clear advice. We're incredibly pleased with the outcome.
We highly recommend this firm without hesitation.
Read more
04 Nov, 2024 by Ismael “izzy” chavez
I was referred to Kelley Duggan by my real estate attorney, John Forderhase at Forderhase Law & Escrow, and I can't thank him enough for the recommendation. I was in the process of purchasing a property from a seller who hadn’t completed the probate process after his mother passed away in 2001. Since John didn’t specialize in probates, he referred me to Kelley at Holmquist & Gardiner.
From the very beginning, Kelley was extremely knowledgeable and reassuring. She immediately took action to resolve this complex issue, which involved going back over 20 years to locate the seller's mother's will. It was no easy task, but within a few weeks, she achieved a resolution, and the seller was appointed as the trustee of his mother's estate.
Throughout the entire process, Kelley was up front and transparent, and her hard work truly shone through. She dedicated countless hours to research and was always communicative, keeping me informed every step of the way. I am certain that without Kelley’s efforts, we would still be running in circles.
Thanks to her determination and expertise, the seller, Skip, was able to sell me his house and move on to pursue his dreams of living out the rest of his days in Montana. Kelley, thank you for all your hard work—you made the impossible possible!
Read more
10 Sep, 2024 by River witch
Michelle Fze Chong So is an extraordinary lawyer who embodies the passion and tenacity often portrayed in movies and TV shows. Her commitment to delivering justice is inspiring and remarkable, reflecting the true spirit of a legal champion. Her unwavering support and expertise were nothing short of amazing.
Winning a case others claimed was hopeless showcased her exceptional skills and immensely impacted our lives. We are profoundly grateful for her ability to turn the tide in our favor when all seemed lost. She not only our saved our butts, but she also saved us tens of thousands of dollars. She is a true warrior with superpower legal skills. Her legal expertise was vital to securing our future. Her dedication and hard work have made all the difference in our lives. We are forever appreciative and profoundly grateful for all her effort and hard work.
Read more
14 May, 2024 by Joe
And I’ve had a few. Karma is super-smart, always thinking several moves ahead. She created a great outcome for me. She is hard-core in litigation, but gentle and wise in personal meetings. Huge fan.
Read more
02 Nov, 2022 by Kevin
Any bad review you read here is obviously fake. Karma is about the kindest, caring, and loving lawyer we ever met. But she communicates well and is your champion. She gives a voice of power and respect to those who need it most. She is really top notch.
Read more
12 May, 2022 by Anonymous
My experience working with Karma Zaike was negative. She did not communicate effectively, did not submit court documents in a timely manner, was not transparent regarding her fees and refused to return my complete case file. I do not recommend hiring Karma.
Read more
18 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Responsive. Supportive. Was flexible with my at times difficult nature.
Read more
20 Apr, 2023 by Duncan
If you're looking for a lawyer for a difficult family law case, stop what you're doing and call Stacy now. I promise you won't regret it.
It is not an exaggeration to say that Stacy saved my life. I was in an abusive marriage. My children were also being abused. I was terrified that if I took any action that my ex would take the children and I'd be unable to see or protect them anymore. I felt hopeless, like there was no way to extricate myself while keeping the kids safe.
Eventually it got bad enough that I knew I had to act. I was lucky enough to find Stacy in late December, years ago. Stacy worked tirelessly through the holidays to help me rush to get an emergency restraining order -- an order we were successfully granted in early January.
Unfortunately, we were only just getting started. That was the beginning of an incredibly hard-fought and complicated legal struggle. My ex was smart and well-funded, and was not above using every means at her disposal to undermine the process. We had to deal with: spurious CPS escalations, failure to respond to discovery, hiding money in foreign bank accounts, concerns of flight risk to home country, spurious allegations of neglect, and much much more. I am 100% confident that my case could've imploded with a less skilled attorney.
