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19 Aug, 2022 by Thomas
Scott represented me on a custody case after being chosen as my assigned counsel by the Family Court. Although, I ultimately chose not to pursue my preferred custody arrangements by having my case proceed to a trial, instead settling the case for the time being, from beginning to end, Scott’s presence in my case made a dramatically positive difference both in and out of the court room. Prior to Scott being assigned as my attorney, I was represented by three other paid attorney’s who over-charged, underperformed, and actually contributed to influencing the stressful nature of a custody proceeding by their inability to empathize with the stress- inducing circumstances of the case, exercise patience, or consider my wishes above what they thought was best for my case. In contrast, with Scott as your attorney, you will be paying for (or in my case assigned at no cost) an attorney who is of unwavering integrity, exhibits steadfast patience, and always willing to place himself in your shoes when times get tough in your case. Uncomfortable, intense, and enduring emotions are central to the majority of Family Court Proceedings. Litigating a custody case is an experience than requires far more than an attorney with years of experience in a court room or an inflated ego. It requires an Attorney who is able to relate to the human element of the case, and be a source of wise and compassionate support while simultaneously contending with the legal component of the case with talent, skill, and ability to negotiate. Scott embodies this balance of empathy, knowledge, and expertise. I say with confidence that anyone who decides to retain Scott as their attorney will be stronger and more properly prepared to both fight and tolerate the litigating of their legal case. Considering this attorney was my assigned counsel, he was ‘underpaid yet over-delivered.’
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29 May, 2019 by Johnny owens
Great service
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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:
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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?
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What is your approach to handling cases like mine?
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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
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Verify Their License:
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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?
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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:
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Pen and Notebook:
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Budget Constraints:
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How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a lawyer varies widely based on several factors:
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Fee Structures:
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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.
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Hourly Rate:
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Factors Affecting Cost:
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Complexity of the Case:
More complex cases require more time and resources, increasing costs. -
Lawyer's Experience:
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Geographic Location:
Legal fees can vary significantly by region or city. -
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Complexity of the Case:
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Estimating Total Costs:
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Negotiating Fees:
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For those who cannot afford legal services, some lawyers or legal aid organizations offer services at reduced rates or for free.
