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28 Oct, 2023 by Ssdrexel
For anyone considering hiring this firm for divorce representation, I highly encourage you to reconsider. Upon retaining them for my own proceeding, I had thought I was hiring the best in Cleveland. In every aspect I felt I was under-represented and there was a complete disregard for communication and explanation of processes. Unanswered emails, phone calls never returned, attempts to reach out to senior partners (that never responded) to try and resolve matters. In short, I can only say that as one of the most stressful situations you will face in life, it is my opinion that you will only be compounding that stress in hiring this firm. A truly disappointing experience.
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18 Oct, 2022 by Arielle anderson
People try to find lawyer because they need help. They have a income guideline, $60,000 a year. If I have a child and need the child support, isn't obvious I don't make that kind of money. Especially while in school. Terrible. Layers just don't care anymore
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02 Feb, 2022 by Hannah park
Such an incredible workplace filled with the best attorneys in Cleveland. I could not imagine working for anyone else, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn and practice from the top percentages of lawyers in Ohio.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Ssdrexel
For anyone considering hiring this firm for divorce representation, I highly encourage you to reconsider. Upon retaining them for my own proceeding, I had thought I was hiring the best in Cleveland. In every aspect I felt I was under-represented and there was a complete disregard for communication and explanation of processes. Unanswered emails, phone calls never returned, attempts to reach out to senior partners (that never responded) to try and resolve matters. In short, I can only say that as one of the most stressful situations you will face in life, it is my opinion that you will only be compounding that stress in hiring this firm. A truly disappointing experience.
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18 Oct, 2022 by Arielle anderson
People try to find lawyer because they need help. They have a income guideline, $60,000 a year. If I have a child and need the child support, isn't obvious I don't make that kind of money. Especially while in school. Terrible. Layers just don't care anymore
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02 Feb, 2022 by Hannah park
Such an incredible workplace filled with the best attorneys in Cleveland. I could not imagine working for anyone else, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn and practice from the top percentages of lawyers in Ohio.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Ssdrexel
For anyone considering hiring this firm for divorce representation, I highly encourage you to reconsider. Upon retaining them for my own proceeding, I had thought I was hiring the best in Cleveland. In every aspect I felt I was under-represented and there was a complete disregard for communication and explanation of processes. Unanswered emails, phone calls never returned, attempts to reach out to senior partners (that never responded) to try and resolve matters. In short, I can only say that as one of the most stressful situations you will face in life, it is my opinion that you will only be compounding that stress in hiring this firm. A truly disappointing experience.
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18 Oct, 2022 by Arielle anderson
People try to find lawyer because they need help. They have a income guideline, $60,000 a year. If I have a child and need the child support, isn't obvious I don't make that kind of money. Especially while in school. Terrible. Layers just don't care anymore
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02 Feb, 2022 by Hannah park
Such an incredible workplace filled with the best attorneys in Cleveland. I could not imagine working for anyone else, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn and practice from the top percentages of lawyers in Ohio.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Ssdrexel
For anyone considering hiring this firm for divorce representation, I highly encourage you to reconsider. Upon retaining them for my own proceeding, I had thought I was hiring the best in Cleveland. In every aspect I felt I was under-represented and there was a complete disregard for communication and explanation of processes. Unanswered emails, phone calls never returned, attempts to reach out to senior partners (that never responded) to try and resolve matters. In short, I can only say that as one of the most stressful situations you will face in life, it is my opinion that you will only be compounding that stress in hiring this firm. A truly disappointing experience.
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18 Oct, 2022 by Arielle anderson
People try to find lawyer because they need help. They have a income guideline, $60,000 a year. If I have a child and need the child support, isn't obvious I don't make that kind of money. Especially while in school. Terrible. Layers just don't care anymore
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02 Feb, 2022 by Hannah park
Such an incredible workplace filled with the best attorneys in Cleveland. I could not imagine working for anyone else, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn and practice from the top percentages of lawyers in Ohio.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Ssdrexel
For anyone considering hiring this firm for divorce representation, I highly encourage you to reconsider. Upon retaining them for my own proceeding, I had thought I was hiring the best in Cleveland. In every aspect I felt I was under-represented and there was a complete disregard for communication and explanation of processes. Unanswered emails, phone calls never returned, attempts to reach out to senior partners (that never responded) to try and resolve matters. In short, I can only say that as one of the most stressful situations you will face in life, it is my opinion that you will only be compounding that stress in hiring this firm. A truly disappointing experience.
