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02 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Thank James so much for answering my question! The answer provides a great guide line for me to resolve the landlord and tenant issues. I really appreciate it and highly recommend him!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Tess trautmann
James made a huge In my husband's custody case related to his daughter. James made the difference Between And never seeing her again. Before james came along my husband was ready to just give up. But james gave us hope with his skills and his ability to change Is wrong into right, Fear into hope. This is what james can do for you
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16 Sep, 2024 by David
I never had any problems with James, specifically he helped me with my divorce. I thank him for everything. He helped me get what I wanted and now I am calm. THANK YOU JAMES. Also, since I was a little worried, even on the 4th of July, he helped me for a few hours to keep me calm for me. divorce case
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28 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Begley to handle an appeal in a case involving my parents' estates. He was able to get the initial ruling reversed and helped negotiate the settlement agreement with my sister in a very short time at a reasonable cost. He responded to my questions with answers that weren't just legalese- they actually made sense in English.
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24 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I felt awful when my former employer convinced the trial court to throw out my entire wrongful-termination lawsuit because it appeared that I did not have enough evidence. Things got even worse when my former employer asked the judge to order me to pay a huge sum for its fees and costs in getting a defense judgment.
It all seemed totally wrong when my trial lawyer basically said my case was over. She suggested that I should consider giving up my appellate rights in exchange for my former employer decreasing the amount of money that I was going to owe for fees or costs. I hated that idea, so I looked for an appellate lawyer.
When I called Brendan, he took the time to understand my case. He said he thought the judge misread my evidence and that I had good arguments to get my lawsuit back on track. He also explained the risks and expense of going down that road.
I decided to go for it and followed Brendan's recommendation to ask the trial judge to reconsider the judgment before filing an appeal. Brendan said the odds of a trial court reversing its own ruling in any case are very low, but it was worth a shot in my case. I was overjoyed when the trial court rejected the arguments my former employer made and actually reversed the judgment based on the papers Brendan prepared.
Instead of waiting a year or more for the appellate court to put my case back on track, Brendan made it happen within a couple of months. Better yet, the threat of having to pay for my former employer's costs and fees evaporated right away.
I felt that Brendan explained things to me clearly without any exaggeration. I believe his knowledge of appeals and his litigation and negotiation skills completely turned my case around and enabled me to get a great outcome.
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19 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
My opponent's attorney in a probate case filed a motion to strike my petition, which the trial court denied. However, because it was a special motion to strike, my opponent was able to file an immediate appeal without waiting for a final judgment. This maneuver could have delayed the entire probate case for a year or two until the appeal was decided, but Brendan was a really strong advocate for me and my family and he stepped in and took aggressive steps to prevent the extended delay. At all times Brendan explained my options to me and kept me up to date about important developments. His efforts helped us to resolve the case more quickly, and I was pleased with his work and the results he helped us to achieve.
To be quite frank - litigation is awful. This case in particular was extremely contentious and exhausting. But Brendan was so kind and so smart, I could at least relax in knowing that I had good counsel. He is a brilliant writer and so skilled - I cannot recommend him highly enough.
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03 Feb, 2025 by A c
I can’t say enough good things about Ibraham Dbouk. Here's my personal story and how he helped me fight these outrageous charges that could have impacted my livelihood if a conviction of these charges.
I was facing three serious charges that could have resulted in a felony. I was hesitant at first to hire a criminal defense attorney and to weigh the options of the public defender assign to me. I didn’t want to risk my livelihood and receiving any conviction, so I decided upon hiring Ibraham as my attorney, an attorney that could focus solely on my case. I can say it was worth every single penny. All of the charges were dismissed.
From the beginning, he was committed to going above and beyond to address any concerns I had. He took the time to thoroughly explain every detail of my case, making sure I felt informed and confident in the decisions we were making. What really stood out was how he walked me through the entire legal process. I never felt lost or unsure about what was going on—he made sure I understood each step and was always transparent about what to expect next. It’s scary not knowing what can happen to you. Ibraham was there to explain the whole process from beginning to end.
