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21 Nov, 2024 by Amy b (musegolightly4)
I was referred to Barrie Bazarsky last year following injuries from a rear-end highway collision. My experience with Barrie and her associate Diane Ford has redefined my conception of what "excellent" representation looks like, raising this bar for the legal profession to a new standard. Barrie is fierce, compassionate and perseverant in her follow-up; Diane is simply wonderful, dedicating her knowledge and diligence to my case from day one. For anyone enduring a continuous cycle of medical/PT appointments, these traits deliver the kind of value that cannot be overstated. To Futterman Lanza & Pasculli, well done on maintaining such exceptional staff... And to Barrie and Diane, thank you both for being exceptional.
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01 Nov, 2024 by Glenn roberts
Cannot say enough about how we were treated as clients with FLP
Ms Jaclyn Kramer, Keil, Gail, and Jennifer all made us feel welcomed and comfortable.
Ms Kramer is a true professional who helped my wife and I greatly, all in a warm, friendly and professional manner.
Everyone made us feel that we selected the appropriate law firm to represent us.
Thanks so much everyone
Glenn and Maryanne
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27 Oct, 2024 by Alec goldstein
Barrie Bazarsky is the best personal injury attorney out there. Barrie is professional, thoughtful, compassionate, and produces results. Barrie took my case and supported me when other personal injury attorneys would not, and was able to provide me with peace of mind throughout the entire process and an appropriate settlement to back it up. I fully endorse Barry Bazarsky and would recommend her to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Amy b (musegolightly4)
I was referred to Barrie Bazarsky last year following injuries from a rear-end highway collision. My experience with Barrie and her associate Diane Ford has redefined my conception of what "excellent" representation looks like, raising this bar for the legal profession to a new standard. Barrie is fierce, compassionate and perseverant in her follow-up; Diane is simply wonderful, dedicating her knowledge and diligence to my case from day one. For anyone enduring a continuous cycle of medical/PT appointments, these traits deliver the kind of value that cannot be overstated. To Futterman Lanza & Pasculli, well done on maintaining such exceptional staff... And to Barrie and Diane, thank you both for being exceptional.
Read more
01 Nov, 2024 by Glenn roberts
Cannot say enough about how we were treated as clients with FLP
Ms Jaclyn Kramer, Keil, Gail, and Jennifer all made us feel welcomed and comfortable.
Ms Kramer is a true professional who helped my wife and I greatly, all in a warm, friendly and professional manner.
Everyone made us feel that we selected the appropriate law firm to represent us.
Thanks so much everyone
Glenn and Maryanne
Read more
27 Oct, 2024 by Alec goldstein
Barrie Bazarsky is the best personal injury attorney out there. Barrie is professional, thoughtful, compassionate, and produces results. Barrie took my case and supported me when other personal injury attorneys would not, and was able to provide me with peace of mind throughout the entire process and an appropriate settlement to back it up. I fully endorse Barry Bazarsky and would recommend her to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney.
Read more
21 Nov, 2024 by Amy b (musegolightly4)
I was referred to Barrie Bazarsky last year following injuries from a rear-end highway collision. My experience with Barrie and her associate Diane Ford has redefined my conception of what "excellent" representation looks like, raising this bar for the legal profession to a new standard. Barrie is fierce, compassionate and perseverant in her follow-up; Diane is simply wonderful, dedicating her knowledge and diligence to my case from day one. For anyone enduring a continuous cycle of medical/PT appointments, these traits deliver the kind of value that cannot be overstated. To Futterman Lanza & Pasculli, well done on maintaining such exceptional staff... And to Barrie and Diane, thank you both for being exceptional.
Read more
01 Nov, 2024 by Glenn roberts
Cannot say enough about how we were treated as clients with FLP
Ms Jaclyn Kramer, Keil, Gail, and Jennifer all made us feel welcomed and comfortable.
Ms Kramer is a true professional who helped my wife and I greatly, all in a warm, friendly and professional manner.
Everyone made us feel that we selected the appropriate law firm to represent us.