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18 Oct, 2022 by Arielle anderson
People try to find lawyer because they need help. They have a income guideline, $60,000 a year. If I have a child and need the child support, isn't obvious I don't make that kind of money. Especially while in school. Terrible. Layers just don't care anymore
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02 Feb, 2022 by Hannah park
Such an incredible workplace filled with the best attorneys in Cleveland. I could not imagine working for anyone else, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn and practice from the top percentages of lawyers in Ohio.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Ssdrexel
For anyone considering hiring this firm for divorce representation, I highly encourage you to reconsider. Upon retaining them for my own proceeding, I had thought I was hiring the best in Cleveland. In every aspect I felt I was under-represented and there was a complete disregard for communication and explanation of processes. Unanswered emails, phone calls never returned, attempts to reach out to senior partners (that never responded) to try and resolve matters. In short, I can only say that as one of the most stressful situations you will face in life, it is my opinion that you will only be compounding that stress in hiring this firm. A truly disappointing experience.
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18 Oct, 2022 by Arielle anderson
People try to find lawyer because they need help. They have a income guideline, $60,000 a year. If I have a child and need the child support, isn't obvious I don't make that kind of money. Especially while in school. Terrible. Layers just don't care anymore
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02 Feb, 2022 by Hannah park
Such an incredible workplace filled with the best attorneys in Cleveland. I could not imagine working for anyone else, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn and practice from the top percentages of lawyers in Ohio.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Ssdrexel
For anyone considering hiring this firm for divorce representation, I highly encourage you to reconsider. Upon retaining them for my own proceeding, I had thought I was hiring the best in Cleveland. In every aspect I felt I was under-represented and there was a complete disregard for communication and explanation of processes. Unanswered emails, phone calls never returned, attempts to reach out to senior partners (that never responded) to try and resolve matters. In short, I can only say that as one of the most stressful situations you will face in life, it is my opinion that you will only be compounding that stress in hiring this firm. A truly disappointing experience.
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18 Oct, 2022 by Arielle anderson
People try to find lawyer because they need help. They have a income guideline, $60,000 a year. If I have a child and need the child support, isn't obvious I don't make that kind of money. Especially while in school. Terrible. Layers just don't care anymore
Read more
02 Feb, 2022 by Hannah park
Such an incredible workplace filled with the best attorneys in Cleveland. I could not imagine working for anyone else, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn and practice from the top percentages of lawyers in Ohio.
Read more
28 Oct, 2023 by Ssdrexel
For anyone considering hiring this firm for divorce representation, I highly encourage you to reconsider. Upon retaining them for my own proceeding, I had thought I was hiring the best in Cleveland. In every aspect I felt I was under-represented and there was a complete disregard for communication and explanation of processes. Unanswered emails, phone calls never returned, attempts to reach out to senior partners (that never responded) to try and resolve matters. In short, I can only say that as one of the most stressful situations you will face in life, it is my opinion that you will only be compounding that stress in hiring this firm. A truly disappointing experience.
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18 Oct, 2022 by Arielle anderson
People try to find lawyer because they need help. They have a income guideline, $60,000 a year. If I have a child and need the child support, isn't obvious I don't make that kind of money. Especially while in school. Terrible. Layers just don't care anymore
Read more
02 Feb, 2022 by Hannah park
Such an incredible workplace filled with the best attorneys in Cleveland. I could not imagine working for anyone else, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn and practice from the top percentages of lawyers in Ohio.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Carol
This attorney is a DIAMOND in legal representation! At the time I hired her in 2022 I was in the most horrific private custody battle. My previous attorney was horrendous. The majority of other attorney's either flat out turned down my case or wanted a $20,000 retainer. Mary Jo listened to what was happening and jumped in with both barrels blazing. For the first time in 2 years, I felt like my attorney was on my side. She fought and advocated for me. She contacted me the morning of hearings to check in. My previous attorney NEVER provided guidance on hearings. Money - remember how I said most attorney's wanted an outrageous retainer? Not Mary Jo. She asked for a reasonable retainer and throughout my case has not over charged. My previous attorney billed 8.50 for an email with less than 5 words. Mary Jo does not believe in that predatory billing. Choose her, I promise you will be forever grateful you did!!!
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04 Jan, 2024 by Matt
My wife and I engaged Mary Jo Hanson for a step-parent adoption, confident in her claim of expertise in such cases. Despite promptly paying a retainer, to say that our experience with her was less than satisfactory would be a gross misscharacterisation. Over two years, communication was scarce, and it became evident that she requested unnecessary information and purportedly filed documents that were never submitted.
