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13 Oct, 2016 by Daniel
He's a trustworthy attorney, Mr Zudar will handle your case without hesitating and very professional. Mr. Zudar will fight until the end.
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22 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Josh showed multiple times during the course of my case that he personally cared very much about me and my family first. I can recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney.
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09 Sep, 2015 by Lynn vlaming
Honestly, I don't know why this rating is only 6.3. This Lawyer knows what to do and cares about his clients. Prompt, Professional, Attentive, Courteous, Fair, Honest are only a few of the words that describe Mr. Podolsky and yes, effective and efficient! I recommend him to anyone who has any legal issue. Go to him first and save yourself. Get your Life Back!!
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07 Apr, 2014 by Daniel
Mr. Podolsky was able to quickly draft a legal letter after a 10 minute consultation that completely got rid of my headache with one of the largest stock photo sellers in the world. Because of a simple error made when purchasing stock photos, the company wanted to charge me $2500 for the use of three stock photos that only cost $150 Total. Mr. Podolsky's knowledge of those laws made that company not even respond to his letter. It's been more than a year since we heard anything from that company because of Mr. Podolsky's letter. I appreciate his help and will consult him again should I need any legal help.
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13 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
I retained Mr. De L’Etoile to represent me in a family law matter. His fee was very reasonable and I was always able to reach him when I needed to.
I received excellent representation.
He stays on top of things and is very
personable.
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19 Apr, 2017 by Rmr
Erik was very friendly and answered all of my questions. I felt certain that he would do all in his power for my best interest. Would highly recommend him.
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06 Sep, 2015 by Carroll
I hired Mr Melendi to handle a number of complicated legal issues upon the unexpected death of my late husband. I found him to be highly competent in evaluating and understanding the issues, capable of explaining options and instrumental in resolving them to my satisfaction. He is very responsive and willing to research an issue to assure the best recommendation to his client. i would highly recommend Mr Melendi
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03 Sep, 2015 by Wanda
Mr. Melendi has been our lawyer for many, many years. We have always considered him to be highly competent and fast to respond to our legal business issues. In addition, we appreciate his ability and willingness to explain our legal remedies in layman's terms. We would not hesitate to recommend Mr. Melendi to anyone in need of legal counsel in his fields of expertise.
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11 May, 2024 by Jim blume
We are longtime volunteers in the foster system and adopted a child who sought to kill us and our autistic son. After 8 years of really trying to guide this child, with therapists, schools, and much more than this review can hold - Attorney Kimberly Garno represented us as we struggled to protect everyone involved. Kimberly Garno read through our extensive documents, understood how to move forward without wasting time and the judge applauded her decisive and unconventional direction. She responded to the calls and questions we had and truly listened to all of our concerns. Her legal acumen is brilliant, non nonsense, and unexpected. My impression of most attorneys is uncaring and only wanting easy money. But Kimberly genuinely looks at your case and sees through the clutter and gets right to the best legal approach. If you are facing any dependency issues, I highly recommend hiring Kimberly Garno as your attorney.
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12 Nov, 2021 by Joshua
I was appointed Ms. Garno to my Child Dependency case in Pinellas county. I had parted ways with my previous attorney, and had no more money to hire another attorney. So the judge appointed Ms. Garno to represent me. She is a private attorney who was appointed to me on a Pro Bono basis; and I'll be honest I was worried about the level of service I was going to get from an appointed attorney... But I shouldn't have been...
Ms. Garno represented me better than the attorney that I paid thousands of dollars to. Her professionalism and expertise was so good that she did something that is very rare, and she won a trial against DCF/Eckerd... My case was dismissed by the judge on a directed judgement, before we even had to plead our defense!
If you're thinking about hiring Ms. Garno, stop thinking about it and just do it. You WILL be happy with her representation!
Thank you for getting my kids returned to me and my wife, Ms. Garno.
