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17 Sep, 2024 by Destiny remodeling
Miss Reed is everything one could ask for in legal defense. She is also charming, vibrant and a pleasure to be around. Not mention professional and kind. I highly recommend her for all your professional needs.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Kelsey napolitano
Cassie was amazing for me! Very professional and handled my business perfectly! 5stars!
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09 Aug, 2024 by Sarah miller
I was referred to Cassie from another attorney in South Florida for a friend. Throughout the whole process, she was very communicative and explained how things were going to happen. Her knowledge and expertise on the matter were excellent. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an attorney in Florida.
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11 Sep, 2024 by David
Steve did a fantastic job. She was patient with the endless questions and concerns that I had throughout the process and did all he could for my case. Any time anyone asks for a recommendation, I have no reservations saying Steve Gilpatrick
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11 Mar, 2024 by Matthew
I made the mistake of hiring a large nationally known law firm at the onset of my divorce, a very expensive mistake. After taking some beatings in the legal system, I decided to change my attorney and found Steve Gilpatrick and Brooke, his paralegal. This made all the difference. Steve and Brooke have been practicing law here for a long time. What that meant for me is they were current on all the laws, had seen the history of these laws, how they had been interpreted by the judges, and they had a very keen sense on any upcoming changes with the court system. You will want this in your legal representation. Steve has a strong base in the community and a solid history. Other attorneys have commented on his professionalism in working with him. You want this too. In addition, Steve and Brooke are honorable people. As an Officer in the military that was very important to me. They guided me through the painful process of divorce in a way that I can look back on with respect and my integrity intact. This law firm kept me focused and calm when I wanted to be anything but. They represented me fairly and in a way I respect. I went from a losing streak with the big law firm to a massive win gaining 50% custody of my children. Every father out there knows this is a tremendous victory. Please do yourself the favor of at least getting a consultation, it turned my divorce around.
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27 Feb, 2024 by Yumon
This lawyer office is a blessing for this community. This was the second time that Steve has represented me and I was very pleased with the outcome. If anybody needs representation, this law office would be my first recommendation.
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17 May, 2024 by Elena
Excellent service, people know what they are doing and do it very well . I Would definitely recommend .
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03 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
I am a very satisfied client of Ms. Greaves. She put out all effort to help with my case and I got satisfactory results. I found her to be very knowledgeable professional during the whole process. Thank you for been so helpful and understanding.
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07 Nov, 2023 by Kate
Stephanie worked really hard for us even when we had difficulty from the other party and she kept us informed on what step in the process we were in. When the big day came for the final hearing she even put the effort to make my son a big part of it. I recommend her to anyone who needs a family law attorney!
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08 May, 2024 by John
I want to commend Mike's efforts and recognize him for an outstanding job on my behalf. His diligence and efficiency in getting the settlement agreement drafted, reviewed and signed all on the same day we reached an agreement is virtually unheard of and very much appreciated. What could have been a protracted and horribly expensive process was resolved with minimal friction and at a comparatively modest cost for all parties. The initial counterproposal we received looked like we were headed for a dogfight. His realistic, disciplined approach kept everyone, including opposing counsel, focused on obtaining a fair result for both parties.
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14 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
I received excellent service. Mr. Webster and his team had me and my families best interest in mind during the divorce process. I highly recommend Mr. Webster for a divorce lawyer.
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31 Oct, 2023 by Debra
Michael is the best and really helped me to learn all that was going on with the laws regarding divorce. He and Katie, kept me updated with all the documents filed with my case, as it was very tangled. He was absolutely the kindest person regarding the entire process. Cannot thank he and Katie enough!
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28 Sep, 2018 by Chelsea
Wow, Mr. Swiatek did a fantastic job on my case! He was the third Lawyer I called when I was looking for legal Representation after getting arrested in a County 2 hours away from where I lived. He should have been the very first and the only lawyer I called, because he went above and beyond for my case. I originally chose Mr. Swiatek as the best fit for my case, because he returned my call very quickly, and he did so from his cell phone on a business Holiday that he was still tirelessly working on his other cases even though the office was closed that day to observe the Holiday. My case was a simple misdemeanor case, but I had never been arrested for anything before so this felt like a huge deal to me. Even though my case was a relatively small one Mr. Swiatek took it very seriously. He is very efficient, professional, and definitely knows what he is doing! He was able to get my case completely dismissed, and I couldn't be happier or more satisfied with the outcome. Mr. Swiatek truly did do everything he said he would do, and even more. He deserves 100 stars! Thank you Mr. Swiatek!
