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07 Nov, 2024 by Melissa miller
I cannot thank Kathleen enough for her outstanding support during my case. From our first meeting, she made me feel heard and understood. Her expertise and compassion helped guide me through one of the most challenging times in my life. Kathleen was always available to answer my questions and provided clear, practical advice that made a significant difference in the process. Her professionalism and dedication were evident every step of the way. I truly appreciate everything she did for me and would highly recommend her to anyone.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Dennis badham
Kathleen and her entire team made a tough divorce and custody situation a lot easier. Kathleen was knowledgeable and honest about the entire process, and kept me informed throughout the duration. I highly recommend this group.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Mary ellen jacobs
Kathleen and her staff were integral in the reason why I was finally able to sign my divorce papers this week. She answered all my questions, was kind with difficult messages and even picked me up on morning when I was experiencing a panic attack before a court date. I would recommend her to anyone in MD for divorce. Thank you so much!
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08 Feb, 2024 by Kate kessinger
I used Rebecca Fleming for a most recent case, and I have been working with her for five years now. Divorce is not easy, but when it comes to it, she has it in the best interest of the child, and no matter what the circumstance is when it comes down to it it’s about the child. I have seen her in court And she is extremely professional, very intelligent on point and one of the kindest women I’ve ever met (she listens to you ) but when you need somebody to fight for your children I would highly recommend her. In this position, no matter what it’s difficult for the mother or the father and you need somebody who is direct and knows what they’re doing. I cannot recommend her enough. Five years ago, I was given her contact name from a family member who knows Marilyn lawyers very well, and she was the first person that he said for me to call.
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20 May, 2020 by Lisa perry
Rebecca Fleming and her team were amazing at helping me navigate what was an extremely difficult and painful time. She did her due diligence and ensured that the best interests of my children were at the forefront of every action and decision that was made.
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04 Mar, 2020 by Evan smith
Rebecca and Nicole are fantastic lawyers
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26 Dec, 2010 by Sue ann
We were referred to Mr. Cadogan and found his handling of our case to be professional and convenvient. We drove from Florida to Maryland; Mr. Cadogan met us on a Sunday, talked to us and showed us the route from our hotel to his office. This helped us navigate through a strange city and feel more confident about the proceedings. We would often contact him through email lwhich was answered quickly. His experience and professional knowledge brought satisfactory closure to the case
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20 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
Marty was very attentive and took my case very seriously. He was an absolute professional throughout my case and informed me of all of my options throughout the case. I would not hesitate to hire Marty again and will absolutely recommend him friends.
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17 Dec, 2010 by Paul
Very helpful with a matter concerning my Son.
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02 Jan, 2025 by James hopper
Gary has been extraordinarily prompt on all work items and kept us up to date with the progress and needs! We look forward to building our business relationship with Gary and the firm!
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18 Nov, 2024 by Laura manning johnson
I worked with both Michael Stanley and Gary Damico at WCS. They were so helpful with my complicated estate planning. The outcome was great advice and a will and trust that fit my needs perfectly. Their supporting staff were equally helpful and effective. Highly recommend.
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19 Aug, 2020 by Monica jenifer
21 Jan, 2023 by Christina soles
Highly recommended! This law firm provided me with nothing short of a consistently exceptional client-centered experience. Todd could not have been more professional, yet very personable and attentive to the client’s needs and addressing any concerns. Wonderful results as well as a pleasant experience. Thanks again.
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19 Jun, 2019 by Rahmatullah khaiber
My first meeting with Mr Todd Willson was great, very kind, high quality experienced and obviously a great personality and awesome person every met.
He helped me with my case and provided me with great advice and opinions.
I really appreciate Mr Todd and the Bodie law firm with having very experienced Attorneys.
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25 Jul, 2018 by M g
Great law firm to work with. Wonderful attorneys and trustworthy staff willing to do what it takes to get the job done. I would suggest this firm to anyone looking for a good lawyer.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Jill ortman-fouse
I’ve worked with Robbie Leonard several times now. I highly recommend him. Robbie is fully committed to his clients. He goes above and beyond to be accessible and available, and ensures everyone’s questions are answered clearly and completely.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Eric saul
I wish I could give more than five stars. Robbie Leonard has been truly amazing and generous. He is everything you want in a lawyer: honest, intelligent, well-prepared, and most of all, cares about his clients. I highly recommend his legal expertise and will be happy to discuss my experience in more detail upon request.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Thomas dolan
24 Jan, 2025 by Jill ortman-fouse
I’ve worked with Robbie Leonard several times now. I highly recommend him. Robbie is fully committed to his clients. He goes above and beyond to be accessible and available, and ensures everyone’s questions are answered clearly and completely.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Eric saul
I wish I could give more than five stars. Robbie Leonard has been truly amazing and generous. He is everything you want in a lawyer: honest, intelligent, well-prepared, and most of all, cares about his clients. I highly recommend his legal expertise and will be happy to discuss my experience in more detail upon request.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Thomas dolan
14 Jan, 2025 by Shawn ryan
Rich Grason is hands down one of the most genuine people I've ever met. Great attorney, fights for you to the end. If you're looking for a great lawyer in the Baltimore area, he's your guy!
