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29 May, 2022 by Mira r.
Fred was great! He helped me resolve the issue with western dental. Western dental refused to return my money after canceling the job they promised to do. For several months I called western dental, asking them for refund. I finally ran into Fred, who easily solved the problem. Soon after I got full refund! Thank you Fred!
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19 Oct, 2021 by John
Received a judgement for a credit card l defaulted on over 10 years ago, they were going to take 25% of my wages by garnishing my paychecks. Over the years I avoided the paperwork and didn’t have the money to pay it off. Looking all over the internet for a local consumer attorney to guide me through this situation. While l was reading reviews l came across Mr. Fred Schwinn and just go in my car and drove over to his office. Upon my arrival Fred met me at the entrance and right away took me back to his office and looked up my case. Fred instructed me to go pick up some paperwork for him downtown, with paperwork in hand the next morning I was back in Fred’s office, sat down and discussed a few things with Fred and he, of course, just happened to know the collection agency that garnished my wages. Fred solved my situation in a matter of minutes! We reached an agreement and it was over right then and there. I’m sure it all depends on the situation but the minute l met Fred l said to myself this is my guy. Big Thank You To Mr. Fred Schwinn And The Consumer Law Center John G
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20 Aug, 2021 by Tim
I consulted Fred Schwinn regarding a debt-buyer's action to reopen an out-of-state vacated and dismissed case. As a result of Fred's professional knowledge and experience, Fred informed me of the exact document I needed for my defense. I obtained this critical document and it was sent to the debt-buyer's attorney. Due to this supporting evidence, my case was again vacated and dismissed in court. I am forever grateful...Fred Schwinn is the very best consumer law attorney!
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06 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I was arrested for concealed carry charges and Don did a wonderful job to help me get the best deal. I was going to be convicted of felony in Santa Clara county. Don spoke with the DA and I recieved a deal on my first court date. I was originally going to get a felony but it was reduced to a misdemeanor with court probation for two years and no weapons for 5. He still helps me to this day with anything and everything pertaining to my case. I am in the process of getting my record cleared. If your having trouble with any gun related offenses I would give his office a call. He's just an all around great lawyer.
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10 Aug, 2018 by C. jeffrey
Finally an Attorney that is hard working , ethical, and one of the finest Constitional Attorneys in the Country. Mr Kilmer has represent our firm on numerous occasions with outstanding results. He is a straight shooter and is not going to waste your time or money.
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09 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Don to be my attorney for a case, and he was very patient in explaining the details of the case and my options. With his representation, we were able to get a good result with the case. I would hire Don again.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Wendy
We worked with Claire and Steven on a living trust issue that we had, and were very impressed with their professionalism and patience in handling everything. Claire was highly recommended from another firm we had reached out to, and we certainly understand why. The situation we were dealing with was complicated, but both Claire and Steven were quick to get all the facts and wonderful in helping us get a clear game plan figured out. It is reassuring to know that we can always reach out to them for additional help if needed.
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21 Jun, 2023 by Benjamin
Steven’s legal expertise and sophistication were tremendous in resolving key issues in my case. Most important of all, Steven’s ability to bring my case to settlement with eloquent presentation while keeping my focus on the bigger picture was most impressive to me. If ever needed, I would hire Steven for his services in a heartbeat.
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22 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
I met Mr Tung in unusual settings.It was a God send .Do you know how you have this case and you have to answer or find help and you don't know who to trust.Well I can tell you Mr Tung is that attorney!!!!.He not only helped me but I won .It was best money I invested . Please listen to your attorney advice follow his guidance and you will win.Mr Tung will lead you to success in your case.Please remember it is crucial to listen and follow so your results can be same as mine.I am very thankful for all the help and advice I have received.
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07 May, 2016 by I. g.
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26 Sep, 2015 by Nika lu
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12 Aug, 2015 by Jesus calderon
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07 May, 2016 by I. g.
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26 Sep, 2015 by Nika lu
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12 Aug, 2015 by Jesus calderon
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04 Sep, 2024 by Sharon garell
> GJEL was recommended by a longtime friend of the family. Jim Larsen and his team were such a pleasure to work with and achieved excellent results. Jim was very kind, thoughtful, a good listener and readily available to answer my numerous questions. I would be happy to refer him to a friend without hesitation.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Gpt vn 1
Stephanie Rickard is hands down the best DUl lawyer in the Bay Area. From start to finish, she helped us every steps of the way. The office staff is equally impressive. They are professional, responsive, and have a strong work ethic. Every interaction was smooth and stress-free, which made much easier to navigate. Thank you for everything you do for us!
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03 Sep, 2024 by Brandon reed
Stephanie is an excellent attorney that truly cares about her clients. She gets great results in court. I highly recommend her services.
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17 Feb, 2017 by Ayman badr
We called Mr. Mayfield for an important and urgent matter that needed immediate attention. You can tell he's an attorney who makes himself available without asking too many questions first. I was able to speak to him on first call and he spent over 20 minutes covering all the issues and possibilities of the situation. We followed his sound advice and everything went well. I called him back to thank him and he offered to help further if/when necessary. His conversations are smooth and pleasurable without any rush or complication. Thank you Mr. Mayfield
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08 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Just very expensive and bad handling of the case. I am not a citizen and I was accused of DV. I came to know of Mr Mayfield from an immigration lawyer. In the very first meeting, when we did not have the police report or any evidence I was told straight that I will have to plead guilty and that I will certainly lose the trial no matter what. There was hardly any evidence the prosecution had against me. I told him multiple times that I wanted to go to trial and that I understand the consequences of losing the trial. I was told some very rude things that being from a country in Asia where there was news of atrocities against women recently, I looked like someone who would do bad things to a woman! That was very sad to hear from my own lawyer. Eventually, as I did not want to be with my wife, he kept trying to convince me to hire an immigration lawyer and a divorce lawyer to file for divorce. I did not fall into that at all. His law firm does civil divorce cases too. I was even sent a mail by him that my wish of going to trial would have grave consequences and I could end up in jail for years! Even though it was a misdemeanor and not even a felony. When I talked to other lawyers, no one believed me that he would have written such a mail. I actually showed the mail to them. Eventually, after running into an enormous bill of 10K usd and still him not willing to go to trial, I decided to move on to a different attorney who handled my case really well and was all prepared to go to trial. Eventually, my case got dismissed on the day of the trial. All in all, I ended up losing lots of money and got bad legal advice. I have 100% confidence that his knowledge of the law is excellent but to this day I do not understand what was his attitude towards my case!