After deciding to navigate the process ourselves, we discovered that the adoption procedure was more straightforward than initially presented. In a matter of months, we successfully completed all necessary forms and procedures independently. Subsequently, we requested a refund from Ms. Hanson, who declined, leading us to pursue legal action.
Throughout the court proceedings, Ms. Hanson exhibited a consistently rude and disrespectful demeanor. Fabricating information and providing conflicting accounts during phone conversations, she demonstrated a lack of professionalism. In court, she continued with false statements and repeatedly referred to my wife by the wrong name, despite corrections. We discovered her actual lack of experience in these cases and her main intention being to use our money and case to learn from...that is not what we paid for.
Despite her requests for numerous continuances, we eventually had our day in court. The judge found Ms. Hanson's claims of filing documents to be untrue, while our case was supported by clear evidence. Despite a judgment in our favor, Ms. Hanson has made no attempt to fulfill the court-ordered payment. We are currently exploring additional avenues to collect but it has been nearly a year since the judgement was ordered and over three years since we paid her.
Our intention in sharing this experience is to inform others considering legal services from Ms. Hanson. Had we known about her unprofessional practices, we would not have chosen her for such an important matter. We hope our story aids others in making more informed decisions when seeking legal representation.
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05 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Mary Jo is an unorganized liar and only wants your money. She will not do anything right for a client who is African American. She will lie her way through to be retained and after she is retained she will not do anything you ask even if it’s beneficial to your case even if you give her enough evidence to do so she will find reasons not to. If she knows anyone personally on your case, she will side with them and set your case up to fail. She will not keep you updated with your case nor with your fees and overcharge you constantly for the smallest things. She will constantly request you to come into her office so she can over charge you for nothing. She will also overcharge you for every call or text message you send her. If she tells you she personally knows anyone on your case do not hire her. If your African America. DO NOT HIRE HER!!!! She will secretly work with them against you. She will even try to call you a liar and say you didn’t request something. Every African American client is treated as if they are ignorant of the law and as if she knows best. I suggest everyone who has an issue with her to make a review for everyone to see and to file a Grievance against her through the Supreme Court and the American Bar Association. The more grievances the greater outcome of her being disciplined.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Larry
24 Jul, 2024 by Akira holmes
23 Jul, 2024 by George robertson
Never Received What I Was Told
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09 Jun, 2022 by Bill levine
Mr.Edelstein has handled our collections and contracts for years .He is competent ,efficient , and always well prepared .I would highly recommend him .
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08 Jun, 2022 by Linda hirsch
I could not be more pleased with the service that I received from Rob Edelstein. Having had multiple matters with him; everyone was resolved positively in a timely matter.
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08 Jun, 2022 by Bryce house
Rob is very responsive and keeps you informed of updated status.
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26 Nov, 2019 by Jeffrey beder
07 Oct, 2019 by D old showroom
Dr Meg is the best in the field! Knowledge, experience, networking, passion, she has it all!
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19 Dec, 2012 by John
he tried to charge me for work not performed. after i brought this to his attention, he threatened to sue ME. terrible, stay away at all costs
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08 Jul, 2024 by Renae mcgowan
08 Jul, 2024 by Shyenne ledford
08 Jul, 2024 by Awesome life
Attorney illegally engages in dual tracking by forclosure on homes while they are working with their lender on a home modification resulting in more legal fees
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08 Jul, 2024 by Awesome life
Attorney illegally engages in dual tracking by forclosure on homes while they are working with their lender on a home modification resulting in more legal fees
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08 Jul, 2024 by Bonsecore1
Claims my deceased wife is still alive over a debt that was forgiven. Bradley Toman refuses to answer calls and letters so I'm going to pay him a visit next time he is getting liquored up.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Aleks jovanovich
I must of called 100 times and I always get transfered to a voice mail.
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30 Jul, 2022 by Awesome life
Attorney illegally engages in dual tracking by forclosure on homes while they are working with their lender on a home modification resulting in more legal fees
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13 May, 2022 by Bonsecore1
Claims my deceased wife is still alive over a debt that was forgiven. Bradley Toman refuses to answer calls and letters so I'm going to pay him a visit next time he is getting liquored up.
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23 Feb, 2022 by Shyenne ledford
05 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Bashien came highly recommended, but within 6 weeks, I began to see red flags. He took 2 weeks to respond to a simple phone call. He failed to show for a hearing after confirming that he would be there, and failed to communicate in any way about the 2d hearing.
