Lawyers map
>54
experienced lawyers
Filter by
28 Aug, 2024 by Therese miccio
This law firm was with us every step of the way!
Read more
23 Aug, 2024 by Taryn bennardo
Top notch Lawyer. If I can leave him 100 stars I would. Very professional.
Read more
19 Aug, 2024 by Ryan kerzner
24 Sep, 2024 by Brandon
I found Bryan while looking for help with a boundary dispute with one of my neighbors. He was very knowledgeable and always responded promptly to calls or emails. This was a long term issue and he stuck it out with us until its conclusion. I would highly recommend Bryan
Read more
08 Aug, 2024 by Edward
Bryan handled my estate planning and will with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail. I would recommend Bryan to anyone seeking legal advice for his area of expertise.
Read more
21 Feb, 2024 by Phil
I've connected with Bryan via my company's legal plan. From the first phone call, Bryan has always made himself available to address any questions, no matter how small. Bryan always seemed to have the right answer and I never felt rushed. In preparing for my case, Bryan has reviewed all of my documentation and suggested meaningful edits. Bryan reached out on the morning of my case to see if any last minute guidance is needed. This experience exhibited that Bryan cares about his clients and takes pride in his work. Working with Bryan has erased the stigma of dealing with attorneys. I plan to use Bryan for other legal services as well.
Read more
07 Feb, 2024 by Damian
Natasja Bellinger is most kind and caring yet strategic with great knowledge of the law. I have hired her for multiple cases. For court she always comes well prepared and has really saved me with my personal legal battles. Would highly recommend if you want a lawyer that actually cares and will give you the right representation.
Read more
12 Jun, 2022 by Bobby
After stumbled into a fairly serious legal situation I never felt I stood a chance.
Prior to meeting Natasja, I never believed an attorney existed that could personally care for their client more than legal fees.
My life had already been setback by Covid, laid off and unemployable by depression that I was staring down the chamber of a barrel of charges that would live with me on my permanent record, and strangling fines capable of ruining any chance to still be a contributing member in society. Without Natasja, these charges were essentially going to be the final nail in my coffin.
Struggling financially and facing life altering allegations. Natasja seemed to work wonders on my behalf with the District Attorney. The judge, looking stunned and slack jawed by how soft my plea was in comparison to my charges . He grudgingly agreed to the plea agreement with extra terms. I was already elated he agreed and felt it necessary to hug my Natasja before leaving court in excitement tied together with the fear of god in me.
Before choosing Natasja as counsel, I only thought elite legal teams were required to work out the deals Natasja did for me. I will always be eternally grateful to her for saving not just my reputation but my life.
Read more
14 Jan, 2022 by Joseph
Natasja showed me that she cares about all her clients, no matter the caseload. I had a feeling of importance and felt safe, confident and at ease as one of Her clients.
I highly recommend Natasja without a doubt.
Read more
11 Apr, 2021 by Ilsa b
Best disability lawyer! I can't thank him enough for his and his receptionist's help. I know how difficult it is dealing with me but that didn't stop him. He's very understanding and just the kindest lawyer I know and he gets the job done. I wish I could give them thousands of stars
Read more
28 Aug, 2024 by Therese miccio
This law firm was with us every step of the way!
Read more
23 Aug, 2024 by Taryn bennardo
Top notch Lawyer. If I can leave him 100 stars I would. Very professional.
Read more
19 Aug, 2024 by Ryan kerzner
14 Aug, 2024 by Rantis
Excellent and professional in his legal endeavors. The man has done hosnhomework. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Read more
05 Jul, 2023 by Donna
Another lawyer recommended that I contact John on behalf of my brother who had a few criminal charges against him and a pending bench warrant. The alleged charges against my brother were not ones that would be easily reduced or dismissed, so I did not hold out much hope for a great outcome. John is a straight forward, honest lawyer. He told my brother what he needed to do throughout the court appearances. No frivolity and false promises with John. He just gets right to work and knows what he is doing with all his years of experience. Much to my surprise, only 6 months later all of my brother's charges were dismissed!! A blessing! Don't even think twice about hiring this wonderful lawyer!
Read more
07 Jul, 2022 by Colleen
I hired John after I was falsely accused and he went right to work to defend me. He fights as if you are his family. He gives great advice and is readily available to phone calls and questions. He has literally saved my life and livelihood. I am forever grateful for this man.
