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23 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I was a client of Mr Williams. He represented me through this difficult process with professionalism and with an eye towards a workable resolution
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10 May, 2019 by Mario
Gary Williams is a knowledgeable, effective and trusted law professional, with ample experience in family practice. He worked on a delicate divorce case with me, and was able to reach a fair and satisfactory agreement in a friendly negotiated process. Gary and his office staff are attentive and responsive.
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02 May, 2019 by Tracy
Mr. Gary Williams is a smart, thoughtful, knowledgeable and tenacious attorney. We recently settled an ongoing dispute regarding the enforcement of the terms of a prenuptial agreement. It was an arduous and frustrating 5 year long process as my ex fought us every step of the way. Mr. Williams and his staff stood by me through this whole ordeal with understanding and patience and ending up getting me a deal that was fair and protected me from my ex. My ex is a very vindictive person and I was concerned he may seek retribution now that the case was settled. Mr. Williams took my concerns to heart and included language in the settlement barring him from harassing me in the future. That meant a lot to me. His staff is also wonderful. Very professional and helpful. In addition, Mr. Williams’s staff ending up saving me some money on fees as he is able to delegate certain tasks to paralegals and other staff members that bill at a much lower rate. My ex initially had a lawyer that had no staff and ended up paying much higher legal fees as everything his attorney did was billed at the attorney’s rate. Mr. Williams and his staff are wonderful allies to have in trying times. I highly recommend The Law Firm for Family Law and Mr. Gary Williams if you find yourself going through such times.
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04 Jul, 2024 by Chantalth2009
Excellent criminal lawyer and trial attorney.I was charge with mail and bank fraud, I was looking at 5 years in prison if i was found guilty but i was acquitted of all charges(found not guilty).At trial Ms.Anne prove to me that she was on my side she believe in me thats how i was acquitted..she is the best lawyer!!!!
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06 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Anne is hands down the best recommendation for anything you need done Federal. She is great to work with and have fight for you.
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20 Aug, 2013 by Rick
Anne has represented me in several charges, in a manner that strongly proved my innocence, that won my cases. I truly appreciate and admire all her hard work, I would never go to any one else but her for assistance needed. Rick B. ~ St. Pete Beach, FL
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02 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Melissa Loesch was so wonderful to work with! She was by my side for more than 2 years and was always so responsive to every little question I had. She honestly turned what felt like a traumatic experience into a seamless and manageable one. I could not be more grateful to have had her by my side.
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10 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Melissa Loesch and her office provided excellent service, demonstrating professionalism and personal attention to all details. Melissa's attitude to the work she does not only saved my life, it also helped me to avoid other problems that we normally don’t even think about such problems ahead. She knows them all and may foresee them, she is experienced enough to prevent them, and to give you the right advice on time, before any trial or verdict. My advice to any person who ever needs a criminal lawyer remains the same: If you decide to hire a lawyer, just go to “Roger Futerman & Associates” office in Clearwater, talk to Melissa Loesch and you will never regret it!
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16 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
Ms. Loesch has been very responsive and helpful througout an ordeal that has been very overwelming for me personally and her assistance and dedication has taken a lot of stress and worry off of me which is a great relief. She has been very professional and attentive to my needs and answered all questions or concerns with great satisfaction on my part.
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10 Nov, 2014 by Ashley
Mr. Sartes is an extremely skilled and I highly recommend him. He and his staff kept my husband and I informed and explained all of our options every step of the way. He went way above and beyond to help us and we are so grateful. I have no doubt he was the best possible attorney we could have hired and will continue to use him in the future if needed.
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05 Jul, 2010 by Hal
In my experience, the use of an attorney has always carried a negative situation. Mr Sartes was able to get me the most favorable outcome that I could have ever expected. He was always available to discuss the case and was very well versed on the explanations.
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30 Jun, 2010 by Nicole
Mr. Sartes was very knowledgeable in his field, and took the time to make sure I both understood what was going on, and then to keep me informed on the progress of the issue. I will both recommend and continue to use his services when needed.
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04 Apr, 2020 by Jason
