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02 May, 2019 by Pedro
I hired Chuck for a probate case involving my mother’s estate. This was an extremely difficult time for me as I was grieving my mom’s death on top of dealing with the legal issues this created. Chuck was extremely empathetic and made the process as smooth as possible for me. He even gave me a veteran discount for being an Air Force retiree. The case was favorably resolved in a timely and professional manner. If you need legal representation don’t hesitate to call him, you won’t be disappointed!
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28 Jul, 2018 by Charles
I paid a landscaper $3K down on a project, then, the next day, decided not to do the project after all. I offered to accept repayment at $500 a month for 6 months. He agreed, but I never saw any money. I contacted Atty Malloy, who suggested we send a Demand Letter with details of how much more this could end up costing. The landscaper contacted me and we (again) worked out an acceptable repayment plan. I said if he still failed to pay, I'd have Mr Malloy start proceedings. Mr Malloy was courteous, professional, and his demeanor conveyed he was not one to be trifled with.
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20 Jul, 2018 by Deborah
I needed a lawyer and picked him randomly first pick when looking online and this was a wonderful surprise! Great lawyer, diligent and kind ! He gathered the needed info and took care of the problem before I could even think of getting stressed out!
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07 Aug, 2016 by Mike
I needed a lawyer for a problem I was experiencing with a condo association. They were professional and promptly answered all my questions. My case ended in a favorable outcome. I would definitely use them again!
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09 Mar, 2024 by Aurora griffith
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12 Jan, 2024 by William o'donnell
I am reaching out to express my utmost satisfaction with Attorney Jim Hines's firm and the exceptional estate services they provided for my family. We were recommended to Jim by many, and from our very first meeting, it was evident that we had made the right choice. Given the complexity of our estate, which involved a business and multiple beneficiaries, Jim took the time to patiently explain every detail and expertly guide us through the process. Over the course of several years, Jim and his exceptional executive assistant, Gwenn, provided unwavering support in our professional relationship. Even during the unexpected loss of my mother, they continued to offer their assistance. They consistently provided clear guidance on estate affairs with remarkable empathy, going above and beyond to provide valuable advice. His comforting reassurance allowed me to find solace amidst the chaos and focus on what truly mattered. After the loss of my mother, their professionalism and dedication in ensuring a smooth process was outstanding. They treated us with utmost care, as if we were their own family members. They truly went above and beyond to surpass our expectations during this challenging time. Their unwavering commitment provided us with immense comfort, for which we are profoundly thankful. In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Attorney Jim Hines's firm for any estate-related matters you may have. Their extensive experience combined with their professionalism, empathy, and steadfast support make them the perfect choice to guide you through these crucial matters. Thank you, Bill
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26 Oct, 2023 by Keondra harvey
Second time I’ve used Hines Norman Hines and I’m a satisfied client! Highly recommend. I wasn’t left in the dark about anything I was kept up to date! They stayed on top off everything!
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26 Sep, 2024 by Ricardo cesar martinez lopez
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26 Aug, 2024 by Tom b
We were looking for attorneys to help us write our trust and will. We did a lot of research and liked what we read and how they handle their clients. We would recommend this firm for all of your needs. Working with Michelle was a pleasure, and she was very informative and attentive.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Terry murphy
What a great experience! We did a trust, will, etc. Michelle is awesome and so very patient with all my questions! Even when I asked the same ones more than once. April was always fast to respond and pulled together our bidder on a tight deadline. Great job!
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10 Sep, 2023 by Gwendolyn
I hired Fern to help me file for my husband's permenant residency. I appreciated her payment plan, The next payment was not due until we reached the next phase of the process. I found the immigration process to be confusing and she made sure we had everything we needed to file without delays or requests for more evidence. We filed during covid so there were long delays but she answered every email and question. I now have my husband here with me and we are very happy with our new life together!
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10 Jan, 2018 by Janet
My husband and I could not have been more pleased with the service we received from Ms. Kirkham. We appreciated her level of professionalism, attention to detail, and conscientiousness. The forms and documentation she prepared and included in the packet were PERFECT, making the entire process go through smoothly. Believe me, during the immigration process, you will need peace of mind and confidence that things are being done correctly the first time. You can have that with Ms. Kirkham in your corner!
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27 Sep, 2013 by John k
After researching the net for immigration lawyers who would represent us in securing a green card for me, we contacted the bigger firms, some who seemed more competent, and some more caring than others. We had a short list and were nearly ready to make a decision , when we came across Fernanne Kirkham, who had volunteeried to make a presentation to local immigrants. After discussions with her, we decided to have Fernanne represent us. We are not sorry we did. Fernanne is a competent professional, well experienced in many aspects of the law, including immigration. More importantly Fernanne is a caring individual, who is committed to her clients. She made our job in the process easy, and, I would add, carefree in this anxious and complicated process. I was delightfully surprised to receive my green card in an unexpected short time, in large part due to Fernanne expeditious handling of my case. Furthermore I ought to also add that the rates charged by her were far less than the bigger firms, which certainly helped when having to go through this already very expensive application process. We would highly recommend Fernanne. In fact, we already have recommended her to one friend, who was experiencing problems with a large firm he had hired with his immigration application. His experience too was very successful with Fernanne at the lead. Fernanne Kirkham is a wonderful caring person, and a highly regarded professional.
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26 Dec, 2023 by Joan teskey
Donald Linsky and staff provided prompt legal service for a recent real estate matter.
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28 May, 2020 by Kelly matonti
My friend and I rent from his client Dennis Jackson in Ruskin. They're probably working together to take money from anyone that has ANY. DO NOT TRUST YHIS MAN.
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10 Dec, 2019 by Gary lewis
A total a hole not even one star trying to tell my situation totally rude
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23 Oct, 2020 by Patience good
This cretin is an ambulatory turd and little else. Walks like a turd, acts like a turd, smells like a turd, demonstrates numerous turd like qualities, and , of course charges like a turd.
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16 Oct, 2018 by Angelia
Mr. Linsky deserves no stars , but this review application requires at least one!. He was the most rude and abrupt attorney, heck for that matter, professional person, I have ever experienced. He asked me to come in 15 minutes early, then wasn't there and made me wait for about 25 minutes for him to come back from where ever he had gone. He wouldn't let me speak and after perusing my paperwork called me everything short of a criminal. He stuck his finger in the air and shushed me when I would try to talk to him and told me I was only trying to cause problems and create litigation. Now I am a professional and strong person. I can take productive criticism and know how to communicate. But this man is flat out rude. He said things like "you know you did this on purpose to cause litigation didn't you, didn't you, huh you know you did, didn't you!" Please know that my mother passed last year and dad passed a month 1/2 ago. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. I was furious this man. He should not work with families! I wish I could lower myself to his standards of unprofessional-ism and rudeness so I could tell him what I thought of him, but my time and breath are too valuable to waste on him. Additionally, please understand, I went in there for advice. He could have simply given me the same information without the opinions and condemnation.
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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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