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30 Jan, 2015 by Taryn
Fred Pressley provided Legal services and guidance to myself for divorce proceedings. From the first meeting with Fred, he made me very comfortable, listened very well, there were no feelings of embarrassment or shame (as I thought there would be). Fred felt like a trusted colleague with his sincere approach. Fred is extremely knowledgeable, communicates well, and answered all questions and concerns the same day, and was very detailed in his response. My case and experience in the courtroom could not have gone smoother. Fred was extremely courteous and he really cared about making the experience stress free. He is a true Professional.
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28 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
He is a very smart, informative and professional man. He assessed my file and was able to communicate all aspects I should be looking into.
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19 Jun, 2017 by Tim
he did a great job i was very happy with the outcome of my case. he is a great lawyer.
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02 Oct, 2015 by Carla
I called the law firm where Ken Minio practices. I told the woman who answered that I was rear ended in a car accident. She took information down and placed me on hold. Ken Minio came on the line and talked with me for about 30 minutes. He is super intelligent, so confident, very outgoing and a really personable person. He explains things so well and is so upfront and honest about everything. I called three well-known Atty practices that run commercials constantly on tv and they would not let me speak to an Atty. They wanted to send an investigator out and have me sign papers. Ken Minio came right to the phone and made me immediately feel comfortable and at ease talking with him. I'm not looking any further. I found the attorney who I'm going to hire. Give him a call. You will be as impressed as I am.
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27 Apr, 2021 by Petra
I cannot say enough good things about Sheila. As her client, Sheila guided me through 2 cases and she was absolutely amazing. If you can describe a situation being amazing in this regards. She is an advocate for her clients and works diligently to find a resolution that is in favor for her clients. She is also highly empathetic, which in my opinion is a trait hard to find in lawyers these days. I felt extremely comfortable with her and she got the outcome that I desired, without making promises. She is absolutely fantastic and I would highly recommend Sheila. Her professionalism and hard working character is something to strive for. I wish more lawyers had her personality and compassion. She is a force of strength.
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24 Apr, 2021 by Jose l.
Great Service, Helpful, And The Best Of The Best Highly Recommend Her Got My Wife And Me Out Of Alot Wouldn’t Hire Anyone Else Except Her
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05 May, 2017 by Kirk
An in-attentive old man in a Buick hit me on my bicycle---After calling Catania and Catania I never had to deal with insurance company again---Paul got a substantial cash settlement plus my medical expenses and mileage paid plus a new bicycle---The staff couldn't have been nicer or more helpful towards me---Thank you, Paul---
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07 Aug, 2013 by Anthony
The attorneys and staff worked diligently to bring closure to my case. Their consistent follow-up kept me "in the know" and I appreciated their services.
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01 Jul, 2021 by Angelo
Michael is responsive to his clients. He is a great communicator and doesn't leave them in the dark about the status of their claim. I highly recommend Michael Rettew for those looking for a positive outcome in any personal injury case.
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28 Jun, 2017 by Ryan
Mike is there when I need him and he gets things done QUICK. Best part - he's handling everything personally! It's nice not to be handed off to someone else.
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19 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Exceptional Service! Attorney Gonzalez managed my Civil case efficiently. Clear communication, prompt responses, and through expertise. Highly recommend for any legal matters!
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24 Sep, 2014 by Yaima
Mr. Gonzalez is a great attorney. He knows his profession very well. I hired him for a civil matter as well as a Divorce. He was very helpful through all of it. I would recommend him. This is the attorney you want to have represent you with your case.
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03 Feb, 2022 by Tim jones
Having worked with Jim I can say without reservation he is an exceptional lawyer who has a wealth of experience, the drive and passion to pursue justice for each and every client he represents. I highly recommend Jim.
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24 Dec, 2013 by Anne, certified public accountant
My partner and I were in a precarious position with a third partner who tried to steal our largest client. Although other transaction attorneys were involved, it was not until James Tanner, a true litigator, got involved that we received an injunction blocking the partner from breaking our bylaws. Mr. Tanner was not only professional, but got the defendant to blatantly admit to the judge that he was in breach of the by-laws through his superior skills in cross examination and in getting the truth revealed. I would recommend him to any individual or business. He possesses a vast knowledge base and experience level in many different areas of the law.