I was involved in a case where I had zero transcripts from my trial and my family attorney failed to submit anything into evidence during trial; therefore, leaving me virtually no chance on a successful appeal. Another reputable attorney that I contacted didn't want to touch my case due to the situation and referred me to Ms. Anderson. Ms. Anderson reviewed my case and decided to work with me against all odds. She was very clear up front that my case had a very slim chance. The work ethic, passion, creativity, communication and empathy from Ms. Anderson is unmatched. She somehow devised a strategy to obtain the evidence from the opposing trial attorney's office that they have been trying to hide because it was the "key" to everything as well as to show that they potentially committed fraud. If that wasn't enough, she went to a further extent as to somehow convince the original trial judge, who left family law 13 months prior and been in criminal law, to agree to a hearing on the issue. In the end she got the original trial judge to amend the Final Judgment fixing the issue herself and avoiding the District Court of Appeal. Ever heard that saying, "can't get blood from a turnip"? Well, she did just that. If she is unable to get something done then I truly feel that there is noone out there that could have either. Aside from an amazing attorney, she is an amazing human being as well and I am beyond grateful that we crossed paths. I promise that you will have no regrets in hiring Ms. Anderson.
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23 Sep, 2009 by An
After she takes your case, what you need to do is to have a good sleep and then live on your own life. She is kind, responsible, very thoughtful and experienced with sound knowledge. I give her my highest evaluation: RELIABLE. She can give you best result as you wish. If you get what you want, that is because of her help. If you don't, then none in the world can get. I always appreciated her help and great instruction. She is the best.
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01 Jul, 2014 by Iris
Jill A. Schuh handled a case for me when I was at the worst time of my life. She took my case at a discounted fee because she understood my financial situation (which other Attorneys don't care about). She took all my calls, was very assertive and took the time to listen. Jill negotiated back and forth with othet party until she got me what I felt was the most I could get in order to put closure so I could move on with my life. During this time she was very proffessional and very, very human, she made me feel I was talking to not only my attorney but also a friend. I recommend this attorney very highly.
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24 Jun, 2015 by Albert cusson
This is one man you want on your side. Dedicated to his job, which is protecting his client. He takes his job serious and he will take your case serious. A true Bulldog, he does not back down. Direct. Confident. Astoundingly professional without jeopardizing bedside manner. Personable. Caring. Loves a good fight. My wife and I were facing (2) First Degree Felony charges and, if convicted, would have spent the remainder of our lives in prison. We were innocent. After a debacle with the first attorney on our case, we hired Atty. Romine to come in and clean up the first attorneys grave mess. EVERYONE told us we were going to face real time in jail. But, Atty. Romine fought aggressively for us, and got all the charges dismissed. His ability to wade through the muck and focus on the real issues, is amazing. With Atty. Romine, you won't get the thrills and frills, but he rolls up his sleeves, and looks forward to the fight. Your not always going to hear what you want to hear, but he will give you the truth. No false lip service. Fantastic, caring, dedicated, knowledgeable, efficient, one-the-ball staff that always answers your calls, emails, and requests with lightning speed. What other kind of attorney would you want on your case? If you are looking for the attorney who will get you the best outcome, you will get that from Atty. Romine. He did, for us, what no one else said could be done and he did it with precision level legal skills. He knows the law. He knows how to get his point across. He possesses a type of legal clairvoyance, that enables him to predict the reactions of his opposition and use that for your benefit. There are not enough words to describe the legal ability of this attorney. All I can say is, if you are in any kind of serious trouble, HIRE THIS MAN.....NOW!! Thank you, Atty. Romine, for giving our lives back to us. Thank you!
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06 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Colon is young, but is very highly experienced. He was incredibly helpful and attentive to my case, as well as very honest with the outcomes I could expect. He didn’t necessarily under promise but he did over deliver. I would recommend him to anyone, on his own or in conjunction with Mr. Lirot’s help.
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06 Mar, 2018 by Stacy
Mr. Lonzo was referred to me by another attorney who could not handle my complicated case. Mr. Lonzo was the 3rd attorney I'd had on my civil case in the past 4.5 years. Within 2.5 hours, he had managed to accomplish what the prior 2 attorneys could not or would not do and had my case settled out of court within two days without going to trial. Mr. Lonzo has a "heart" for justice like I've not seen in any prior attorney I've worked with in several years of family litigation and civil litigation. Highly recommended.
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15 Jul, 2015 by Mimi
I was at my lowest point in life and Michael Park was absolutely amazing. He was fair, just and treated me with the utmost respect. I could not have selected a better attorney. He is not the typical.... he bills fairly and was aggressive in every part of the court proceeding that required it, yet he was kind with me. Truly an A+ attorney.
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06 Sep, 2022 by Georgia
My daughter and I had prayed for a lawyer that really cared to help her son and my grandson. Looking at Mr.. Demps qualifications and expertise in law.. God answered our prayers. Mr. Demps did a thorough job, visiting, informing and representing him. We knew in our hearts he would come through for us and he did..We are so thankful to God and him getting good results. Our homecoming with our grandson was fantastic like the Prodigal Son..