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18 Aug, 2018 by Christina
What a phenomenal person and professional. This was the most difficult time I have ever experienced in my life and Mr. Swiatek and his staff assisted me out of a situation that was brought on to me by corrupt individuals. I wound have paid twice as much as I did because of the immediate and outstanding results from his hard work and dedication. Thank you, and your staff, for all of your dedication to my life and well being!
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11 Jan, 2018 by Patrick
In 1996, I was 17 year old juvenile who was involved in a situation where a young mans Life was tragically lost. I was not the individual who took the young man's life, but the courts found me just as culpable as the individual who actually committed the homicide. After years of fighting my case to prove my innocence, all too which was to no avail, unto my family hired Mr Glenn swiatek. Mr swiatek gave my case the care and the time it needed, and ultimately I was released from a court order life sentence, to time served.this man's knowledge of the law and his court presence is awe inspiring and captivating. I am forever in his debt, for it is no every day that a real live miracle worker comes into people's lives.......thank you Mr swiatek, you have my highest respect and eternal devotion...may God continue to bless you. Respectfully Patrick Smith ll
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15 Jul, 2013 by Jack strunk
For the past five years Mr. Mark Rubin has represented me in my two decade long divorce proceedings that have cost me more than I care to admit prior to Mr. Rubin taking my case. He has saved me income tax returns that would have been taken by my ex-spouse and even disability benefits as I am one hundred percent disabled. I would love to tell you that this was a one time ordeal but she has attempted this three times to date and will likely try again in the future. If I did not have the assistance of Mr. Rubin I could be homeless and without proper care, he has kept me from being raped by the Department of Child Support Services and my ex-spouse as he knows the laws and he has worked for the Department of Child support services. Taking in to consideration all of these attributes and Mr. Rubin's extremely good nature and willingness to work with anyone, one would be foolish to pass up having him represent them with a man of this character and devotion to his profession. It is with these words that I recommend Mr. Mark Rubin to you for all of your legal matters and say that you will not find a better attorney in the panhandle of Florida to provide legal services.
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09 Jul, 2013 by Shannon
Negotiated my divorce over and over again with a difficult attorney and ended up getting my child support significantly reduced because I am currently unemployed, got a needed lump sum payment to me for half the equity in the house, and incredibly liberal time-sharing (and shared transportation) with my son (the most important part) even though I am technically outside of the geographic area. Took time explaining things to me probably too many times because most of this stuff is way beyond me - very patient and down to earth. His secretary Lisa is a sweetheart. I would hire him again in a second.
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08 Feb, 2013 by Tony
Mr. Rubin has unique skills in domestic relations/family law,in that, he was employed by fl. Dept of Revenue - child support. I would not hestitate to retain Mr. Rubin in other matters;he is deliberate,well versed and very thorough. I have MBA and worked as CEO/CFO in healthcare for 32 years,dealing with many attorneys; Mr.Rubin is unique;in that,he is very personable and respectfull,while providing professional advise in laymans terms. Tony
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05 Dec, 2019 by John
Best lawyer I've ever had, got my case thrown out, 2 of my cases within 3 months if each other.
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25 Sep, 2019 by Richard harrison
This Guy is a great lawyer!!!! I'm blessed to have had him work on my extensive global problem and did a fantastic job
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21 Oct, 2019 by Linda
This lawyer gave us the lite of our life we never had adopted before but he made it easy thank you
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07 May, 2013 by Mike
I would highly recommend Linda Buck for a divorce attorney. My experience, although years ago, is still very memorable . She was a caring professional who while looking out for my interest, advised me to keep things civil, for the future interest of the involved children. She is not afraid to fight for an agreement that is reasonable for everyone concerned. She deserves your respect, meet her and I am sure that she will earn it.
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22 Aug, 2024 by John bowen
The service is excellent and they go the extra mile. The people are friendly and very helpful. The legal staff and their staff know how to get things through the compliance required by our legal system. I highly recommend them!
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22 Aug, 2024 by Harry pastuszek
I have had an outstanding relationship with this law firm in both trust and guardianship matters. The firm blends the presence of both accomplished lawyers and paralegals who are always available to provide the legal services that are required for the particular problem. I highly recommend this firm if you have need of legal services in the area of Wills, Trust and guardianship matters.
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18 Aug, 2024 by Peggy carrano
I used this firm for a deed change. They answered in a timely matter and resolved the issue quickly. They told me the cost in the first consultation so there was no confusion. I would highly recommend them.
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22 Aug, 2024 by John bowen
The service is excellent and they go the extra mile. The people are friendly and very helpful. The legal staff and their staff know how to get things through the compliance required by our legal system. I highly recommend them!