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27 Apr, 2024 by Clare hopper
Top notch attorneys with high qualifications and expertise. Compassionate professionals who will provide sound counsel for your situation.
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10 Mar, 2024 by Dr.ankush sharma
Mr. Rich Grason is a wonderful, intelligent attorney with excellent trial skills and mitigation qualities. He takes care of you.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Kate kessinger
I used Rebecca Fleming for a most recent case, and I have been working with her for five years now. Divorce is not easy, but when it comes to it, she has it in the best interest of the child, and no matter what the circumstance is when it comes down to it it’s about the child. I have seen her in court And she is extremely professional, very intelligent on point and one of the kindest women I’ve ever met (she listens to you ) but when you need somebody to fight for your children I would highly recommend her. In this position, no matter what it’s difficult for the mother or the father and you need somebody who is direct and knows what they’re doing. I cannot recommend her enough. Five years ago, I was given her contact name from a family member who knows Marilyn lawyers very well, and she was the first person that he said for me to call.
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20 May, 2020 by Lisa perry
Rebecca Fleming and her team were amazing at helping me navigate what was an extremely difficult and painful time. She did her due diligence and ensured that the best interests of my children were at the forefront of every action and decision that was made.
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04 Mar, 2020 by Evan smith
Rebecca and Nicole are fantastic lawyers
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16 Nov, 2024 by Latondria spence
I am absolutely satisfied with the representation provided by Ms. Moylan. Her Paralegal was thorough and personable as was Ms. Moylan. She even reached out to me after the court proceedings were over to ensure that i understood the ruling, to address any concerns and simply to wish me and my family the best! That speaks volumes.
I highly recommend her services.
Thanks again Lauri and Allison🙂
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05 Nov, 2024 by Jamal bacote
Good friend of mines hire ms. Moylan and she had bad communication.i wouldn’t advise her to no one.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Teodora-diana supeanu
Lauri Moylan was so great! She helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life. She was not only my legal support, but also a moral one, being patient and understanding with me and answering all my questions. She understood my situation much better than I did and she acted at the right time for my best options. With her help I got more than I had hoped for. Once again thousands of thanks Laury and Allison!
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08 Feb, 2024 by Kate kessinger
I used Rebecca Fleming for a most recent case, and I have been working with her for five years now. Divorce is not easy, but when it comes to it, she has it in the best interest of the child, and no matter what the circumstance is when it comes down to it it’s about the child. I have seen her in court And she is extremely professional, very intelligent on point and one of the kindest women I’ve ever met (she listens to you ) but when you need somebody to fight for your children I would highly recommend her. In this position, no matter what it’s difficult for the mother or the father and you need somebody who is direct and knows what they’re doing. I cannot recommend her enough. Five years ago, I was given her contact name from a family member who knows Marilyn lawyers very well, and she was the first person that he said for me to call.
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20 May, 2020 by Lisa perry
Rebecca Fleming and her team were amazing at helping me navigate what was an extremely difficult and painful time. She did her due diligence and ensured that the best interests of my children were at the forefront of every action and decision that was made.
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04 Mar, 2020 by Evan smith
Rebecca and Nicole are fantastic lawyers
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08 Feb, 2024 by Kate kessinger
I used Rebecca Fleming for a most recent case, and I have been working with her for five years now. Divorce is not easy, but when it comes to it, she has it in the best interest of the child, and no matter what the circumstance is when it comes down to it it’s about the child. I have seen her in court And she is extremely professional, very intelligent on point and one of the kindest women I’ve ever met (she listens to you ) but when you need somebody to fight for your children I would highly recommend her. In this position, no matter what it’s difficult for the mother or the father and you need somebody who is direct and knows what they’re doing. I cannot recommend her enough. Five years ago, I was given her contact name from a family member who knows Marilyn lawyers very well, and she was the first person that he said for me to call.