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17 Feb, 2022 by Kristine
Jonathan Saunders handled what was, for me and my family, a mountain of a case. He showed up at a time when my current attorney was ineffective even though I had the statutes and laws on my side. He swooped in and within 30 days everything shifted in our favor. I felt like we were fighting a goliath and had little chance until he showed up with his exceptional knowledge of the law, incredible cousel, and excellent reputation amongst other legal professionals. He was our superhero! He put a period on our case and never broke a sweat. I would recommend Jonathan Saunders to anyone who seeks an honorable attorney, that goes above and beyond to help his clients understand their situation and options. He listens and he cares! He truly believes in seeking and attaining mercy and justice for every client. A note to future clients; Don't mistake his kindness for weakness. Behind that compassionate, kind, face and enormous intellect is a warrior with a law degree.
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24 Jan, 2014 by Dr. bill
Bill has been my attorney for over ten years. I have worked with him on day to day legal questions, pretrial preparation and at trial. He is always knowledgeable and responsive. I have never been disappointed with his work. He has an excellent organization of people who work him. When I watch him in action I am always glad he is on my side. I recommend Mr. Curphey with no reservations.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Roberta beriault
Elaine Prado is awesome! She gets the job done. She helped me get papers filed the same day I asked for help and she got me the information I needed. Elaine is very pleasant to speak to and answered my questions quickly. Great Job! Thanks so much.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Cat liu
Young recently helped me out after a stressful car accident. I needed advice, and Young was extremely knowledgable and kind. He provided me clear and practical instructions and I will absolutely consult again him in the future for these matters.
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15 Aug, 2024 by La princess
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29 Oct, 2023 by Lou
Simone , listens to what you have to say, Then she does her Job , and does it well - - Go Get Them Girl . My Case Was Won , not exactly how we wanted , but its over and Im Moving On .
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30 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Simone did a fantastic job handling my divorce. I was scared, not sure what to do or what to expect going through the process. She gave excellent advice and walked me through each of the steps. Thank you so much.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Mark
Simone Lennon took my case for a very difficult divorce. I had to go through the appellate court after the first judgement was granted for my ex wife giving her everything we worked for together in a 30 year marriage. After getting our day in court through Covid delays Simone not only got the judgement overturned, but she also got all the assets split. It was amicable for all! The best part she did NOT charge a ton of money!!!! Simone you brought light to a very dark situation. I can never thank you enough! Mark M.
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22 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
This man came and made all sorts of promises to me the morning of my trial, convinced me to switch to him. Then, after receiving payment, did absolutely nothing for 9 months. Despite having provided him numerous things for my defense, he literally did no preparing at all - he only came to discuss the case the sunday afternoon before trial! I had explained to him exactly what data was needed, and how to obtain that data, to exonerate me and he did not do this! This data would prove I could hot have done what I was charged with. I had also provided case law of an identical case that would show Florida had no jurisdiction. But because he failed to even read the case law, which clearly stated the court ruled in what would have been my favor, when the state misrepresented that case to court Mr. Wagner did not object and did not argue because he DID NOT EVEN READ THE CASE! Not only this, but I had hired him for a civil matter as well, and after 9 months, as I am sitting at the defendant table at trial, he STARTS to write a motion for that matter - and it was complete garbage! I literally had to rewrite it myself and not only fix basic spelling and grammatical errors, which were prevalent, but CORRECT HIM ON MATTERS OF LAW! This guy is about worthless - if you hire him, he will take your money, ignore you, judge you as guilty so as to feel ok about his poor work ethic, and try to get you a plea - which eliminates 99% of appeals! This is a big problem because when he blows his motion arguments from lack of preparation, he tells you "oh, don't worry - you can appeal this issue!" But you can't. So no, do not hire this man, or Steve Henderson, or Dan Ciener... Diamond and Funk are the only attorneys worth a penny in Brevard County. You would be better to hire someone from Orlando or elsewhere.
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07 Feb, 2013 by Victoria
I was able to ask him for honest advice & he fought for the best ending result for me. He didnt give me any false ideas and prepared me for the worst but aimed for the best. He would answer my calls, Texts and Emails. Always had a good outlook.
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26 Nov, 2012 by Frank
Sean is an outstanding criminal defense lawyer. He excels at cross-examination and hits every conceivable detail. Very prepared, very thorough.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What an Appeals Lawyer Can Do for You

