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19 Sep, 2024 by J farley
Russ Brown attorneys are a pleasure to work with. They helped me through a tough situation and had my best interests in mind at all times. They were able to come through with a very agreeable solution. Highly recommended!!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Arturo ruiz
Love the experience I had.. they help me with my medical bills and they got me a good return !!
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19 Aug, 2024 by Brenda martinez
Russ Brown did a excellent job for the Ruthless Ryderz Bay Area chapter. Thank you so much
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19 Sep, 2024 by J farley
Russ Brown attorneys are a pleasure to work with. They helped me through a tough situation and had my best interests in mind at all times. They were able to come through with a very agreeable solution. Highly recommended!!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Arturo ruiz
Love the experience I had.. they help me with my medical bills and they got me a good return !!
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19 Aug, 2024 by Brenda martinez
Russ Brown did a excellent job for the Ruthless Ryderz Bay Area chapter. Thank you so much
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09 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Jorge did a great job at dealing with my ex and his lawyers in my divorce. He got my divorce settled and I was able to move forward. I would certainly recommend him to my friends going through a divorce. When things got a little more complex, response time could be improved. However, overall good with dealing with negotiations.
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01 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
I have been working with Jorge Velasco and Daniel Paletz on a custody case for a few months now. Both Jorge and Daniel are really great lawyers. Jorge knows how to play the divorce game in a very intelligent way. Between the Jorge and Daniel they made the the giant firm my ex hired look bad. I highly recommend them if you're going through a divorce.. They're so knowledgable in family law they out smart even the largest firms. I highly recommend working with this firm!
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14 Jul, 2024 by Amir
I would like to share my past experience with attorney daniel paletz and his office. Since my case started regarding a divorce, Unfortunately, I am dissatisfied with the service provided and cannot recommend him to others. The reasons for my dissatisfaction include poor treatment, inappropriate behavior, lack of professionalism, and unethical conduct. This attorney has demonstrated a lack of integrity and is unfit to practice law. He is opportunistic and excessively money-oriented, which is unacceptable in the legal profession. I am writing this to caution others against engaging with him or his office.
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13 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
I retained Daniel Paletz for my child custody case. He was very polished during my interview of him and definitely knew what to say and how to say it so that I would retain his firm. He told me it would cost $6,000 from retaining him until getting through to our PPA set just two months later. Unbeknownst to me, my ex had significant communications with Mr. Paletz just a few months prior. This created a clear conflict. Based on my communications with Mr. Paletz he told me he would refund my retainer but wanted to know if he should write a letter to the other side to see if he could continue to represent me. I knew that my ex would never agree. Mr. Paletz wrote a three page letter to the other side with wild accusations and a set of facts that were clearly not true based on Mr. Paletz’s own emails and texts. This prompted my ex to file a motion to recuse Mr. Paletz and sanctions against me. I found a new attorney and asked for my refund. I received $800. Literally no other action was taken on the case besides the 3 page letter (which should not have been billed and was) and a continuance of a hearing that was set in August. When I asked for my full refund as promised I was met with vitriol from Mr. Paletz who told me that he would sue me for defamation if I took any other action. Why threaten a client like that? Its terrible. I intend to take this matter to the State Bar. All he had to do was refund my money like he promised.
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22 Oct, 2020 by James
I have been going through a very difficult divorce after 29-years of marriage and six children. My first attorney was not performing at an acceptable standard. I interviewed nearly ten attorneys and was referred to Daniel Paletz of Kermisch & Paletz. After meeting Daniel, I was pleasantly impressed by his vast education, intellect, tenacity, and confidence, I was instantly convinced he was the best choice to represent me. Daniel has accomplished more in the brief time we have worked together than my previous attorney in nearly a year. I wasn’t looking for the least expensive attorney because I had a lot at stake, nor was I able or willing to pay the exorbitant fees that other attorneys were quoting. Daniel, Sarah and their team have compassionately treated me like a friend and taken pride in getting me the best result, all for a very reasonable fee. If I could give 10-stars, I would. I feel so much gratitude for Daniel and Sarah that I will never be able to reciprocate to them for helping me and making this process far less stressful. I am happy to take calls from anyone interested in knowing why Daniel, Sarah and their team are your very best choice for an experienced, successful divorce law firm. The firm will provide you with my cell number.
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04 Oct, 2019 by Bill
My wife and I have known Cynthia Ribas for many years. She’s been our family attorney for over two decades, and over that time we’ve entrusted her with our most complex and consequential legal business, including reviewing contracts, setting up our loan-out corporation and putting our family trust in place. These are complicated pieces of business for lay people, and we didn’t only bring them to Cynthia because she’s superbly well versed in the relevant law. Just as important to us, I think it’s fair to say, has been her patience and good cheer in explaining the intricacies of legal practice to us. She has a gift for explaining legal concepts in a way that’s clear and comprehensive. She also — and this has come through in every conversation we’ve ever had with her about legal business — loves, loves, loves the law. We trust Cynthia; we respect her judgment, which is always sound and prudent; and we’ve learned so much from her about how the law works in people’s lives. We can’t imagine having navigated our legal affairs of the last 20 years without her.
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26 Sep, 2019 by Mirta
Ms. Ribas is an extremely experienced, studied and expert in her craft as an attorney. She helped me during one of the most difficult times of my life with such care, knowledge, dedication and exceptional wisdom. Ms. Ribas wrote declarations and represented me at hearings. She is a truly gifted and talented writer and pays keen attention to detail. I was accurately and completely represented by her and I felt deeply heard. All of my hearings resulted in positive outcomes for me under her representation. Her dedication and commitment to fairness, justice and her moral oath to uphold the Law are unparalleled. I couldn't have been in better hands with Ms. Cynthia Ribas.
