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14 Oct, 2024 by Mark ellinwood
From the first day when we met Trish until the day we received the settlement , we felt she was a very caring and compassionate person. She kept us informed throughout the process and always responded to any questions we had quickly. Thanks to Trish and MCV Law for all you did for us. Sincerely, Mark & Maureen.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Belinda radcliffe
Grace Salerno and her team are great. Grace will return any calls or emails in a timely matter and answer any questions you have promptly. If you need help getting paperwork or information she will guide you on how to get them with no hesitation. Through my progress she has been very saportive of me and listened to everything that I had to say. I definitely recommend Grace to anyone that neeeded help
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14 Oct, 2024 by Thomas smith
MCV personnel are polite, courtesy, knowledge and efficient.
First used them in 2010 when applying for disability. They accomplished it on first try. Most recently used them on a worker's comp case. They got me a reversal from 2 denials to have a total knee replacement redone.
One of the best choices I have made was hiring MCV Law.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Mark ellinwood
From the first day when we met Trish until the day we received the settlement , we felt she was a very caring and compassionate person. She kept us informed throughout the process and always responded to any questions we had quickly. Thanks to Trish and MCV Law for all you did for us. Sincerely, Mark & Maureen.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Belinda radcliffe
Grace Salerno and her team are great. Grace will return any calls or emails in a timely matter and answer any questions you have promptly. If you need help getting paperwork or information she will guide you on how to get them with no hesitation. Through my progress she has been very saportive of me and listened to everything that I had to say. I definitely recommend Grace to anyone that neeeded help
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14 Oct, 2024 by Thomas smith
MCV personnel are polite, courtesy, knowledge and efficient.
First used them in 2010 when applying for disability. They accomplished it on first try. Most recently used them on a worker's comp case. They got me a reversal from 2 denials to have a total knee replacement redone.
One of the best choices I have made was hiring MCV Law.
Read more
14 Oct, 2024 by Mark ellinwood
From the first day when we met Trish until the day we received the settlement , we felt she was a very caring and compassionate person. She kept us informed throughout the process and always responded to any questions we had quickly. Thanks to Trish and MCV Law for all you did for us. Sincerely, Mark & Maureen.
Read more
14 Oct, 2024 by Belinda radcliffe
Grace Salerno and her team are great. Grace will return any calls or emails in a timely matter and answer any questions you have promptly. If you need help getting paperwork or information she will guide you on how to get them with no hesitation. Through my progress she has been very saportive of me and listened to everything that I had to say. I definitely recommend Grace to anyone that neeeded help
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14 Oct, 2024 by Thomas smith
MCV personnel are polite, courtesy, knowledge and efficient.
First used them in 2010 when applying for disability. They accomplished it on first try. Most recently used them on a worker's comp case. They got me a reversal from 2 denials to have a total knee replacement redone.
One of the best choices I have made was hiring MCV Law.
Read more
14 Oct, 2024 by Mark ellinwood
From the first day when we met Trish until the day we received the settlement , we felt she was a very caring and compassionate person. She kept us informed throughout the process and always responded to any questions we had quickly. Thanks to Trish and MCV Law for all you did for us. Sincerely, Mark & Maureen.
Read more
14 Oct, 2024 by Belinda radcliffe
Grace Salerno and her team are great. Grace will return any calls or emails in a timely matter and answer any questions you have promptly. If you need help getting paperwork or information she will guide you on how to get them with no hesitation. Through my progress she has been very saportive of me and listened to everything that I had to say. I definitely recommend Grace to anyone that neeeded help
Read more
14 Oct, 2024 by Thomas smith
MCV personnel are polite, courtesy, knowledge and efficient.
First used them in 2010 when applying for disability. They accomplished it on first try. Most recently used them on a worker's comp case. They got me a reversal from 2 denials to have a total knee replacement redone.
One of the best choices I have made was hiring MCV Law.
Read more
14 Oct, 2024 by Mark ellinwood
From the first day when we met Trish until the day we received the settlement , we felt she was a very caring and compassionate person. She kept us informed throughout the process and always responded to any questions we had quickly. Thanks to Trish and MCV Law for all you did for us. Sincerely, Mark & Maureen.
Read more
14 Oct, 2024 by Belinda radcliffe
Grace Salerno and her team are great. Grace will return any calls or emails in a timely matter and answer any questions you have promptly. If you need help getting paperwork or information she will guide you on how to get them with no hesitation. Through my progress she has been very saportive of me and listened to everything that I had to say. I definitely recommend Grace to anyone that neeeded help
Read more
14 Oct, 2024 by Thomas smith
MCV personnel are polite, courtesy, knowledge and efficient.
