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23 Oct, 2023 by Jack reeves
I met with Marty Burbank regarding legal questions I had. He was clear and concise with all the information i needed and put me in the right direction towards relevant resources. I would highly recommend using this law practice.
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04 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
At the age of 22, I was sentenced to 50 yrs. to Life. I felt hopeless, sad, depressed and not wanting to think about freedom anymore. It was a miracle when I met Cori. Throughout my 20 yrs. of incarceration, Cori have been by my side for 15 yrs. She provided hope, encouragement, and most importantly support. Due to Cori's hard work and effort my 50 yrs. to life sentence was reduced to 40 yrs. to life. But Cori didn't stop there, she believed and cared about me and eventually I was resentenced to 15 yrs. to life. Within 6 months, I was scheduled to appear before the Board of Parole Hearings, and Cori continued to be there and represent me. Ultimately, I was found suitable for parole on my initial hearing and I am FREE today because of her. Without Cori, I would've been lost, not knowing what to do, and still feel hopeless. Many people who are system -impacted have a mistrust for attorneys but for me I trust Cori. She is determine, committed, and compassionate. I am forever grateful to have Cori as my attorney. You are an amazing attorney and human being, THANK YOU.
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03 Jan, 2022 by Do not want to show my name
My case was very difficult, i tried before top orange county lawyer but after Cori took my case the outcome was excellent. she is excellent lawyer, very hardworking and focused on result. I will highly recommend Cori for best result.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Bryant
I am here a free man today thanks to Mark Fredrick for all the hard work and dedication he put into my case. He never gave up on me even though it was a difficult case and took him almost 2 years to get the best possible outcome for me. So my story began when I was pulled over in Newport Beach in October of 2022. After I was arrested and released, I was charged with a 2nd DUI violation after a 9 year gap from my 1st DUI conviction in 2013. I blew a BAC of .20 on my 2nd DUI arrest. I also had my Glock 26 with a 33 round magazine inside my car which I was also charged with having a loaded gun inside my car and a high capacity magazine. I had put myself in a really bad situation and I thought that I would be facing many years in prison due to all those factors. I fell into depression and was extremely scared about my situation.
So I Googled for criminal defense lawyers in the OC. I met a few criminal defense lawyers but I wasn't really convinced by them. Then I found Mr. Fredrick and read all his reviews and wanted to meet him in person. When I met him at his office and we started talking about my case, I instantly felt a sense of calmness and safety. He gave me a game plan on what he would be able to do and told me that he couldn't make any promises. But
after we finished our meeting, I felt it in me that this would be the man to help me out.
So a week later, I hired him as my lawyer. Through out the entire course of my case, he kept me updated. I didn't have to go to all of my court dates because he would go for me. And on the dates that I did have to show up for court; it was extremely nerve racking everytime I stepped into the court room and faced the judge. But everytime Mr. Fredrick would stand next to me and he would speak to the judge; my nerves would calm down and I felt that I had the best lawyer by my side. Each court date would be extended so Mr. Fredrick would be able to keep on working on my case for the best possible outcome.
Fast forward to August 2024, on my final 2 court dates, the court system still wanted to give me a mandatory 60 days in jail. That did scared me a lot because I would have to leave my job and my family. But Mr. Fredrick still fought for me and he was able to get me a plea deal if I agreed to plead "guilty" to the DUI charges, which was getting a 5 year informal DUI probation, attend an 18 month DUI classes, and complete a 6 month alcohol treatment program and attend a MADD program class and install an IID in my car for 1 year. My gun charges were dismissed. I took the plea deal because it was way better than doing 60 days in jail. I also didn't get house arrest. There is a 6 month jail sentence stay on my court order probation but as long as I do all my court order objectives that I need to complete by the certain due dates and not violate my 5 year DUI probation; then I would stay out of jail.
And here I am today writing this review. I wanted to share my story. I am extremely grateful and happy that I had the best lawyer working on my case and standing by my side in the court room. I also want to thank his Secretary Kim for also keeping me updated on my case and setting up my meetings with Mr. Fredrick. I highly recommend this law office. They really care about you and will fight for the best possible outcome for you and not just take your money and leave you in the dark. I can finally feel inner peace and sleep better at night because of them. Thank you so much again.
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24 Jun, 2024 by Jake
Mark went above and beyond for me and got 2 felonies completely dismissed. He even was able to a get a red light traffic citation dismissed too and I didn't even hire him for that. He was very professional and really makes a presence with himself in the courtroom. I was impressed by how confidently and comfortably he composes himself. I am extremely grateful for all of his hard work and Kim, his secretary was excellent as well and super easy to communicate with.
