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23 Feb, 2018 by Holly
Kay represented me during a very long divorce process as well as in multiple post-divorce hearings that arose. She is extremely competent, and took time to explain how things worked and prepared me for what to expect throughout the entire process. I could always count on her to respond quickly when I had urgent questions or needed direction and had 100% confidence in her counsel. She was forthcoming in what to expect and I was very pleased with the outcomes in multiple cases. The thing that really stood out to me in the five years we worked together was how much she genuinely cared about my case and my children and how she worked very hard to represent our best interest at every turn. I highly recommend her and can't imagine going through those 5 years without her being my voice and representing me.
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26 Jan, 2018 by Wanda
Ms. Church has handled several matters for me, my family and some of my friends. I've seen her in court in a child custody case (she won), in a child support case (she won), and in a collections case (she won). She is always professional and clearly explains your options and her plan of attack. I've seen her during negotiations where she was firm, aggressive, and took the lead. I've used other attorneys, but Ms. Church is heads and shoulders above any other. I've referred her to friends who have also had great experiences with her. She is THE BEST!
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25 Jan, 2018 by Rae
“In my time of heartache, Kay was compassionate towards my situation and aggressive in pursuing what was best for me and my child. She consulted with me on every decision and handled every situation with confidence and poise. I felt very privileged to have her represent my case.”
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07 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I was on the search for a lawyer that I could not only trust but one that I knew understood my heart for the situation and would fight hard for me to get it. From the very beginning Dana spent time learning the whole backstory of my case as well as listening to what I wanted most out of the situation as well as my fears. He was very clear about what might/might not happen and what to expect. On the day of I was impressed with the way he quickly made sure that the other party knew what I would and wouldn’t stand for making the rest of the process easy. He maneuvered through every obstacle with ease while explaining everything to me along the way. I have no regrets and was able to leave feeling like I was represented perfectly. HIGHLY recommend.
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14 Feb, 2023 by Michael
I called Dana and hired him to represent a family member in a DUI case. Dana looked at all of the discovery materials and one thing didn’t quite feel right to him. He requested follow up documentation from the DA’s office, who stalled and deferred for close to a year, postponing court dates multiple times. Dana didn’t back off, and the DA finally admitted that he didn’t have the media Dana was requesting.
He negotiated a favorable plea agreement that was far better than what we thought was possible. I’d hire Dana again without hesitation.
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09 Dec, 2022 by Dan
If you need an attorney, Dana is the one you need to hire. Dana was referred to me from a friend and WOW, what a great choice. From the first time we spoke on the phone until my court date was over, he was top notch. I've used many attorneys throughout life and he is by far the best I've used. If you are in need of a great attorney that will put your mind at ease, look no further. I had a probation violation in Franklin and it couldn't have went better. The way he handled himself in the courtroom to the way he always responded to my texts/calls, I never felt alone in my case and always felt he was fighting for me. He never once judged me but only defended me. He is a straight shooter and will get to the point. Definitely look no further if you are in need of an attorney. I will be using and referring Dana from now on with any case. Just nice to have someone actually fight for you and your case. You will be so happy you made the choice to hire Dana for any legal needs.
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09 May, 2022 by Anonymous
We needed advice and representation quickly. Mr. Stanley was prompt in his reply to our request and knowledgeable about the process and the steps to move forward. He made us feel that we finally had someone working on our behalf. It was very easy to talk with this attorney, he was genuine in his desire to help the situation. So glad we hired him!
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05 May, 2022 by Anonymous
When I needed help on a matter that was unjust, I could only think of one person to call. Over the years working in the criminals justice system, I have seen Mr. Stanley work tirelessly for his clients and he truly goes above and beyond. When I found myself needing an attorney on a civil matter, I called Mr. Stanley and as expected, he did not disappoint. By the end of this civil matter, Mr. Stanley got the case dismissed, attorney fees paid by the petitioner and I didn't even to have to go to court. 10 out of 10 recommend this man.
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06 Apr, 2022 by Makayla
Amazing work with Mr. Kent, provided an answer for every question I had. Thank you again for all your help in my case!!
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08 Mar, 2022 by John
I hired Derek to represent me in my Domestic case. He is very skilled in the court room. He has great relationships with judges & district attorneys. I would highly recommend him for any legal issues.