Stacy did an unbelievable job in keeping all of these plates spinning. She is a gifted strategist, able to anticipate possible tactics and guard against them. One noteworthy example: Stacy had anticipated that my ex would attempt to make false allegations of neglect, and advised me to make regular well-child checkups with my son's PCP. As a result, when my ex attempted to claim long-running untreated illness, we were able to prove these allegations false. I was and am so grateful to have had an attorney that cared enough to prepare me for these practical considerations -- and wasn't simply content to file legal documents.
5 years later, when the divorce decree was signed, I felt confident that both Stacy and I had done everything in our power to work for the best result possible. I don't even walk to think what would have happened if I hadn't had Stacy in my corner. Having been out of this abusive relationship for years, free to rebuild my life, and having my kids' lives stabilized is a priceless gift. I'm very grateful for all Stacy has done.
Read more
09 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired Stacy blindly because I was desperate and she was in my stepfather's networking group. I was charged over $4000 for her review of documents. I was then asked if I had questions and criticized. I was given no guidance and there was no plan at all. She had no understanding of domestic abuse, power dynamics, or the hell that is the family law system. When I terminated her, she emailed my stepfather telling him, which made no sense to me and which I felt was inappropriate. She sent me a long letter clearly trying to cover herself in the event I filed a Bar complaint. I then hired a recommended attorney. In the free consultation, he immediately identified the problem and how to address it. This would have been a $50k case with Stacy, and would have been very detrimental to me emotionally. I also would have lost. On the bright side, her assistant - who appears to do much of the work - is very nice and professional.
Read more
10 Oct, 2022 by Wei
He helped me for a green card and provided top service. In my opinion, he really treated a client in a professional way and focused on his case.
Read more
25 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Whatever is said about him, his office are nothing compared to the work and accomplishments he has been able to achieve. He literally saved my husband life when no one else could. He was able to completely reverse years and years of mistakes made my many other lawyers. There is no amount of money that is even equal to what he has done for me and my husband. Truly a selfless, honest (whether you like it or not) immigration genius of a man. My husband and I will never forget what he, and his wife did for us. And never be a time I don’t thank god I was able to work with Mr. Klien, and how he changed our lives forever.
Read more
13 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Klein is the best immigration lawyer in Seattle. He is patient and professional. He cares about his clients and is not the type of lawyer who just chasing for money.
Read more
02 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Lawyer failed to do basic upload of documents in the court file. She does not know how to handle basic zoom call protocols and how to present the case. She is hands off attorney who never even prepare or submit or create even one document on your behalf. It is better to represent yourself rather than hiring her. Strongly not recommend her for any family law case
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
The attorney screw me over in my case and took all my money without doing zero for me. She didn't file my paperwork in time and didn't turn any of my documents in. She is a horrible attorney not worth one penny. Keep your money and find another good attorney because this one is not a good hard-working attorney, she is only looking to milk innocent people out of their hard-working money. I am reporting her to the Washington Bar association and the attorney general and hope to start an investigation and get back my hard-working money ASAP! Janet Watson is a joke and should not practice law and was an insult to consumers like me. I regret forever allowing her to be my attorney and milk me out of my hard-working money. She wasn't worth one penny! I wish I can get my money back in full! Stay far from this attorney, she is not a good attorney and only looking to milk you out! I have never seen a horrible attorney like her! Not worth one penny of my money!
Read more
16 May, 2020 by Anonymous
Janet is very Experienced and compassionate , I have got very good advices during my consultation regarding to my divorce case .(Later my divorce have got settled.) I willing to recommend her to other people that needed.
Read more
22 Jul, 2022 by Jennifer
Laura failed to even read the documents that I sent her because she was unable to answer my questions and explain things in a manner that would have indicated that she had read them.
Laura got confused about certain subjects which further frustrated me and left ne wondering what how she could have the nerve to overcharge me at $525/hour.
Lastly, after getting practically no value from hiring her, she left with some inappropriate, snide comments.