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22 Aug, 2024 by Harry pastuszek
I have had an outstanding relationship with this law firm in both trust and guardianship matters. The firm blends the presence of both accomplished lawyers and paralegals who are always available to provide the legal services that are required for the particular problem. I highly recommend this firm if you have need of legal services in the area of Wills, Trust and guardianship matters.
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18 Aug, 2024 by Peggy carrano
I used this firm for a deed change. They answered in a timely matter and resolved the issue quickly. They told me the cost in the first consultation so there was no confusion. I would highly recommend them.
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25 Jan, 2024 by Brian fusco
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13 Jan, 2024 by Nel sutliff
He was amazing! The dissolution process is excruciatingly slow (no fault of his or his office) but he did an absolutely excellent job on my case. Often people believe that their family law attorney is at fault for any issue in the process, but he is very knowledgeable about the law and the process, and he’s one of the best attorneys in the county. Lori is also just so great to work with as well! She’s so kind and professional. His firm put me in an excellent position during the pendency of my case. I highly recommend his firm.
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12 Dec, 2023 by Tina murphy
Clark Henderson was cold and non responsive to emails and phone calls. He did not follow through with what was awarded to me and because he did not have correct information on the court documents, I was not able to receive what was awarded. He would take no phone calls on the situation, I was just told to pay what I owed even though I was unable to collect anything because I was still going through court on the same issues having to represent myself. This is information on my representation from Henderson, so you can be informed when you choose the best attorney for you.
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15 Feb, 2024 by Dave fitzpatrick
Laresa Dudley is the one of the best in Okaloosa County. With her experience as a prosecutor, she’s a bulldog in the courtroom and stands firm to protect the rights of her clients. She obtained dismissals in every one of the cases I’ve ever hired her for. I’d give 10 stars if I could!
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21 Sep, 2023 by Chris buffington
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04 May, 2023 by H2oisgood
I have to piggy back on Mr. Barron Proch’s 5 Star Review! I too had a family member wrongly accused. It was an incredibly, unfortunate, situation and experience, that should Not have Ever happened. Dustin Dewrell and his Team went above and beyond! I Promise You, this Law Firm, hands down, gets a 5 Star Rating. You’re in Good Hands. Thank you Mr. Barron Proch, for your well written accurate review, on the Law Firm of Dewrell and Herndon.
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07 Mar, 2018 by Jessica
I retained Mr. Campbell in 2014 due to custody issues, and to this day he is still my attorney for custody/child support issues. My ex is a very manipulative and controlling person and, in the past, I had been very scared to stand up to him; however, with Mr. Campbell and his team by my side I am no longer scared to fight. He goes above and beyond and is truly remarkable at what he does, he knows how to fight for you and protect you and your children. I consider him a knight in shining armor, anyone that gets to be his client is truly blessed. If you are dealing with custody or child support issues and need someone to fight for you, go nowhere else, you will not be disappointed.
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03 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
This was my first time in need of an attorney, so I didn't know what to expect. I was under the impression that, if you Hire an attorney then they take it from there. That was not the case. There was a lot of leg work for me to do on my part. Example: documenting, fact gathering; and remembering places, times, people and things of that nature. Mr Campbell is very personable and easy to talk to. He helped me achieve my goal of getting my children away from a toxic environmen. I am definitely satisfied with the judgment and outcome.
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13 Jul, 2016 by Aymee
My divorce/custody battle started overseas 4 years ago. When I hired Mr. Campbell the divorce/custody was already done and signed by the judge yet not even 4 months later we were having issues. Mr. Campbell took the time to re-write our custody agreement into plain language and has been by side the entire time. If I have a question on what to do or how to interpret something, he and his team is right there with the answer and guidance. Now 4 years since I have retained him I have had to go back to court with my ex and Mr. Campbell is once again right by side reassuring me, explaining the process (while speaking plain english) and ensuring the right thing is done. What I like best about Mr. Campbell is not only is he going to look out for his client's interest but the interest of the child. He will give you the honest truth about how its going to be looked at and let you know if you truly are in the "right". He's not after your money so rather than waste your time with phone calls and back and forth documentation (which can add up) he let's you know in one shot. He'll give you the facts of what things may cost you, how your case fairs based on the information you have provided and let you decide. In no way is he pushy. With what I have went through over the past 4 years and having to do this as a military parent, I don't know what I would have done without him.
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15 Feb, 2024 by Dave fitzpatrick
Laresa Dudley is the one of the best in Okaloosa County. With her experience as a prosecutor, she’s a bulldog in the courtroom and stands firm to protect the rights of her clients. She obtained dismissals in every one of the cases I’ve ever hired her for. I’d give 10 stars if I could!
