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08 Sep, 2024 by David
She responds quickly with to questions and very good a what she does. I would recommend her without hesitation.
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01 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Gretchen was 100 percent on my side from the minute we met! I was wrongfully accused of 2 major felonies and could have been put in prison for a long time! Gretchen went above and beyond what a public defender would ever do! She stayed in contact with my family and friends to keep me updated while I was behind bars! She is awesome and when my charges were dismissed I felt the right of the world was off my shoulders she is excellent lawyer and I appreciate her hard work and I think she should get a medal for what she did for me!
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12 Apr, 2023 by Robert d.
Excellent lawyer!
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28 Dec, 2024 by Thomas cousino
I cannot say enough about the representation that Brian Morrissey gave me! He is truly an outstanding attorney that will help you with the utmost curtesy and professionalism. Please consider him for any of your legal needs!!
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21 Dec, 2024 by Funylee
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22 Nov, 2024 by Jennifer brothers
We knew we made the right decision as soon as we retained Mr. Boerst. His knowledge, experience, integrity and confidence left us very reassured. We got an outcome better than we had hoped. He makes himself available to answer questions, truly cares about his clients and is one of the most professional persons in the area. I would not hesitate to contact him if you are in need of legal services. He is exceptional and a class act.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Littlestar3311
Received advice, and I'm very grateful. Honest and trustworthy legal team here. Thank you for hearing me out and giving me an avenue when I called concerning my car. Appreciate the time you took to help me.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Kris black
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jay shiffer
Dennis Sawan listened to the issues, gave candid valuable feedback, and helped me make a plan to navigate complex laws and procedures. Thank you for the peace of mind. I could not have navigated this without your help!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Daniel gearing
I wouldn't use him again told me it would cost 5000$ to go to trial for full custody of my daughter . 2 court dates"1-2hr" and a hearing over phone"1 hr" settled for joint custody and all 5000$ is gone.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jennifer eitniear
if your looking for the absolute best attorney , that is well renown in all courtrooms as well as highly favored by our judges and magistrates , you have found "The Best" in the area and arena... remember though , you get what you pay for and really his retainers are on par with other attorneys with less experience, and not so favored in courtrooms. do yourself a favor and retain this guy!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Larry white
I have found Jeff to be a very competent attorney. I would highly recommend Jeff Levy to anyone seeking the advice of a Lawyer.
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13 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Best ever workers com attorney!!!; Excellent, awesome, he knows his stuff. Straight forward, caring and understanding. He goes the extra mile!!!!
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01 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Gretchen was 100 percent on my side from the minute we met! I was wrongfully accused of 2 major felonies and could have been put in prison for a long time! Gretchen went above and beyond what a public defender would ever do! She stayed in contact with my family and friends to keep me updated while I was behind bars! She is awesome and when my charges were dismissed I felt the right of the world was off my shoulders she is excellent lawyer and I appreciate her hard work and I think she should get a medal for what she did for me!
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12 Apr, 2023 by Robert d.
Excellent lawyer!
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21 Mar, 2023 by Shawn stiff
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29 Dec, 2024 by Thundah
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27 Dec, 2024 by Luna thornton
Incredible staff!!
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11 Dec, 2024 by Lynzie tansel
Great communication on updates and information and always staying on top of things really caring about the client
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12 Dec, 2024 by Martin hamernik
Yeah, I had some issues with my child support at one point in time and I had to use them. He gave me my retainer all the way back thank you, David.
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15 Oct, 2024 by De ke
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09 Oct, 2024 by Walt s
Excellent communication and service! Very helpful and ready with the information I needed.
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08 Dec, 2024 by Carlotta thomas
Mrs Linda Yaccarino,was exceptionally helpful,kind and patient. the whole team was very helpful I'm very grateful.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Tonya haskins
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15 Oct, 2024 by Christina tritt
My name is Robby Corpening and Ms Linda Reid was my case manager I want to take a moment and thank your firm for allowing her to work on my case she went above and beyond to help me understand the process and made me very comfortable if the attorneys were that focused and caring this would had been an outstanding experience never the less Ms Reid made up and without thoughts she has to be a top paralegal with your firm again thank you for Ms Reid!
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28 Oct, 2024 by Cody reardon
I hired Jeremy Levy to assist me in obtaining shared parenting for my son. Unfortunately, my experience was extremely disappointing. Despite my clear desire for more time with my child, the outcome of the case was far from satisfactory. I was awarded visitation only on Wednesdays for 2 and half hours and every other weekend. When I expressed my desire for a reevaluation of the custody arrangement, Jeremy Levy advised me to wait for a year. This delay seemed unreasonable, and I felt as though my child's best interests were not being adequately considered. I would not recommend Jeremy Levy to anyone seeking legal representation in family law matters.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Curtis green
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08 Jul, 2024 by Daniel gearing
I wouldn't use him again told me it would cost 5000$ to go to trial for full custody of my daughter . 2 court dates"1-2hr" and a hearing over phone"1 hr" settled for joint custody and all 5000$ is gone.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Morgan s
I was never married to my child's father, but pursuing a custody agreement through the courts proved to be the best approach. Working with Sarah was an exceptional experience. She is highly compassionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely dedicated to advocating for the rights and best interests of the child or children involved, while also providing tailored support based on individual circumstances. Sarah communicates openly and provides constructive guidance, helping clients stay accountable when necessary. Her compassionate and non-judgmental approach is truly commendable. Overall, my experience with her was outstanding, and I would not hesitate to use her again in the future.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Chuck hainy
Mr. Simpson is the best is not one of. He is clear concise and gets to the point. Definitely a no B S. kinda of atty and I'm glad he doesn't give off a feeling of him being better than his clients
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03 Jul, 2024 by Anthony c.
Mrs. Haberland went above and beyond to help me in a Child Support case. She was very honest and very professional and because of her expertise, everything came out fair and square the way it should have. I highly recommend her to anybody, especially your fathers out there who have struggled with an unbalanced system.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
Not only did she not represent my child's best interest she gave him to someone that never wanted until money was involved. She did a home visit once for 45 mins and charged for 2.5 hours, she neglected to look at facts ( medical documentation, criminal backgrounds, or the well-being of a child),and she never once asked what the child wanted. Her office is unorganized and unprofessional, and she told the courts that my house was messy. She called cps and they deemed my house very clean. She accused a 3 year old of sexually assaulting an 8 year old, then retracted that statement saying she never said that, even though there was two witnesses. Took into consideration false allegations from the other party and never did a fact check. Her communication skills are non-existent. Any concerns I brought up concerning my child's welfare she disregarded it and reasoned with "I'll see what the other party wants to do". If I could leave a negative star review I would.
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17 Apr, 2019 by Mr. b
Have used Laurie for a couple of different cases dealing with custody and support. Laurie is very professional and has the knowledge to deliver positive results. Don't trust your case to just anyone, your representation matters, and Laurie is one of the best.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Charles
How do i contact you? This site isn't giving me any options to message you or show a way for contact. My number is 567-454-1306. Would like to talk to you about a potential case
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29 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
Ms. Anagnos was very knowledgeable in advising me about changes required in my will, since I recently married. I have sought her services and legal advise periodically over the past 10 years, including my last will (when I was single) and my Chapter 7 bankruptcy. She provided me thoughtful guidance, prudent instructions, and clear explanations. Due to my recent bankruptcy, Ms. Anagnos drafted the current will pro bono, which I very much appreciated. She is a caring person and a great attorney! I would highly recommend her for civil matter.
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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:

  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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