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15 Jul, 2024 by Kyle thompson
Mike has been an incredible asset and a wonderful source of calm for my family in what is the hardest time of our lives. He has helped us immensely through his tireless dedication and expert legal advice. He was able to, under a very constrained timeline, sort out all of the necessary paperwork to bring stability and clarity to my families estate, and he has done it all with a tremendous amount of respect and empathy for our unique situation and challenges. I cannot begin to recommend him enough to anyone who may be considering estate planning or who requires his expert assistance.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Jacqueline herring
Wonderful
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05 Nov, 2023 by Bridget avery
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15 Jul, 2024 by Kyle thompson
Mike has been an incredible asset and a wonderful source of calm for my family in what is the hardest time of our lives. He has helped us immensely through his tireless dedication and expert legal advice. He was able to, under a very constrained timeline, sort out all of the necessary paperwork to bring stability and clarity to my families estate, and he has done it all with a tremendous amount of respect and empathy for our unique situation and challenges. I cannot begin to recommend him enough to anyone who may be considering estate planning or who requires his expert assistance.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Jacqueline herring
Wonderful
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05 Nov, 2023 by Bridget avery
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15 Jul, 2024 by Kyle thompson
Mike has been an incredible asset and a wonderful source of calm for my family in what is the hardest time of our lives. He has helped us immensely through his tireless dedication and expert legal advice. He was able to, under a very constrained timeline, sort out all of the necessary paperwork to bring stability and clarity to my families estate, and he has done it all with a tremendous amount of respect and empathy for our unique situation and challenges. I cannot begin to recommend him enough to anyone who may be considering estate planning or who requires his expert assistance.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
14 Nov, 2023 by Jacqueline herring
Wonderful
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star star star star star
05 Nov, 2023 by Bridget avery
Google Maps
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star star star star star
15 Jul, 2024 by Kyle thompson
Mike has been an incredible asset and a wonderful source of calm for my family in what is the hardest time of our lives. He has helped us immensely through his tireless dedication and expert legal advice. He was able to, under a very constrained timeline, sort out all of the necessary paperwork to bring stability and clarity to my families estate, and he has done it all with a tremendous amount of respect and empathy for our unique situation and challenges. I cannot begin to recommend him enough to anyone who may be considering estate planning or who requires his expert assistance.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
14 Nov, 2023 by Jacqueline herring
Wonderful
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05 Nov, 2023 by Bridget avery
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05 Sep, 2024 by Rob scott
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19 Aug, 2024 by Tyler caruso
Do not use to handle evictions. Excessive billings. When case is over they will continue to email you to try and rack up fees. Other outfits out there in the area don't get stuck with this one. Beware!
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23 Jan, 2024 by Soapz yt
Need to represent tenants and not just rich property owners
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05 Sep, 2024 by Rob scott
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19 Aug, 2024 by Tyler caruso
Do not use to handle evictions. Excessive billings. When case is over they will continue to email you to try and rack up fees. Other outfits out there in the area don't get stuck with this one. Beware!
Read more Google Maps
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23 Jan, 2024 by Soapz yt
Need to represent tenants and not just rich property owners
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05 Sep, 2024 by Rob scott
Google Maps
star star star star star
19 Aug, 2024 by Tyler caruso
Do not use to handle evictions. Excessive billings. When case is over they will continue to email you to try and rack up fees. Other outfits out there in the area don't get stuck with this one. Beware!
Read more Google Maps
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23 Jan, 2024 by Soapz yt
Need to represent tenants and not just rich property owners
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03 Aug, 2014 by Bill
Mr. Breer was knowledgeable in how to handle the complexities of the municipal conflict we're facing. ..we only hired him on a one time basis because of funding issues. We were, however, looking for someone to take on "The New Order" on a long-term basis. As long as there's big money in municipal fines then there will always be corruption. Being fined $314 for mowing a residential lawn is something that any red blooded American would like to take on. Unfortunately many attorneys would just advise you to pay it and move on.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer

When meeting with a lawyer for the first time, it's important to ask the right questions to understand their expertise and determine if they're the right fit for your legal needs. Here are some top questions to consider:

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
  3. What potential outcomes can I expect from my case?
    While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience.
  4. What is your approach to handling cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. Who will be working on my case?
    Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals.
  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the likely timeline for resolving my case?
    Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish.
  8. Do you have references from past clients?
    Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness.
  9. What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
    Understanding potential challenges helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
  10. Are there alternative ways to solve my legal problem?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:

  1. Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing.
  2. Experience and Specialization:
    Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case.
  3. Disciplinary Record:
    Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association.
  4. Client Reviews and Testimonials:
    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge client satisfaction.
  5. Professional Memberships:
    Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field.
  6. Awards and Recognitions:
    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation.
  7. Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  8. Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:

  1. Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as contracts, correspondence, legal notices, court papers, or evidence.
  2. Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and involved parties.
  3. List of Questions:
    Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, or the lawyer's experience.
  4. Financial Information:
    If applicable, bring financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements.
  5. Contact Information:
    Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case.
  6. Personal Identification:
    Bring a valid ID for verification purposes.
  7. Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points.
  8. Budget Constraints:
    Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a lawyer varies widely based on several factors:

  • Fee Structures:
    • Hourly Rate:
      Lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on experience and location.
    • Flat Fee:
      For routine legal services like drafting a will or handling an uncontested divorce, lawyers might offer a flat fee.
    • Retainer Fee:
      An upfront payment against which the lawyer bills hourly fees.
    • Contingency Fee:
      Common in personal injury cases; the lawyer receives a percentage (typically 25% to 40%) of any settlement or award.
    • Monthly Retainer:
      For ongoing services, businesses might pay a monthly fee for a set number of hours or services.
  • Factors Affecting Cost:
    • Complexity of the Case:
      More complex cases require more time and resources, increasing costs.
    • Lawyer's Experience:
      Highly experienced lawyers may charge higher fees.
    • Geographic Location:
      Legal fees can vary significantly by region or city.
    • Additional Expenses:
      Court filing fees, expert witness fees, travel expenses, and administrative costs may be extra.
  • Estimating Total Costs:
    Request a detailed fee agreement outlining all potential costs.
    Discuss any additional expenses that may arise during the case.
  • Negotiating Fees:
    Some lawyers may be willing to negotiate fees or offer payment plans, especially for clients with financial constraints.
  • Pro Bono Services:
    For those who cannot afford legal services, some lawyers or legal aid organizations offer services at reduced rates or for free.
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