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09 Apr, 2024 by John coleman
The service I received was very professional thank you
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09 Mar, 2024 by Frank
Very helpful with the Probate process and very professional, and nice always! And they know what they're doing.
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03 Feb, 2024 by Jaime hernandez
Incredible service, great communication, would highly recommend!
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05 Jun, 2023 by Frank luna
It was ok. Not great
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21 Dec, 2021 by Tatiana muro
Mr. Arenivar was a great lawyer who helped with everything I needed in my family court case. He made sure to double check everything with me and answered any and all questions I had.
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09 Oct, 2020 by Jenny ortiz
Mr. Arenivar was very clear about my case from the beginning, he explain in accordance in accordance with the Law the rights and benefits that I could acquire. I would recommended with a full security and confidence
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05 Jun, 2023 by Frank luna
It was ok. Not great
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21 Dec, 2021 by Tatiana muro
Mr. Arenivar was a great lawyer who helped with everything I needed in my family court case. He made sure to double check everything with me and answered any and all questions I had.
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09 Oct, 2020 by Jenny ortiz
Mr. Arenivar was very clear about my case from the beginning, he explain in accordance in accordance with the Law the rights and benefits that I could acquire. I would recommended with a full security and confidence
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27 Sep, 2021 by Donna martinez
Im getting sicker over all this.. ruined my car Now messing me getting job with cdl. There all link to me ie terminal. And now I seen commercial HPV NOT what I have doctor told that to sister I told that husband . So either one . You need contact iso. Rvsd. I'm really have no transportation now no where live . Homeless now...
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16 Jun, 2019 by Larry rader
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05 Jun, 2023 by Frank luna
It was ok. Not great
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21 Dec, 2021 by Tatiana muro
Mr. Arenivar was a great lawyer who helped with everything I needed in my family court case. He made sure to double check everything with me and answered any and all questions I had.
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09 Oct, 2020 by Jenny ortiz
Mr. Arenivar was very clear about my case from the beginning, he explain in accordance in accordance with the Law the rights and benefits that I could acquire. I would recommended with a full security and confidence
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13 May, 2024 by Cynthia swaim
Attorney Koestner helped me so much with legal matters for my father when nobody else could doit. She figured everything out and has been taking care of business for me for the last four years. Her attitude was let me figure this out versus saying no I can’t do it.
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02 May, 2024 by Daniel gallegos
As I had a long fight in family court since 2017 I’ve had many experiences unfortunately not good I came to meet Marie Koestner In 2022 My lawyer at the time Christopher Ayala was blown away from all the evidence I had messages from my daughters of the mental verbal and even sometimes physical abuse from there mother his reply was you will for sure get full custody Mr Ayala recommended we request for minors counsel It was approved so naturally me and my children were very excited that they will have there opportunity to be heard and want more time with me there father All the evidence was forwarded to Marie koestner Before she even heard my side of the story first thing she said to me was looks like you manipulated your children I was blown away so big red flag My children were also interviewed and they felt good like they were going to get what they wanted high hopes all around making plans for the future Court date came and as I hear Marie Koestner speak nothing but lies fabricated lied twisting everything me and children said to her I couldn’t understand why As we take a 15 minute recess to see if I want to change my mind on what my children wanted We were supposed to talk between the mother of my children , Marie Koestner my lawyer and my self My layer Mr Ayala tells me to wait and the 3 of them go talk without me His objective changed and tells me when he comes back that he doesn’t really work in family law mostly in immigration law after fact that we have already been going back and forth to court and paid him thousands of dollars My children lost there wishes were never honored Everything got worse for my children being exposed to dangerous events with there mom more and more abuse and her step grandfather touches one of my children in a very inappropriate way and tried to hurt her self They were in hell all cus the corruption in family courts and Marie Koestner and Mr Ayala I know there is a good lawyer out therethat really cares for fathers rights and for the children But most lawyers treat issues like this as a business for there benefit Minors council Marie Koester My previous layer Mr Ayala Mothers lawyer Mr Garber All corrupted only interested in there personal benefits I later came back again in 2023 without a lawyer and only hired a paralegal with more evidence from child protective services and my children therapist As of 2021 I’ve had custody of my youngest child just made official In 2023 There mother has never complained cus the only thing she wanted was the child support she was receiving for my children even though I had custody she kept it for her self She stole everything from my children memories and time that you can never get back Lawyers like Marie Koestner Mr Garber Mr Ayala Need to be exposed and fase the consequences for there corruption and all the permanent damage they have caused all the children and families they have encountered and destroyed And there is definitely a lot more
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16 Dec, 2023 by Maritza guaderrama
Thank god for Marie! She really listen to my daughters and got justice for them. Now my daughters are happy again and live a healthy peaceful life again. I highly recommend her in family law.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Breana rodriguez
Chen Law Group and his team have been tremendously helpful guiding me through the entire process. The team was great to work with. Chen Law Group was able to get me a settlement for my injuries!