Thanks so much everyone
Glenn and Maryanne
Read more
27 Oct, 2024 by Alec goldstein
Barrie Bazarsky is the best personal injury attorney out there. Barrie is professional, thoughtful, compassionate, and produces results. Barrie took my case and supported me when other personal injury attorneys would not, and was able to provide me with peace of mind throughout the entire process and an appropriate settlement to back it up. I fully endorse Barry Bazarsky and would recommend her to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney.
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10 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Birzon was a great lawyer, handled my case with competence. After the case was done there was a misunderstanding about my file and he never called me to talk about (only sent letters to a house I had since moved from). I KNOW he had my cell number from the trial and one day a few months later he left me a voicemail that I responded to quickly. He told me he was threatening to sue me because I did not get back to him quickly enough, I explained it was a misunderstanding and I would correct the problem immediately, which I did. Apparently another lawyer suggested he call me before trying to sue (why he or his office did not call my cell before this is beyond me), if he or his office had called earlier the whole issue could have been avoided. I didn't want to end our relationship on a bad note, but he thought otherwise and told me as much in not so polite terms.
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05 Dec, 2014 by Jon-david
The Lenard Team has been selling Real Estate in Smithtown since 1985. We have had interactions with many local attorneys over the years and our recent experience with Mr. Birzon was exceptional. The representation he provided our mutual client was top notch. His support staff was very accommodating, friendly, and knowledgable. I would recommend this firm to anyone in the community when it comes time to buy or sell a home.
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17 Sep, 2013 by Lisa
My family and I would not consider another attorney for our personal and professional legal needs.
He is as sensitive as he is strong which makes him the perfect person to have representing you in any legal matter.
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14 Dec, 2020 by Sara
I have been fighting a CPS Civil Rights case with Mr. Del Col for 7 years now. The egregious things that happened to our daughter are slightly summarized in this New York Post article:
https://nypost.com/2016/01/17/hospitals-killed-our-baby-and-then-tried-to-blame-us-lawsuit/
When everyone else was afraid to take on our case and upset the Suffolk County Family Court System, possibly hurting their own practices; Bob was the only one that stepped up to the plate. He has spent tireless hours working, writing, researching, talking to experts and fighting for justice for my daughter and the civil rights of my sons that were wrongfully taken by CPS.
I should have typed this referral years ago. If you have any questions as to whether Robert Del Col is the proper attorney for you please feel free to call me at 631.514.9660 and I will answer any questions that you my have. He is tenacious and fiercely protective of his clients. That is not a quality easy found in this vast field. Very truly yours, Sara Keenan
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21 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I lost my sister 4 years ago and the father of her 2 young children left the state with them and this lawyer got them back for me and I now have custody of them. I can’t say enough good things about him
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16 May, 2017 by Irene
If you are looking for an amazing, smart, compassionate, talented, tough divorce attorney, Robert Delcol is your lawyer. He will fight for you and win! Being a stickler for service and working with someone that knows their profession extremely well, Robert Delcol is a professional, experienced attorney and has an amazing knowledge of law. I was very impressed and extremely happy with my results. He is the best in his field.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Ilayna kootz
This office was very professional, and very efficient. We were glad to work with them for the closing on my family's house.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Dede rude
03 Sep, 2024 by Brian rude
15 Nov, 2022 by Collin bartoldus
03 Nov, 2022 by Jonathan miller
Howard Greenberg works magic. I highly recommend him for anyone in the finance industry. He provided me with great service. He would always return my calls promptly, and treated me as if I was his only client. I was referred to work with him because of the great work he's done with colleagues, and I recommend anyone else to work with him as well.