Read more
05 Oct, 2021 by Michael
I have been using Rachel for the last 10 yrs for different matters. She is very thorough with any matter I have presented to her. If I had any questions regarding issues on the matter at hand, she would get back to me in a very timely manner. It may be after hours,but I would always receive a response via phone or email. I have referred her to many friends and they were absolutely satisfied with her services. I would recommend if anyone needed an Attorney for matters she handles,Rachel is the one they should be looking for. Thank you for all you have done!
Read more
23 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Rachel has been representing my children tirelessly and with great passion for several years since 2016. At first, my daughters who were 8 and 11 at the time, were very scared to meet with their attorney. Rachel immediately put them at ease and almost instantly they felt very comfortable talking with her and sharing their feelings. Since day one, Rachel has treated my daughters as if they were her own. She has taken time out of her personal life to meet with and talk to my girls. There was a point in time, they spoke several times a day. Rachel always answered their calls and text messages without hesitation. She constantly reassured my daughters and put their minds at ease. Without Rachel, I don’t believe my girls would have survived a grueling divorce and custody battle. Rachel has watched my daughters grow into young women. They are now 13 and 16 years old. She has never missed a beat with them. She has consistently checked in on them to see how they are doing in school, if they had fun during a school vacation and just to see how they are doing in their day to day lives. She often refers to them as “my girls”. She has fought for them, believed in them and represented them fully and completely in the court setting. There truly aren’t words that could adequately express how wonderful Rachel is as an advocate for children and as a human being. She is caring, loving, dedicated and trustworthy. Rachel has also helped me through this entire process with pure professionalism. I felt from the start, my daughters were in the best of hands and would be represented fairly and honestly. Rachel is a true champion for children. She listens without bias and is 110% passionate about her role in these very often turbulent cases. After years of working with Rachel, I can honestly say she is one of a kind. She has made these very difficult court proceedings bearable and I do believe my girls and I are better for having had Rachel in our lives. I recommend Rachel Camillery without hesitation.
Read more
19 Apr, 2021 by Patrick engel
Rachel was amazing (In one word!) Extremely responsive, professional, knowledgeable and tough. I never won a case in family court before I retained her for my most recent case. She knew how to navigate negotiations with opposing counsel and when we didn’t come to terms we were comfortable with, knew to not give in and be comfortable with the fact that we had a strong argument to present. (She was right). Very pleased with her and her staff!
Read more
07 Mar, 2024 by Rob malone
Justin Lite And Jarren are considered family to me they’ve helped me and my family out going back to me being a 16 year old kid and Justin not even practicing criminal defense anymore saved my life by representing me in juvenile court and then when my father tragically passed away Jarren Justin and the entire law firm went above and beyond to do whatever they could to make those who were responsible pay and to get my mother what she deserved and because of them my mother even thought it doesn’t bring back my father can at least live comfortable and not have to worry about money anymore. Thank you Justin Jarren and the entire law firm the Malone family loves you
Read more
14 Feb, 2024 by Michelle hollant
I will highly recommend Lite and Russell to anyone who needs representation. I’ve worked closely with Jaren, he was kind, patient and very knowledgeable. Jaren kept me updated with every steps. I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm to represent me. He made sure I was compensated for my pain and suffering. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Jaren thank you for everything.
Read more
02 Feb, 2024 by Daniele sulla
Jarren, was a great attorney for my personal injury case. The staff is polite, prompt and helpful!
Read more
07 Mar, 2024 by Rob malone
Justin Lite And Jarren are considered family to me they’ve helped me and my family out going back to me being a 16 year old kid and Justin not even practicing criminal defense anymore saved my life by representing me in juvenile court and then when my father tragically passed away Jarren Justin and the entire law firm went above and beyond to do whatever they could to make those who were responsible pay and to get my mother what she deserved and because of them my mother even thought it doesn’t bring back my father can at least live comfortable and not have to worry about money anymore. Thank you Justin Jarren and the entire law firm the Malone family loves you
Read more
14 Feb, 2024 by Michelle hollant
I will highly recommend Lite and Russell to anyone who needs representation. I’ve worked closely with Jaren, he was kind, patient and very knowledgeable. Jaren kept me updated with every steps. I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm to represent me. He made sure I was compensated for my pain and suffering. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Jaren thank you for everything.
Read more
02 Feb, 2024 by Daniele sulla
Jarren, was a great attorney for my personal injury case. The staff is polite, prompt and helpful!