His approach was logical and well thought out. He didn’t just take the easy route, he was strategic, methodical, and willing to fight for me every step of the way. And when it came to communication, he was incredibly responsive. Whether it was a simple question or a more complex concern, he was always there to address it promptly, which really put me at ease during a stressful time.
Thanks to his hard work, I avoided a felony conviction, and I couldn’t be more grateful. If you're looking for an attorney who will fight for you, be transparent, and guide you through the entire process with care and expertise, this is the one you need. Highly recommend!
To summarize:
- Help fight my felony charges. The case was dismissed
- Communicative. Responds through text, and easily reachable
- Calm my nerves throughout the whole process
- Worth every penny in hiring Ibraham as my attorney
Ibrahim please if you ever need witness to how well of an attorney you are to future clients, feel free to reach out to me or simply mention how you helped my case to them.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Sayed sadat
We had an outstanding experience with Mr. Vega as our attorney. My wife had a traffic violation that was initially classified as misdemeanor, and we were very stressed about it. Mr. Vega first worked with the DA’s office and successfully had the charges filed infractions.
During the court process, he also had a conversation with the officer involved, and had one of the charges dismissed.
He was knowledgeable, professional, and made us feel confident throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for an attorney who truly goes above and beyond, Mr. Vega is the one to call.
Thank you so much, Mr. Vega, for your hard work and dedication.
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11 Jan, 2025 by Carl miller
Awesome lawyer.
I had a difficult case and he is a superstar.
Highly recommended.
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15 Apr, 2021 by Dan
Asked an attorney friend for a recommendation when I received papers alleging breach of contract and lis pendens involving the sale of my home. Of the four recommendations, I narrowed it down to Mr. Benzinger. Best choice I could have made. A blend of James Spader and Andy Griffith, he was effective in his communication with opposing counsel, resulting in a very acceptable settlement out of court and dismissal of all filings. He took on the worry that I had been carrying and even made me laugh a number of times in our discussion. Great work, Mr. Benzinger. You are now on "speed dial," though I hope it will not ever be necessary...
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29 May, 2017 by Justin
Mr. Benzinger walked me through every aspect of my case. He was courteous and prompt with documents and made me feel at ease through the entire process.
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30 Sep, 2015 by Beth
I have been going though a difficult and prolonged case and fired my previous attorney. Andy has restored my faith in the legal system. He is honest, smart and ethical. He always kept me up to date on how issues were progressing, something my previous lawyer failed miserably at. He gave me realistic expectations and exceeded those expectations. His fees were very fair which was refreshing considering my previous counsel. Highly recommend him and if I ever need a lawyer again, he's the first person I'd call.
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25 May, 2013 by Vanessa
My overall rating of Sean is EXCELLENT. Two key factors TRUSTWORTY and KNOWLEDGEABLE. Sean has been my attorney twice..both times I've been happy..the 2nd time I couldn't have been more pleased as a client. He went above and beyond to fight and put on my case.
Thank You Sean.
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16 May, 2013 by Jimmy
very responsive and communicates promptly. fantastic court demeanor and is very knowledgeable and well prepared.
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16 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Sean has represented me on two separate cases and did an outstanding job both times. I have worked with numerous attorneys over the years and I'm glad he was on my side.
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11 May, 2020 by Rose
Mr. Kassouni was extremely attentive to the legal issues involved in my case, and always provided a very honest and realistic assessment of the merits of my case. He was able to obtain crucial documents from the government that were instrumental in convincing the city council to grant me development rights after years of delay.
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23 Mar, 2011 by Michael
Mr. Kassouni reviewed our documents and provided accurate and practical advice in a timely, thoughtful and cost-effictive manner. We would certainly use him again for any applicable issues. It was a pleasure.
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31 Jan, 2011 by Anthony
Mr. Kassouni has been an excellent attorney for my firm TNT Enterprises, Inc for many years. In addition, he has been our family counsel and has helped with many issues in the past. He is very thoughtful and sincere. Although very professional, Mr. Kassouni brings a humanside to his clients. He interacts very well and is very accessible throughout the stages of any case.
