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09 Aug, 2014 by Patrick
my name is pat. Robert rep. me years ago as a free lawyer apt. by the court and was terrific . he actually gives a damn. thanx Robert you are the best lawyer in Syracuse!!!!!!!!!!!
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17 Oct, 2009 by Colleen
Mairead gave me a free consultation in which she reviewed the details of my case and offered her advice. She was knowledgable, sensitive and professional. I decided to settle out of court, but if I ever need an employment attorney again, she will be my first call.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Coneyislander63
Mike has handled my affairs for over 10yrs. he is trustworthy, Honest and knowledgeable in handling Estate Planning /Trustsalong with the sensivity to his clients. He has high Morals and Ethics as well. i wouls highly recommend him:)
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14 Jan, 2015 by Frank
Ms Cambell, while representing my interests left no stone unturned, and managed to keep the defendant off guard and flustered throughout questioning. (Something I thought not possible.) She explored every avenue, and back alley to get the information needed.
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22 Feb, 2018 by Stephen
Worked with us on our first home purchase and he did a great job. Bill was very available to answer any questions and always made sure we knew what was around the corner. He did a great job overcoming any title issues and left no stone un-turned! Very professional and Highly recommended!
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03 Nov, 2016 by Susan
Joe Wentland is an attorney who cares about his client. He is so very knowledgeable about all aspects of the legal system. He worked with both the District Attorney and the location of court (East Syracuse), to resolve my case. He clearly explained everything and was so easy to get in touch with, returning calls within an hour or two, if not minutes! My case went on for a very long time due to my illness. Joe was patient and kind and always checked to make sure I could make court. I would recommend Joseph Wentland Attorney at law, without hesitation.
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04 Oct, 2013 by Lynn
I have called on Mr. Kawa's service's over the years to help with tickets.. because of young inexperienced drivers! He has always immediately responsive..and never judgmental. I am never stuck just talking to his secretary. He keeps me informed and in the loop.. He came to me recommended by a friend...and I am more than grateful..I am not always a big fan of attorney's -but if they were all like this gentleman- I would have no negative feelings,,, I will be contacting him soon to help with my will. I appreciate and trust his guidance!
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16 Jan, 2012 by Michael
Companies I work with have engaged Jim Muldoon on many occasions for patent and trademark prosecution and enforcement across a range of technical and business issues. He has great intelligence, legal expertise, business savvy, and people skills. Hire him with confidence.
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29 May, 2018 by Robert t
William smolinski is a fantastic lawyer .I have hired bill 2 or 3 times and every time the outcome has been in my favour.He is easy to talk to he listens to you .you will not find a better all around lawyer in the Syracuse aera if want the best he is it .I also want to say that bar none is legal fees are very reasonable.
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03 Jul, 2019 by Janet
He did a great job on some legal matters for me. Was always accessible and ready to help, even at unusual times. Confidential with my information and always professional. I would suggest him to anyone in need of criminal representation.
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07 Sep, 2020 by Stephanie
After several calls and struggling to find a lawyer. I highly recommend this law firm to anyone and would gladly refer my friends. Heather the only ones to confidently take my case! She is very honest and loyal and committed Jim & Heather spent years working on my case and won and got me the compensation I deserved! She was very good at debating my case! Heather is very skilled at what she does modest, and very professional, always kept me posted on the status of our results!
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14 Jan, 2018 by Joanne
Tim, Doolittle completed an extensive estate planning course of action and filed the applicable documents that formed a worry-free entry into advanced age for my husband and I. He is fully knowledgeable of all aspects of estate planning. We are extremely pleased with his work.
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27 Feb, 2019 by Betty
Mr. Durkin represented me for a motor vehicle accident. The law suit lasted three years and during this time Mr Durkin was always available for any question I had and always kept me informed of the progress of the case. Not only is he an excellent Lawyer, but he is a very nice man!
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24 Jul, 2018 by Tyler
Amy is the best person for family litigation. she explains things from the start to finish. she understands the law and to date has explained and answered all questions put forth. A++++ the child custody case we are presently in has gone smooth and she handles everything with courteousness, professionalism . she hands down knows her profession and attacks it with energy, No ambulance chasing from this persons standpoint. every conversation with her is a learning experience. she makes sure to explain procedure and whats expected. Ive heard Horror stories of lawyers just taking your hard earned money and you not getting results.. not with this Woman. shes worth every penny I have spent and then some.. she doesn't pull punches on either spectrum. wether in court or in consultation.. She treats you like a human being and not just a case Number.. 5 stars is just not enough. she deserves 100 in my book..