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22 Oct, 2024 by Nicole baker
Michael and his team have been absolutely amazing and professional. They helped us get the most money back and held our hand throughout the entire process. Thank you Chen Law Group!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Carolyn mcnamara
They took $1,000 from my parents and have not finished the work and do not pick up the phone or return calls. Carolyn McNamara
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13 May, 2014 by Anonymous
He is a good attorney. One of the best in my opinion. He is busy and but if you call and make an appointment to meet with him specifically, he will try. He is in high demand and most good lawyers are. I recommend meeting him during the week and not on Saturdays. If he can't meet with you in person, he will usually speak to you over the phone personally and answer any questions. It is important for him to make sure his clients are satisfied with his work.
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06 May, 2014 by Anonymous
I made an appointment to see Mr. Espinoza on April 5,2014 for a consultation. My friend recommended me to him and she told me that the consultation is free. The day before my appointment , they called from his office to confirm my appointment. I left work early on Saturday and went to see him. After waiting for half an hour, I was called in. There was a lady who came in to the office to inform me there is a $80 fee. I questioned it but ended up paying. It was then that I was informed that Mr. Espinoza was not in on that day. I was furious. They had this other lady look over my case and wasn't able to assist me since my case is a bit complicated. Then I was told to make another appointment to return back and see Mr. Espinoza. A month later, I was given another appointment. I drove all the way from Glendale and after waiting in the office for one hr., I was introduced to Mr. Espinoza for a quick second and he informed me that he had to leave the office and could do a phone consultation in about 15 minutes. Bottom line, I wasted two Saturdays and I didn't get my free face to face consultation with him. I would not recommend him to anyone.
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30 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Great Lawyer! My dad was arrested and charged with hit and run. My mom and him were not married and he was on an immigration hold. We interviewed 9 lawyers before we decided to hire Mr. Espinoza. In the consultation he let us know what our chances were and said he had worked with worse cases before. He stopped my dad from being deported and always kept us informed. My dad was only in the immigration hold for 1 week and Mr. Espinoza kept his word. I am so grateful to him and his staff. Trust me he knows the law and will get you the results you want. Prices are reasonable too.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Breana rodriguez
Chen Law Group and his team have been tremendously helpful guiding me through the entire process. The team was great to work with. Chen Law Group was able to get me a settlement for my injuries!
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22 Oct, 2024 by Nicole baker
Michael and his team have been absolutely amazing and professional. They helped us get the most money back and held our hand throughout the entire process. Thank you Chen Law Group!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Carolyn mcnamara
They took $1,000 from my parents and have not finished the work and do not pick up the phone or return calls. Carolyn McNamara
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22 Oct, 2024 by Breana rodriguez
Chen Law Group and his team have been tremendously helpful guiding me through the entire process. The team was great to work with. Chen Law Group was able to get me a settlement for my injuries!
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22 Oct, 2024 by Nicole baker
Michael and his team have been absolutely amazing and professional. They helped us get the most money back and held our hand throughout the entire process. Thank you Chen Law Group!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Carolyn mcnamara
They took $1,000 from my parents and have not finished the work and do not pick up the phone or return calls. Carolyn McNamara
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22 Oct, 2024 by Breana rodriguez
Chen Law Group and his team have been tremendously helpful guiding me through the entire process. The team was great to work with. Chen Law Group was able to get me a settlement for my injuries!
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22 Oct, 2024 by Nicole baker
Michael and his team have been absolutely amazing and professional. They helped us get the most money back and held our hand throughout the entire process. Thank you Chen Law Group!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Carolyn mcnamara
They took $1,000 from my parents and have not finished the work and do not pick up the phone or return calls. Carolyn McNamara
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22 Oct, 2024 by Breana rodriguez
Chen Law Group and his team have been tremendously helpful guiding me through the entire process. The team was great to work with. Chen Law Group was able to get me a settlement for my injuries!