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21 May, 2019 by Bashar
I put 5 stars because there is no more than 5.
Great professional attorney, committed, helpful, has answers for all my questions, great in the court.
I went through a lot of lawyers and I finally found Andrew, I won my immigration case with him.
I highly recommend him for any one searching for professional attorney.
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13 Mar, 2018 by Rohan
helped me answer my first question and bang on to the accuracy of the answer that I was rooting for.
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24 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Stephanie Finelli
Choosing Stephanie to be our lawyer was like hitting the “jack pot “
Smart, realistic really knows her stuff
And how to fight for it
I wish we had her for the trail court because we most likely would have never had to go to the appeal court
Where other lawyers turned our appeal case away she jump for it
She was excited to help us
She helped us file the right paper work at the right time
She gave us an opportunity turn this extremely unreasonable judgement that didn’t follow the law around
She wrote an amazing opening brief and reply brief
She is familiar with our case for oral argument
She is truly amazing no matter which way the appeal case goes
I know if you choose Stephanie ,
you have an amazing lawyer to back you up
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23 Dec, 2015 by Xavier
It is my privilege to recommend the Law Office of Stephanie J. Finelli as an excellent practice focused on legal matters with regard to appellant law. Stephanie J. Finelli is an exceptional appellate attorney!
To be frank, I had an awful disposition due to the impacts of a trial court ruling. The legal process prior to that ruling had been very challenging and I was entangled in a legal experience no one should have.
I consulted with several appellate attorneys but Stephanie's engagement was remarkable. She is a legal expert. She understood the challenges and what was needed to unravel occurrences to achieve our goal. I will use a term I don’t really use but she was "brilliant" in her decomposition of issues and analysis of the ruling in the trial court. She identified a dichotomy in the case law applied and its applicability to our case as well as a need to improve the law. That was the basis for her argument before the State of California Appellate Court. Unfortunately, the appellate court did what it is inclined to do: it found a way to uphold the ruling of the trial court.
In spite of circumstances, I had rather optimistic expectations of outcomes from the appellate court. Stephanie had confidence in her argument but leveled our expectations with pragmatism. The ruling was disappointing and a seemingly devastating blow. It is in times like that when “having a legal expert to represent your interests and provide you with counsel” really matters. Stephanie was respectful of the appellate court's ruling and explained it to me. However, she also told me she believed the appellate court "did not get it right" and explained why. Her counsel was to persist with our argument to the State of California Supreme Court.
Stephanie performed an analysis to identify issues with the ruling of the State of California Appellate Court. She believed asserting the issues identified would be compelling for the State of California Supreme Court to consider our case. She believed if the Supreme Court would accept our case, the veracity of our argument may prevail.
The rest of my accounting is history now...for the State of California. The State of California Supreme Court (it declines ~90% of the cases submitted to it) was compelled to accept our case. Stephanie was excellent in her presentation and argument to defend our case. She won and changed/improved a rather fundamental law that governs us in the state of California. She helped establish a “bright line” that improved Family Law in California.
I highly recommend the Law Office of Stephanie J. Finelli. Stephanie is principled, a resolute litigator, and a very good person. Stephanie J. Finelli is what every person needs their lawyer to be: candid, a consummate professional, a legal expert, and a winner!
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05 May, 2017 by Tiffany
I called this attorney needing some fast and quick answers and she was willing to go out of her way to pick the phone up and point me in the correct direction. It was much appreciated.
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22 Aug, 2013 by Patrick
Ms. Duggan represented our family business in sizeable dispute. She got our business the best possible outcome and we are so grateful!
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05 May, 2015 by Heather house board
Mr Terhorst is an astute professional. His deep knowledge of the law combined with his sense of responsibility towards the client make him a stellar advocate for those he represents. He is readily accessible and takes time listening to client needs and responds quickly and effectively. He achieves quick results and is forever mindful of the adage that justice delayed is justice denied. He is our company advocate and we will always trust him to do right by us.