Read more
11 Aug, 2014 by Jerry
Laura and her whole staff are terrific. I’m really impressed by how she is able to explain complex financial scenarios in ways that my whole family can understand – without seeming patronizing. She found a large number of holes in our former documents, and we’re so glad to have those details worked out while we’re still here to do so. I would recommend her as one of the best around.
Read more
06 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Absolutely wonderful: She was incredibly patient with our multitude of changes, and she spent a lot of time explaining not just the different options, but the reasons behind them, and made us feel really comfortable with our documents. We'd absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for an excellent estate planner!
Read more
26 Jun, 2018 by Tim
I really enjoyed working with Ilene on my estate planning and will preparation. She was knowledgable, worked on my timeline not hers, and did everything with both professionalism and a sense of levity that made it... dare I say, a fun process?
Nathan Hale famously said "I regret that I have but one life to give for my country." Well, I regret that I have but one life to give Ilene to draw up a will for. You have to ask yourself - do you like lawyers? Neither do I. But I like Ilene -- she's the best.
Read more
16 Feb, 2017 by Natasha
I worked with Ilene on my prenuptial agreement. It was a disaster.
Ilene was unable to give me advice without consulting outside sources (other lawyers, accountants, and investors) and charging me for that time. Upon seeking that outside advice and sharing it with me, when I didn't want to take it, she refused to represent me. This is after more than $8000 in charges for her time.
Most frustratingly, she not only charged me for incidental things (like me emailing to ask for a contract to sign at the start, and charging me for receiving my initial deposit). For example, I wrote her an email that said "I have received the full contract, and your check is in the mail." She wrote back "I love that line"...and I paid .2 hours for her saying that to me. Then another .2 hours for her writing to say "I received your check."
Finally, when I received my first bill and added up the hours on it the math wasn't even correct. I was overcharged by .7 hours on the bill simply due to an arithmetic error, not even counting hours that I then disputed with her.
These are just a few examples of the terrible work that was done by Ilene Lund. After she refused to sign the finished prenuptial agreement, I went to another lawyer who was able to give me advice (and just charge me .8 of an hour for that time), I did not take the advice and moved forward the way that the prenupt was written, that lawyer took the time to reexplain the prenupt to me, and then he charged me for time spent with that and the actual signing. Voila! Instant success with a lawyer who did not charge me for receiving my check, was able to actually give me advice without charging more than his time, and stuck with me after I stated what I wanted against his advice but demonstrated that I understood the binding contract. Everything Ilene should have done, especially after spending more that $8000 on her "services" already.
Read more
19 Aug, 2014 by Kathleen
Ilene Lund is simply awesome! My long-term partner and I just married, and Ilene led the efforts for our planned property investments and personal assets.
Ilene is top-notch for sure as she not only remains current on Federal, State and Local rules, but overtly provides input and rationale toward the rulemaking process. She is ahead of her peers with knowledge and currency; dissects information beyond a synthesis level, prepares for potential impacts, and all of which best serves the unique needs of her client.
I strongly recommend Ilene Lund for providing legal support regarding your property and personal investments. And, you'll enjoy the journey with lots of humor and peace. Bravo to Ilene!
Read more
08 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Nothing much really was resolved; we were in crisis mode. When we didn't not want to keep her on a retainer she dropped us. Then when we had no lawyer, the other parent took off to another state. We called her again and she was too busy. Referred us to MODERATE MEANS...and they are pretty useless right now.
Read more
03 Nov, 2023 by Alicia
I had trouble finding a lawyer who's focus was to help parents get the best for their children in a divorce. Michelle has demonstrated that she has the experience and know-how to get children through a divorce with their interests at heart.