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22 Oct, 2024 by Nicole baker
Michael and his team have been absolutely amazing and professional. They helped us get the most money back and held our hand throughout the entire process. Thank you Chen Law Group!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Carolyn mcnamara
They took $1,000 from my parents and have not finished the work and do not pick up the phone or return calls. Carolyn McNamara
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22 Oct, 2024 by Breana rodriguez
Chen Law Group and his team have been tremendously helpful guiding me through the entire process. The team was great to work with. Chen Law Group was able to get me a settlement for my injuries!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
22 Oct, 2024 by Nicole baker
Michael and his team have been absolutely amazing and professional. They helped us get the most money back and held our hand throughout the entire process. Thank you Chen Law Group!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
18 Sep, 2024 by Carolyn mcnamara
They took $1,000 from my parents and have not finished the work and do not pick up the phone or return calls. Carolyn McNamara
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star star star star star
22 Oct, 2024 by Breana rodriguez
Chen Law Group and his team have been tremendously helpful guiding me through the entire process. The team was great to work with. Chen Law Group was able to get me a settlement for my injuries!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
22 Oct, 2024 by Nicole baker
Michael and his team have been absolutely amazing and professional. They helped us get the most money back and held our hand throughout the entire process. Thank you Chen Law Group!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
18 Sep, 2024 by Carolyn mcnamara
They took $1,000 from my parents and have not finished the work and do not pick up the phone or return calls. Carolyn McNamara
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13 May, 2024 by Cynthia swaim
Attorney Koestner helped me so much with legal matters for my father when nobody else could doit. She figured everything out and has been taking care of business for me for the last four years. Her attitude was let me figure this out versus saying no I can’t do it.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
02 May, 2024 by Daniel gallegos
As I had a long fight in family court since 2017 I’ve had many experiences unfortunately not good I came to meet Marie Koestner In 2022 My lawyer at the time Christopher Ayala was blown away from all the evidence I had messages from my daughters of the mental verbal and even sometimes physical abuse from there mother his reply was you will for sure get full custody Mr Ayala recommended we request for minors counsel It was approved so naturally me and my children were very excited that they will have there opportunity to be heard and want more time with me there father All the evidence was forwarded to Marie koestner Before she even heard my side of the story first thing she said to me was looks like you manipulated your children I was blown away so big red flag My children were also interviewed and they felt good like they were going to get what they wanted high hopes all around making plans for the future Court date came and as I hear Marie Koestner speak nothing but lies fabricated lied twisting everything me and children said to her I couldn’t understand why As we take a 15 minute recess to see if I want to change my mind on what my children wanted We were supposed to talk between the mother of my children , Marie Koestner my lawyer and my self My layer Mr Ayala tells me to wait and the 3 of them go talk without me His objective changed and tells me when he comes back that he doesn’t really work in family law mostly in immigration law after fact that we have already been going back and forth to court and paid him thousands of dollars My children lost there wishes were never honored Everything got worse for my children being exposed to dangerous events with there mom more and more abuse and her step grandfather touches one of my children in a very inappropriate way and tried to hurt her self They were in hell all cus the corruption in family courts and Marie Koestner and Mr Ayala I know there is a good lawyer out therethat really cares for fathers rights and for the children But most lawyers treat issues like this as a business for there benefit Minors council Marie Koester My previous layer Mr Ayala Mothers lawyer Mr Garber All corrupted only interested in there personal benefits I later came back again in 2023 without a lawyer and only hired a paralegal with more evidence from child protective services and my children therapist As of 2021 I’ve had custody of my youngest child just made official In 2023 There mother has never complained cus the only thing she wanted was the child support she was receiving for my children even though I had custody she kept it for her self She stole everything from my children memories and time that you can never get back Lawyers like Marie Koestner Mr Garber Mr Ayala Need to be exposed and fase the consequences for there corruption and all the permanent damage they have caused all the children and families they have encountered and destroyed And there is definitely a lot more
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27 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