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29 Jan, 2023 by Karen g.
Pedro is one of the best people I know. He has helped me a lot and I couldn't be more grateful for him. He is the best lawyer and cares about people and will go out of his way to help them. I strongly recommend him if you need any help he will not disappoint you.
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23 Aug, 2015 by Julio
I am pleased to write this review about my experience with Mr. Rodriguez. He took on my civil court case a few years ago and he handle it with the utmost professionalism and knowledge.
He thoroughly examined my case and explained to me the strengths and weaknesses about it. He also explained all the possible outcomes and he made no unrealistic promises to me. I never felt like I was being deceived by him into spending unnecessary money on my civil court case against me. It is a pleasure for me to say that I won in court 100% of the case. It was largely due to his capability, competence, knowledge, intelligence and professionalism. Mr. Rodriguez was worth every penny I spent on his wages. Even if I had partially win/lost my case in court, I would still had felt positive about his performance overall. I always trusted Mr. Rodriguez and there is no doubt in my mind that he tried his very best regardless of the outcome.
Needless to say, he is still my attorney for any future legal needs and I strongly recommend him as a lawyer to others. His bilingual background also made him extremely helpful to me, and he is an asset to the Hispanic community.
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14 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Brennan has won cases that 99% of the lawyers would lose and created more case law favorable to victims than any other lawyer that I know. He is approachable, competent, and aggressive. I have brought him in on many cases and get immediate results when the insurance companies see his name associated with the file. When you get a complicated case and need a lawyer, call the lawyer that lawyers refer to when they have a complicated case. Call Web Brennan.
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06 Mar, 2013 by Georgette
Web treated my case with dignity, compassion, respect, and is extremely knowledgeable. Web is the total package!
I was seriously injured several years ago and had the honor of having Web Brennan take my case. The first time meeting him was with my parents. We were in awe of how he conducted himself as he was not the average ‘lawyer’ we expected to meet. Instead of taking advantage of us in the time crisis he gently and politely explained how to proceed without being forceful. He is truly unique, humorous, and the ultimate professional!
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14 Jan, 2019 by Webb
If you want to get something done, look no further. That's what my family attorney suggested. Boy, he was right. She is so quick minded, it's remarkable; Very likable, but a pit bull when you need a pit bull.
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28 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Angela Rodante is an awesome attorney. She is a partner of Swope, Rodante, P.A., a law firm in Ybor City. Through personal experience, I know that Angela really knows her stuff. She takes on tough cases with the intent to win. I could not have been happier with my results. Anyone who has been catastrophically injured or has suffered insurance bad faith needs to hire her!
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09 Aug, 2019 by Michael
I was able to walk through each step of the case with him and they never thought twice when I had questions to make sure I understood what was going. The patients level with this gentleman is amazing and he does not just say he hears you he actually listens to your concerns.
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30 Jan, 2014 by James
I brought Michael in as trial counsel for a complex dispute arising out of a decade-long multimillion dollar lease of a large building in Manatee County. Michael's work was absolutely terrific and he clearly has a gift...I wish I were a fly on the wall to opposing counsel's face when he saw Michael's Motion for Summary Judgment!
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01 Feb, 2016 by Will
Mr. Lavendar was extremely helpful when my employer refused to help when I was injured in the job. Mr. Lavender was very understanding, kind, and professional. I highly recommend him.
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19 Dec, 2013 by Robert j. goudin
Always there and has his assistant always there to answer and respond very fast back to me with my case and any questions are answered that day!Hardworking,trustworthy,respectful, The Best,and YES,I totally trust and Respect Mr. Lavender and all his staff!!!They are the Best at what they do!!! Bob,Eustis,FL.