An appeals lawyer specializes in representing clients in appellate courts, challenging or defending lower court decisions. If you believe that a legal error was made during your trial or that the court’s decision was unjust, an appeals lawyer can help you appeal the ruling to a higher court. They work to identify mistakes made during the trial, such as improper application of law, exclusion of key evidence, or jury misconduct. On the other hand, if you're defending a favorable judgment, an appeals lawyer can help protect the decision from being overturned.

Appeals lawyers don’t retry the case but instead focus on legal arguments and procedural issues to convince the appellate court to either overturn, modify, or uphold the lower court’s decision.

When Should I Hire an Appeals Lawyer?

Hiring an appeals lawyer is necessary when you are involved in a legal appeal, either as the appellant (the party appealing the case) or the appellee (the party defending the lower court’s ruling). Common situations in which you should hire an appeals lawyer include:

  • Appealing a conviction or ruling: If you’ve been convicted in a criminal case or lost a civil case and believe the decision was based on legal errors or improper procedures, an appeals lawyer can review the case and file an appeal on your behalf.
  • Challenging a sentence: In criminal cases, if you feel that the sentence is excessively harsh or not in line with legal standards, an appeals lawyer can work to reduce or modify the sentence.
  • Defending a lower court ruling: If the opposing party has filed an appeal to overturn a favorable ruling, an appeals lawyer can help defend the judgment and argue that the lower court’s decision should be upheld.
  • Complex legal issues: If your case involves complicated legal issues or interpretations of the law, an appeals lawyer can provide the necessary expertise to argue those points effectively before an appellate court.
  • Reviewing trial errors: Appeals lawyers can examine whether mistakes such as jury misconduct, improper exclusion or admission of evidence, or incorrect jury instructions occurred during the trial.

You should hire an appeals lawyer as soon as you decide to appeal or are informed that the other party is appealing the case, as appellate procedures are time-sensitive.

What Does an Appeals Lawyer Do?

An appeals lawyer provides specialized legal services to challenge or defend a lower court decision. Their role focuses on legal arguments, reviewing the trial record, and persuading the appellate court to either reverse or uphold the ruling. They can:

  • Review the trial record: Appeals lawyers meticulously review transcripts, evidence, and rulings from the original trial to identify any legal errors or procedural mistakes that could be grounds for appeal.
  • Prepare and file briefs: Appeals lawyers write legal briefs that present persuasive arguments to the appellate court. These briefs focus on the legal errors made during the trial and how they affected the outcome.
  • Present oral arguments: In many appeals, lawyers present oral arguments before a panel of judges, explaining why the lower court’s decision should be reversed or upheld based on legal principles.
  • Monitor case law developments: Appeals lawyers stay updated on changes in the law and precedents set by higher courts, which can be crucial in shaping the arguments they present during the appeal.
  • Provide legal advice on the likelihood of success: Appeals lawyers can offer a realistic assessment of your chances of winning the appeal based on the legal errors and evidence from the trial.