This man was appointed as minors counsel for my case. He met with my children twice over a nearly three year battle. He met with the father of the children and their attorney several times yet refuses counsel from the children he represents, their therapist or mother’s attorney. My oldest and the others have experienced a lot of trauma during their times with father. Medical records and therapists have entitled the expressions of their experiences as “traumatic”. Without investigating or meeting with these professionals he has deemed these professionals’ and my children’s-words as holding no credibility. The only time in all of the years he supposedly “represented” my children/ that he even tried to talk with the children’s therapists was for no more than five minutes DURING the last court hearing! The therapist for my children had many words to speak and was trying to be cooperative and helpful for her clients but was not able to speak on their behalf. When my son tried to express fear and reasons for why he wanted less time with his dad, my son was shamed and educated on why my son’s thoughts were unacceptable. I spent thousands of dollars for this man to fight for their father’s rights and against the desires and wishes of my children. He called CPS on my case (information only he and my attorney had was discovered in the CPS files), denied it in court and blamed me for antagonizing and calling CPS to investigate their father.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Efrain gramajo
Exelente trabajo esoy muy feliz con el trabajo de estos abogados se los recomiendo movieron mi caso muyrapido y la verdad estaba muy conplicado gracias muchas gracias 👍
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24 Jun, 2024 by Isaac reveles
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14 Apr, 2024 by Jcan navarez
Buenos abogados
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17 Sep, 2024 by Efrain gramajo
Exelente trabajo esoy muy feliz con el trabajo de estos abogados se los recomiendo movieron mi caso muyrapido y la verdad estaba muy conplicado gracias muchas gracias 👍
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24 Jun, 2024 by Isaac reveles
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14 Apr, 2024 by Jcan navarez
Buenos abogados
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15 Sep, 2017 by Cristino godoy
Hired Mr. Barba as a 3rd party to evict a tenant. He didn't seem to put much time or effort into the process. Never bothered to gather any information to put a case together. Seems like he wasn't competent enough to fight the case and evict tenant. He was given an up front retainer fee to pay for all cost, at the end he exaggerated his fees and doubled his cost. A lot of his charges were on basic clerical duties. He doesn't charge for actual time spend instead charges for what he is legally allowed. So instead of his fees being $2,000 like he initially quoted, it increased to $4,900. Not once did he step in the court room. Completed 3 legal forms. Made a few negation calls with tenants lawyer, dragged case for 6 months. I would have gotten a better results through a standard eviction paralegal for 1/4 of the price.
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12 Aug, 2014 by Lisa
Mr.Barba was amazing to work with. He was very knowledgeable and kept me up to date on my case. He always was available to answer my questions. I would definitely recommend him to anyone !
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09 Nov, 2021 by Mayra
Lleve mi caso con el abogado de la Torre, pero tienen un pésimo servicio, te prometen ayudarte y después solo dejan ir tu caso, lo dan por perdido y te dicen que aceptes lo que te dan, nunca te atiende el abogado y su asistente solo te ayuda a firmar el contrato, y al finalizar si no hablas inglés te atiende solo la traductora para que firmes el acuerdo final. No lo recomiendo para nada, mi caso fue accidente de trabajo, pero así como yo también tenemos derechos y podemos reportarlos al bar de abogados. Yo lo reportare para que no se aproveche de otras personas. No se merece ninguna estrella.
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17 Sep, 2017 by Luis
I was younger and I have not idea about, He never talk to me about my complaint, Instead go first with worked compensation lawyer, and then he offered me so little money, he said I need to take coz I may receive noting. And that time Arnold was a governor and was pushing for a low against the emigrants related to the works com, all he said was a lie, but to late I noticed.
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18 Jun, 2010 by Anonymous
FIrst of all lost medical bills, miss import MRI request, raised charge from 30% to 40% without agreement. Said they will settle even though I am in pain for 1 mill. Denied me a copy of my case for over 6 months, it took almost 6-8 months after injury to order MRI's and failed to specify proper areas need. Said don't expect to have them take care of your injuries for the rest of my life. Spinal injury. Recommend google for a better attorney and negotiate the percentage they are charging 10-20% is good. Also case/verdicts outcome for your interest. His PI Legal Assistant is the cause of this bad experience. I never met Bernardo, but is represented by his firm/business
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05 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
He did the same to me. He didn't properly serve me. He was my landlord/slumlord. Years later he is using the courts and abusing his power as an attorney to get money out of me. And we're talking thousands. He put an illegal detainer and lien on me. All for cleaning services. As far as I knew we were done, after he evicted me in court with his buddy judge. I paid first and last months rent. You would think that covered his cleaning cost, who btw, he pays cheap labor to Samantha's husband, who doesn't speak a word of English. So he has advantage all around saving him money and extorting money out of his former clients and residents. He is a con, using the courts, and how the courts don't catch on after his hundreds of liens filed. Is beyond me? Must benefit the Courts he is filing at. Because we'll over 10 years later and he still trying to get thousands out of me for cleaning a rental out.