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22 Aug, 2013 by Susan
Mr Smith made a very difficult situation easier to endure. He explained the options available to me and helped me decide the best course to take in order to lower and even eliminate many of my debts. I was very pleased with his professionalism, and the courtesy and helpfulness of his staff. I have already referred friends and family members to his firm.
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18 May, 2011 by Anonymous
The firm helped me with a bankruptcy, like millions of other people we hit hard times with the economy. I originally met with attorney Charles Stohlmen and he explained to me how I can “get rid of my second mortgage” – which we did successfully. Cheryl was very helpful and preparation of my paperwork. But Darcy in the corporate office was extremely knowledgeable and helpful and always returned every call and explained everything in detail with words I can actually understand. I am so relieved now that I don’t have creditors constantly calling and harassing! I am making monthly payments and I feel good that I am paying something back. But when I am finished – that second mortgage is gone – we are talking about $65,000 2nd mortgage!! I would totally recommend this firm to anyone!
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19 Jul, 2022 by Tony
I would recommend Antonio Dowels to anyone he is hands on with me always returns my calls he breaks everything down so that I understand exactly what is going on and I can't say enough how happy I am the he's working my case.
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24 Mar, 2021 by Katelyn
I cannot thank Antonio enough for the amount of time and effort he put into my very unusual case. He did exactly what he was supposed to do to help me every step of the way. I will highly recommend Mr. Dowels to anyone I know who needs counsel.
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21 May, 2013 by Kavita
Jessie kept me informed about my case throughout the process. I was actually surprised when I received a letter from her stating that my case was approved. I really thought it would have been a long drawn out process with more court visits and having to provide additional documentation. It was definitely a huge relief to a very stressful situation. In addition, I contacted Jessie several times after my case was approved to clarify a few questions about information I have to provide to the trustee. Jessie was always prompt, professional and knowledgeable with her feedback. I would definitely recommend her office. My case was handled with ease and expertise and had a successful outcome.
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18 Mar, 2013 by Janet
Dear Jessie,
Thank you for easing my fears and frustrations during such a "stressful" time in our lives...your patience and great confidence which you expressed to me will never be forgotten!
Sincerely,
Janet
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08 Jul, 2016 by Mike
After using 5 different law firms in Tampa over an eight (8) year stretch to get a modification completed, Karen was the only one to get the task done.
She not only got a reduction in my interest rate from 6.37% to a 2% offer from Fannie Mae on my behalf and the $100,000 arrears attached to the end of my mortgage, she also eliminated $310,000 in personal debt and reduced past income tax liabilities from $252,000 to $26,000.
I've used many attorneys for business reasons over my life and always felt like I was never getting my issues resolved, until I met Karen.
She understands the law and applies it to each client's needs with complete professionalism and is always quick to respond with answers.
If you're in need of an attorney for foreclosure defense or bankruptcy filing, regardless of your circumstances, don't bother to talk to anyone else.
Karen saved me in excess of $500,000 and did so when other Tampa firms just gave me lip service and did nothing but take my money.
Thank You so much Karen
MLB
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18 Sep, 2014 by Stephanie
Karen made my bankruptcy process so easy! She explained everything to me in a way that I understood and was very quick to file my papers when I sent them in to her which made the process even shorter than I had expected. Her professionalism and availability was amazing. Thank you Karen!
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28 Jun, 2013 by William crescenzo
I recently had Pamela work with me on a real estate related case in Hillsborough County. Being in the industry that I work in, I see many law suits with both good and bad attorneys. After recently seeing Pamela's most recent case involving a real estate matter and her quick rebuttal answers, she is by far one of the best Attorney's Hillsborough County has to offer. You will not find a better attorney for real estate.
I would rate Pamela A++, and a 10 points on Avvo.
