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08 Aug, 2022 by Liz
Eli is such a compassionate and accommodating lawyer. When he came to my father's home for a consultation regarding setting up a trust, he did not rush, and answered all my father's questions. He was extremely helpful and cordial. We were comfortable with him. His empathy is genuine and evident. His fees are reasonable. He's responsive to emails and phone calls. I'm especially appreciative of his patience with my fathers interuptions and repetative questioning. We're happy we hired him and would do so again if required in the future.
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16 Sep, 2019 by Kenneth
Mr Wellerstein gave me an abundance of assistance in accessing all the help available to me when my wife was fighting a losing battle with cancer. He prepared disability paperwork for state filings, he put me in touch with agencies for Home Care. I was in kind of a desperate place, and he gave me reassurance and showed compassion. In the end he said he was giving back to the community and did not charge me for the work. But I am not recommending him for that reason, it's for all the other things that I spoke of. He has an easy manner and can quickly gain the confidence of someone in need of his services. He is straightforward, and not pushy in any way. You feel like you have a hundred percent of his attention. He returns phone calls promptly. Highly recommended
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16 Jun, 2019 by Sara
Elisha is professional, knowledgeable and he cares! He was able to help us with all of our legal documents after my partner was diagnosed with a terminal disease. I highly recommend Elisha.
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29 Sep, 2017 by Trish
Scott Wiss superbly represented me in a rear end car accident case this year and with much persistence he won me the maximum on the policy. He also represented me in a Slip and Fall case in 2012, I received a six figure settlement. It was a pleasure to have Scott represent me. I always felt he would get the best possible settlement. Being permanently disabled was a real financial stress. Scott's persistence and professionalism enabled me to focus on my medical treatment and not stress or worry about the outcome of the case. I am so grateful that our families' real estate/estate lawyer referred me to Scott. Both cases were settled through arbitration which saved me the physical and emotional stress of sitting in court. I never needed to call Scott and worry about the outcome of the cases. I always felt we were on the same team and Scott was a star quarterback!
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19 May, 2015 by Larry
Scott Wiss has become my "go to" guy for litigation advice and for assistance with personal injury matters. You would be hard pressed to find a more knowledgeable and compassionate advocate.
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29 Apr, 2015 by Mercedes p.
Mr. Wiss handled cases for me and my family. He is a very trust worthy attorney who will let you know how your case is going every step of the way. Some people do not trust lawyers, but Scott is an attorney that you DO want to trust. Thanks Scott for all your help.
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09 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
She was helpful , knowledgeable and reliable. She answered all of my questions and didn't take advantage of my lack of knowledge. I would recommend her and utilize her services in the future.
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28 Apr, 2024 by Kym crawford
Incredibly professional attorney work!! Will recommend you and your firm to friends and family!!!
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16 Apr, 2024 by Terri ammirati
They continually tell you "how great they are .." but if you have to tell your client that you are wonderful and can't follow through with actions that prove it, then you know they are not. Poor to lousy communication and questionable billing practices. If their is one dissatified client -- there are more -- just probably not willing to take the time to write about it -- because this firm isn't worth that kind of time. But, I am sure I am not the only one who. had a lousy experience with them.
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07 Apr, 2024 by Anthony barbato
This review is long overdue. David Kirshblum has been nothing short of exceptional. He sends me constant updates and always finds time for me when I need to reach out to him. To say he has gone "above and beyond" for me is not an exaggeration. Most importantly, he has given me peace of mind throughout a very difficult time in my life. And if that wasn't enough, I've had the good fortune to meet his partner, Orly Taber, who has shown herself to be kind, considerate, and extremely knowledgeable. Choosing this firm to represent me was the best thing I could have done. I gladly, and with no qualms, would recommend David and Orly to anybody needing help with family law, estate planning, and/or elder law.
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28 Apr, 2024 by Kym crawford
Incredibly professional attorney work!! Will recommend you and your firm to friends and family!!!
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16 Apr, 2024 by Terri ammirati
They continually tell you "how great they are .." but if you have to tell your client that you are wonderful and can't follow through with actions that prove it, then you know they are not. Poor to lousy communication and questionable billing practices. If their is one dissatified client -- there are more -- just probably not willing to take the time to write about it -- because this firm isn't worth that kind of time. But, I am sure I am not the only one who. had a lousy experience with them.