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20 Dec, 2015 by Debra love franz
I did not hire Mr, Muller at this time, I have had the privilege to have him as my attorney in the past, He is a excellent one, he gives very good advice, open and honest, He'll give you his best opinion and let you decide what you what, I would and have given his name to other people that needed help. He is a terrific attorney!!
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19 May, 2016 by Matt
Mr. Murphy is an excellent attorney who was able to advise me on a case in which I felt I'd been taken advantage of by an insurance company.
He cleared up any confusion I had and helped me to proceed in a way that allowed me to protect myself and my assets.
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22 Dec, 2014 by Chelsea
James Kirby is able to cut through everything and get everything done the way it should be. I highly recommend this law firm and James Kirby, because they are on top of their game all the time.
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03 Sep, 2022 by Robert weems
12 Aug, 2019 by Kawemo
27 Nov, 2023 by Redwood legal
Trinity Attorney Service exceeded my expectations when I urgently needed 4 rush services executed right before Thanksgiving, a notoriously difficult time in the process serving industry. My search for a reliable company led me to Trinity Attorney Service through ServeManager, and I couldn't have made a better choice. From the moment I reached out, Johnny proved himself to be incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional, readily accepting the job without hesitation.
Throughout the week, Johnny's impeccable communication skills shone through. He kept us updated promptly on every attempt and completion of each service, a rarity in this field where obtaining this information can feel like an arduous task. What truly impressed me was that he finished everything ahead of schedule, leaving no room for any concerns or delays. Fast and effective communication became the hallmark of my experience with Trinity Attorney Service.
I wholeheartedly recommend Trinity Attorney Service to anyone in need of process serving services. Their exceptional work speaks volumes about their dedication and reliability. Thank you, Trinity Attorney Service, for your outstanding service.
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09 Mar, 2019 by Fxvr
02 Dec, 2024 by Allan c
Excellent! Made the whole process so easy. Always quick to respond to emails. Efficient to work with. Very experienced. Questions always answered with no delays. Highly recommend.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Eirini vamva
I worked with Larry and Jason on my green card application. I really can not recommend them enough. They are truly great. They were always available and supportive through the process.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Sandor jones
Lawrence and Jason were outstanding lawyers. Highly recommend this team for any immigration law need. One of their best qualities as a legal team is that they are extremely responsive. We would ask a question on Friday late afternoon and get our answer 10 minutes later....and you can bet there will be quite a few questions going through the immigration process.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Isaias aguiar
12 Dec, 2024 by Diana carolina bermúdez villabona
La atención inicial fue muy buena, buenas explicaciones sobre el caso, buen acompañamiento inicial, por ahora estamos a la expectativa que va a pasar con el accidente que tuvimos y cuál va a ser el resultado de todo este proceso. Gracias por todo.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Luis gonzalez
Muy amable y cordial.
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05 Jan, 2019 by Maria
A friend, who worked with Ms. Simmons, highly recommended her. Trusting my friend, who spoke highly of Ms. Simmons, I changed attorneys, driving to Sacramento from San Francisco. I was in awe watching Ms. Simmons handling my case. The attorney I previously worked with was so incompetent, Ms. Simmons had to fix a lot of his mistakes. From the very beginning I knew I could trust her and that my case is in excellent hands. Her work ethic, diligence, attention to details, thoroughness, knowledge of law, people skills, communication skills and perseverance are among many other qualities that make her an excellent professional, a pleasure to work with and a wonderful being. I am so grateful!
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02 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Mrs. Simmons wasn’t my first attorney during the custody process But she was the only one that truly watched out for the benefit of all parties involved. There are many attorneys that only want to take the easy cases Cheri took my case which was so entrenched in the courts That I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel and turned it around in a short period of time I have learned through this process that the attorneys hands can be tied if they don’t know how to present the right information. She has knowledge that one needs to get through the system without having delays. I was loosing hope until Cheri took over and the outcome was fair for all parties involved.