William C
President of Interest Holdings, Inc
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04 Nov, 2012 by Eugene
Ms. Hatley is down-to-earth, straight-forward and doesn't beat around the bush. She is gentle and soft-spoken in demeanor yet knows how to pack a mean punch. We have used her twice in the last four years on cases at different ends of the spectrum --- Real Estate Law and Animal Law. She was very knowledgeable in both of these areas. Her thorough research and presentation of case examples left the other parties with little to argue. We were successful both times because of her resourcefulness and her approach. We highly recommend Ms. Hatley.
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12 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
I had an issue that involved a work-related injury that was not being taken care of properly. This was very disturbing as I needed to get my health checked but I also needed a job and to be treated fairly.
I needed to seek out a lawyer and I did a little search on the internet and found Barbaslaw.com and the first lawyer I was referred to was Atty. Hovsepian, which was heaven sent. He was very professional right at the start and all the way through the whole ordeal. I had never been through any court proceeding before; therefore, I was naturally very nervous.
However, Atty. Hovsepian and his staff treated me with respect, courteous, dignity, and always made me feel like a person instead of just another client of his. He always took the time to explain things to me, sometimes more than once, to make sure I understood all things going on. With the help of God and of course Atty. Hovsepian my case was resolved. It is because of Atty. Hovsepian that I started to feel like a human again and I could move on from this whole tribulation.
I would highly recommend Atty. Hovsepian to anyone that is seeking any legal advice in any work or any discrimination areas. He is very knowledgeable of the laws and will carefully study your case and will tell you truthfully his professional opinion and guidance, but will always listen to your decisions.
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11 May, 2016 by Pete
I retained Steve Hovsepian to represent me in a "breach of employment contract". As with all legal issues, the process is often complicated and at times difficult for the plaintiff to understand. From the very first day we met, to the day the case was settled, his concern was always that I understood what was taking place. While Steve is a highly credentialed and seasoned attorney, his persona is one that exemplifies the very best qualities of a true professional. He is very humble and extremely empathetic. He is also one of the best communicators I have ever had the pleasure to work with, and that includes a large number of CEO's, CFO's, COO's etc. He is a partner in the firm of Barbas Nunez Sanders Butler & Hovsepian. Both as a lay consumer and as CEO of my company, I would endorse Steve and his fine firm for anyone that required the very "best of the best" , and wanted true peace of mind that their interests would be protected throughout every step of the legal process.
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11 Aug, 2018 by James
Mr. Del Rio has helped me out through two tough situations. He is persistent and fights hard to get the best possible result. He also as a unique willingness to be available and answer questions even after a settlement has been reached. I appreciate everything he did for me and I am glad I can share my experience with everyone.
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01 Jun, 2016 by Tracie
Attorney Jeff Del Rio is currently working on my case and has definitely impressed me with the way he has represented me. He is very professional and persistent. I'm confident in the fact he is trying to get all punitive damages in which I'm not only entitled; but well deserve.
He answers calls and emails and even took the time to answer some questions as he was in between appointments. I highly recommend his services. I look forward to the outcome as I feel he truly has given his all.
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13 Aug, 2021 by Darren
I have to say that Ms. Thorpe is an outstanding attorney. I work with many lawyers in Florida and she is one of the best. Not hesitant to think outside the box and not hesitant to Fight when needed. She is quick witted and engages with others with a determination that sets her apart from many other attorneys in her field of practice. I would highly recommend her if you need a lawyer that really knows the Law!!.
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15 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
I had the extreme pleasure of working with Shania Thorpe on a very sensitive employment matter. I have never had to hire an attorney before and her expertise and compassion always made me feel I was worthy of pursuing the injustice that I endured. I always knew throughout the whole process, she had my best interest at heart. We ended up settling through mediation and I can honestly say, I no longer have the fear, anxiety, or sadness I used to feel on a daily basis. I am glad I choose that route with her recommendation and because of her, I have been able to find resolution, move forward with my life, and again feel happiness. Without her, I am not sure where my life would be right now and I will always be eternally grateful.