First used them in 2010 when applying for disability. They accomplished it on first try. Most recently used them on a worker's comp case. They got me a reversal from 2 denials to have a total knee replacement redone.
One of the best choices I have made was hiring MCV Law.
Read more
14 Oct, 2024 by Mark ellinwood
From the first day when we met Trish until the day we received the settlement , we felt she was a very caring and compassionate person. She kept us informed throughout the process and always responded to any questions we had quickly. Thanks to Trish and MCV Law for all you did for us. Sincerely, Mark & Maureen.
Read more
14 Oct, 2024 by Belinda radcliffe
Grace Salerno and her team are great. Grace will return any calls or emails in a timely matter and answer any questions you have promptly. If you need help getting paperwork or information she will guide you on how to get them with no hesitation. Through my progress she has been very saportive of me and listened to everything that I had to say. I definitely recommend Grace to anyone that neeeded help
Read more
14 Oct, 2024 by Thomas smith
MCV personnel are polite, courtesy, knowledge and efficient.
First used them in 2010 when applying for disability. They accomplished it on first try. Most recently used them on a worker's comp case. They got me a reversal from 2 denials to have a total knee replacement redone.
One of the best choices I have made was hiring MCV Law.
Read more
12 Sep, 2018 by Curt
Tom has represented me on a few occasions. He offered excellent, efficient and responsive service. Tom demonstrated professionalism and personal attention. I will utilize Tom when representation is needed again, whether business or personal matters. I highly endorse Tom for an array of legal matters.
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15 Aug, 2018 by Ben
I have required Mr. Cambier's services on a number of occasions over the past few years, and he never fails to provide service of the highest professionalism. Mr. Cambier has resolved traffic violations for me in a satisfactory manner. Additionally, he has provided extremely helpful insight into a child custody issue that has provided, above all else, clear direction and peace of mind. I highly recommend Mr. Cambier to any individual who wishes to resolve legal matters expeditiously and professionally.
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05 Jun, 2013 by Brent
While I've worked with many attorneys in a professional capacity, Tom was the first lawyer I hired for personal representation. And after an exceptional experience, I don't think I'll ever need to hire another lawyer again.
Dealing with insurance litigation is nerve-racking. And for me, this was my first experience, adding confusion and uncertainty to my state of mind. Tom was great in educating me on the process, and as we got into the case he was outstanding about providing regular communication along the way. He really made me feel as though I was his most important client, which, knowing what I know about the scope of my small insurance case in the context of his large and very reputable firm, I recognize I am not. His personality is a real asset.
And aside from his exceptional client service, in working my case Tom demonstrated mastery of his craft. He was able to accelerate the proceedings of the insurance case and negotiated a favorable settlement that, quite honestly, exceeded my every expectation.
While I hope it's in better circumstances for me, I will absolutely hire Tom again. And you should too. You won't be disappointed.
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25 May, 2017 by Joseph
When I appeared before the court, I had 4 outstanding traffic tickets that varied in severity. I was very nervous due to the severity of 1 of the charges , after consultation I retained Mr. Balduf . He was very direct and he laid out a clear directive for me to follow . I provided him any information that he requested in relation to DMV documents etc... In a very short period of time, Mr. Balduf was able to have all but 1 ticket dismissed , that of which was reduced to a traffic violation and a small fine .I couldn't have imagined a better outcome for myself. If I ever need an attorney again , I will call him first.
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18 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
We have had multiple traffic matters that needed to be addressed. We faced the likelihood of high insurance premiums, going to court and possible suspension of a license. William Balduf took care of our traffic matters for a reasonable rate (we had called around). We did not have to go to Court and our insurance was not affected. I highly recommend him for your DWI and traffic concerns.
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28 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
My son's arrest devastated our family. We were unaware of his addiction and couldn't believe that things were as bad as they were until he was arrested and looking at spending the next two decades in prison. We are not wealthy people and turned to Mr. Balduf. We could not have chosen better. He saved our son from a felony record and jail and gave us alternatives. Thank you.
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22 Aug, 2015 by Julio
Mr. Hulslander is an excellent attorney, litigator and communicator who is well versed in the law and achieves excellent success in the files he handles. I would strongly recommend his use to any party.
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21 Aug, 2015 by Stacey
I have been working with Kevin for about 10-15 years. He always takes an aggressive approach to his defense work. He is also very professional and respectful and is able to provide the best defense to an insured in any situation. Kevin thinks outside the box in regards to defenses and injury causation's. Kevin is one of the best defense attorneys that I have worked with in the last 25 years.