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20 May, 2020 by Lisa perry
Rebecca Fleming and her team were amazing at helping me navigate what was an extremely difficult and painful time. She did her due diligence and ensured that the best interests of my children were at the forefront of every action and decision that was made.
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04 Mar, 2020 by Evan smith
Rebecca and Nicole are fantastic lawyers
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08 Feb, 2024 by Kate kessinger
I used Rebecca Fleming for a most recent case, and I have been working with her for five years now. Divorce is not easy, but when it comes to it, she has it in the best interest of the child, and no matter what the circumstance is when it comes down to it it’s about the child. I have seen her in court And she is extremely professional, very intelligent on point and one of the kindest women I’ve ever met (she listens to you ) but when you need somebody to fight for your children I would highly recommend her. In this position, no matter what it’s difficult for the mother or the father and you need somebody who is direct and knows what they’re doing. I cannot recommend her enough. Five years ago, I was given her contact name from a family member who knows Marilyn lawyers very well, and she was the first person that he said for me to call.
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20 May, 2020 by Lisa perry
Rebecca Fleming and her team were amazing at helping me navigate what was an extremely difficult and painful time. She did her due diligence and ensured that the best interests of my children were at the forefront of every action and decision that was made.
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04 Mar, 2020 by Evan smith
Rebecca and Nicole are fantastic lawyers
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08 Feb, 2024 by Kate kessinger
I used Rebecca Fleming for a most recent case, and I have been working with her for five years now. Divorce is not easy, but when it comes to it, she has it in the best interest of the child, and no matter what the circumstance is when it comes down to it it’s about the child. I have seen her in court And she is extremely professional, very intelligent on point and one of the kindest women I’ve ever met (she listens to you ) but when you need somebody to fight for your children I would highly recommend her. In this position, no matter what it’s difficult for the mother or the father and you need somebody who is direct and knows what they’re doing. I cannot recommend her enough. Five years ago, I was given her contact name from a family member who knows Marilyn lawyers very well, and she was the first person that he said for me to call.
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20 May, 2020 by Lisa perry
Rebecca Fleming and her team were amazing at helping me navigate what was an extremely difficult and painful time. She did her due diligence and ensured that the best interests of my children were at the forefront of every action and decision that was made.
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04 Mar, 2020 by Evan smith
Rebecca and Nicole are fantastic lawyers
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08 Feb, 2024 by Kate kessinger
I used Rebecca Fleming for a most recent case, and I have been working with her for five years now. Divorce is not easy, but when it comes to it, she has it in the best interest of the child, and no matter what the circumstance is when it comes down to it it’s about the child. I have seen her in court And she is extremely professional, very intelligent on point and one of the kindest women I’ve ever met (she listens to you ) but when you need somebody to fight for your children I would highly recommend her. In this position, no matter what it’s difficult for the mother or the father and you need somebody who is direct and knows what they’re doing. I cannot recommend her enough. Five years ago, I was given her contact name from a family member who knows Marilyn lawyers very well, and she was the first person that he said for me to call.
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20 May, 2020 by Lisa perry
Rebecca Fleming and her team were amazing at helping me navigate what was an extremely difficult and painful time. She did her due diligence and ensured that the best interests of my children were at the forefront of every action and decision that was made.
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04 Mar, 2020 by Evan smith
Rebecca and Nicole are fantastic lawyers
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15 Oct, 2024 by Aisha taylor
Kathleen Cahill, JD is a brilliant, very experienced, passionate and dedicated labor attorney who I highly recommend to any client needing support for any legal labor matters. She has an impressive fund of current knowledge surrounding all Maryland labor law and is an absolutely impressive advocate. I have worked with her for 4 years and rely on her for all labor/ employment related concerns I have. I cannot say enough positive things about her. I always trust her expertise and guidance and have recommended several clients to her and will continue to do so. Her dedication to ensuring that her clients receive what is fair and equitable under the law is refreshing. Her commitment to her clients is rare. I truly admire her for her integrity, fairness, transparency and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure the best outcomes possible for her clients. She has always impressed with her ability to provide the best clarity surrounding complex labor law and contracts. Again I highly recommend her to anyone needing legal counsel or representation surrounding labor law. If I could give her 10 stars I would :-)
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10 Aug, 2024 by Austin
i wouldn't recommend her. i reach out about hiring her she replied with "i cannot offer to assist you with your matter. I cannot see what meaningful help I could lend under these circumstances" an it was a basic WRONGFUL TERMINATION CASE. which is her thing. didn't wanna help other then giving me a 1 800 number
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08 Jul, 2024 by Dw
I went through a few lawyers who gave me questionable advices before I came across Kathleen. First of all, she's working directly on my case, not other junior assistants. Second, Kathleen is not only very experienced and knowledgeable about the law, but most importantly, she's consultative and able to advice each step along the way. What's the strategy? What to say/do in what situation? You simply do not get this level of attention and support in other places.