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25 Jan, 2024 by Kyle worrell
John Bishop is a superb lawyer. His sharp intellect and ease in handling complex legal matters sets him apart. He upholds the highest standards of integrity in his legal practice, which is critical for his clients who have come to him with their licensure and career potentially on the line. His unwavering professionalism inspires confidence and highlights the genuine concern he has the well-being of his clients. Highly recommend!
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03 Oct, 2024 by Manal mousa
I had a great experience with Sullivan Law and associates. I highly recommend it. Richard Sullivan is the best, he is a very professional attorney that properly represents his clients. Richard is very caring and treat you as family. Steve Ra also has very professional representation. I am so glad that I found this firm, they have done so much for me. They handled my case perfectly, their hard work helped me finish my 5 year case.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Divorce me oc
Wow, anyone need divorce attorney? Checkout Richard Sullivan.
My spouse and attorney was doing everything possible to delay and obstruct the divorce process.
After 3 years and trying couple attorneys, I found Mr Sullivan. He was the only one who got my case moving forward and to the end
I noticed that some attorneys are just pushing papers, which is great for an easy-going divorce. However, reaching a settlement it’s always within your control. And I play that no one has to go through what I have.
But if you have, or just want to avoid it, give Sullivan Law and associates a call. They continued to negotiate up to the last day, to avoid a trial and settle out of court. But Richard Sullivan is a trial attorney and sometimes you need a trial attorney to avoid a trial.
Live well, and be true
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16 Jul, 2024 by Dee greenwalt
They were very caring and prompt to all my needs. They didn't nickel and dime me on everything. They cared about the struggles of attorney costs. I would recommend this firm. You will get a staff that backs you up. It's the one man show attorneys that take advantage of people in need. That you for all you have done.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Jan koren
If I could give negative stars, I would. While it may sound cliché, it is absolutely true in this case. If you are considering hiring Ilona, please take a step I regret not taking: ask around about her reputation at various firms. Doing so could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Ilona took 5-6 months to draft a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) based on mediation outcomes, a task that should have taken just a few days. This delay resulted in costs of $50,000 to $60,000 for a poorly executed MSA. This amount does not even cover the majority of her work, which was far from satisfactory.
It’s important to know that there are remedies if you find yourself in a situation with an attorney who appears to intentionally botch work for future financial gain. This experience ranks among the top five worst mistakes I've made in 44 years. I cannot stress enough the importance of asking around before hiring.
Additionally, when I requested her to correct her mistakes, she demanded more money to do so. What other service demands additional payment to fix their own intentional errors? It’s incomprehensible.
Also she uses tactics to fool people with multiple google review pages to spam
Out the bad reviews with 5 star reviews with someone with 1-2 reviews and one happens to be for her. Such deceptive behavior
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30 Jun, 2024 by Kameron peyton
Highly recommend! Exceptional service and stellar results. Best family law firm around.
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30 Jun, 2024 by Makenna mooney
Highly professional and caring lawyers. Best family law firm.
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25 Sep, 2016 by Kristen
In my opinion, Gary is the best family attorney in Orange County. Being an attorney myself, I consulted with every big name in town for my divorce. I needed to relocate my kids to Los Angeles and enforce my child support order. Every attorney in town told me it couldn't be done. Except Gary. He did a fantastic job and I was granted the right to move away with my children and ex was held accountable for his failure to pay support including an award of sanctions. Gary really listened to my concerns, kept my expectations reasonable and was fair in his billings. I highly recommend Gary and I am grateful I found him.
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29 May, 2015 by Sheila a.
Anyone who has been involved in the court system, and a divorce can vouch that lawyers don't have the best reputation for being empathetic or truly care!
Gary, has years of experience, has a conscious, a calm and confident demeanor and a heart.
A very rare finding..
He will do his best, to do the best for his clients.
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06 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Gary Gorczyca has been practicing and teaching family law, criminal law and ethics at both the UC Irvine Extension Paralegal Program and Chapman College School of Law in Orange for a good long time. Gary is knowledgeable about his field and doesn't hesitate to provide clear direction and advice to clients. I highly recommend Gary and his firm and have referred several friends to him for help.