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20 Aug, 2015 by Cope
Kevin is awesome. He answers his phone, responds to emails, has a great sense of value of cases, knows when plaintiffs are full of S&%*, and is an aggressive attorney who knows what the hell is going on with the cases at all times. He is a must use if you want your cases settled early or prior to trial. If you want a trial lawyer, he is your guy also. 5 Star can't miss! No wonder why he is a top 100 attorney! Signed, Cope MSA Group-Syracuse, NY
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27 Aug, 2015 by Jamie
Jesse helped me alot after my accident and threw it knowing I was safe and helped me with the insurance company's. Would recommend him to everyone that needs a lawyer. Very helpful and willing to go out of his way for his clients!
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26 Mar, 2015 by Jason
Very good at what he does. I would recommend him to everyone. He took the time to explain things and got my tickets reduced a lot from what they would have been I if I had gone to court myself
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26 Mar, 2015 by Jenn
Jesse has been my attorney for the past 12 years. He has gone above and beyond his duties. I highly recommend Mr. Ryder.
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03 Oct, 2022 by Carol andrews
John was wonderful.
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28 Dec, 2021 by Meghan connors
The attorneys and staff here are some of the best in the area. Highly skilled at what they do.
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17 Dec, 2020 by Dave nouza
30 Aug, 2018 by Bridget
I hired him for a DWIHe got it reduced from a drug DWI to an alcohol violation. He did all the paperwork an answered right away every time I called. His office is awesome. They have a great staff
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11 Nov, 2017 by Justin
I contacted Craig 13 years ago and after speaking with him and meeting him to discuss Chapter 7 bankruptcy I hired him to handle the case. He did an excellent job and I can't tell how you how impressed I was with his service. Fast forward to 2013 as a result of divorce I reached back out to him for help and just like he did 13 years ago he was there to help me out and I am glad that I did. What sets Craig apart from other attorneys in the area is that he is a down to earth easy spoken straight up guy who you can feel comfortable speaking to. From the first initial meeting with Craig he walks you through everything explaining the pros and cons and develops a strategy that best fits your situation. He is extremely helpful and knowledgeable in his field and is always available if you have any questions or concerns. I have referred several people to Craig, who have unfortunately gone through similar situations that I have, and every one hired Craig to represent them. If your looking for top notch service I would highly recommend you reach out to Craig.
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02 Apr, 2016 by Joshua
I found Craig through a flyer in the mail. I was about to file for bankruptcy with no idea where to start, so I made the call. What impressed me the most is he's not you're stereotypical uptight lawyer, he's a real guy & you can talk to him without fear of judgement. I hired him because I trusted him & his fees fit my budget. He knew the process & was with me throughout as was his incredible support staff. You become their priority & when you have questions or concerns about what's happening you can count on their support for answers. When the court date came, Craig was early, prepared, & on point. We had the only case in court without issue or missing documentation. Outside the court room, he's just like you & me. Highly recommended to make a difficult time as comfortable as possible. Thanks to Craig & Tom.
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12 Nov, 2015 by Tonia
If you want caring, compassionate, hard working, and very professional attorney, then Jeffery Pomeroy is your guy. I had the pleasure of having Mr. Pomeroy represent me for a auto mobile accident that I was injured in. I would refer him over and over. Can not express enough how terrific he and his staff are to their clients.
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13 Oct, 2015 by Mike
Jeff recently helped me with an auto accident claim. His professionalism and knowledge led to a favorable settlement. I would highly recommend that you contact Jeff if you are injured in an automobile collision.
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27 Jan, 2012 by Steve
I have had the pleasure of working with Jeff Pomeroy on a number of personal injury cases over the last decade. Jeff has proven to be an aggressive, detail oriented practitioner, who will go the extra distance for the client. I have observed Jeff both in and out of court. He is the consummate professional and I highly recommend him.
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30 Aug, 2022 by Peter
Seth helped our family with a recent real estate transaction and was so helpful from start to finish. We had questions along the way that Seth answered, he guided us as needed, and really advocated for us as his client. Was very thankful to have Seth in our corner and highly recommend to others looking for someone to help with their real estate transactions.
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20 Jan, 2016 by Jackie
I would highly recommend the services of Hill & Fischer to anyone in need of real estate or probate services. The courtesy & professionalism received while working with Seth and his team are bar none! I have used this firm on several occasions and always know they are looking out for me.
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14 Jan, 2016 by Cassie
There's that moment in everyone's lives that they have to make a decision on what attorney to hire. There are a multitude to choose from. and depending upon your personality, you will choose whom you think suits you. And you may regret that choice because you did not choose who was best suited for the job.
