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22 Oct, 2024 by Sleepno more
They made a fool of themself in Landlord-tenant court against me, a young pro-se defendant (tenant). Not only did they sign under penalty perjury (easily proven) FALSE info in their petition, but wrote a version of the same thing THRICE in the stip, for which he was mocked by an incredulous judge who swiftly crossed out all the repeats. Their "attorney" tried to sneak into the written stipulation the words "WITH prejudice", when the judge & I explicitly agreed in my right to be able to sue at a later date! The judge then admonished the lawyer's incompetence and outright dishonest behavior, editing the stip yet again and actually defining the the legal terms for him! Words that I myself knew the meaning of. How embarrassing! I had to resist the urge to laugh. In what universe does such a person pass the bar? One can only wonder. If it is that easy to win a case, perhaps I am in the wrong profession, but so is that lawyer.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Lauren g.
20 Oct, 2022 by Sheryl kushnick-carr
Excellent landlord/Tenant Attorneys
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13 Aug, 2021 by James
I only dealt with Michelle Toppin, but she's the type of "lawyer" you'd hope the other party has. Because if ANYTHING goes south, you should be prepared to know that this is a "lawyer" [I am assuming she's a "lawyer" if she's listed on AVVO] who:
- does not know what's in your contract [I had to reread and point out one section to her myself]
- drags her feet when asked to write a simple email AND forgets to cc the people you requested
- makes you feel like she's in way over her head every painful step
- did not get the other party's lawyer's cell phone number until confronted about why she was unable to get a response from them for almost 3 weeks
- does not understand that she's supposed to represent her client's interests
- never returns calls within the time frame she said she would
- does not seem capable of writing her own addendums or even contracts
There's definitely more, but I don't even want to spend any more time on this since she wasted so much of mine. Just be prepared for the most frustrating and stressful period of your life knowing you do not have competent legal representation with Michelle Toppin. Avoid.
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03 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
I waited almost 2 years before typing this review as I was trying to give Scott a chance to answer. I have emailed him a numerous amount of times to reply but to no avail. What he has done to me is unbelievable. As a professional, a lawyer, he has wronged me in many ways. I can't believe a professional in this field would do such a thing. I am bothered by this and truly can't believe it. Because of him, I am out money. He said verbatim "don't worry, I will take care of it. Just pay it now and we will get it back." Maybe to hum $3K isn't a lot of money, but to me it is.
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23 Feb, 2025 by Phil depaul
You can learn a lot about how accountable a service provider values by how they ignore anything that doesn't make them money. This firm failed to settle debts owed for an estate they handled, and continue to ignore the people hurt by their negligence. I've been trying to reach attorney Kevin McNiff for months and he's "too busy" to even respond. Still waiting....
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23 Feb, 2025 by Phil depaul
You can learn a lot about how accountable a service provider values by how they ignore anything that doesn't make them money. This firm failed to settle debts owed for an estate they handled, and continue to ignore the people hurt by their negligence. I've been trying to reach attorney Kevin McNiff for months and he's "too busy" to even respond. Still waiting....
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23 Feb, 2025 by Phil depaul
You can learn a lot about how accountable a service provider values by how they ignore anything that doesn't make them money. This firm failed to settle debts owed for an estate they handled, and continue to ignore the people hurt by their negligence. I've been trying to reach attorney Kevin McNiff for months and he's "too busy" to even respond. Still waiting....
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23 Feb, 2025 by Phil depaul
You can learn a lot about how accountable a service provider values by how they ignore anything that doesn't make them money. This firm failed to settle debts owed for an estate they handled, and continue to ignore the people hurt by their negligence. I've been trying to reach attorney Kevin McNiff for months and he's "too busy" to even respond. Still waiting....
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23 Feb, 2025 by Phil depaul
You can learn a lot about how accountable a service provider values by how they ignore anything that doesn't make them money. This firm failed to settle debts owed for an estate they handled, and continue to ignore the people hurt by their negligence. I've been trying to reach attorney Kevin McNiff for months and he's "too busy" to even respond. Still waiting....
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23 Feb, 2025 by Phil depaul
You can learn a lot about how accountable a service provider values by how they ignore anything that doesn't make them money. This firm failed to settle debts owed for an estate they handled, and continue to ignore the people hurt by their negligence. I've been trying to reach attorney Kevin McNiff for months and he's "too busy" to even respond. Still waiting....
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23 Feb, 2025 by Phil depaul
You can learn a lot about how accountable a service provider values by how they ignore anything that doesn't make them money. This firm failed to settle debts owed for an estate they handled, and continue to ignore the people hurt by their negligence. I've been trying to reach attorney Kevin McNiff for months and he's "too busy" to even respond. Still waiting....
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23 Feb, 2025 by Phil depaul
You can learn a lot about how accountable a service provider values by how they ignore anything that doesn't make them money. This firm failed to settle debts owed for an estate they handled, and continue to ignore the people hurt by their negligence. I've been trying to reach attorney Kevin McNiff for months and he's "too busy" to even respond. Still waiting....
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23 Feb, 2025 by Phil depaul
You can learn a lot about how accountable a service provider values by how they ignore anything that doesn't make them money. This firm failed to settle debts owed for an estate they handled, and continue to ignore the people hurt by their negligence. I've been trying to reach attorney Kevin McNiff for months and he's "too busy" to even respond. Still waiting....
Read more
23 Feb, 2025 by Phil depaul
You can learn a lot about how accountable a service provider values by how they ignore anything that doesn't make them money. This firm failed to settle debts owed for an estate they handled, and continue to ignore the people hurt by their negligence. I've been trying to reach attorney Kevin McNiff for months and he's "too busy" to even respond. Still waiting....
Read more
23 Feb, 2025 by Phil depaul
You can learn a lot about how accountable a service provider values by how they ignore anything that doesn't make them money. This firm failed to settle debts owed for an estate they handled, and continue to ignore the people hurt by their negligence. I've been trying to reach attorney Kevin McNiff for months and he's "too busy" to even respond. Still waiting....
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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Fee Structures:
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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.
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Hourly Rate:
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Factors Affecting Cost:
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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.
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Complexity of the Case:
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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.