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25 Oct, 2012 by Farhad
Steven is a highly knowledgable and experienced litigator with an impressive client base. He has extensive experience in Federal and state court representation of clients in connection with breach of contract and fraud claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and product defect claims. He is well regarded by his peers and I highly recommend him for any clients involved in any type of business litigation.
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22 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
Steven is an impressive attorney. Not only is he highly knowledgeable in the law, but he also knows how to outsmart and outstrategize opposing counsel. What distinguishes Steven from other attorneys is his ability to break down complex facts and arguments into concise, logical and effective terms that allows judges to see the case from his client's point of view. I highly recommend him.
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03 Mar, 2018 by Will
Brenton Whitney Aitken Hands is a consummate Professional and worked incredibly long and hard to ensure the truth was set forth in a case in which our family member had been falsely charged and illegally detained in isolation in Orange County, California. As a result of Mr. Hands intelligent creation of a Motion to Dismiss the case the DA filed, then didn't even Oppose the Motion. As a result our loved one is free today to pursue justice in other venues and live his life far away from the criminals wearing badges in the OC. Thank you Brenton for your outstanding work and we highly recommend anyone seeking an expert in Police Misconduct and Civil Rights Violations to retain the services of Mr. Hands. They can't intimidate this guy and that's rare in the world today. Thank you Sir.
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28 Feb, 2018 by Michael b.
Amazing Attorney!!!!!!!! My family and I were advised Mr. Brenton Whitney Aitken Hands is a great and skilled top attorney. Correct!!!
Mr. Hands saved my life from a 100 year to life conviction for a crime I did not commit. He put in countless sleepless nights on 24 hr shifts making timelines and reports and motions to dismiss fighting police and prosecutor misconduct. This is an amazing Attorney! His Intellectual skill set is unchallenged!
Great Attorney! I Highly Recommend this Gentlemen! If you or a loved one is in need of Professional Representation please contact Mr. Hands of Newport Beach, CA. Thank you so much!
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04 Nov, 2024 by Larry spear
Klein and Wilson exceeded all expectations in handling our legal malpractice case. Mark Wilson and Joe Miceli did an outstanding job reviewing all applicable case law. They were very accessible and their follow up was outstanding and prompt. They frankly ran circles around defenses council and were superstars in deposition. When deposed individuals tried to avoid or not answer vital questions they rephrased and pinned them down
They were also very helpful in developing sound strategies that enabled us to get a settlement above actual dammages without having to go to trial.
You have to pay to get the best, but it sure pays to have the best on your side. They are indeed superlawyers and it's no suprise their firm is ranked in the top 20 nationally in their areas of expertise
I highly recommend them!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Ronnie lasalle
I was referred to Mark Wilson from a friend and called him to see if he could assist on a current case involving a family member. Mr. Wilson called me back within the hour and after office hours and took the time to listen to the details of the case. He provided me with free legal advise and then referred me to a collegue of his that would better help my needs. When I offered to pay him for his time he refused to accept any money from me. Mr. Wilson is a highly knowledgable attorney with honesty, integrity and compassion. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a professional with integrity. Thank you again Mr. Wilson
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09 Aug, 2024 by Jeff cohen
Mark Wilson and his firm successfully represented our company in a breach of contract dispute from the filing of the arbitration demand through the collection of the award. I am extremely pleased with the outcome of the case and would recommend Mark's services to others. Joe Miceli, Melissa Reyes, and Manoah Marton performed substantial work on the case and I was similarly pleased with their work as well.
I can't say enough about the firm's communication. If you take nothing else from this review, please understand that any time I had a question or concern, I could call or write and be met with a rapid response. While this may sound elementary, in my view it was as valuable as it was the cornerstone of our success.
In our matter, we were matched against both a defendant that significantly outspent us and opposing counsel from renowned firms that outnumbered us at every hearing and at trial. Yet, it was evident that Klein & Wilson was more experienced and better prepared than our opponents, and ultimately that experience was instrumental in deciding the outcome. Accordingly, I feel confident that Klein & Wilson was the right choice.
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23 Jan, 2020 by Alex palmer
Best FBAR services!!!
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16 Dec, 2018 by Braden smith
16 Dec, 2018 by Stephanie smith
02 Apr, 2020 by Deborah
Daryl put together a business contract for me use with each of my clients when I beginning a project for them. My business involves creativity, so there were many details to think of. Daryl did an amazing job making sure to find all the details needed so that both myself and my clients will feel safe in moving forward with their project. Daryl is very detail oriented, efficient and provided extremely personalized help.