I requested that he withdraw a motion that he made without consultation, and he failed to respond to my request, or communicate in any way.
I discharged him, and am happy with my new attorney.
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04 Jul, 2008 by Anonymous
Richard Bashein is an excellent Attorey. He handled my difficult workers compensation case and did a great job.
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15 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
She took my case about 8 months ago. The store owner ignored her attempts to send collect his insurance through the mail and that was it. All I got was a text from her secretary every 5 weeks or so. Currently have a case and I'm with the Keaton Firm and it's a much better feeling.
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21 Oct, 2014 by Theresa l. msw, lsw
Ms. Paris was very efficient, professional, but also friendly and understanding. She was a pleasure to work with and I felt confident in her abilities to handle my case. Through such a difficult time it was a relief to have a competent lawyer who was also easy to talk to. After my accident, it was overwhelming talking to the insurance companies, while also being in pain. As soon as Ms. Paris became involved all that worry was taken off my shoulders and I could focus on getting better. I had an idea of what my compensation for this case should be and she exceeded it. I highly recommend going with Ms. Paris.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Family odetallah
*STAY AWAY!* Pamela J. MacAdams DESTROYED our lives. We are the Odetallah children (4), that were the victims of lies, with emails to prove against her deception withheld from court. Macadams vouched for an absent, neglectful, and abusive father, that influenced the judge to reallocate custody to a monster. My stay at home mother of 20 years, has been receiving NO CHILD SUPPORT. We continue to live with our mother since birth. MacAdams biased swaying of the judge has been a direct cause of:
-NO CHILD SUPPORT FOR THE 4 MINOR CHILDREN
-Severe health emergencies
-Numerous preventable police reports from We The Children towards our father, of his physical, psychological, and emotional abuse
-No food for the children
-No annual glasses for 2 kids
-No driver’s license
-No gas
-No clothing
-Living with no money to repair mold
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28 Jul, 2020 by Gregg kaufman
Paul Grieco helped my family thru a very troubling time in our lives. He is a pro's pro and very responsive to your needs. He is very responsive and will listen to what you have to say. Just remember, the wheels of justice turn slowly and things take time. I am proud to call Mr. Grieco my friend.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Family odetallah
*STAY AWAY!* Pamela J. MacAdams DESTROYED our lives. We are the Odetallah children (4), that were the victims of lies, with emails to prove against her deception withheld from court. Macadams vouched for an absent, neglectful, and abusive father, that influenced the judge to reallocate custody to a monster. My stay at home mother of 20 years, has been receiving NO CHILD SUPPORT. We continue to live with our mother since birth. MacAdams biased swaying of the judge has been a direct cause of:
-NO CHILD SUPPORT FOR THE 4 MINOR CHILDREN
-Severe health emergencies
-Numerous preventable police reports from We The Children towards our father, of his physical, psychological, and emotional abuse
-No food for the children
-No annual glasses for 2 kids
-No driver’s license
-No gas
-No clothing
-Living with no money to repair mold
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28 Jul, 2020 by Gregg kaufman
Paul Grieco helped my family thru a very troubling time in our lives. He is a pro's pro and very responsive to your needs. He is very responsive and will listen to what you have to say. Just remember, the wheels of justice turn slowly and things take time. I am proud to call Mr. Grieco my friend.
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24 Jan, 2024 by Robert wilson
Mr Manu Raj represented me so poorly that I demanded my money back.
The firm of Kvale Antonelli & Raj cut me a check for every penny that I paid them.
I would give no stars if that was an option.
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15 Aug, 2019 by Bob martin
I switched representation to Mr. Raj from another attorney and have been very happy with my decision. His priority has been my best interests, not billable hours. I would recommend Mr. Raj to any of my friends that might need his services.
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07 Aug, 2019 by Joseph zubricky
21 Jul, 2023 by Realnurse826
Worst experience ever. Not interested in helping his client's. All he cares about is him getting your money and gives lousy servicem
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09 Apr, 2023 by Adriana timko
He represented my fiancé as a public defender, and was absolutely unprofessional. Did not put up a fight to defend him at all when he literally did all the foot work for him, and gave him every bit of information he needed to beat the case, at one point during my fiancés trial this guy asked me to run a personal errand for him. During the entire process the guy stood in the courtroom like a deer in headlights, while the prosecutor who had no evidence ate him up if anyone ever gets appointed a public defender do not choose this guy!!!!!