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07 Apr, 2024 by Anthony barbato
This review is long overdue. David Kirshblum has been nothing short of exceptional. He sends me constant updates and always finds time for me when I need to reach out to him. To say he has gone "above and beyond" for me is not an exaggeration. Most importantly, he has given me peace of mind throughout a very difficult time in my life. And if that wasn't enough, I've had the good fortune to meet his partner, Orly Taber, who has shown herself to be kind, considerate, and extremely knowledgeable. Choosing this firm to represent me was the best thing I could have done. I gladly, and with no qualms, would recommend David and Orly to anybody needing help with family law, estate planning, and/or elder law.
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28 Apr, 2024 by Kym crawford
Incredibly professional attorney work!! Will recommend you and your firm to friends and family!!!
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16 Apr, 2024 by Terri ammirati
They continually tell you "how great they are .." but if you have to tell your client that you are wonderful and can't follow through with actions that prove it, then you know they are not. Poor to lousy communication and questionable billing practices. If their is one dissatified client -- there are more -- just probably not willing to take the time to write about it -- because this firm isn't worth that kind of time. But, I am sure I am not the only one who. had a lousy experience with them.
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07 Apr, 2024 by Anthony barbato
This review is long overdue. David Kirshblum has been nothing short of exceptional. He sends me constant updates and always finds time for me when I need to reach out to him. To say he has gone "above and beyond" for me is not an exaggeration. Most importantly, he has given me peace of mind throughout a very difficult time in my life. And if that wasn't enough, I've had the good fortune to meet his partner, Orly Taber, who has shown herself to be kind, considerate, and extremely knowledgeable. Choosing this firm to represent me was the best thing I could have done. I gladly, and with no qualms, would recommend David and Orly to anybody needing help with family law, estate planning, and/or elder law.
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28 Apr, 2024 by Kym crawford
Incredibly professional attorney work!! Will recommend you and your firm to friends and family!!!
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star star star star star
16 Apr, 2024 by Terri ammirati
They continually tell you "how great they are .." but if you have to tell your client that you are wonderful and can't follow through with actions that prove it, then you know they are not. Poor to lousy communication and questionable billing practices. If their is one dissatified client -- there are more -- just probably not willing to take the time to write about it -- because this firm isn't worth that kind of time. But, I am sure I am not the only one who. had a lousy experience with them.
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07 Apr, 2024 by Anthony barbato
This review is long overdue. David Kirshblum has been nothing short of exceptional. He sends me constant updates and always finds time for me when I need to reach out to him. To say he has gone "above and beyond" for me is not an exaggeration. Most importantly, he has given me peace of mind throughout a very difficult time in my life. And if that wasn't enough, I've had the good fortune to meet his partner, Orly Taber, who has shown herself to be kind, considerate, and extremely knowledgeable. Choosing this firm to represent me was the best thing I could have done. I gladly, and with no qualms, would recommend David and Orly to anybody needing help with family law, estate planning, and/or elder law.
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20 Jun, 2022 by Sade
I was just served a summons from Morse Geller representing a car finance company . I called back in May and I was basically threatened over the phone to come after my income if I didn’t settle over the phone which is harassment. This law firm states they represent consumers , but I’m they’re in fact representing the company that financed my loan which is commercial . The index number to look up to confirm this is 709315 (queens county ). I will as I’ve stated back in May hire an attorney to represent me to the highest extent . I most definitely don’t recommend this firm that is misleading to the public .
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06 Jun, 2017 by Max
Filing for bankruptcy was a stressful time for me. Morse put me at ease immediately with his clear knowledge, insightful questions and generous good nature. From the first call, I felt like I had an ally right away who understood my situation, was able to parse it into its relevant parts, provide sound counsel and lay out next steps very clearly. Clearly, Morse has completed successfully many filings so he knows the ins and outs, as well as the NY court system, and skillfully guided me through a few tricky situations, including some that involved some emotional context as well as the IRS. What's more, Morse is a wonderful person with a keen curiosity, a generous spirit and a warm laugh. I can't recommend him highly enough.
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04 Jan, 2017 by Aronette
I hired Morse to handle an eviction for me against a very difficult tenant, who caused me much distress. Throughout the eviction process, Morse was always there to answer my questions, explain the law, and provide much needed moral support. He handled all court proceedings splendidly, and it gave me confidence to know I had a true professional on my side. Morse was always accessible and I felt as if a family member was representing me. His fee was reasonable and I would recommend him to anyone seeking an excellent attorney.
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07 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Mena makes clients feel uncomfortable, does not communicate as efficiently, etc
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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:

  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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