Read more
23 May, 2023 by Mike
After going through a very high conflict divorce with an ex-wife who was willing to stop at nothing to destroy me including false abuse allegations and keeping my daughter from visiting me, Ms. Raiford, from the very beginning acted as a guardian and avenging angel throughout this very contentious legal process. From our intial consultation, where she offered me free 15-minute introductory consultation, unlike other attorneys I had contacted who had offered a similar introductory consultation, in that short 15 minutes she gave me real valuable insight as to what my ex-wife's motivations and possible next steps were with just that limited information I gave her about my case, I was immediately impressed and hired her the next day and retained her the day after. Her rates were reasonable, and she was usually very prompt in answering any questions I may have had throughout the process. The end result was as favorable and equitable of an outcome as a divorcing father could have expected in the State of Washington and had it not been for Ms. Raiford, I would have been so much worse off; I am guaranteed visitation with my daughter, I have support obligations that I can afford, and an equitable split of remaining marital assets despite my ex-wife's scorched earth plan of attempting to destroy me on her way out. I highly recommend her, especially for all of the fathers out there going through divorce with a contentious ex who is committed to destroying them out of spite and are willing to alienate your children from you or, make false abuse allegations to destroy your life, as mine had attempted to do. She worked very hard for me and obtained better results than I could have ever imagined.
Read more
01 Mar, 2022 by Ryan
This person was so helpful in representing me in my case. Because of them, we won the case! They were cool and composed in such a way that helped me relax, and they offered an argument to the judge that ultimately persuaded him to side with me.
10/10
Read more
20 Feb, 2022 by Aaron
What's the purpose of having a listing here if you don't return calls or emails from prospective clients and referrals? Finding the 5 star review of this one, and many others in the same specialty pretty impossible to believe. It doesn't take more than a week to return someone's call who has a looming deadline. Again, finding all these 5 star reviews hard to believe.
Read more
03 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
I was recently fired and Lavena helped me figure out my unemployment! They were super helpful!
Read more
24 Nov, 2018 by Gemma
I’ve been working with Marlena for the last 6 months on more of an uncommon type of case. While my case is not resolved yet i am confident that we will have a favorable outcome. Marlena has maintained great communication with me since the day she took my case. She not only responds to my emails very quickly , but also answers my questions clearly. She has given me realistic expectations and i appreciate how direct she is.
Read more
16 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Ms. Grundy-Dietzway was a superb resource that was referred to me by my attorney that was not well versed in these business matters. I was in need of immediate help wherein Marlena was indeed of excellent service.
Read more
04 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
I was overwhelmed by a health care coverage issue. Marlena listened to my problem and was professional, reassuring, and very helpful. I feel she has given me good advice, has done careful research, and has made a good case for me.
Read more
06 Jul, 2022 by Michael
I hired Liz as I was a victim in a DV case which grew to stalking as my partner was also assaulted. Liz was amazing from start to finish.
Her process was meticulous. So much so that when the person who had repeatedly attacked me and my partner tried to file complaints against us they were immediately dismissed.
What I like best about my experience with Liz, other than the resounding WIN, was how well she communicated with us. Her explanations of the process and what was happening and the potential outcomes were amazing as well as comforting.
This was a whole new set of fears and anxieties I had never experienced and her style, demeaner and communication helped alleviate all of that.
Even with the process dragging on through COVID Liz just nailed it. I am grateful that I had Liz by my side during this terrifying experience.
I cannot say enough good things and I would encourage anyone to trust her and have her as your advocate!
Read more
26 May, 2021 by Mark
To: Elizabeth M. P. (Attorney) and Christine C. (Paralegal) of the McKinley Irvin Law Firm
From: Mark D., McKinley Irvin Divorce Case Customer
Reference: McKinley Irvin Unprofessional And Non -Transparent Business Conduct
Date: 5/11/21
My conscience will let me go no further in life without voicing my significant dissatisfaction with your professional conduct while handling my divorce case.
Early on in my divorce case, unfortunately, Elizabeth's mother passed away.
Because of Elizabeth's grieving, I understood and accepted the ignoring of numerous questions in my emails and the very lengthy delays associated with McKinley Irvin's responses to me.
Because of Elizabeth's grieving, I did not voice my concerns at the time. Though I accepted these occurrences at the time, I believe the more appropriate path for McKinley Irvin to have taken would have been to switch me to a different Attorney (while Elizabeth worked her way through her grieving).