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20 Apr, 2013 by Steve
He is the consummate professional. Extremely caring, generous, clever, and does his job like no other. If you are thinking of hiring, look no further. No one will look out for your interests like John.
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30 Aug, 2023 by Alvaro guevara
12 Aug, 2023 by Christopher carson
I recommend Matt Huffman, he help me when I needed it most. Thank you, Matt. I appreciate you
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31 Jul, 2023 by Trent ballantine
Nothing less than an amazing experience with Matt. He walked me through every step and always answered any questions I had immediately!
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07 Sep, 2024 by بن يحي
10 Oct, 2023 by Julie cohen
Excellent law practice! They helped me with my parent's Estate.
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29 May, 2023 by Jennel ballestero
27 Nov, 2023 by Redwood legal
Trinity Attorney Service exceeded my expectations when I urgently needed 4 rush services executed right before Thanksgiving, a notoriously difficult time in the process serving industry. My search for a reliable company led me to Trinity Attorney Service through ServeManager, and I couldn't have made a better choice. From the moment I reached out, Johnny proved himself to be incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional, readily accepting the job without hesitation.
Throughout the week, Johnny's impeccable communication skills shone through. He kept us updated promptly on every attempt and completion of each service, a rarity in this field where obtaining this information can feel like an arduous task. What truly impressed me was that he finished everything ahead of schedule, leaving no room for any concerns or delays. Fast and effective communication became the hallmark of my experience with Trinity Attorney Service.
I wholeheartedly recommend Trinity Attorney Service to anyone in need of process serving services. Their exceptional work speaks volumes about their dedication and reliability. Thank you, Trinity Attorney Service, for your outstanding service.
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09 Mar, 2019 by Fxvr
15 Jan, 2025 by Lala mendes
Thank you for the legal help with my J1 waiver questions God bless you Mr Ranchod
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13 Jan, 2025 by Roselin
Cristian was really sweet and was able to get me in for a sooner appointment. I appreciate the help he has given us so far and look forward to working with this law group
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02 Jan, 2025 by Johnny
Muy buena gente leal. Son muy reales y en verdad nos cumplió un sueño muy grande y maravilloso a mi madre que ya tiene su residencia y puede viajar a México para volver a ver a su familia! El sueño Mexicano cumplido!!! Gracias a Dios! Feliz Año Nuevo 2025!
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09 Jan, 2025 by Kathy jundt
Tom is an exceptional attorney! He was an absolute pleasure to work with and I would recommend him to all my friends and family. I had so much anxiety, but Tom was able to relieve my stress through his kindness, thoroughness and patience. He was always available to answer any questions I had whether it was through email or telephone. He also continually kept me informed and up to date on my case. I can not thank him enough for all of your help, guidance and professionalism. I highly recommend Tom.
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06 Jan, 2025 by Danniel hernandez
Tom made the bankruptcy process so smooth. I was worried about it being a stressful process but he helped me understand each step as it came up and made everything really easy for me. I appreciate the help so much and I cant recommend his services more.
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06 Jan, 2025 by Jamie penfil
10/10 experience! They helped me every single step of the way until I settled my case! They made it easy and handle 99% of what I needed to do! Highly recommend for anyone needing a lemon!
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24 Jan, 2025 by Holly ondriezek
WARNING. Please dont be fooled by the so called "good reviews". Aside from a few clients, these good review are written by personal friends and family members to offset the actual bad reviews written by the actual clients. The staff is as rude and useless as David Foyil. I felt my responsibility to warn others.
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19 Jan, 2025 by Harwinder singh
I talked to Alina regarding U-via application. They requested all the documents from. Never got back to after access my documents and when we called their office to follow ALINA SAID YOU ARE NOT OUR CLIENT WHY ARE YOU CALLING.
Wow that is so unprofessional and i dont know if they do not talk to inquiries how they will make new client. She is an paralegal but attitude she carrying like a boss.