How Are Appeals Lawyers Paid?

Appeals lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the appeal and the amount of work required to prepare briefs and present arguments. Common payment structures include:

  • Hourly rate: Many appeals lawyers charge by the hour due to the significant amount of research, writing, and preparation involved in appeals. Hourly rates can range from $200 to $600 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and the case’s complexity.
  • Flat fee: For some straightforward appeals, a lawyer may charge a flat fee that covers all the work necessary to complete the appeal.
  • Retainer fee: In complex or high-stakes appeals, a lawyer may require a retainer, an upfront payment that covers the initial stages of the appeal. The lawyer then bills against this retainer for ongoing work.

It's important to discuss fees and costs upfront with your lawyer during the initial consultation to ensure you understand the financial commitment involved.

How Much Does an Appeals Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring an appeals lawyer varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the amount of work involved. General cost estimates include:

  • Straightforward appeals: For simpler appeals, such as those involving minor legal errors, fees can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the scope of work.
  • Complex appeals: Appeals that involve complicated legal issues, multiple grounds for appeal, or high-stakes outcomes can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000 or more, especially if the case requires extensive legal research, brief writing, and oral arguments.
  • Hourly rates: Many appeals lawyers charge hourly rates ranging from $200 to $600 per hour, with higher rates often associated with more experienced attorneys or particularly challenging cases.

Before proceeding with your appeal, it’s crucial to ask for a clear estimate of the costs involved so you can budget appropriately.

Top Questions to Ask an Appeals Lawyer

Before hiring an appeals lawyer, it’s essential to ask questions to ensure they are well-suited for your case and that you understand the appeals process. Important questions include:

  1. What experience do you have with appeals?
    Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience handling appellate cases, particularly in the area of law relevant to your case (e.g., criminal, civil, family, etc.).
  2. How do you charge for appeals?
    Ask whether the lawyer charges an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a retainer, and request an estimate of the total costs for handling your appeal.
  3. What is the likelihood of success for my appeal?
    A good appeals lawyer should provide an honest assessment of your case’s strengths and weaknesses and the chances of winning the appeal.
  4. How long will the appeal process take?
    Ask for an estimate of how long the appeal process might take, from filing the initial briefs to a final decision by the appellate court.
  5. Will you personally handle my appeal?
    In larger law firms, junior attorneys or legal assistants may handle some of the research or drafting. Clarify who will be responsible for preparing and arguing your case.
  6. What is your approach to handling appeals?
    Some lawyers may be more inclined to focus on procedural issues, while others emphasize broader legal arguments. Make sure the lawyer’s approach aligns with your goals.

How to Check the Credibility of an Appeals Lawyer

To ensure that you’re hiring a reputable appeals lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:

  • Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
  • Look for appellate experience: Review the lawyer’s website or profile to ensure they specialize in appellate law and have successfully handled appeals similar to yours.
  • Check client reviews and testimonials: Look for client feedback on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to get insight into the lawyer’s track record and client satisfaction.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their expertise and success in handling appeals.
  • Look for recognition in appellate law: Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers (AAAL) or awards and recognition in appellate law can indicate a lawyer’s expertise in this specialized area.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most out of your first consultation with an appeals lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Trial transcripts and court records: The lawyer will need a complete record of the original trial, including transcripts, motions, exhibits, and the final judgment or order.
  • Legal briefs from the trial: If any briefs or motions were filed during the trial, bring copies so the appeals lawyer can review the legal arguments that were presented.
  • Written decision or verdict: Bring the court’s written ruling, verdict, or decision so the lawyer can identify any potential errors or issues to raise on appeal.
  • Questions about the appeal process: Write down any questions you have about the appeal’s timeline, costs, and potential outcomes.
  • List of potential legal errors: If you believe specific mistakes were made during the trial (e.g., improper evidence, legal misinterpretations), provide a list of those issues.

Being well-prepared for your consultation allows the lawyer to assess your case more effectively and provide the best guidance on how to proceed with your appeal.