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17 Aug, 2021 by Marcellus love
27 Feb, 2024 by Steve norm
01 Feb, 2023 by Doug geersens
26 Oct, 2022 by Taylor bates
27 Feb, 2024 by Steve norm
01 Feb, 2023 by Doug geersens
26 Oct, 2022 by Taylor bates
16 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
Never kept in contact during the time I had hired him as a lawyer, I had to constantly call him to receive updates on the proposed case. He had an attitude that he gave off as if he didn't care and made me feel as if I was bothering him anytime I tried to contact him. I felt as if I threw my money away because he ended up doing absolutely nothing to help me other then ask for more money at the end of it. Ended up contacting another lawyer who has been very helpful and seems to be a lot more knowledgable as well.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Uses his practice for his own personal gain. Misleading and is not an honest person. Stay away.
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06 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
I am the beneficiary of a trust established in my father's will. The trust is administered and managed by Mr. Bright. As the beneficiary, I have made multiple requests for Mr. Bright to disclose all documents relating to my trust. As the trustee, Mr. Bright is required by law to honor my requests for disclosure. Mr. Bright has never provided me with the documents that I have requested; instead, he drafted a one-page summary of my father's will and did not cover any of the details or specifics of my trust. He ignores my emails and has not made any effort to establish a dialogue or create transparency in our relationship. At one point, Mr. Bright insinuated that he is now my father figure and that, financially, I must answer to him. I have recently made the decision to retain my own attorney because Mr. Bright has been unresponsive to my requests and has not honored my rights as a beneficiary to my father's estate.
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26 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Go elsewhere if you are looking for an estate lawyer in Akron Ohio. Michael Sweeney at Brouse McDowell is careless, sloppy, and will not take responsibility if he makes a mistake.
He recently handled the estate of a loved one who died. By the end of the estate, he had improperly distributed the inheritance and denied all responsibility, even after his paralegal Michele Banner admitted to making an error. At the end of the day, our family is stuck with an awkward mess and Michael Sweeney could not possible care less. Instead of answering our family's concerns directly, he had his managing partner at Brouse McDowell, Marc Merklin, send us a nasty letter.
If you are looking for estate planning or you have a loved one who is working our their last will and testament, I highly recommend looking elsewhere. If you are looking for an estate attorney in Akron, Ohio, you will do better to avoid Brouse McDowell. Just my humble opinion based off a unnecessarily frustrating year.
When you hear jokes about lawyers being useless, these are the guys that help those jokes live on.
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22 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Gilbert Brosky reached out to me on behalf of an organization, his client, after I wrote an email to the CEO of this organization stating the horrific way I was treated as an employee by the organization. One of many of my concerns was that my FMLA was violated while recovering from a cervical spinal fusion, which has resulted in needing an additional surgery. Mr. Brosky stated he was retained by the organization to reach out to me to hear my concerns and would be conducting an investigation around the concerns I raised to the CEO. I spent over an hour on the phone with Mr. Bosky, answering his questions around this traumatic situation. He asked me to relive this traumatic situation on the false promise that my story and the events that incurred due to this situation would be investigated by the organization. I would not have spoken to Mr. Brosky about the situation had he not assured me it would be incorporated into the investigation he stated he was conducting. It had been 2 years since I endured this trauma, however, I trusted Mr. Brosky. I later learned there was no investigation by Mr. Brosky taking place. In an email response from Mr. Brosky, after I spent countless hours searching my files for additional information I sent to Mr. Brosky, he stated he was merely "reviewing" my concerns of the traumatic situation I endured. No investigation took place. Mr. Brosky misled me at the request of his client. Due to the mistreatment and lies by Mr. Brosky, I endured severe emotional distress and a recurrence of PTSD that resulted from the original traumatic situation. Again, I would not have spoken with Mr. Brosky had he stated this was merely a "review". I have the original email sent by Mr. Brosky stating he was requested by the organization to "investigate" my concerns. I have since sent Mr. Brosky several situations where this organization has incurred countless EEOC violations and OFCCP concerns I raised. I do not recommend Gilbert Brosky as an attorney to any organization seeking to avoid risk, or to any individual seeking an ethical attorney.
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What a Business Lawyer Can Do for You
A business lawyer provides critical legal guidance and support to entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses. Whether you are forming a new company, drafting contracts, or navigating complex regulations, a business attorney ensures you are legally protected and operating within the law. They can also help prevent legal disputes or represent you in negotiations, transactions, or lawsuits that arise during the course of business operations.