Many months after Elizabeth's mother's passing, however, the same pattern of behavior was still observed. It does appear that this delaying and ignoring of customer inputs is McKinley Irvin's normal modus operandi.
On several occasions, phone conference times were scheduled only to be cancelled at the very last minute, with Christine C. citing "emergency issues".
Significant delays, ignored emails/questions, and last minute cancellations always left me feeling, as a customer, that I am extremely low on McKinley Irvin's priority list.
This is really surprising given that truly successful companies strive to make it a goal of satisfying their customers.
However annoying the above conduct is, it pales in comparison to the more serious complaint of unprofessional (possibly unethical?) non-transparent behavior that I will detail below...
On April 30th 2021, I requested, for my records, copies of all communications between Tara R. (my wife's attorney) and McKinley Irvin.
As you know, there is a line item for each one of these communications in the McKinley Irvin billing system which, as a paying customer, I have been billed for and have paid good money for.
My request for copies of all of these communications was met with "I will look into this for you" (Christine C.) and, during a 1:30 pm phone conversation on 5/4/21, "We have a cumbersome document system, I will see what we can do" (Elizabeth M. P.).
At the end of the 5/4/21, 1:30 pm phone conversation with Elizabeth, Elizabeth did say she would get me the communications I requested. To-date (as of 5/11/21), I have yet to receive the requested communications which I have paid good money for (and which I do not expect to pay one penny more for).
Clearly "do what you say and say what you do" is not a motto which McKinley Irvin runs their business by.
It is clear, also, that there is a lack of transparency happening at McKinley Irvin which is highly unprofessional and, I would even argue, bordering on unethical.
As a paying customer, to be denied what one has paid for, is absolutely unprofessional.
It is perplexing that I have to explain to the McKinley Irvin firm how it should respond to one of its paying customers.
The response should not have been "I will look into this" or "we have a cumbersome document system"; the response should have been, "you are a venerated paying customer of ours who has paid for these communications and we will get these communications to you just as soon as we can (at no additional cost to you)".
What I would like to have happen is for McKinley Irvin to acknowledge this significant lapse in customer service and refund my money.
I am dissatisfied with your treatment of my divorce case. Divorce is devastating enough in itself. To feel like the attorney/firm you are paying good money to, in order to guide you through one of life's toughest journey's, is hamstringing and hampering you along the way, makes it feel many times more devastating.
Read more
01 Aug, 2018 by Josh
I used Elizabeth to represent me in a serious criminal case. It was a complex case that was made worse when "Seattle's Best" defense attorney messed up my case and Elizabeth definitely did a phenomenal job fixing what the first attorney screwed up. She was always to the point with me and never sugar coated the problems we faced in my defense. We went after the witnesses medical records and despite the state hiring an attorney to fight that for them we won and got access to the records. In the end we went to trial against the states star prosecutor and she beat him. I was acquitted of all charges. I can't express how grateful I was to have her represent me. She is the first person I would turn to.
Read more
06 Jan, 2017 by Christina
Don't waste your money on this one. She is an absolute disaster and will cost tremendous amounts of money. My husband assaulted me, but she was not able to successfully prosecute the case and I lost everything. Avoid this lawyer, please.
Read more
06 Nov, 2015 by Leslie mccann
Kristyna stood by my side during a recent CPS incident where I was falsely accused. Kristyna was warm, compassionate, and absolutely lovely. I felt like my best friend was in the room with me at the CPS interview and it gave me a great deal of peace and comfort.
I'm currently going through a divorce and chose a different firm only because of a conflict of interest within Kristyna's firm (my soon to be ex has a family member who works there). If not for that, I would have chosen Kristyna in a heartbeat. When discussing the possibility of divorce with her, I felt that she was reasonable, knowledgeable, efficient, and level-headed. She seemed eager to find amicable solutions first - which is more my style than cut-throat. Though, undoubtedly, able to hold her own against a cut-throat type attorney and not being intimidated by them.