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05 Oct, 2020 by Scott
After being recommended by a family member, I was thoroughly impressed with Mr. Smith's CV from his law firm website. I was encouraged by his wealth of experience, both as a lawyer and a judge. He was very personable and easy to converse with, while maintaining focus on the key points of the case. As my case had several delays for certain reasons such as the COVID breakout, Derek kept me apprised of everything going on with the proceedings. I was provided with all documentation regarding my case including evidence from the incident and court filings. He found several ways of approaching the case, while ending up with the best possible option for my situation. Additionally, the partners at his firm that he is able to confer with can offer their own expertise which he was able to share with me to explain their thoughts and reasoning. The outcome of my case was better than I could ever have expected, but even if that were not the case I am confident I had the best representation possible. I whole heartedly recommend Derek for anyone considering him for their counsel. He is an excellent attorney.
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10 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr Smith was very helpful even when he knew I already had another attorney but she wouldn't answer anything so he did answer some of them for me.
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06 Sep, 2023 by Grant
Tom Boylan did an amazing job dealing with Evernest our rental agency for a home in Franklin. They simply bullied renters into having no reasonable recourse but to either accept their approach or seek an Attorney. We did the latter. We ended up paying Tom around $2K for what was services over a few months dealing with them. In total, we'd have lost about $8K had we not had him on our side. It was well worth it, and also really wonderful to not allow this rental agency to simply do whatever they want without regard to meeting their obligations. Tom was accessible, responsive, and spot on with his advice. Will use him again in the event we are unfortunate enough to need an Attorney in the future!
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19 Apr, 2017 by Rob
Marlene Boshears is an awesome attorney. As a professional, she embodies ideal qualities. Marlene is knowledgeable, diligent, competent and advocates and communicates extremely well - everything I would want in a lawyer representing any of my interests. As a person, Marlene is kind, patient and always attempt to understand my fears and concerns. If you are looking for great legal representation, look no further than Ms. Marlene Boshears and her law firm, Boshears & Evans, PLLC.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Sue
My divorce began with a physical assault by my then husband. Needless to say I was traumatized and Rebecca not only listened calmly to me she walked me through the steps we needed to take. She was a fantastic advocate and worked diligently to assure I received what I was entitled to have.
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05 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney to handle my divorce a few years ago. I paid her $4000 up front. I told her exactly what we wanted to do and could she please file my divorce for me. She did nothing for 6 months and when she finally sent over my MDA, it was completely inaccurate and not at all what we had discussed. She did not listen to anything I had to say and literally tried to get me to do things to drag my case on so she could charge more fees. Her communication was horrible. I eventually fired her and lost all my money. I had to hire someone else who also charged me $2000. Ms. Byrd even sent a bill after I fired her to collect for a copying fee for my records which I gave her at the beginning. Do not waste your time with this attorney. All she cares about is taking your money.
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10 Jun, 2021 by Chuck
I have used Rebecca more than once and have been very pleased with the outcome. She has always been available for a console when I had questions or concerns. She is well respected in the court system in Williamson county. I have learned you never go to court without a good attorney, and I consider her one of the best. I hope I don’t need legal services again, but if I do, she’s the first I would call.
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14 Apr, 2023 by Larry
When I hired him, he said he was the sheriff in town and he follows cases where the money is. I believed him but he sold himself to the people I sued. Any penny is a good deal for him, since he is scared to be in court dealing with real attorneys. My suggestion, hire a big firm. This guy is a waste of time.
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13 Jul, 2013 by Keith
Mr. Grauberger is well versed in multiple facets of law and is truly a resourceful person to have on your side that gets results. He is a down-to-earth family man that is very attentive to his client's needs and works very hard to get the job done. If you're looking for a great attorney in the Mt. Juliet or Nashville, Tn area, Mr. Stephen Grauberger should be at the top of the list! I am very grateful for all he has done to help me and my family! Thank you Steve!
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25 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Mr Miller in September 2016. He charged me a flat fee to handle my case. We went to a hearing that lasted approx 1.5 hours. He promised to file petitions before Christmas 2016. I heard again from him in February explaining that he has been sick and asking for more money to file petitions. By mid April no petitions were filed. He deserves 0 stars. Now fighting to get my money back
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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:
-
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.). -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