Business lawyers have expertise in areas such as business formation, contract law, intellectual property, employment law, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance. They ensure that your business is compliant with relevant laws and help mitigate risks that could threaten your company's success.
When Should I Hire a Business Lawyer?
Hiring a business lawyer is essential at various stages of business development, including:
- Forming a business: When deciding on the best structure for your company (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.), a lawyer can guide you through the registration and compliance process.
- Drafting contracts: If you need contracts for employees, partners, suppliers, or clients, a lawyer ensures these documents are legally sound and in your best interest.
- Mergers, acquisitions, or dissolutions: If you are buying, selling, or dissolving a company, legal counsel is critical to avoid costly mistakes.
- Compliance and regulatory issues: A lawyer can help navigate complex regulations, particularly in industries like healthcare, finance, or tech.
- Resolving disputes: Whether it's contract disagreements, intellectual property infringement, or employment issues, a business lawyer helps mediate, negotiate, or litigate on your behalf.
What Does a Business Lawyer Do?
Business lawyers provide a wide range of services that cater to different legal needs of a business. They can:
- Help you choose the best legal structure for your business.
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with employees, suppliers, customers, or business partners.
- Ensure regulatory compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
- Advise on tax strategies to minimize your business's tax burden.
- Assist with intellectual property protection, such as trademarks, patents, and copyrights.
- Handle mergers, acquisitions, and business sales, ensuring all legal paperwork is in order.
- Resolve disputes through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation.
How Are Business Lawyers Paid?
Business lawyers typically charge either by the hour or on a flat-fee basis, depending on the complexity of the work. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rates: The lawyer charges based on the time spent working on your case. Rates vary depending on the lawyer's experience and location.
- Flat fees: For certain tasks, such as incorporating a business or drafting a standard contract, a lawyer may offer a flat fee.
- Retainer: Some businesses may hire a lawyer on retainer, paying a fixed amount each month to have ongoing access to legal services.
The payment structure is often discussed during an initial consultation so you can choose the one that best suits your business needs and budget.
How Much Does a Business Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a business lawyer depends on factors such as:
- The complexity of the legal issue: More complex matters, like mergers or intellectual property disputes, typically cost more than routine tasks like contract drafting.
- The lawyer's experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in larger cities often charge higher fees.
- The nature of the billing arrangement: Hourly rates can range from $150 to $1,000 or more, depending on the lawyer's expertise. Flat fees are usually available for simpler matters like forming an LLC or drafting a standard contract.
It's essential to discuss fee structures upfront to avoid surprises.
Top Questions to Ask a Business Lawyer
Before hiring a business lawyer, ask the following questions during your consultation:
-
What is your experience with businesses like mine?
Find out if the lawyer has handled legal issues for companies in your industry. -
What services do you offer?
Ensure the lawyer can meet all your business's legal needs, from contract drafting to dispute resolution. -
What are your fees, and how do you bill?
Get clarity on how you'll be charged - whether by the hour, flat fee, or retainer. -
How do you handle conflicts of interest?
Ask how the lawyer ensures there is no conflict in representing your business. -
Can you provide references from other business clients?
Speaking with past clients will give you an idea of the lawyer's expertise and professionalism. -
Do you have experience in my specific industry?
Industry-specific knowledge can be crucial, especially in highly regulated fields like healthcare or finance.
How to Check the Credibility of a Business Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable business lawyer:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is in good standing and has no disciplinary actions against them.
- Look for client reviews or testimonials: Online reviews, testimonials, or word of mouth from other business owners can provide insight into the lawyer's reliability and effectiveness.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have satisfied clients who can vouch for their services.
- Check professional memberships: Membership in respected legal organizations (such as the American Bar Association or a local business lawyer association) can signal credibility.
- Review their website and professional profile: A well-established lawyer typically has a professional website showcasing their areas of expertise, credentials, and case success.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with a business lawyer, prepare the following:
- A description of your business and its structure: This will help the lawyer understand your legal needs.
- Any current contracts or agreements: If you're seeking contract advice, bring copies of existing contracts.
- A list of legal issues or concerns: Be ready to discuss any potential legal challenges, such as regulatory compliance, disputes, or transactions.
- Financial documents: If applicable, bring financial records related to the legal matter you're seeking help with.
- Questions about fees and billing: Ensure you understand the lawyer’s payment structure and fees upfront.
By preparing these materials, you can ensure that your first meeting with a business lawyer is productive and informative.