I think if you're in the market for a compassionate attorney who will walk you through not only the legal maze, but be warm and compassionate while you navigate the emotional roller coaster, Kristyna is your gal. Also, if your soon-to-be-ex is of the reasonable variety, I can't imagine a better person to use for a collaborative divorce .
Read more
02 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
My children and I were victims of domestic violence and after several other attorneys on the case over many years, Kristyna immediately understood what was happening and the tactics our abuser was using to continue abuse through the court system. With Kristyna's help, we were finally heard and have some peace. She knows how to present things to the court logically, concisely and effectively, which is so important in the he-said, she-said family court forum where the facts can become lost. I highly recommend Kristyna Larch.
Read more
14 Nov, 2020 by Gary n.
I hired Michael Safren to research an issue for me and give me his opinion, which he did. He gave me a written opinion letter and regardless of the outcome I was completely satisfied with his work product. Being an attorney myself I was impressed with his professionalism and analysis.
Read more
14 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
I hire J.Ling on Nov.of 2019 and ended our relationship on April 2020, yes it took that long but she had not file my bankruptcy at all. She came up with so many reasons to justify her ineptitude, it was a mistake on my part when I paid her in full, it made her lazy and not do her job. I asked her twice to give me my file so I could go to another but she has not given it to me, up to this time I still haven't received my file.
Hire this lawyer at your own risk.
Read more
12 Oct, 2017 by Jennifer
I used Jenny for drafting a business purchase contract and review of a commercial lease. She was responsive, efficient and very accommodating of my shortish timeline. I appreciated working with her and highly recommend her for small business owners who might be afraid of working with a lawyer. High integrity. Great value.
Read more
06 Sep, 2024 by Vincent - chief orchestrator
Great family law firm. Well connected to the legal community, empowering quick solutions with integrity and fairness.
Read more
03 May, 2024 by Peter creed
I had worked with Lucia Levias for almost two years on a case and regret doing so. Based on my experiences, I would not recommend Dubois levias law group
Read more
06 Mar, 2024 by Parsa shams
06 Sep, 2024 by Vincent - chief orchestrator
Great family law firm. Well connected to the legal community, empowering quick solutions with integrity and fairness.
Read more
03 May, 2024 by Peter creed
I had worked with Lucia Levias for almost two years on a case and regret doing so. Based on my experiences, I would not recommend Dubois levias law group
Read more
06 Mar, 2024 by Parsa shams
06 Sep, 2024 by Vincent - chief orchestrator
Great family law firm. Well connected to the legal community, empowering quick solutions with integrity and fairness.
Read more
03 May, 2024 by Peter creed
I had worked with Lucia Levias for almost two years on a case and regret doing so. Based on my experiences, I would not recommend Dubois levias law group
Read more
06 Mar, 2024 by Parsa shams
Find Your Lawyer
By Practice Area
-
Business
-
Litigation
-
Real Estate
-
Intellectual Property
-
Personal Injury
-
Government
-
Criminal Defense
-
Civil Rights
-
Estate Planning
-
Appeals
-
Family Law
-
Consumer Protection
-
Insurance
-
Tax
-
Immigration
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Probate
-
Class Action
-
Car Accident
-
Child Support
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Entertainment
-
Workers Compensation
-
Wrongful Death
-
Child Custody
-
Mediation
-
Elder Law
-
Trusts
-
Domestic Violence
-
Juvenile Law
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
Debt Collection
-
Discrimination
-
Bankruptcy
-
Foreclosure
-
Wrongful Termination
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Adoption
-
Copyright Application
-
Sex Crime
-
Debt Settlement
-
Divorce
-
Federal Crime
-
Cannabis Law
-
Employment / Labor
-
Construction
-
Credit Repair
-
Life Insurance
-
Admiralty / Maritime
-
Drug Crime
-
Contracts
-
Education Law
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.