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10 Mar, 2020 by Craymoon
He supported me and performed with the utmost respect possible. Good guy right here. Also, shout out to Bijan!!
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11 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Great. Helped make the whole process of litigation easier. Helped get me ready for all of it. Really went after the other side. Great result for my company.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Tammy guerrero
Nguyen Law Group answered my questions and working with them was an easy choice. I made clear my need to keep costs down if possible, so they guided me through what I could do for myself throughout the process and I made sure not to be contacting them at every turn. They did their job well, were kind, professional, and helpful! They made the process as easy as possible and were clear at all times. I worked primarily with Neena and I appreciate her so much. I highly recommend Nguyen Law Group. They are compassionate and will help you whether you want a no frills, amicable divorce or whether you need them to pull out all the stops and go to bat for you in a difficult situation. By the way, it was as quick an painless as I could have imagined. We got started in May, filed in June, and it will be final January 3!
I would trust them with any of my legal needs.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Jenna winchester
I had an outstanding experience with Neena Masters as my family law attorney. Navigating the legal process can be daunting, but from our first meeting, Neena provided exceptional guidance and support. She was incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely compassionate about my case. Neena listened carefully to all my concerns, offered practical advice, and was always available to answer my questions, no matter how small.
Her expertise in family law was evident, and she handled every aspect of my case with professionalism and dedication. Neena fought diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for me and my family, and her negotiation skills were truly impressive. Thanks to her hard work and that of her team at Nguyen Law Groups commitment, I felt confident and well-represented throughout the entire process.
I highly recommend Neena Masters and the Nguyen Law Group to anyone in need of a skilled and caring family law attorney. She made a difficult time much more manageable, and I'm incredibly grateful for her support and expertise.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Melody tran
Giving them a 5 star because their video on Instagram having a table at mesa sent me here 😂
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17 Jul, 2024 by Maranda idoni
Vanessa was assigned to my case and her and her team took care of everything. They made sure to communicate with me at every step and I can't say how much I appreciated it.
My mother ended up getting into a car accident a few years later and I immediately reached out to Vanessa. I can't recommend them enough, they always get the job done!!
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07 May, 2024 by Megan jewell
I would highly recommend Kalfayan Merjanian. They are there for you to help to answer any questions or just check in on how you are feeling. From day one until the closing of your case (5 years in my case) you have someone on your side. Thank you!
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09 Mar, 2024 by Ariana rubin
I was in a bad car accident last year and I was recommended to work with Kalfayan Merjanian and I’m glad I did. Getting into a car accident and all the aftermath of an accident is stressful, but working with this firm it made it all a breeze for me. They helped me find the medical care I needed and made appointments for me. Very communicative throughout the process. It was a pleasure working with everyone from this firm.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
He is a great lawyer that he goes out of his way to do things for his customer. He handle my first lawsuit without charging me and he never accept to have a small gift from me as well , he preferred what I’m gonna spend on the gift to give it to a charity . And now I had another lawsuit he gave me his time and he answer all my question and now helping me to fix it . I appreciate your time and efforts
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21 Dec, 2024 by Isabel acosta
Leslie and her team, are so helpful and professional.
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09 Dec, 2024 by Derek mccoy
Amazing work from Suzanne Leslie! Such an amazing firm and I would recommend to all my friends and family!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Andres f
Everyone was amazing and very helpful. They kept me in the loop with any update and were very accommodating. I highly recommend them!!!
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31 Jan, 2025 by Marie jeanne roxas
Thank you Paul Yeom, (Case Manager) for being so cooperative with the requested information. Easy to deal with. Till our next.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Suhani bhakta
From start to finish, this team was nothing short of exceptional. Their communication was flawless—they kept me informed every step of the way, answered all my questions with patience and clarity, and truly made me feel like I was in capable hands.
What stood out most was their unwavering dedication to fighting for my case. The entire process, which could have been overwhelming and stressful, was completely stress-free because of them.
Not only are they incredible professionals, but they’re also genuinely kind and compassionate people. I cannot recommend them highly enough. They delivered outstanding results and exceeded my expectations in every way.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Lydia moreno
This was my first time in a car accident. A friend told me to give them a call. Best decision, super helpful, fast and reliable. The team walks you and explains the whole process. If you are looking for a personal injury attorney, this is it!