Read more
07 Mar, 2024 by Rob malone
Justin Lite And Jarren are considered family to me they’ve helped me and my family out going back to me being a 16 year old kid and Justin not even practicing criminal defense anymore saved my life by representing me in juvenile court and then when my father tragically passed away Jarren Justin and the entire law firm went above and beyond to do whatever they could to make those who were responsible pay and to get my mother what she deserved and because of them my mother even thought it doesn’t bring back my father can at least live comfortable and not have to worry about money anymore. Thank you Justin Jarren and the entire law firm the Malone family loves you
Read more
14 Feb, 2024 by Michelle hollant
I will highly recommend Lite and Russell to anyone who needs representation. I’ve worked closely with Jaren, he was kind, patient and very knowledgeable. Jaren kept me updated with every steps. I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm to represent me. He made sure I was compensated for my pain and suffering. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Jaren thank you for everything.
Read more
02 Feb, 2024 by Daniele sulla
Jarren, was a great attorney for my personal injury case. The staff is polite, prompt and helpful!
Read more
07 Mar, 2024 by Rob malone
Justin Lite And Jarren are considered family to me they’ve helped me and my family out going back to me being a 16 year old kid and Justin not even practicing criminal defense anymore saved my life by representing me in juvenile court and then when my father tragically passed away Jarren Justin and the entire law firm went above and beyond to do whatever they could to make those who were responsible pay and to get my mother what she deserved and because of them my mother even thought it doesn’t bring back my father can at least live comfortable and not have to worry about money anymore. Thank you Justin Jarren and the entire law firm the Malone family loves you
Read more
14 Feb, 2024 by Michelle hollant
I will highly recommend Lite and Russell to anyone who needs representation. I’ve worked closely with Jaren, he was kind, patient and very knowledgeable. Jaren kept me updated with every steps. I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm to represent me. He made sure I was compensated for my pain and suffering. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Jaren thank you for everything.
Read more
02 Feb, 2024 by Daniele sulla
Jarren, was a great attorney for my personal injury case. The staff is polite, prompt and helpful!
Read more
07 Mar, 2024 by Rob malone
Justin Lite And Jarren are considered family to me they’ve helped me and my family out going back to me being a 16 year old kid and Justin not even practicing criminal defense anymore saved my life by representing me in juvenile court and then when my father tragically passed away Jarren Justin and the entire law firm went above and beyond to do whatever they could to make those who were responsible pay and to get my mother what she deserved and because of them my mother even thought it doesn’t bring back my father can at least live comfortable and not have to worry about money anymore. Thank you Justin Jarren and the entire law firm the Malone family loves you
Read more
14 Feb, 2024 by Michelle hollant
I will highly recommend Lite and Russell to anyone who needs representation. I’ve worked closely with Jaren, he was kind, patient and very knowledgeable. Jaren kept me updated with every steps. I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm to represent me. He made sure I was compensated for my pain and suffering. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Jaren thank you for everything.
Read more
02 Feb, 2024 by Daniele sulla
Jarren, was a great attorney for my personal injury case. The staff is polite, prompt and helpful!
Read more
07 Mar, 2024 by Rob malone
Justin Lite And Jarren are considered family to me they’ve helped me and my family out going back to me being a 16 year old kid and Justin not even practicing criminal defense anymore saved my life by representing me in juvenile court and then when my father tragically passed away Jarren Justin and the entire law firm went above and beyond to do whatever they could to make those who were responsible pay and to get my mother what she deserved and because of them my mother even thought it doesn’t bring back my father can at least live comfortable and not have to worry about money anymore. Thank you Justin Jarren and the entire law firm the Malone family loves you
Read more
14 Feb, 2024 by Michelle hollant
I will highly recommend Lite and Russell to anyone who needs representation. I’ve worked closely with Jaren, he was kind, patient and very knowledgeable. Jaren kept me updated with every steps. I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm to represent me. He made sure I was compensated for my pain and suffering. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Jaren thank you for everything.
Read more
02 Feb, 2024 by Daniele sulla
Jarren, was a great attorney for my personal injury case. The staff is polite, prompt and helpful!
Read more
15 Dec, 2021 by Joseph
We hired Jennifer after releasing our prior attorney who had only complicated and tactically lost us a large amount of precious time. Jennifer immediately took action, readdressed all of our concerns, filed all appropriate legal request upon the court, as well as communicated effectively with all concerned parties. We can only say we received above and beyond care for our difficult situation, she fought for our cause, and brought us the outcome we strongly desired and can't thank her enough......