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21 Sep, 2023 by Chris buffington
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04 May, 2023 by H2oisgood
I have to piggy back on Mr. Barron Proch’s 5 Star Review! I too had a family member wrongly accused. It was an incredibly, unfortunate, situation and experience, that should Not have Ever happened. Dustin Dewrell and his Team went above and beyond! I Promise You, this Law Firm, hands down, gets a 5 Star Rating. You’re in Good Hands. Thank you Mr. Barron Proch, for your well written accurate review, on the Law Firm of Dewrell and Herndon.
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16 Aug, 2024 by David kostecki
Thank you Glenn for your time and expertise in resolving this criminal matter. Very grateful that I made the choice to have your knowledgeable representation.
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12 May, 2024 by Camil klein
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06 May, 2024 by Chris gallaher
Great guy, knows his stuff. So glad I chose this firm to handle my case. I would definitely recommend him.
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16 Aug, 2024 by David kostecki
Thank you Glenn for your time and expertise in resolving this criminal matter. Very grateful that I made the choice to have your knowledgeable representation.
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12 May, 2024 by Camil klein
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06 May, 2024 by Chris gallaher
Great guy, knows his stuff. So glad I chose this firm to handle my case. I would definitely recommend him.
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16 Aug, 2024 by David kostecki
Thank you Glenn for your time and expertise in resolving this criminal matter. Very grateful that I made the choice to have your knowledgeable representation.
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12 May, 2024 by Camil klein
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06 May, 2024 by Chris gallaher
Great guy, knows his stuff. So glad I chose this firm to handle my case. I would definitely recommend him.
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16 Aug, 2024 by David kostecki
Thank you Glenn for your time and expertise in resolving this criminal matter. Very grateful that I made the choice to have your knowledgeable representation.
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12 May, 2024 by Camil klein
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06 May, 2024 by Chris gallaher
Great guy, knows his stuff. So glad I chose this firm to handle my case. I would definitely recommend him.
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16 Aug, 2024 by David kostecki
Thank you Glenn for your time and expertise in resolving this criminal matter. Very grateful that I made the choice to have your knowledgeable representation.
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12 May, 2024 by Camil klein
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06 May, 2024 by Chris gallaher
Great guy, knows his stuff. So glad I chose this firm to handle my case. I would definitely recommend him.
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16 Aug, 2024 by David kostecki
Thank you Glenn for your time and expertise in resolving this criminal matter. Very grateful that I made the choice to have your knowledgeable representation.
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12 May, 2024 by Camil klein
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06 May, 2024 by Chris gallaher
Great guy, knows his stuff. So glad I chose this firm to handle my case. I would definitely recommend him.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Karon east
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27 Aug, 2024 by Macie
The lawyers are so smart. They are very thorough and they know how to get the job done and they like to put their clients needs first. The staff has been very accommodating and nice as well. I will recommend this firm and this team to anyone and everyone. 5 Stars hands down.
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25 Oct, 2023 by Mouse run
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10 Feb, 2024 by Twofreedoms
A simple contract to pay between individuals and they failed to file case due to more research needed. $5000 paid and never received a call from Mr. Goodwin. The contract was for payment of settlement of partnership with an air force officer when he sold the property. The air force office made $3,000,000 on sale and did not honor his promise and signature on recorded document at Okaloosa County County. The firm told and we believe they understood the funds were to be used in continued support of the Ukraine and U.S. humanitarian charity Two Freedoms Foundation and their work helping children and families in and during the war in Ukraine. Not an apology for failure but a request for several more thousand dollars for more research. And all documents and history were recorded and kept with the Foundation from date of partnership beginning 1992 but not used for filing a letter to the air force officer to pay. The sale was in 2022 with no statue of limitation limit as our contracting his firm was in 2022. We believe all that is given is correct and given this day from eastern Ukraine where will continue to support families and children during the Russian war in Ukraine.
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24 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Our interactions with this firm were quite disappointing. We paid an initial consultation fee of $290 for Mr. Goodwin to provide “preliminary guidance” (their emphasis) for establishing an LLC in Florida to hold our Florida property. After a discussion of the requisite steps, we left the meeting not feeling comfortable with the matter, but still intending to move forward. At no point during the consultation were any downsides of creating an LLC brought up. Over the next couple of days I was emailed twice by a paralegal from the firm asking us to select a registered agent so she could begin work setting up the LLC. During this same time, our Georgia estate attorney contacted me wanting to know if Mr. Goodwin had warned us of the impact of creating an LLC on our non-homestead 10% ad valorem real property tax cap, which would be followed by a higher base for annual assessments. He stated there was a recent Florida 3rd DCA opinion addressing this issue. I called the Okaloosa tax office and they confirmed that if we placed our property into an LLC then the base tax rate readjusts and it would potentially cost us thousands of dollars. In my view, this is precisely the type of information which should be brought up during a paid initial consultation session. Another indicator of a lack of attention to detail on the part of the Goodwin firm is they placed the wrong home address on our documents. We had not lived at the address they used in over four years, and we had never given it to the firm. Even on a subsequent bill of $275, apparently for the paralegal’s time, they again used the wrong address. We decided not to continue our relationship with the Goodwin law firm.