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03 Jan, 2025 by Tammy guerrero
Nguyen Law Group answered my questions and working with them was an easy choice. I made clear my need to keep costs down if possible, so they guided me through what I could do for myself throughout the process and I made sure not to be contacting them at every turn. They did their job well, were kind, professional, and helpful! They made the process as easy as possible and were clear at all times. I worked primarily with Neena and I appreciate her so much. I highly recommend Nguyen Law Group. They are compassionate and will help you whether you want a no frills, amicable divorce or whether you need them to pull out all the stops and go to bat for you in a difficult situation. By the way, it was as quick an painless as I could have imagined. We got started in May, filed in June, and it will be final January 3!
I would trust them with any of my legal needs.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Jenna winchester
I had an outstanding experience with Neena Masters as my family law attorney. Navigating the legal process can be daunting, but from our first meeting, Neena provided exceptional guidance and support. She was incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely compassionate about my case. Neena listened carefully to all my concerns, offered practical advice, and was always available to answer my questions, no matter how small.
Her expertise in family law was evident, and she handled every aspect of my case with professionalism and dedication. Neena fought diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for me and my family, and her negotiation skills were truly impressive. Thanks to her hard work and that of her team at Nguyen Law Groups commitment, I felt confident and well-represented throughout the entire process.
I highly recommend Neena Masters and the Nguyen Law Group to anyone in need of a skilled and caring family law attorney. She made a difficult time much more manageable, and I'm incredibly grateful for her support and expertise.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Melody tran
Giving them a 5 star because their video on Instagram having a table at mesa sent me here 😂
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27 Nov, 2024 by Yekaterina kagan
If I could leave a negative review, I absolutely would. My experience with Sharman and her team has been deeply disappointing. Despite being entrusted with my case for nearly a year, no meaningful progress was made, and the situation was made worse due to her lack of preparation and attention to detail.
Sharman clearly never took the time to study my case, which became evident through her repeated oversights and lack of understanding of critical details. Her inaction and carelessness have left me and my family in over $20,000 of debt. Worse, when I retained a new attorney, they discovered that critical documents—like the initial dissolution petition—were missing from the case file Sharman’s team provided.
The contrast between my new attorney and Sharman’s approach is stark. My new attorney is working diligently to fix the damage caused, and the difference is night and day. Sharman’s lack of care and effort has turned my case against me, which no client should have to endure.
I share this review not out of anger but to inform others of my experience. Single parents and vulnerable families deserve better than to be taken advantage of. Please do your research before retaining this attorney or firm.
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05 Nov, 2024 by Mike m
Mr. Mor has been a very helpful and generous soul this weekend. I am currently on unemployment and my unscrupulous former employers decided to challenge my approved claim. Mr. Mor was a cold call and he informed me I did not need to hire him and he spent about 40 minutes counseling me why and explaining some tips. He then had me send over a 40 page document involving the case and gave me another complimentary consultation regarding his thoughts. WHAT LAWYER IN THE WORLD WOULD DO THIS ALL FOR FREE? We had no prior relationship I simply google'd him and he was this kind to me. He specializes in wrongful termination and EDD/unemployment matters. I HIGHLY recommend consulting with this gentleman should a matter arise for you. What a great and caring man. Full disclaimer I had never met him before the cold google call. Sincerely, Mike M.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Sydnee pixler
I want to express my deepest gratitude and highest recommendation for Johnathan Reza. He expertly handled my DUI case with professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication. His extensive knowledge and expertise in the field are truly impressive. Johnathan Reza took the time to explain every step of the process, addressing my concerns and answering all my questions. His strategic approach and skilled representation resulted in the best possible outcome for my case. I was originally going to get charged with a DUI and he got it reduced to a reckless driving which saved me! He made this process so easy for me because he pretty much handled everything for me which left me with no stress or worry. It was 100% worth it trusting in Johnathan. If you're facing a DUI charge, I strongly recommend Johnathan Reza. He will fiercely advocate for you and guide you through this challenging time with empathy and expertise. Thank you again, Johnathan Reza for your exceptional service and support!
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19 Aug, 2022 by John
My uncle and I own a restaurant together. We were sued by a handicapped person claiming we didn't have the right type of parking and bathroom. We spoke to a lot of lawyers. Most of them said just settle and be done with it. He said if we settle then they will hit us again and again. We spent so much money with this guy. So much time. The whole case was a huge distraction to our lives. We ended up spending many times more money on him than what these cases usually settle for. We regret it.
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25 Jul, 2022 by Robert
Unprofessional and rude. Only in it for the money. Charged me so much for a simple case, none of it was necessary.
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10 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Wish I could have found him sooner!!!
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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.