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19 Jun, 2022 by Jason scherl
This guy was my hero and he said my terminal fatal disease is psychosomatic and he didn’t do any of the cases I paid him for and then he quit a few days later and decided to keep the money this guy is a thief and a liar and he’s too old to practice law I’m so upset my hero betrayed me you should avoid this lawyer he’s kind of got some kind of Old age related problems
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04 Dec, 2024 by Penny tsavaris
The law office of Carl Maltese was fantastic to work with. They made a very difficult situation as easy as it could be. Alex and his staff were very compassionate and supportive throughout the process. I would highly recommend.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Syed attullah
Very professional and helpful Absolutely recommended.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Tori difilippo
I would like to sincerely thank Alex Maltese for his unwavering patience and exceptional support throughout the entirety of my car accident case over the past four years. Alex is not only highly efficient and intelligent but also genuinely compassionate. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone in a similar situation. Throughout the process, he demonstrated a remarkable commitment to my case, ensuring I always felt valued and heard—qualities that set him apart from others in the field. Unlike many attorneys focused solely on quick financial gain, Alex takes a genuine interest in his clients' well-being. His professionalism and empathy were evident at every step, and as a family man himself, he truly understood the personal challenges I faced during this unexpected journey. Thank you again Alex.
-Tori DiFilippo
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04 Dec, 2024 by Penny tsavaris
The law office of Carl Maltese was fantastic to work with. They made a very difficult situation as easy as it could be. Alex and his staff were very compassionate and supportive throughout the process. I would highly recommend.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Syed attullah
Very professional and helpful Absolutely recommended.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Tori difilippo
I would like to sincerely thank Alex Maltese for his unwavering patience and exceptional support throughout the entirety of my car accident case over the past four years. Alex is not only highly efficient and intelligent but also genuinely compassionate. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone in a similar situation. Throughout the process, he demonstrated a remarkable commitment to my case, ensuring I always felt valued and heard—qualities that set him apart from others in the field. Unlike many attorneys focused solely on quick financial gain, Alex takes a genuine interest in his clients' well-being. His professionalism and empathy were evident at every step, and as a family man himself, he truly understood the personal challenges I faced during this unexpected journey. Thank you again Alex.
-Tori DiFilippo
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07 Feb, 2025 by Annette paciullo
Very pleased and happy with my outcome. Very quick. I highly recommend!
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26 Jan, 2025 by Dan b.
Trustworthy and very professional, brilliant and right on the money. Simply the best. I highly recommend!
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25 Jan, 2025 by Saad ahmad
By far the best 300$ spent great results they always have your back for any questions any legal matters and will get you the best results in court possible 🤩
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07 Feb, 2025 by Annette paciullo
Very pleased and happy with my outcome. Very quick. I highly recommend!
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26 Jan, 2025 by Dan b.
Trustworthy and very professional, brilliant and right on the money. Simply the best. I highly recommend!
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25 Jan, 2025 by Saad ahmad
By far the best 300$ spent great results they always have your back for any questions any legal matters and will get you the best results in court possible 🤩
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07 Feb, 2025 by Annette paciullo
Very pleased and happy with my outcome. Very quick. I highly recommend!
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26 Jan, 2025 by Dan b.
Trustworthy and very professional, brilliant and right on the money. Simply the best. I highly recommend!
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25 Jan, 2025 by Saad ahmad
By far the best 300$ spent great results they always have your back for any questions any legal matters and will get you the best results in court possible 🤩
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07 Feb, 2025 by Annette paciullo
Very pleased and happy with my outcome. Very quick. I highly recommend!
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26 Jan, 2025 by Dan b.
Trustworthy and very professional, brilliant and right on the money. Simply the best. I highly recommend!
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25 Jan, 2025 by Saad ahmad
By far the best 300$ spent great results they always have your back for any questions any legal matters and will get you the best results in court possible 🤩
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17 Aug, 2018 by Sheilah
Paula A Miller has helped my family through a difficult estate situation. Paula handled our case personally and was available to answer all questions. She absolutely went above and beyond and did everything and anything to help us through a emotionally difficult legal process. Paula and Mary were professional and very knowledgeable. I'll always be grateful to them for what they've done for me. I hope for anyone who has to go through any legal process , they're as fortunate as I was to have Paula Miller in their corner
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01 Apr, 2014 by Wayne
Mr. Barahal did exactly what he told me he'd do. My case wasn't due until 2pm. He had me meet him there around 9:30am. We briefly spoke about my case , he told me to follow him into the courtroom. Within 5 minutes my case was being heard, charges dismissed and I was on my way. This man did what he said he would. That is what makes him a great lawyer!!!!