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16 May, 2024 by Jessie gaul
Dealing with HOA fees owed (so I see in other reviews with similar experiences, so no wonder these people are miserable).
Lied about offering me a payment plan, all my letters state the payment must be received in FULL but yet now that the balance is astronomical they offer a payment plan.
Both the women in the office have vile attitudes while lying about Richard Drury not being available to speak. Richard Drury himself only further the lies and nasty attitude.
Stay away from these people. They don’t care about anything except money.
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27 Nov, 2023 by Kim thornton
20 Jul, 2023 by Rick harper
Alex is one great lawyer and person. Helped me an my family through the entire estate settlement with expertise and kindness. Thanks again Alex!
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28 May, 2024 by Adam hoffman
Working with Jill was an exceptional experience. She was everything one could ask for in an attorney: professional, detailed oriented, and very timely when responding to any questions we had. She gracefully walked us through the entire process, and we couldn't be more grateful. Thank you, Jill!
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26 Oct, 2023 by Jordan mcneeley
Jill is simply incredible. This was my first time speaking with a lawyer about my mother's estate and she made me feel very comfortable and at ease like I was in great hands. I was so impressed with how quickly Jill was able to get me a "Living Estate Deed" in order to avoid probate with my mother's house before she passed. She also was able to give me more advice on the rest of my mother's estate as well that I should look out for such as scammers that might call. She was extremely professional, knowledgeable, empathetic, and kind. I will be recommending to her everyone I know who needs similar services. Thanks, Jill!
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29 Aug, 2023 by Arsalan butt
Spoke to Jen, most rude person!! Will not recommend this place to anyone!!
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05 May, 2019 by Bigbill
I found Mr Fradkin very personal, professional and productive in collecting debts for me. Mike's legal knowledge and application was extremely effective in helping me manage my accounts receivable. I give him 5+ stars!
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02 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Made an appointment for bankruptcy consultation last May, I showed up at my scheduled time, only to find no one expecting me! Apparently Mr. Fradkin was out to lunch and there were no other lawyers available to help me, the secretary/ paralegals were rude and insisted I was wrong despite me having a voicemail on my phone with the appointment confirmation. Aside from the condescending staff, the office is disorganized and filthy! Every desk within eyesight was cluttered with stacks of papers, files, and other stuff; with such a disorganized mess I have no idea how they keep track of anything and I definitely would never hire him after this experience!
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29 Jun, 2016 by Neil
Mr. Beach has been representing my office in Workers' Compensation cases. As a healthcare provider I interact with many Workers' Compensation lawyers. Jim represents my office because he gets results. Insurance companies often try to avoid payment on healthcare bills. Mr. Beach has dong a great job of getting them to pay. He has also represented my patients in Workers' Comp and auto accident cases. I have never heard a complaints about him. I highly recommend him.
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06 Aug, 2013 by Kasey
Mr. Beach Represented me very well. He always returned my calls and was even a source of comfort when I felt like the "system" was being unfair. He has gotten my hearing in a more than timely fashion and has represented me and my case with the utmost care. I WOULD recommend him to any one of my friends or family.
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30 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
I would not recommend this attorney. I think his priorites are elsewhere, and his only focus is how quick he can get his clients to settle their case so he can make a quick profit. Very pushy when he thinks your case, and your medical treatment{s} are not going as well as he thinks they should. In other words, he is very inpatient if he thinks your case and your healing from an accident/injury is taking too long. He asked many times if i was ready to go to settlement yet, which i thought was out of character, because i always thought a lawyer was supposed to have your best interest and trust at heart. You will not find that with this particular attorney. Also, he would always ask me to refer "New" clients/friends in his direction, which i didnt deem appropriate.