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23 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
Rick is highly skilled and responsive to his clients needs. We always get things back on time and done to perfection. He has gone the extra mile is providing great service to us. I highly recommend Rick for any legal work you need completed.
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09 Feb, 2017 by Chris
After wading thru months and months of BS, I got Dave's name from a cousin in Syracuse. Completely turned my situation around; he immediately took control and held the company responsible. He is a smart man of few words. I trust him, very good guy.
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10 Nov, 2013 by Robert
Adam has kept me informed in every step of the personal injury process. If I have any questions, he is very happy to answer my questions. I am very confident in his abilities and feel better that he and the firm he works at is handling my case. I would recommend him and his firm to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney.
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02 Dec, 2010 by Nancy
Mr.Walters changed and renewed my faith in lawyers and the justice system. He stood by my son and helped us as a family to understand the legal aspects of the case. I never met a lawyer as honnest and caring to their clients as he is. St. Frances was a advocate for prisoners and the falsely accused. Mr. Walters so fits that definition. I don't believed I ever properly thanked him. It's my hope he will read this. If you are looking for an attorney who will stand by you and give his all, this is the man. He answered ever phone call and every concern.Was extemely knowledgable and experienced in law. Most of all he wasn't judgemental.
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07 Feb, 2008 by Vicki
Daniel Kornfeld represented me and he was honest and direct. He guided me through everything and it was a lengthy and very frustrating process. Daniel was always very professional and extremely knowledgeable and I feel confident he would treat any of his clients with dignity and respect. I highly recommend him. He has a great deal of integrity, which was very important to me. We did win my case, however if we had lost the case I knew it wouldn’t be for lack of expertise on his part.
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20 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
Ellen Priest handled a real estate transaction for me. She and her staff did a wonderful job with the entire transaction; including negotiations with the other party; advise; scheduling and keeping me informed. I recommend her wholeheartedly.
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20 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
Cliff is very responsive & detailed. He has had our best insterest at the forefront of every decision. While any litigation is stressful, Cliff made this action non-taxing and smooth for all parties through exellent communication and education on the legal situation, at an understandable level.
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02 Sep, 2014 by Kandy
We met virginia leasure at an informational meeting on real-estate at Syracuse University. Her presentation relayed an impressive knowledge base. She was very apprachable and answered our many questions providing in-depth valuable information. Several months later we contacted her to represent us in a real-estate transaction. There were many obstacles that she cleared for us and additional valuable advice that brought us to a successful conclusion. We will always be grateful for her expertise and kind and generous manner. We have referred freinds to her who report having similar positive experiences. I am so glad that we had the good fortune to meet her and feel empowered to enter into future transactions with her capable representation.
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21 Mar, 2016 by Veronica
I met Mr. Copani for the first time and immediately felt comfortable. I've met some lawyers who talk down to you as if they are more important than the client they are talking to. He was friendly, informative and honest.
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22 Jan, 2019 by Kathy
I worked as Mail Clerk for a Medical Management Company in Syracuse, New York. As I was lifting a box, I injured my shoulder. I sought out the help of Fine, Olin & Anderman, LLP to file for Workers’ Compensation benefits on my behalf. I was extremely pleased with my Attorney Kevin Burgess, Esq. and Legal Assistant Patricia Glick. Kevin was very informative about everything and was a real advocate for me. I would highly recommend FOA to anyone who is in need of a Workers’ Compensation attorney.”
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29 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Represented me in a real estate sale in Rochester, New York and everything when very smoothly.
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17 Jun, 2015 by Melissa
Excellent service for the buy & sell of a few homes. I highly recommend her. Only con is the location of the office, not the best part of town. We still use her service though and will continue to do so.
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07 Mar, 2017 by Luis
Helped me fight a charge that was presented to be a C felony and had it reduced down to a violation and paid restitution extremely intelligent and professional -Luis
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21 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
I retained Randi on a Grand Larceny case which she successfully defended me against. In Court, the Judge complimented me on my choice of Attorney and described her as tenacious. She is definitely the lawyer you want to have on your side if you are facing criminal charges. She answered all my questions, kept in touch so I wasn't wondering what was going on, and really made me feel at ease.
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18 Jan, 2012 by Ben
Constance represented me in a custody issue as a court mandated attorney. She believed in me as a loving father and fought for me. I will never be able to repay her for the many joyful days I have had with my children. My children will never be able to repay her for the ability that she provided in getting to know their father better. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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04 Oct, 2023 by Amber h
Worked with Rachel when she was a junior attorney at Bousquet Holstein. She provided expert assistance to the senior attorney. I was very empressed by her superior legal skills.
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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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