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21 Jul, 2014 by Cp
Ms. Colon has handled all of my post dissolution matters in the most professional manner. There have been numerous occasions with my former spouse that could have easily escalated out of control. I credit Ms. Colon with keeping a handle on the situation, and keeping all the parties focused and on track. As a father, I never felt the courts considered my contributions to the family fairly, but with the help of Ms. Colon and her staff, I felt like I finally had an advocate on my side. I will continue to use Ms. Colon and her services, and I would highly recommend her.
Thank you Amanda!
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02 Aug, 2013 by Craig
Amanda handled a child custody case for me involving a minor child of unwed parents. She is very well prepared and makes sure you are equally well prepared. She clearly has the best interests of the child in mind and I believe she truly cares about her clients. In my opinion she is an excellent family law attorney. I have recommended her to people in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
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27 Dec, 2021 by Lori
High quality, high professionalism, highly responsive and highly intelligent. I felt as if he had my back and covered all his bases like a rockstar. I will refer him and the law firm to anyone looking for representation.
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05 Dec, 2016 by Sherry
I have already referred Marty to a friend, and will do so for anybody looking for a good family law attorney. He is super responsive to my calls and emails, and always takes the time to explain what is currently happening as well as the next steps. This divorce has been super hard on me, and Marty has always been compassionate as well as helpful. He is also very honest, yes you read that correctly, an honest attorney. While I wish nobody had to go through a crappy divorce, or deal with child custody issues brought on by a complete jerk, we live in the real world. I would HIGHLY recommend you hire Marty to represent you through this difficult time in your life. I have heard horror stories from friends who did not find the right attorney, so know how important it is to find one you can trust.
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02 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
I needed assistance with some issues that came up with my step-daughter. I never thought that I would need a lawyer for anything. But I'm glad that I had Scott to assist me through the process. I was very nervous about everything that was happening, but Scott made me feel very comfortable. Everything went smoothly!
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01 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
Scott Robbins came highly recommended to me by a former client of his. My expectations were achieved. He takes his time to make sure he thoroughly knows your case, he knows the law and gave me personal attention when I needed it. It may take him a few days to call you back, but that is understandable because he has other clients but when he is focused on your case, you get his full attention. No doubt about that. I highly recommend his services.
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23 Feb, 2015 by Raleigh
I own a technical company that bids on a contracts. After winning the bid, my client asked me to sign a Vendor agreement. There was so much complicated legal language in the document that I did not know what I was signing. Brian walked me through every part of the document explaining to me in plain English what I would be signing. He also flagged potential terms that were very important for me to be aware of, but was a standard practice for this kind of contract. I will be a returning customer and would recommend him to anyone one else who requires this level of detail.
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29 Jan, 2010 by Christian savaia
Brian helped myself and my family with a Real Estate issue. He was very knowledgeable, highly ethical, and attentive, all traits my family and me value strongly. I would highly recommend Mr. Leung for anyone who needs advice with any real estate or business matters. I will definitely use Mr. Leung for future transactions agian.
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13 Feb, 2019 by Michael
Mark Reinhold represented me for my divorce case and worked wonders! He was the 3rd attorney that I turned to when the others couldn't get it done. Wish i had just come straight to Mark from the get go. Mark's no nonsense, straight forward approach was very effective in my case. I highly recommend Mr. Reinhold for his work in family law!
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22 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
I found this lawyer, to be quite competent, understanding of my fears and wishes, and easily accessible compared to other lawyers I have had in the past. Mark had a calming effect with his direct approach he took with me. I had many things to fear in the case that Mark represented me in, and he always took the time to fully explain all options to me. My particular case could've had a devastating effects on me, and it was fairly complicated And Mark understood this. I would hire Mark again and a split second for anything that fell into the scope of his representation.
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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:
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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:
Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, or the lawyer's experience. -
Financial Information:
If applicable, bring financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements. -
Contact Information:
Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case. -
Personal Identification:
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Pen and Notebook:
Take notes during the consultation to remember important points. -
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:
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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.
