Filter by

star star star star star
21 Aug, 2015 by Maureen
In August 2013 I attended an elder care luncheon presentation from one of Long Island's big estate planning firms. I had concerns that maybe the simple will my husband and I had was not enough. I called our general practice lawyer and he referred us to Ms. Cipriani in order to review our will and determine if we were in need of additional protections. We found Ms. Cipriani to be very knowledgeable and informative. She is an easy to work with professional. Ms. Cipriani is a pleasant and straight forward counselor. No question is "too stupid to ask." Time at each meeting allowed for our questions to be answered. The time frame between the initial consultation and review of our plan allowed us to digest all the information and gather the additional items she requested. Upon review of all our individual assets, which included a vacation home in another state; separate banking, retirement and investments accounts for each of us and; multiple desired beneficiaries in addition to our one child, Ms. Cipriani advised us as to what changes we should make as well as how to make them. She developed a comprehensive estate plan and thoroughly reviewed it with us before execution. Ms. Cipriani is available for follow-up questions and clarification. I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Cipriani without reservation.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
01 Aug, 2015 by Maureen
In August 2013 I attended an elder care luncheon presentation from one of Long Island's big estate planning firms. I had concerns that mayIn August 2013 I attended an elder care luncheon presentation from one of Long Island's big estate planning firms. I had concerns that maybe the simple will my husband and I had was not enough. I called our general practice lawyer and he referred us to Ms. Cipriani in order to review our will and determine if we were in need of additional protections. We found Ms. Cipriani to be very knowledgeable and informative. She is an easy to work with professional. Ms. Cipriani is a pleasant and straight forward counselor. No question is "too stupid to ask." Time at each meeting allowed for our questions to be answered. The time frame between the initial consultation and review of our plan allowed us to digest all the information and gather the additional items she requested. Upon review of all our individual assets, which included a vacation home in another state; separate banking, retirement and investments accounts for each of us and; multiple desired beneficiaries in addition to our one child, Ms. Cipriani advised us as to what changes we should make as well as how to make them. She developed a comprehensive estate plan and thoroughly reviewed it with us before execution. Ms. Cipriani is available for follow-up questions and clarification. I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Cipriani without reservation.be the simple will my husband and I had was not enough. I called our general practice lawyer and he referred us to Ms. Cipriani in order to review our will and determine if we were in need of additional protections. We found Ms. Cipriani to be very knowledgeable and informative. She is an easy to work with professional. Ms. Cipriani is a pleasant and straight forward counselor. No question is "too stupid to ask." Time at each meeting allowed for our questions to be answered. The time frame between the initial consultation and review of our plan allowed us to digest all the information and gather the additional items she requested. Upon review of all our individual assets, which included a vacation home in another state; separate banking, retirement and investments accounts for each of us and; multiple desired beneficiaries in addition to our one child, Ms. Cipriani advised us as to what changes we should make as well as how to make them. She developed a comprehensive estate plan and thoroughly reviewed it with us before execution. Ms. Cipriani is available for follow-up questions and clarification. I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Cipriani without reservation.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
29 Jul, 2015 by Jim
Wonderful . . . While Terry was preparing our Wills, she took the time, with my wife and me, to explain each step along the way. And, we had some good laughs as we traded stories and realized that we had mutual friends. Great legal and customer service; and, great advice . . . Thanks, Terry . . . Jim & Cindy
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
12 Aug, 2019 by Rebeca
Mr austern is always there gir his clients and very good with keeping an open line of communication. Got my legal issues handled on multiple levels
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
Scroll to top