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02 Aug, 2019 by Brian
Cynthia helped me with a complex issue I had been dealing with for years. I had attorneys before her but I never felt like they truly had my best interests in mind. With Cynthia, I felt I was in good hands from start to finish. She thoroughly researched my case and every time she filed a motion or sent an email to opposing counsel, I knew she was representing me with everything she had. She is professional, unbelievably knowledgeable, and very dedicated to her practice. I honestly felt that she underbilled her time because I certainly was not charged the full rate for all the calls and emails we exchanged. I recommend her to all my friends and family members and I will continue to use her services any time I need representation.
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10 Jul, 2013 by Anna
I have had Dennis as my personal attorney for business and family trust law for over 10 years. I wouldn't make a decision without his wise council. I have only met a paralegal one time in 10 years. Dennis handles everything. This attorney is careing and compassionate. When is an attorney called that? He is absolutely the best and I have had many attorneys. I call him about every other month. I have 3 thriving businesses.
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08 Jul, 2013 by Charlie
Dennis Geselowitz is the Best of the Best in his field. He has won 2 law suits for us in the past few years. One of them which was a Jury Verdict and it was the verdict of the week in all the papers in California!!!!!! The other was settled out of court about this time last year. We are Very Happy with both lawsuits!!! I have recently hired Dennis again for further representation and have referred many friends his way for representation for other Lawsuits. Dennis knows his LAW!!!! He does the utmost research for your case and spends quality time with all his clients. If there was a rating higher than 10 out 10 Dennis would be on the 20 scale!!!! He is a Great Guy and Great Attorney!!!!!! Thanks Dennis!!!!!
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22 Jan, 2012 by Kimberly
I regret hiring this attorney. His staff members are unprofessional and do him a great disservice. I would tell him so, but he won't return my calls. At first, I thought the poor service I received was merely because his representatives lacked communication skills, but now I wonder if this is indicative of Dennis Geselowitz' himself. The paralegals on his staff act afraid of the other side's attorneys: they have constantly told me that there is nothing can do, the other side won't budge, they fight vigorously. My question is: doesn't Mr. Geselowitz also fight vigorously? The staff makes Mr. Geselowitz sound wimpy and like a kitten compared to the defendant's attorney whom they make sound like a lion. By the way: I hired this attorney because I was rear-ended while I was dead-stopped at a red light. There was no question who caused the accident, and these dimwits couldnt even get me access to a rental car, I had to do it on my own. I experienced legitimate emotional and physical harm, and a year and a half later, they're still telling me that the other side's attorneys are strong and big and powerful and that poor Mr. Geselowitz would have no chance winning against him. He may have graduated from a great school, and maybe in his early years practicing law he was outstanding, but he is not worth your time as long as he continues to surround himself with paralegals and investigators who give him a vote of no confidence. Again, I would tell him this myself, but when I call, I get transferred to voicemail hell. Next stop: the State Bar of California.
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28 Sep, 2021 by Mariela
He is an exceptional and professional person, today I was able to prove my innocence thanks to him, I fight as if his life depended on that
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29 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Eric Chase is the epitome of a monster (for lack of a better word) who defends demons. He is a sell out, who will represent those for the right price. How can he sleep at night?! I had my human rights violated, assaulted, the whole nine yards, and he tried to justify his client’s actions by trying to discredit me. POS. What a sorry excuse for a human being! Shame on you!!!
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01 Jan, 2021 by Kelly
If it weren't for Eric Chase my brother would have died in prison for something he didn't do. Mr. Chase was very professional and a bulldog in the court room. He knows what he's doing inside and outside of the court room. It was a very emotional trial but Eric was spot on in everything he did including having to put me in my place outside of the court room for verbally defending my my brother against the other sides family members. I would recommend Eric as a defense attorney.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
I got hurt April 19th of 2018 I called this law firm to help me with my case. They have done absolutely nothing. I had to go to my own doctor's appointment because travelers would not set up my appointments and the law firm would not assist me on getting them. Every time I call the law firm it's either they're in a meeting or they're in court but I never get a chance to have someone call me back. I wish I would have known how bad this law firm was before I got hurt. Very disappointed.
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03 Oct, 2014 by Vanessa gutierrez
Hired Ali for my automobile accident only have spoken to the assistant. Very unresponsive and the assistant can be rude at times. DONT RECOMMEND AT ALL if I could rate a them 0 I would
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12 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Not even sure this person exist, never had a conversation with him only his assitant during the entire time he was my attorney. Not even the initial consult was him. Extremely unresponsive and unprofessional office. Definitely look elsewhere if you want a good attorney.
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29 May, 2024 by Anonymous
What an idiot this woman still is. She's serving papers for UD's, herself, personally. Dereliction of Duty, doesn't cover it. #BEWARE #STAYAWAY There's a reason why she's so "affordable" (aka:cheap) and no longer maneuvering in the 90210~
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25 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
The woman is incompetent! She offered me the worst "deal" as she called it. Furthermore, she does not keep track of on-going events and send me a "time sensitive" letter by regular mail, requesting a replay in 5 days, when she send it (without certification) and it took 3 days to get here. I had already taken care of this procedure 30 days prior to receiving her letter, which I got on a Friday evening, so there were only 2 days left to file an answer, which would be Saturday and Sunday. When you call her, the line is busy 80% of the time. It appears that she works alone and doesn't have a receptionist to take messages, or answer basic legal questions like professional Lawyers. If you want your case handled efficiently, do not waste your time with this woman.
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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.