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24 Feb, 2021 by Klare
Mr Goodwin very clearly explained the probate process to me in the beginning. From there to the end, his associates walked me through every step with compassion and professionalism, always keeping me informed and seeking to make the experience as convenient for me as possible. I would not hesitate to refer his services to anyone.
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11 Sep, 2024 by James boothe
These people are afraid of the state and working with state even the Fort Walton Beach Police Department are in the kohoots together to violate our constitution rights , they give a public pretender that only sit on his hands and did nothing to win my case because they are afraid of the city and state These people are getting paid to lie to you and arrest all of you because they can . I suffered from a unlawful practice and These people helped them violate my rights . Failure to identify is a secondary issue a crime needs to be first . Criminal investigation policy doesn't overrides the constitution rights this is the highest priority level in all the laws .
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19 Mar, 2024 by Chelsea rester
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29 Feb, 2024 by Rocky roads
Met with Allison Tringas about my case. Had an appointment for 2pm and she made me wait until 2:40pm. Had to take off work for nothing! Building looks horrible, all moldy, very fitting and represents the people that work there. I was arrested for filming the police and charged with resisting an officer. She claims its illegal to film the police in the course of their duties. lol Guess shes never read supreme court case law like Turner vs Driver, Glik v. Cunniffe, Irizarry v. Yehia, many others and the 1st amendment!!! She didn't listen to anything i said. She didn't want to watch the body camera footage to see what actually happened! She is a know it all, and just wants people to plea out. Total Karen, thats full of herself. She even has a big picture on her desk of herself in hunting gear, has gun pictures all over the walls. Guess she likes the 2nd amendment, just not the 1st amendment (freedom of press) You are press when you film in public! These public pretenders are a big problem in our justice system! How she sleeps at night is beyond me! How many people has she led to the slaughter house of the government? Total POS that steals our tax dollars! There's a special place in Hell for people like her!
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15 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
I attempted to hire Mr. Simpson on an Estate case where the Testator with a Will that was not notarized. He rejected me. Then after I got another attorney he attempted to sue me! He claimed to represent an elderly beneficiary in California. Simpson then when against his own client. The elderly gentleman then sent a letter directly to the Judge and Simpson. The Judge called Simpson and his case was immediately withdrawn. So do you want to trust this attorney who attempted to sue someone who sought him to represent them?
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11 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Simpson really don't care about his clients and fails to update me when it came to my case. He is lazy and drag his feet and take his time to get this done, if anything at all. He really don't expalin nothing to you and make you seem like you should know and really don't have a care for his clients. I would not reccomend Mr. Simpson. I felt that i could had did better without his help. Not to mention, if you want things done, you have to ask yourself because he won't speak up for you. The retainer is ok, but i still would suggest to find a better lawyer. His secretary is very helpful and does help and anwer questions. Don't waste your time with hiring Tony Simpson.
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04 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
My SO hired Mr. Simpson in his divorce case, at first we thought maybe he is just laid back, but as time went on and we were talked to like we were stupid, we brightened up and hired a new attorney. I don't know if he was lazy, didn't care, or didn't know what he was doing, but nothing was right from the beginning. At one of the first consults, we were told one thing, and towards the end another. That was enough to scare us away and not risk our future in the hands of someone that didn't seem to care. His retainer wasn't bad, but for the small amount of work that was done, it was used very quickly, and on top of that, we were accruing more bills and were not made aware of that.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Kayla
He performed so poorly in my case that i filed a complaint with the Florida Bar and he received a verbal admonishment from the Lawyer Professionalism Panel. Additionally, he allowed his client to get deposed, but was unprepared to depose the other party. The case was settled before the other party was ever deposed.
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Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer

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

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

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

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

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

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

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

  1. Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as contracts, correspondence, legal notices, court papers, or evidence.
  2. Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and involved parties.
  3. List of Questions:
    Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, or the lawyer's experience.
  4. Financial Information:
    If applicable, bring financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements.
  5. Contact Information:
    Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case.
  6. Personal Identification:
    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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