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25 Sep, 2012 by Art
Ron is an incredibly trustworthy attorney and his business sense is unparalleled. He has represented me multiple times and has always achieved the desired result. I will continue to recommend his to everyone I know.
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05 Nov, 2011 by Robert orlando
Ralph Fresolone has been my attorney for several years, I have used him for business contracts, civil issues, family trusts, power of attorney, medical proxy and real estate. closings
I can not say enough positive things to describe how well Mr Fresolone cared for myself and my family. He is extemely meticulous, with a passion for details - diligent in his understanding of ALL the issues.
Ralph thinks of the things which others (including his peers) dont think about -those things critical to every contract ... those items critical to ensure your safety - financial or otherwise
He also has a unique ability to explain complex legal issues in simple terms for those of us who do not understand legal jargon
I would not trust my life in the hands of another attorney
When the local banks need an attorney to protect their interests during a real estate closing they call Ralph Fresolone
When the police and sherffis dept need an attorney to protect their own, they call Tartamella, Tartamella and Fresolone
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10 Jun, 2016 by Richard
Not only is Vincent the best lawyer I have ever met but his staff is amazing as well. His Assistant, Dina, is simply wonderful. Vincent represented me on a number of very complicated family court and criminal court matters and I'm so happy to say that everything was either completely dismissed or settled in my favor. I couldn't have done it without the help Mr. Trimarco, Dina, and everyone else on their team.
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30 Mar, 2023 by Gladys ognian
26 Jan, 2023 by Charlie durso
21 Sep, 2022 by Christine costa
John Zollo and his team provide legal services with a personal touch. I have used their services for commercial and personal real property sales, estate closings, contract disputes and employment law challenges. I highly recommend his firm for competent legal representation with compassion and care!
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30 Mar, 2023 by Gladys ognian
26 Jan, 2023 by Charlie durso
21 Sep, 2022 by Christine costa
John Zollo and his team provide legal services with a personal touch. I have used their services for commercial and personal real property sales, estate closings, contract disputes and employment law challenges. I highly recommend his firm for competent legal representation with compassion and care!
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15 Jun, 2024 by Cynthia parisi
If you want a very respectful, compassionate, very knowledgeable, gentleman, who will direct you the way you need to go for estate planning, I’m so glad he was Referred to me by a dear friend Gregory Hoffman🙏🏼. Ralph Fresolone did my moms estate with my mom and I back in 2006.. My mom has unfortunately passed🙏🏼. Through the transition of taking care of my moms final requests, Mr Fresolone was guiding me through everything with open arms.
I couldn’t have asked for a kinder Attorney!!
Highly recommended!! I say that with my heart!! I Love Mr Fresolone 🙏🏼
Read more
18 Apr, 2024 by Brian brenner
The attorneys and staff at this highly regarded firm conduct themselves in a cordial and professional manner and treat their clientele with the utmost respect. Any questions or issues that arise are responded to and handled expediently. I have no qualms in recommending this firm to any individual or business in need of their professional services.
Read more
19 May, 2021 by Suzanne vitale
15 Jun, 2024 by Cynthia parisi
If you want a very respectful, compassionate, very knowledgeable, gentleman, who will direct you the way you need to go for estate planning, I’m so glad he was Referred to me by a dear friend Gregory Hoffman🙏🏼. Ralph Fresolone did my moms estate with my mom and I back in 2006.. My mom has unfortunately passed🙏🏼. Through the transition of taking care of my moms final requests, Mr Fresolone was guiding me through everything with open arms.
I couldn’t have asked for a kinder Attorney!!
Highly recommended!! I say that with my heart!! I Love Mr Fresolone 🙏🏼
Read more
18 Apr, 2024 by Brian brenner
The attorneys and staff at this highly regarded firm conduct themselves in a cordial and professional manner and treat their clientele with the utmost respect. Any questions or issues that arise are responded to and handled expediently. I have no qualms in recommending this firm to any individual or business in need of their professional services.