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07 Jan, 2025 by Wade heiman
I enjoyed working with them.
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15 Feb, 2023 by Lester sabo
They didn't appear to meet my needs so I moved on. Nothing negative to post.
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06 May, 2022 by Ian qubain
I called in and although they couldn't take my case they gave some great information and recommended a great lawyer for my case. If they were able to do that for me, I can only imagine how great they would handle a case
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02 Dec, 2024 by Allan c
Excellent! Made the whole process so easy. Always quick to respond to emails. Efficient to work with. Very experienced. Questions always answered with no delays. Highly recommend.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Eirini vamva
I worked with Larry and Jason on my green card application. I really can not recommend them enough. They are truly great. They were always available and supportive through the process.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Sandor jones
Lawrence and Jason were outstanding lawyers. Highly recommend this team for any immigration law need. One of their best qualities as a legal team is that they are extremely responsive. We would ask a question on Friday late afternoon and get our answer 10 minutes later....and you can bet there will be quite a few questions going through the immigration process.
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18 Nov, 2023 by A g
I would highly recommend considering this office for your legal needs.
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25 Mar, 2023 by Jasmine mines
Rick Morin was my opposing counsel on a case. His office is great to work with. He’s professional and friendly. Thank you
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23 Feb, 2023 by Arzoo rahimi
I’ve never met a lawyers or a law firm so kind, caring, knowledgeable, and helpful. Educated me throughout and was ALWAYS attentive when I had questions. Bryce and Rick are amazing people and lawyers, thank you for your kindness and help. If you’re looking for a lawyer, this is your stop. Ya’ll rock.
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17 Jul, 2024 by Sol abassi
I had the privilege of working with Mr. Fulton on my case, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the service provided. From the very beginning, Mr. Fulton and his team stood out by genuinely listening to my concerns when nobody else would. He took the time to understand the nuances of my situation and provided thoughtful, expert guidance every step of the way.
Mr. Fulton demonstrated exceptional legal acumen, consistently offering clear and sound advice that made a significant difference in the outcome of my case. He and his teams dedication, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to my best interests were evident throughout the process.
Thanks to Mr. Fulton's expertise and support, I felt confident and well-represented. His professionalism and compassionate approach made a challenging situation much more manageable.
I highly recommend Fulton Law Corporation to anyone in need of legal assistance.
You will be in excellent hands.
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07 Dec, 2023 by Seranaqua duplechan
I had the opportunity to retain this attorney. He was very professional, knowledgable, detailed, and experienced. His paralegal Brandy is the heart of the law firm and is absolutely amazing. If you want someone who cares and will fight with passion this is the attorney for you.
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14 Aug, 2023 by Mo saghebi
15 Dec, 2024 by Tunya miles
Thank you so much to my Attorney Lisa Fletcher and Tameka Ross for their excellent representation in guiding me through this stressful process and getting me a six figure settlement
Forever Greatful Berg Injury Attorneys
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15 Dec, 2024 by Clp pino
Great staff. Always kept in touch all the way through case. Fast and persistent shot out to Lorraine for being there in the time of need for my family she works hard and fast thank you so much God 🙌 bless
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27 Jun, 2024 by M. f
Run ,and run far !!! I was in 5yr. run with these people and in the end they WILL take all your money. They no me real good caught the lady trying to steal $70,000 plus more I got those emails going back an forth letting her till she realized we got her. Mr. berg , I cant believe this is the kind of people you have working for you. My lawyer she was worthless and just garbage. If you still go with these people that's on you. JUST 1 BAD REVEIEW WOULD HAVE ME RUNING AND GETTING A REAL LAWYER FROM SAN FRANCISCO...AND TO THE LADY WHO IS GONNA STAND UP AGAINST THIS REVEIEW...SHUT UP SIT DOWN , DONT LIE ABOUT YOU GUYS AND ACT AS IF THIS LAWFIRM IS WORTH ANY KIND OF MONEY AND THIS AINT TRUE...LOL...RUN AND RUN FAR.
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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.