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31 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
During his handling of my case, he was most concerned about justice and not about fees. He was extremely knowledgeable about the most arcane procedural details and local court customs and practices. He was persuasive in court. He cared.
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14 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Hired this Lawyer a couple of years ago and all we have seen are extensions and bills with no sign of receiving justice
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24 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
I was very fortunate to have Mr. Adam Bernstein represent my case of wrongful termination. His honesty, integrity and empathy are unique traits in a lawyer in addition to his very intelligent and knowledgable personality.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Lusmin
look for a different legal service. this is scam. they always request very low amount of money and then alot of money for your case
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26 Aug, 2024 by Alfredo rojas
Mi esposa hizo un contrato con sus abogados, hace 6 meses esta pagándoles y todavía no ha visto resultado alguno y cuando reclamamos nos dicen q nos van a demandar en fin nos sentimos estafados. Sinceramente son lo peor...
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01 Aug, 2024 by Mariana sandoval
If I can rate it zero stars I would. This is absolutely a clown show of lawyers that just pass on the case from lawyer to lawyer! Nobody seems to have any information of anything. They pressured us to get the money within an hour to have the case worked on immediately. Which stressed my family and me out getting the money! As soon as we got it they comfort us saying they will start, but no lawyer ever contacted us and the day of the court they didn’t even BOTHER TO SHOW UP! Which resulted in the court to be pushed back till next month. Absolutely disappointed, I trusted this firm because I was recommended by one of their own employees! I urge anyone that is looking for a good lawyer and actually do their job DO NOT COME HERE! They will take your money and not give a care about your case !! They prey on financially unstable people to pressure them and take their money! Unfortunately I was a victim of this false advertisement they show case. I urge anyone that is trying to get their loved one out please don’t come here! There is a reason why they have less than two stars on ratings Si puedo calificarlo con cero estrellas, lo haría. ¡Este es absolutamente un espectáculo de payasos de abogados que simplemente pasan el caso de abogado a abogado! Nadie parece tener información de nada. Nos presionaron para que consiguiéramos el dinero en el plazo de una hora para poder resolver el caso de inmediato. ¡Lo cual nos estresó a mi familia y a mí por no conseguir el dinero! Tan pronto como lo recibimos nos consolaron diciendo que empezarían, pero ningún abogado nos contactó y el día de la corte ¡ni siquiera SE MOLESTARON EN PRESENTARSE! Lo que resultó en que el tribunal se pospusiera hasta el próximo mes. Absolutamente decepcionado, confié en esta empresa porque me recomendó uno de sus propios empleados. Le recomiendo a cualquiera que esté buscando un buen abogado y que realmente haga su trabajo ¡NO VENGA AQUÍ! ¡¡Ellos tomarán su dinero y no se preocuparán por su caso!! ¡Se aprovechan de personas financieramente inestables para presionarlos y quitarles su dinero! Lamentablemente fui víctima de esta publicidad falsa que muestran caso. ¡Le recomiendo a cualquiera que esté tratando de sacar a su ser querido que no venga aquí! Hay una razón por la que tienen menos de dos estrellas en las calificaciones.
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18 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired her for my case to provide prepare my doc to immigration, But durning the way in preparing my case, she never called me, only her assistant, she never met me. Never answered to my questions. I am not satisfied with her job!!! I am not recommended her to anyone.
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20 May, 2016 by Nikita
This attorney was court appointed. He was honest when he said the court has not ever given parents their children back when there are allegations of DRUG use. He failed to file motions in a timely matter. He failed to make objections when they were obvious & appropriate to make during court hearings. He neglected to file evidence that I provided that would have proven the petitioners allegations false had he filed my evidence with the court. He waived defective notice without speaking with me. He made no objection to the findings that the ICWA did not apply, after I insisted that it did&had proof he did not think would have made a difference because it was not filed. He never contacted me and very rarely did he return phone calls. E-mail was the best way to get in contact with him. The best advice he gave to me was.... "that is not your fight. Getting your kids back is what you're fighting for. Just do what the social workers want you to do and that is DRUG test." His arguments where not mine. He said in his arguments things like "my client is trying to pull her family out of homelessness." & "I think the party's are starting to come up with a resolution, my client believes she can take care of her children. We just need more time to come up with the proper treatment rather than a cookie cutter type of program." His arguments were not even close to convincing. He did however get me an extra visit for two hours. Total of 2 days/week. 2hours/ea. He did request make up visits when I was in court the morning I had a visit because notice said 830 not 130.
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Questions? We have answers

What an Appeals Lawyer Can Do for You

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

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

When Should I Hire an Appeals Lawyer?

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

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

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

What Does an Appeals Lawyer Do?

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

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

How Are Appeals Lawyers Paid?

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

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

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

How Much Does an Appeals Lawyer Cost?

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

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

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

Top Questions to Ask an Appeals Lawyer

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

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

How to Check the Credibility of an Appeals Lawyer

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

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

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

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

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

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

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