Read more
19 May, 2021 by Suzanne vitale
15 Jun, 2024 by Cynthia parisi
If you want a very respectful, compassionate, very knowledgeable, gentleman, who will direct you the way you need to go for estate planning, I’m so glad he was Referred to me by a dear friend Gregory Hoffman🙏🏼. Ralph Fresolone did my moms estate with my mom and I back in 2006.. My mom has unfortunately passed🙏🏼. Through the transition of taking care of my moms final requests, Mr Fresolone was guiding me through everything with open arms.
I couldn’t have asked for a kinder Attorney!!
Highly recommended!! I say that with my heart!! I Love Mr Fresolone 🙏🏼
Read more
18 Apr, 2024 by Brian brenner
The attorneys and staff at this highly regarded firm conduct themselves in a cordial and professional manner and treat their clientele with the utmost respect. Any questions or issues that arise are responded to and handled expediently. I have no qualms in recommending this firm to any individual or business in need of their professional services.
Read more
19 May, 2021 by Suzanne vitale
15 Jun, 2024 by Cynthia parisi
If you want a very respectful, compassionate, very knowledgeable, gentleman, who will direct you the way you need to go for estate planning, I’m so glad he was Referred to me by a dear friend Gregory Hoffman🙏🏼. Ralph Fresolone did my moms estate with my mom and I back in 2006.. My mom has unfortunately passed🙏🏼. Through the transition of taking care of my moms final requests, Mr Fresolone was guiding me through everything with open arms.
I couldn’t have asked for a kinder Attorney!!
Highly recommended!! I say that with my heart!! I Love Mr Fresolone 🙏🏼
Read more
18 Apr, 2024 by Brian brenner
The attorneys and staff at this highly regarded firm conduct themselves in a cordial and professional manner and treat their clientele with the utmost respect. Any questions or issues that arise are responded to and handled expediently. I have no qualms in recommending this firm to any individual or business in need of their professional services.
Read more
19 May, 2021 by Suzanne vitale
15 Jun, 2024 by Cynthia parisi
If you want a very respectful, compassionate, very knowledgeable, gentleman, who will direct you the way you need to go for estate planning, I’m so glad he was Referred to me by a dear friend Gregory Hoffman🙏🏼. Ralph Fresolone did my moms estate with my mom and I back in 2006.. My mom has unfortunately passed🙏🏼. Through the transition of taking care of my moms final requests, Mr Fresolone was guiding me through everything with open arms.
I couldn’t have asked for a kinder Attorney!!
Highly recommended!! I say that with my heart!! I Love Mr Fresolone 🙏🏼
Read more
18 Apr, 2024 by Brian brenner
The attorneys and staff at this highly regarded firm conduct themselves in a cordial and professional manner and treat their clientele with the utmost respect. Any questions or issues that arise are responded to and handled expediently. I have no qualms in recommending this firm to any individual or business in need of their professional services.
Read more
19 May, 2021 by Suzanne vitale
15 Jun, 2024 by Cynthia parisi
If you want a very respectful, compassionate, very knowledgeable, gentleman, who will direct you the way you need to go for estate planning, I’m so glad he was Referred to me by a dear friend Gregory Hoffman🙏🏼. Ralph Fresolone did my moms estate with my mom and I back in 2006.. My mom has unfortunately passed🙏🏼. Through the transition of taking care of my moms final requests, Mr Fresolone was guiding me through everything with open arms.
I couldn’t have asked for a kinder Attorney!!
Highly recommended!! I say that with my heart!! I Love Mr Fresolone 🙏🏼
Read more
18 Apr, 2024 by Brian brenner
The attorneys and staff at this highly regarded firm conduct themselves in a cordial and professional manner and treat their clientele with the utmost respect. Any questions or issues that arise are responded to and handled expediently. I have no qualms in recommending this firm to any individual or business in need of their professional services.