I have chosen Mr. Fischer, multiple times. He has been my personal attorney for over 20 years. House purchases, Estate Planning, and any Real Estate legal advice - I speak to him weekly. And I've never regretted it. I have referred him to my clients in business and the end result is always the same. He gets the job done efficiently, timely and no one ever has to be concerned that anything was left to chance.
Why hire Seth Fischer? Because you can walk away and do your job and never worry about if he's doing his.
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14 Apr, 2018 by Nick
Chris Smith made the process of selling my home effortless. Compared to other lawyers Chris was timely in all his communications and went above and beyond in getting my house closed saving me one month's mortgage payment in addition to obtaining a check for the equity. He also took care of my final water bill and made clear any actions I needed to take in the process.
In Addition, Chris was kind enough to offer me his office to take an exam certification when he became aware this was hindering my ability to take the test. I was struggling to find someone with a license to be present while I take the exam online and sign an affidavit. I'll always be grateful for Chris's kindness and diligence.
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28 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Responsive on family estate issue. Available by cell even on evenings and weekends rare in my experiences.
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26 Nov, 2017 by Kim
I hired Chris to handle both closings - to sell my home in Fayetteville and purchase my new home in North Syracuse. From start to finish, Chris was very responsive. He took time to answer my questions and explained what the next steps would be. Both my closings went smoothly, which made my move easier and less stressful. I would recommend Chris for anyone that needs a great attorney for their closing.
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01 May, 2020 by Paul
He handled the sale of my business, my camp, my home, and the purchase of my new home. Very thorough and excellent work in each case. Very reasonable rates too.
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22 Jan, 2020 by Peter
Ed Fintel went above and beyond the normal call of duty for our real estate closing in Syracuse. He processed some papers while on vacation. When a paper needed signing by the invalid owner of the house next-door, he went with me to her home and helped convince her to sign. He was extremely thorough and careful with all details of the job. I highly recommend him to anyone needing his services.
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26 Aug, 2019 by Katie
Ed represented us in the sale of a house in Syracuse. Despite multiple unexpected complications with the sale Ed remained calm and steered the sale to the earliest closing humanly possible, even working through his vacation and an out-of-town conference. Easy to work with, great communication, knowledgeable, helpful, and inexpensive for the amount of effort. Thanks, Ed!
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26 Oct, 2021 by Davianna blasi
Janelle has been my lawyer for over three years and has done an excellent job in not only fighting for me, but also protecting my interests! She has amazing communication skills, is very patient and great at negotiation. Janelle’s legal skills are excellent, but just as important she's a supportive attorney who truly cares and will have your back the entire time. Hands down the best law firm out there and I would highly recommend! Thank you again Bandoblu Office for absolutely everything!
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10 Oct, 2021 by Mercedes wilson
This is who you want representing you. I was not experienced with family court and had terrible anxiety. Janelle has consistently been there for me from day one. Even after the case, she has shown her support.
Words that I would use to describe this practice would be professional, compassionate and knowledgeable. When I thought no one would understand, Bandoblu Law Office DID. I am eternally thankful!
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06 Jun, 2023 by Sarah trespasz
Our father, Theodore A.Trespasz Sr. was an advocate for low income, rental agreements to represent "tenancy law,"
HELPED TO CREATE IT, INTO LEGISTLATURE THROUGH CONGRESS, to represent and protect the tenant/tenancy for all. EVERY tenant. MY WWII PILOT FATHER, ALWAYS SAID... EVERYONE INTO TH CAR. EVERYONE WANT A CONE. EVERYONE WANT A PIECE OF APPLE PIE ?.HE.MMADEMADEMADE.
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12 Nov, 2020 by Gabby b
01 Nov, 2013 by Jim brown
Ray Dague helped me when I was falsely accused as the aggressor in a street fight. He literally saved me from even going to court and got my case dropped at the grand jury level. I was a kid and I was scared. He have me comfort and treated me like family. To this day I cherish this man and would trust him with my life. When I see him I treat him as a dear friend, as he is. I owe him more than he could ever have charged me, which was very reasonable.
He's mature, caring, slow to speak and quick to listen and has a very calming presence and he is a family man. Quite frankly the man inspired me when I was younger and still does. He obviously has my full recommendations with out any regard. He's as good an attorney as they come and equal in character.
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26 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
I went through Raymond's Law Offices for my house closing. They were very responsive and ensured that there were no loose ends. As a first-time home buyer, they coddled me through the process. I was impressed with their professionalism and timeliness. I would recommend them to anyone looking to purchase a home. I have nothing negative to say which is rare for me when referring to attorneys.