Read more
30 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
I believe a higher power directed me into the hands of Jennifer Lippmann as I was a naive, innocent 30 year old woman who had never seen a courtroom or even knew their were people aka lawyers that could not only “win” your case but essential to getting your life back on track. I was so naive that a lawyer was a lawyer…. If I had done nothing wrong and had nothing to hide , I shouldn’t have to search high and low for a way out of my short lived, highly volatile marriage. Thank god the first lawyer I called who I found via Google search bar by entering “lawyers near me” didn’t just see dollar signs or a new case, she heard my voice, listened to my story and honestly told me she she wasn’t the type of lawyer my situation needed, and kindly referred me to Powers Law specifically Jennifer Lippmann. I was a little confused but grateful for any guidance. The day I called Powers Law was when I decided to also Google 2020 cheating apps and downloaded about 6, finding my husband by his cell phone number on every one. I’d known for months something was different and wrong but couldn’t get an answer. After I messaged him on one, he came home from work early, entered our apartment, grabbed a pair of jeans and a shirt and left without a word. I was working remotely and we had a 6 month old son. I remember being so confused because I didn’t even flip out like I should have. I actually said their is obviously your unhappy with, let’s try therapy but he told me I was a “mentally ill, drug addict” and he never wanted me to begin with. I remember I transferred like $400 of our money into a savings account because he had previously kept his paycheck from our account when we’d get into an argument knowing I’d have no choice but to forgive him when we had no money. He told me I stole money from him and I would be penalized when the time came. I called the number of the lawyer i was referred to and I’ll never forget getting a man (John Powers) who spoke to me for 30 minutes reassuring me I absolutely did not steal money, it was our own account and I remember him saying “if he is already pulling this crap, I assure you that you have called the right place” and informed me on important decisions i should immediately make for my safety and my childs & arranged an appointment with Jen a few days later. Ironically that weekend after I met her , I had to call 911 over a domestic incident and before i was even a client John has called me back as did Jen who specified how important it was that I take my child and myself and I go to my parents (which I naively thought was illegal) because of the threats and fears my husband had filled my head with. Once I had this team on my side, my life slowly turned around and in the beginning it felt like my life would never be okay again. Their were accusations of my husband leaving our child in an unattended car for an unsafe period of time, women sneaking into our apartment while I was in the hospital after a car accident, almost a dozen verbal and domestic incidents and even a CPS investigation. I remember feeling so helpless at one point, I just wanted to give him what he wanted to stop the torture but that would mean my son and that was not an option. Jen has been a powerhouse of strength, smarts and just human morality within such a tumultuous series of events. Today, although my case isn’t over I can tell you my husband has zero control over my life when a year ago he controlled the whole thing. She has put safety measures into place and been the voice i didnt have for myself, but grew when my son was born. She knows every answer to every question the judge asks and it’s exactly how I would respond. She doesn’t just people please me through my case but is honest and fair and i am never surprised with any outcome because of this. I made a choice to marry a man who lived a whole life I never knew existed until I had to. At a time where trust was the most confusing word in the dictionary, I hired Jen & relearned it
Read more
19 Apr, 2021 by Patrick engel
Rachel was amazing (In one word!) Extremely responsive, professional, knowledgeable and tough. I never won a case in family court before I retained her for my most recent case. She knew how to navigate negotiations with opposing counsel and when we didn’t come to terms we were comfortable with, knew to not give in and be comfortable with the fact that we had a strong argument to present. (She was right). Very pleased with her and her staff!
Read more
17 Aug, 2023 by Ann r guiliano
I will be forever grateful to attorney Phil Felice. He saved my house for me when I was in deep financial trouble with my mortgage. I am a single Mom of 4 daughters and he worked hard and long to help me always with a smile and always giving me hope. Thank you so much Phil, you are the best. I will always remember how smart and kind you are.
Read more
24 Apr, 2023 by Kevin jacques
Excellent experience, would highly recommend and would gladly use again. Very professional and helpful throughout the entire process
Read more
15 Feb, 2022 by Joe schlageter
Caring & punctual! Will use again.
Read more
29 Jul, 2024 by Christopher simone
John and his team are not only professional and responsive, but most importantly they were caring during a challenging time for my family.
Read more
05 Jun, 2024 by Phillip rosner
15 May, 2024 by Rosalie chiarelli
Excellent! Can't say it any better.
Read more
24 Jun, 2024 by Magtomac cleary
If anyone is in need of an attorney, Michael Kofsky is an excellent, professional & fair attorney. He recently won 2 cases for us against corrupt contractors. He is a West Islip dad & resident with great business professional experience at a Manhattan law firm, years of knowledge & a wonderful cordial family man. Thank you. We appreciate all you did for our family. Wonderful
Read more
19 Jun, 2024 by Jabo bondoc
Buyer Beware: Run, Don't Walk, Away From MICHAEL A. KOFSKY!
