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04 Jun, 2024 by Robert orlando
Working with the Donaldson Law Firm was a great experience. Everything was explained clearly and layed out so it was easy to understand. This made my buying experience go smoothly and hiccup free.
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12 Mar, 2024 by Manuel acuna
My wife and I had an excellent experience working with the Donaldson Law Firm during the purchase of our new home. Some problems arose, from the other side, during the transaction that Mr. Donaldson was able to rectify quickly and professionally. He was extremely transparent throughout the entire process, and answered any questions I had in a timely fashion with complete thoroughness. I highly recommend to anyone.
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01 Nov, 2023 by Michael lapadula
Very professional. Looks out for his clients. Very impressed. Would highly recommend
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02 Oct, 2024 by Isamar alonzo-ramos
My husband and I had the pleasure of working with Cory Levine on the purchase of our first home and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. Every aspect of the process was smooth which was very important to us. Cory was always available to answer our questions and provided clear guidance, making a complicated process feel much more manageable. Calls and emails were returned within MINUTES. We felt confident and reassured knowing that he had our best interests in mind. We would highly recommend Cory Levine to anyone looking for a professional, diligent, and experienced real estate lawyer. His assistants Debbie and Cathy were also incredible helpful. We are so grateful our real estate agent CJ Nadler recommended him to us!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Arturo o'farrill
Cory and his staff of lawyers and paralegals were outstanding in their helpfulness and cordiality. Thoroughly professional but always very friendly.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Theguidingleash
Working with Cory was one of the best decisions I could have made to help ensure a smooth transition as I made my way to closing on my first house. He answered any questions I had along the way to make sure I understood everything. His professionalism, and prompt replies coupled with his obvious knowledge helped easy one of the more stressful endeavors someone can undertake. I highly recommend him for any Real Estate needs you might have!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Isamar alonzo-ramos
My husband and I had the pleasure of working with Cory Levine on the purchase of our first home and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. Every aspect of the process was smooth which was very important to us. Cory was always available to answer our questions and provided clear guidance, making a complicated process feel much more manageable. Calls and emails were returned within MINUTES. We felt confident and reassured knowing that he had our best interests in mind. We would highly recommend Cory Levine to anyone looking for a professional, diligent, and experienced real estate lawyer. His assistants Debbie and Cathy were also incredible helpful. We are so grateful our real estate agent CJ Nadler recommended him to us!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Arturo o'farrill
Cory and his staff of lawyers and paralegals were outstanding in their helpfulness and cordiality. Thoroughly professional but always very friendly.
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10 May, 2024 by Jamie warner
Cory and team were phenomenal to work with. As first-time buyers, Cory had a lot of patience and guided us throughout the process. His attention to detail was impressive and we appreciated his cantor when there was an issue to discuss.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Robert orlando
Working with the Donaldson Law Firm was a great experience. Everything was explained clearly and layed out so it was easy to understand. This made my buying experience go smoothly and hiccup free.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
12 Mar, 2024 by Manuel acuna
My wife and I had an excellent experience working with the Donaldson Law Firm during the purchase of our new home. Some problems arose, from the other side, during the transaction that Mr. Donaldson was able to rectify quickly and professionally. He was extremely transparent throughout the entire process, and answered any questions I had in a timely fashion with complete thoroughness. I highly recommend to anyone.
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01 Nov, 2023 by Michael lapadula
Very professional. Looks out for his clients. Very impressed. Would highly recommend
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17 Jan, 2023 by Tim drivas
I highly recommend Frank as a real estate attorney. He helped with a real tricky purchase. Very responsive with inquiries and gets matters resolved in a timely fashion. Him and his staff are very friendly.
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02 Mar, 2022 by Bryonna costable
I can't say enough about Frank, he was wonderful from start to finish. Very knowledgeable, attentive, and helped us though a very unusual situation. Highly recommend!
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21 Jul, 2021 by Kenny carney
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14 Jan, 2015 by Shelley
Mrs. Selznick was able to prosecute my difficult DV divorce case in record time. I was finished with the courts in 9 months. Her direct and efficient counsel was excellent and she is an expert in her field.
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28 Nov, 2014 by Barbara
Having just finished a very long and difficult divorce, I can say with confidence that Helene Selznick is a woman of the utmost integrity. She is professional and knowledgeable beyond compare and her intuition and sense of timing is impeccable. She is quick and to the point as well as always available to discuss and support all aspects of the divorce process. Helene definitely went above and beyond the call of duty for me. It is because of her dedication to her work that I am now able to move forward peacefully with my life.
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09 May, 2014 by Anonymous
As I recall, very unresponsive. Impossible to have a conversation with her and when you do, you only get 2 seconds of her time. Those two seconds are valuable, and she knows the law. But there's no explanation of law or process, nor time given to a paying client ... or maybe my case wasn't important enough.
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07 Feb, 2021 by Darlene
My Attorney passed away and Martin Ashley took over his practice. I had an Ebel Beluga watch along with a 2 karat diamond engagement ring which was supposed to be returned to me upon the completion of my Divorce. I phoned Martin Ashley to ask him for my valuables back which was written in a legal contract that I would. Mr. Ashley refused and informed me to hire an attorney to sue him. Absolutely no morals or Ethics. So if you want an attorney void of ethics and morals. He's definitely your Man.
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26 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Martin is not the typical lawyer. He is knowledgeable, insightful, compassionate and extremely trustworthy. He is precise in explaining the process, gets back to you in a timely fashion. He says it like it is, and makes you feel at ease when you are in a stressful situation. I highly recommend him.!
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12 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
I came to Martin with absolute no knowledge on how my situation would evolve. During the first consultation, he explained step by step the procedures and I took his recommended course of action. Needless to say, due to Martin's advice my situation ended in a favorable and painless outcome. If I ever need legal advice, Martin is on my speed dial.
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21 Jun, 2021 by Anna
Thorough, intelligent, and easy to work with. He explained all of the very confusing paperwork very well. Very professional, yet personal with a great sense of humor. A first-rate attorney who I will recommend to all of my friends and family.
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24 May, 2021 by Anonymous
A wonderful attorney. Extremely knowledgable, helpful and smart. Highly recommend.
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16 Mar, 2021 by Donald
I would rank him with the likes of Sydney Powell , Rudy Guliani Post 9/11 we paid him fir services in full never responded to voicemails, emails He is a Con
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer

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

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

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

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

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

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

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

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

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?

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

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