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05 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Richard did a better then average job for my divorce case back in 1998. He can be a little abrasive at times and he will tell you the more time you call and get in his way, the more money he makes. Bottom line, time is money, so have your questions ready to go and get to the point.
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06 Feb, 2021 by Mike
If I could negative stars I would. I hope this review saves one unsuspecting parent. I went through a divorce and custody hearing many years ago and made the mistake of hiring Miller. Needless to say I ended up paying over $20,000 to this guy, and he didn't even finish the job. Basically he will drag out your case, costing you way more then it should. Also you will be charged a high interest rate for his service, making you owe him for years to come. In the end, I retained different lawyer and had my case settled for less then a quarter of what I paid him. Buyer beware.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Lauren
She was retained for a case but she was overwhelmed with vacation and other cases as she verbalized when she removed herself from my husbands case less than 2 weeks before he had to attend court leaving him with no lawyer to appear in court for a nasty custody battle. He was unable to find a new attorney last minute due to the severity of his case. In the end he lost joint custody of his son and Attorney Carina Reyna knew how crucial her appearance was. This company is unprofessional, the attorney didn't really have any time to fight the case and she spreads herself too thin. She definitely should work on the quality of work and not the quantity of retainer fees she obtains, because the first time and only time she attended court for the case she was kinda lost and unprepared. Hopefully in the future this never happens to anyone else as she sharpens her skills and becomes more knowledgeable in her craft.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
People of Whittier! Just because she's in Whittier, doesn't mean you need to hire her. Yes, we're all desperate for resolution and advice but PLEASE! Stay away from this lawyer! She's terrible at her job. Her service is way below average. The amount of money she charges for her so called services, you can get yourself a way better attorney in DTLA. Please message me directly, I'd be more than happy to give you more information. She should be disbarred. Paralegals do better paperwork than she does, and they charge waaaay less! Also, all the so called positive reviews are more than likely friends and family she has to burry negative posts. She also has a response / excuse for everything.
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29 Jun, 2022 by Nava
Contrate a Karina porque necesitaba un abogado que hablara español pero realmente el día de mi audiencia mostró interés únicamente por terminar rápido sin preocuparse porque venía después .. ese día le comenté que necesitaba un abogado para mi divorcio y por su actitud mostró poco interés y hoy confirmó que ella quiere ganar dinero fácil porque la contacte para que me explicara que podía hacer ante lo que firme como ella me dijo y hasta el día de hoy no tuvo la educación de regresarme la llamada .. No la recomiendo desde su actitud deja mucho que desear.
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17 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
It feels like I have to pull teeth to get a response out of these people. Bretoi is clearly in this business for his own well being. He does not keep his clients informed. It took him eight months to ask for relevant information in terms of what he needed for my case and this is only after I asked what they needed from me in a written response. The only thing I got back was that the person working on my case was on maternity leave and it appeared no body had been working on my case. Not only was i not informed of this but it was clear that no one had been working on my case at all. In that time there was no written document pertaining to what evidence I should provide for the case.. Meanwhile, they referred me to a chiropractor who did a fine job but I'm left wondering what kind of settlement results from a win-win situation. I'm sure I'm left owing the chiropractor but that's not exactly what I signed up for. In the meantime I'm left wondering what surprises are in store for me. The insurance company being sued just called me over a year to the date of my accident telling me they had just been served. So what were you doing for a year Bretoi? I'm sure you're profiting just nicely and it must be nice to raise your family on the misfortunes of others. If you're in an accident and you need an attorney, find someone else!!!!!
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22 Aug, 2012 by Ronald
This was the worst experience I have ever had with a professional. He did not look out for my best interest and never once returned one of my phone calls in the 3 years of his handling my case. I signed off on a workers comp settelment back in March and it took Mr. Moore over 5 months to finally give me back some papers and having his secretary tell me there is no settlement for me. Normal time is 30 days of signing paperwork, why couldn't he have told me back in April, oh i know why, because he didn't even walk my signed paperwork back into court until July 3rd, and it took over 25 calls from me for him to even find my paperwork! He is a joke as a lawyer and I would not recommend him to my worst enemy.
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11 Oct, 2013 by Athomas
She never returned my calls. She showed up late to court and then was not prepared. She continued my case 3 times and charged me for each time. It was crazy. Nothing got done. I paid over $4000 and ended up having to hire another attorney. Her staff was rude and never seemed to know what was going on. My advise......run to another attorney. I am so happy I got out of there!!!!
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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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