If you're looking for a real estate lawyer who will make your home buying experience a stress-filled nightmare, then MICHAEL A. KOFSKY is your man! Here's why:
1. Communication Skills of a Brick Wall: Forget clear explanations. Asking questions was met with patronizing pronouncements of "you wouldn't understand." Apparently, legal jargon is only for the chosen few, and the rest of us are mere simpletons.
2. Mr. Congeniality? Not Quite: This lawyer's bedside manner is about as warm as the Arctic tundra. Prepare for condescension, arrogance, and a constant feeling of being talked down to. Negotiations turned into a war zone thanks to his aggressive and downright rude behavior towards everyone involved, including the seller's lawyers.
3. Promises, Promises... Remember that refund he swore up and down you'd get if things fell through? Yeah, good luck collecting on that. A month later, my wallet remains lighter and my mailbox remains empty.
4. The Grand Abandonment: Just when things were coming to a head during contract signing, this so-called legal eagle threw in the towel with a dramatic "I can't do this!" and left me high and dry. Talk about unprofessional! There I was, stranded in the middle of a real estate transaction with no lawyer and a sinking feeling in my stomach.
Let me reiterate: DO NOT USE MICHAEL KOFSKY!! His "expertise" comes at the cost of your sanity and potentially, your dream home. Find a lawyer who respects you, explains things clearly, and doesn't act like they're doing you a favor by taking your money. There are plenty of competent, professional real estate lawyers out there. This guy, however, is best avoided.
Read more
16 Jun, 2024 by Vincent almeraris
Met with Michael. Paid him in full. After
8 months of excuses, Bad Attitude and Blaming the probate court for being slow. I checked with the court Only to find out he did nothing at all but Lie about the progress. He Never filed anything!!! I don't know why, or for how long he was going to string me along. He
never once called me about progress.. even a response to a text was rare.
His incompetence cost me over $20,000
in expenses to maintain a house while waiting for probate court approval.
Luckily I found an attorney that specializes in probate, had everything submitted in less than a week. All was approved by court in less that 2 weeks..
The only thing that Michael did right was give me a refund. Maybe if he reads this review he might actually respond..
Read more
29 Jul, 2024 by Christopher simone
John and his team are not only professional and responsive, but most importantly they were caring during a challenging time for my family.
Read more
05 Jun, 2024 by Phillip rosner
15 May, 2024 by Rosalie chiarelli
Excellent! Can't say it any better.
Read more
10 Jan, 2014 by Denise
I am so VERY unorganized, and Mrs. Musto was so patient and VERY helpful in the closing of my house and then later with some property I had had with my dad that w being sold. She came highly recommended to me by the broker I used to sell my home.
Read more
14 Dec, 2013 by Mike smithers
I also have used this Lawyer on multiple occasions, she has been nothing but the most professional., knowledgeable. No matter the time of day, or day of the week I could always call her and ask her a question, I had allot of questions. I would definitely reccommend her to anyone.......
Read more
11 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
I was very impressed with Kathy's ability to not only keep me satisfied and to get the end result that I was looking for, anybody who doesn't use her would be doing injustice to themselves.
I don't understand the last review: I have done multiple dealings with her in the past 12 years the last 6 months being the most recent.If you're looking for someone you can trust she's the one to call
Read more
20 Sep, 2019 by Christine
Mr. Beekman was the third lawyer I went to to discuss my issues in my marriage. He was the only one that I felt like didn’t rush me and actually cared to help. I had him represent me and I truly could not have been happier. He was honest during the entire process and his prices were more fair than anyone else I met with.
Read more
10 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Jonathan paid attention to every detail in my case. He read everything sent to him (100's of pages) and knew every detail about my complex case. He came extremely prepared to every court appearance and fought hard to keep me protected while at the same time mitigating unnecessary issues that the other lawyer tried to provoke. He was kind, fair and always understanding yet firm and held his ground on all matters. Worth everything because he set my life and my kids lives up so that we can all coexist and finally move forward. Divorce is harder than I ever imagined, save yourself stress fear by getting a great person to represent your case. Can't recommend him enough!!!!!
Read more
13 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Be prepared to be pushed aside if your case doesn't seem profitable. Doesn't answer messages. Unprofessional. Hire someone else that will at least tell you if your case is strong or not and won't give up if it is. Good luck one star only because I had to click on one.
Read more
Find Your Lawyer
By Practice Area
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:
-
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:
-
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:
-
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:
Bring a valid ID for verification purposes. -
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:
-
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.
-
Hourly Rate:
-
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.
-
Complexity of the Case:
-
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.