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08 Feb, 2019 by Josue
Thank you james for helping me out! I’ve gotten several traffic violations James and his wife always there when i need them! I always feel like family to them.
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16 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Chatwin is a hidden gem I stumbled on years ago, and he has helped me out immeasurably over the year with my traffic issues (most notably a lead foot in my youth..). When I got a ticket for the first time in over 10 years just a few weeks ago, I was so relieved to see he was still practicing. Not only was the whole mess over fairly quickly, his swift and exceptionally competent action likely saved me plenty on my car insurance. His rates are very reasonable. Please call Mr. Chatwin instead of taking on the courts by yourself, you won't regret it!
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25 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I had Mr. Brad Oastler as my representation for some charges I had recieved due to a motor vehicle accident. Brad was very down to earth, explained things in depth, and went out of his way to make sure the final outcome worked well with my lifestyle and needs professionally and personally. I was very pleased with the outcome that Brad was able to obtain for me.
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06 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
I retained Mr. Oastler following an arrest for 1st Offense DWI. I was facing a misdemeanor charge that I was afraid would impact my ability to continue to do a job that I am very passionate about, while also impacting other areas of my life. This was a situation that was causing me significant stress and fear, but every conversation I had with Mr. Oastler helped to put me at ease. From our first conversation, it was clear that Mr. Oastler had nothing but my best interests at heart, and was going to be a knowledgeable, consistent advocate. Despite some complications to my case, he was able to walk me through everything that would happen to me over the course of my representation. He was able to negotiate with the ADA and settle my case at my first court appearance, delivering a very favorable outcome. I would highly recommend working with him to anybody who is in a similar situation to me.
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29 Oct, 2018 by Bea
I needed an attorney for a will and also to help sell my home. Mr. DeFio and his staff assisted me with both files. Friendly, detailed, and thorough.
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06 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
The DeFio Law Firm was recommended to me by a friend. It has been a pleasure working with the firm.
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10 May, 2023 by Phil manzene
I want to Thank Christopher Stringham for doing such a great job with my cases and Workmen’s Comp. took him a while but he never gave up. He hung in there and fought hard . Thank God I had Chris for my cases and I won best attorney ever
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11 Aug, 2015 by Kris
Chris did a wonderful job negotiating the closing on our second home as we were selling our first. Chris was available at any time of the day for us to ask questions and he was very accommodating to all of our requests. Chris actually facilitated our closing while he was technically on vacation in order to get us into our new home as soon as possible. At all times he was very professional and made us feel comfortable while we were negotiating the sale of our first home, something we had never done before.
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13 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Has a good record of performing at trial, or in court. I use him mostly for evicting tenants, and he always seems to know what he is doing. I've seen other attorneys have trouble. Good record of getting them out, even when tenant had a good case.
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21 Mar, 2011 by Mrs. peterson
Tom Miller came to my rescue during the most difficult time in my entire life. He is truly a class act. I would recommend him to anyone in need of honest, respectful and dedicated representation.
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15 Apr, 2016 by Josh
Ken has defended myself, my friends and my family on a number of charges from traffic tickets to DUI to criminal felonies and has always been extremely professional and knowledgeable.
He initially represented me when I was charged with DUI. He expertly guided me through the pleading process and ensured that I was treated fairly and that both the police and prosecution performed their duties to the highest possible standards. I have kept him on retainer since and reach out to him often for guidance and advice.
He is held in high regard in the Syracuse area; I have never seen him enter a court room without having the judge greet him personally. He is of the highest ethical standards and will speak to you as a human.
There is a reason Ken has the reputation he does - he has earned it through his diligent work and high standards. I would look to no one else for representation.
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10 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
hi nikki - need your phone number just in case if i was ever faced with a felony not that it would happen but never know my email is
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20 May, 2013 by Martha
Helped us through the process of selling our house. Everything went extremely smooth and Ted is very professional. The survey and home inspection were done timely and the closing actually occurred earlier than planned. Great experience.
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13 Dec, 2019 by David
Bob is a relentless hard working, honest, detail-orientated lawyer. He’s well versed in criminal defense with a medical background. He was able to handle my case quickly, professionally and walked me though the whole process. He impressed with his amazing character, good morals and protected my best interests navigating a difficult situation. Bob will succeed at anything he takes on and couldn’t recommend a better person.
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12 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Bob is genius. His 40+ years of studying the nuances of patent law make him a legend. His legacy for the patent bar is one of precision.
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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?
While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience. -
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:
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Financial Information:
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Pen and Notebook:
Take notes during the consultation to remember important points. -
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:
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.
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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.