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27 Oct, 2024 by Shannen cochraham
Had a debt close over $5k (Lendmark). Fradkin & Weber took me to court with a decision favoring them- as it should. I attempted to comply with the decision by completing my interrogatory ON TIME but reaching out to work out a payment plan. The paralegal I talked to (name starts with a G) told me to include the payment offer in the interrogatory. I also asked that they email me back for confirmation of receipt and whether the payment plan worked. I emailed the address given to me by the paralegal AND receptionist. I never heard back and even followed up (email and phone). Every time I called, I was left on hold for about 15-30 minutes. When G finally answered, I was met with nasty energy and replies. She claimed it was never emailed and they went ahead with pushing for bank freezes and garnishments even though I was clearly trying to pay. The only way they were able to get my bank information and my new employer was from the interrogatory! It wasn't until over a month later that I learned they rejected my payment plan and the only reason I learned this was because I called to ask why their motioning for a freeze and garnishment if I presented a payment plan (they rejected it but didn't feel the need to communicate their decision). Then G denied all the information she told me in our phone conversations and that I didn’t attempt to work with them.
Fast forward I emailed the lawyer with an offer to pay the whole debt under certain conditions and then all of a sudden, the email worked and they were able to communicate. Even in the settlement agreement sent, they tried to throw some shady wording in it. I filed a complaint with Maryland’s Attorney Grievance Commission and used all records of communication as evidence of their misconduct and malicious actions. It wasn’t until I mentioned the complaint that they were better, but I still didn’t trust them with any bank information. I made a payment directly with Lendmark because I truly believed if I made a payment to this law firm, they would have lied about receiving it.
My suggestion is to keep all documentation of communication and if you feel their conduct is unprofessional and malicious, file a complaint. The system is in their favor (the lawyer lied on his letter about dates and communication between us and they took his word over my records) but maybe someone in the MD bar will eventually have morals and old them accountable.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Jennifer barajas
Fradkin & Weber pa need to be investigated ASAP. They continue to come for me for a 10 year old loan from 2014 for the amount of $5k which I have paid back almost $20k total up to date and it is not making any sense. I took a $5k loan out in 2014 made payments on time up until I had a financial hardship in 2016. In 2017 I woke up to frozen bank accounts and a Garnishment order from the courts. First time hearing about them. Fradkin & Weber pa Never reached out prior, to try to come to an agreement to pay off the balance. From 2017 to 2018 they were garnishing my checks until I stopped working at that Job leaving a balance of $1,700. Never heard from them until 2019 when they took me back to court. I showed up to court and they did not. Never heard from them again until 2022 when I received a new garnishment order from the courts but I was no longer working at that employer. In 2023 I receive another garnishment order for almost another $7k.(wished the courts would work as hard on child support cases as they do cases like this one) They have been successfully garnishing my checks since the summer of 2023 and till this date still are. I called today requesting copies of all the payments that have been taken since the 1st garnishment and they said they send out monthly statements and will not send my request. I explained i have not received their monthly statements and even then I was still told NO and repeated that they send monthly statements. How do I not have a right to see the amount of payments that have been made by me to them? I have no issues paying back what I owe and then some but at this point i feel as they are taking full advantage of me not questioning them. But now I have tons of questions that need Answers. And from all the other reviews and reviews on the BBB site this company has no issues taking full advantage of people who don't speak up and allow it like
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07 Sep, 2023 by Danielle r
Rude! Cold hearted
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27 Jan, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr. Bodie, is very passive as for a family law lawyer. To be honest, he was a fill-in for my lawyer that was on leave. Family law may not be his field, but I was very disappointed with his performance, for being the main Partner of his firm. He was not prepared to defend me. Therefore, I had to settle for less.
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19 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I met with her to discuss how to set up my estate so as to minimize the expense and difficulty to my heirs of distributing it after my death. She pushed me away from establishing a living trust (from the start of the interview, without fully understanding my situation; when that's exactly what such a trust is for). She encouraged me to put all my assets into the will rather than simply designating beneficiaries where possible, such as for mutual fund accounts, using the argument that it would be easier to modify the will if I needed to change the beneficiary designations (which would require a lawyer) than to manage the beneficiary designations which would only require about 20 minutes for me to log on to the various web sites and would cost me nothing. From my own later research, I believe the fee for handling the estate would be capped at a certain percentage of the value of the estate, so that by distributing assets directly, an estate lawyer's potential fee would be significantly reduced. Finally (and notwithstanding an hour spent with me to understand my situation and goals), she refused to estimate a range of costs for handling the estate. She first answered my question on cost by quoting only the court fees for probate. When I asked whether those included lawyer's fees and was told no, she said "there's no way to know" what the fee would be. I suspect that when one does estate planning for a living and is holding in one's hand a list of the assets that comprise the estate, then yes, it is in fact possible to estimate a range of costs. So in all I got very little value out of the several hundred dollars charged for the consultation.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Fedlaire
Raping the Baltimore area out of its rightfully home, this law firm purposely misguide the court to
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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.
