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12 Sep, 2022 by Ts
Jon Green is a consummate high integrity legal professional who not only knows New Jersey employment law but knows how it works and how to work it. He is relentless and tenacious in his pursuit of justice for his client. He’s fearless and will consistently fight to get a fair settlement for you. He doesn’t back down. He’s a client-oriented attorney who listens carefully to his client so that he fully understands the case details and what your objectives are. If he doesn’t know or understand something you’ve said, he’ll ask you to explain further. He doesn’t assume anything. He’s very detail oriented. Jon will be fully engaged in your case and is best described as “all in” once the wheels of justice begin to turn. Jon also will tell you what you need to know not what you want to hear. He’ll give you the good news and the bad news. As the case twists and turns, Jon takes the time to explain it to you so you understand it and what ramifications it has for your case. Jon works with the client collaborating on strategies and next steps. I was referred to Jon by a corporate labor attorney who recommended Jon because “Jon has a game plan”. Once Jon knows all the details of your case he definitely will have a game plan. That said, he is open to the client’s opinions and is willing to take a different path that the client suggests if it makes sense and is beneficial to the case. Jon was always accessible and his staff and other partners were very helpful. After three and a half years the case was settled out of court and it was a very positive outcome. In my opinion, you couldn’t have a better employee rights attorney fighting for you than Jon Green. TS
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25 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Jon represented me as a whistleblower against a former employer. He worked with me for over three years and negotiated a settlement that I am happy with. Jon’s knowledge of employment law, coupled with his many years of experience never ceased to amaze me. He always took my calls and answered my questions, patiently educating me on how the law works. What you want from your case and what you can realistically achieve with the evidence you have is something that Jon understands well. Jon is open-minded, he will listen to your suggestions and will work with you to give you the best chance of success. Jon has seen it, done it and he draws on his own experiences over his long career to provide the “battle plan” for your case. The proof is in the results and I can truly say that Jon delivered for me. We spent a long time together working on my case. If you hire Jon, you will gain the benefit of his experience, a brilliant legal advocate and also a friend. I will miss him. Thank you again, Jon.
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24 Jul, 2022 by Lisa
Jon came highly recommended to me through one of his colleagues. As soon as we started talking he knew exactly what the main crux of my case should be and how it should be handled. He and his staff were in constant communication throughout the whole process. They never left a question unanswered. They worked patiently to make sure that I received a just and fair end to my case. His empathy for my situation was more than I could have asked for. Workplace situations are very delicate and emotional. Jon struck the great balance between being firm with me, keeping me focused and having the right sense of humor! There is no doubt that he is the leader in his field, his expertise is exceptional. I would, without any hesitation recommend Jon and his firm.
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20 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
In 2013 I found myself in a very difficult situation I was going to be faced with the fact that after 26 years of marriage I was going to file for a divorce and I knew it was not going to be easy, So I began searching for an attorney I had met with two other attorneys before meeting with Mr. Pell. During our first meeting I felt so confident that he was the right attorney for me the process began. With his relentless motivation and his knowledge of the law Mr. Pell demonstrated tremendous expertise compelling arguments that were extremely valuable to my case and proved dissipation of material assets and was able to get me a wonderful out come on my settlement. Elliott Pell is an intelligent, capable, dedicated, and personable person. He is always quick on his feet, with sensible reactions in all the circumstances I've seen him in. I feel confident in saying that he is capable of handling any situation with thoughtfulness and maturity. Sincerely, K
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04 Jun, 2010 by Anonymous
Peter is very capable and efficient. He handled my matter quickly, and the outcome was much better than I expected.
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22 Apr, 2024 by Angel talley
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26 Jan, 2024 by Marilyn anthony
My son went to this law firm 13 years ago for his divorce. An excellent law firm! Honest, hard working attorneys who give you their all & try to save you money. I highly recommend this law firm.
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26 Oct, 2023 by Greg demaio
Mr. Frank Barbosa Jr. - I cannot say enough good things about him. Quick, precise as cares about my business as much as I do. Our business will stay with him!
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03 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Consulted with him, expensive and didn't offer anything I didn't know already. Poor communication, did not follow up as promised Wasted money.
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01 Sep, 2020 by Tina
After much research, I found Mr. West online and left a voice message. He called me back that same evening and spent 30 minutes on the phone with me explaining my situation, and answering questions, all before he was even hired. It was an incredible pleasure to have Mr. West represent me. He is extremely knowledgeable and professional; a complete expert in his field. He is responsive (as busy as he is), accommodating and has a genuine empathy for helping others. I cannot recommend this professional enough! It was a great experience, and without him, my matter would not have been resolved in my favor! He's the best!
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17 Jan, 2018 by Julie
I found Mr. West by luck searching the internet. I had never needed legal counsel before in my life & was new to how things worked. I really needed someone in my corner. Well I am so glad I found him. He was knowledgeable, understanding, & went above and beyond for me. He always answered my calls & emails and gave me peace of mind that I was in good hands. All I can say is just call him. After speaking with him for a few minutes you will get a feel for how genuine & knowledgeable he is.
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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.

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