Read more
19 May, 2021 by Suzanne vitale
15 Jun, 2024 by Cynthia parisi
If you want a very respectful, compassionate, very knowledgeable, gentleman, who will direct you the way you need to go for estate planning, I’m so glad he was Referred to me by a dear friend Gregory Hoffman🙏🏼. Ralph Fresolone did my moms estate with my mom and I back in 2006.. My mom has unfortunately passed🙏🏼. Through the transition of taking care of my moms final requests, Mr Fresolone was guiding me through everything with open arms.
I couldn’t have asked for a kinder Attorney!!
Highly recommended!! I say that with my heart!! I Love Mr Fresolone 🙏🏼
Read more
18 Apr, 2024 by Brian brenner
The attorneys and staff at this highly regarded firm conduct themselves in a cordial and professional manner and treat their clientele with the utmost respect. Any questions or issues that arise are responded to and handled expediently. I have no qualms in recommending this firm to any individual or business in need of their professional services.
Read more
19 May, 2021 by Suzanne vitale
15 Jun, 2024 by Cynthia parisi
If you want a very respectful, compassionate, very knowledgeable, gentleman, who will direct you the way you need to go for estate planning, I’m so glad he was Referred to me by a dear friend Gregory Hoffman🙏🏼. Ralph Fresolone did my moms estate with my mom and I back in 2006.. My mom has unfortunately passed🙏🏼. Through the transition of taking care of my moms final requests, Mr Fresolone was guiding me through everything with open arms.
I couldn’t have asked for a kinder Attorney!!
Highly recommended!! I say that with my heart!! I Love Mr Fresolone 🙏🏼
Read more
18 Apr, 2024 by Brian brenner
The attorneys and staff at this highly regarded firm conduct themselves in a cordial and professional manner and treat their clientele with the utmost respect. Any questions or issues that arise are responded to and handled expediently. I have no qualms in recommending this firm to any individual or business in need of their professional services.
Read more
19 May, 2021 by Suzanne vitale
15 Jun, 2024 by Cynthia parisi
If you want a very respectful, compassionate, very knowledgeable, gentleman, who will direct you the way you need to go for estate planning, I’m so glad he was Referred to me by a dear friend Gregory Hoffman🙏🏼. Ralph Fresolone did my moms estate with my mom and I back in 2006.. My mom has unfortunately passed🙏🏼. Through the transition of taking care of my moms final requests, Mr Fresolone was guiding me through everything with open arms.
I couldn’t have asked for a kinder Attorney!!
Highly recommended!! I say that with my heart!! I Love Mr Fresolone 🙏🏼
Read more
18 Apr, 2024 by Brian brenner
The attorneys and staff at this highly regarded firm conduct themselves in a cordial and professional manner and treat their clientele with the utmost respect. Any questions or issues that arise are responded to and handled expediently. I have no qualms in recommending this firm to any individual or business in need of their professional services.
Read more
19 May, 2021 by Suzanne vitale
15 Jun, 2024 by Cynthia parisi
If you want a very respectful, compassionate, very knowledgeable, gentleman, who will direct you the way you need to go for estate planning, I’m so glad he was Referred to me by a dear friend Gregory Hoffman🙏🏼. Ralph Fresolone did my moms estate with my mom and I back in 2006.. My mom has unfortunately passed🙏🏼. Through the transition of taking care of my moms final requests, Mr Fresolone was guiding me through everything with open arms.
I couldn’t have asked for a kinder Attorney!!
Highly recommended!! I say that with my heart!! I Love Mr Fresolone 🙏🏼
Read more
18 Apr, 2024 by Brian brenner
The attorneys and staff at this highly regarded firm conduct themselves in a cordial and professional manner and treat their clientele with the utmost respect. Any questions or issues that arise are responded to and handled expediently. I have no qualms in recommending this firm to any individual or business in need of their professional services.
Read more
19 May, 2021 by Suzanne vitale
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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?
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:
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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:
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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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Contact Information:
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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:
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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:
Highly experienced lawyers may charge higher fees. -
Geographic Location:
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Additional Expenses:
Court filing fees, expert witness fees, travel expenses, and administrative costs may be extra.
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Complexity of the Case:
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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.
