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23 Nov, 2015 by Rodney class
I am very surprised to the Amicus brief that Miss Amunson and his Circuit Court appointed team put together. Her brief supported my argument that the district court in DC rejected. Her facts and understanding of the facts was the same facts and conclusion that I placed before the district court in DC but also in front of the Circuit Court in DC.
Miss Amunson and is Appointed Team has shown that there are some honest lawyer who maybe willing to support a non- lawyer if the Right arguments by that person showing valid merit in there own defense and when the Fed. PD office refuses to back a proper and valid defense which allow his client to be falsely charged.
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15 Mar, 2012 by Steve
Deepak has represented the advocacy group where I work (as a litigator) on several occasions, and I've worked with him on a couple of other appellate amicus curiae briefs.
Each time, my experience has been excellent--he has great analytical skills and fantastic legal acumen.
I look forward to working with him in the future, and heartily recommend him to anyone needing an appellate advocate.
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06 Mar, 2023 by Kris
Steve genuinely cares about people. He is a great listener first and gives great advice. He represented my wife in the past and now he is representing me. Consider yourself blessed if you meet him. He makes his clients feel comfortable.
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26 May, 2010 by Stuart
Peter Grenier,
I have used over a dozen different attorney's over the past 20 years and finally I found the best! This man is to be feared! Peter slaughtered my last opponent who unrightfully attempted to sue me. I just called him again today over another pending issue and I can't wait to see him in action. I almost feel bad for any one who goes up against him, but I'll get over it when I'm counting my money!
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21 Feb, 2018 by Russbusby
If you are looking for an Attorney that has your best interest at all times during your case. Look no further because Mr. Cammarata is who you want leading you through the craziness court cases can be. He has the experience of arguing before the Supreme Court to handling smaller cases like a pedestrian being hit by a taxi cab. Is involved with his community volunteering and organizing blood drives, & was one of the first Attorney's who became concerned with youth athletics and concussions giving a caring voice to his own community. When I think about what I had to go through with my accident, I feel so very lucky and fortunate that Mr. Cammarata took on my case. I can't thank him enough.
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06 Aug, 2016 by Bobby
Sean took on what appeared to be an impossible case to win because of lies told to grand jury and won it by getting to the truth and allowing witnesses to discredit themselves. He is soft spoken, dignified and confident. He won over the jury which found Mr. M. not guilty of all charges.
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24 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
After meeting with several prospective attorneys, I retained Matt to defend me in a multiple-count white collar federal criminal case, and his stellar performance was the critical factor in convincing a federal judge to dismiss all the charges, thus sparing me from the time and expense of undergoing a lengthy jury trial.
Matt possesses all of the key traits of a successful trial lawyer. He’s a skillful and persuasive orator at court. He’s very detail-oriented, and didn’t hesitate to dive into all the nitty-gritty specifics needed to fully understand my case. He set aside extra time to listen to my perspective. He is an expert drafter, and all of his court filings were clear and comprehensive. He knows the law, and takes the time to research case law so that nothing falls through the cracks.
My case was highly complex, and involved tens of thousands of pages of government discovery. Matt used his unique ability to digest a huge volume of materials and quickly hone in on the issues that mattered the most. Because of his efforts, we were always one step ahead of the experienced team of federal prosecutors lined up against me, and this proved critical to our successful defense.
Finally, it was clear that Matt genuinely cares about each of his clients, and is willing to make sacrifices to achieve the best possible outcome for them. Matt has earned my highest possible recommendation. Thanks!!
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19 Aug, 2024 by Kristofer
Answered all my questions in a timely manner and was very helpful. Recommended to all
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01 Aug, 2024 by Mary tromblee
I went into this law firm as a client but during the time that they managed my legal needs, they became friends. The attorneys shared everything about my case during the process. Any questions or concerns were quickly answered. I have an unmeasurable amount of respect and caring for this firm. The attorneys at this firm care about women and women’s rights. I recommend this firm unconditionally, and you will not be disappointed with the service this firm delivers!!!
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16 Apr, 2024 by S
Attorney Dan is very knowledgeable in employment law.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Kathryn spletstoser
This is the best law firm I’ve ever worked with. They are experts in employment law, take difficult cases, and succeed where others don’t. They are diligent, work as an integrated team, and focus on taking care of their clients. They are the ultimate law professionals. I highly recommend this phenomenal team!
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03 Sep, 2024 by Olayinka ogbola
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your invaluable assistance in securing the return of the earnest money deposit. Your dedication, expertise, and commitment to my case were evident throughout the entire process, and I truly appreciate your efforts in achieving this positive outcome.
Your guidance made a significant difference, and I am grateful for the time and effort you put into resolving this matter. I couldn't have done this without your support, and I feel fortunate to have had you representing me.
Thank you once again for your outstanding service. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you again in the future, should the need arise.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Lion8584
My family and I were frantically looking for a lawyer to handle our case, to which we looked at our insurance policy and called the referenced list; of three lawyers, Inna was the only one who answered. Inna was very friendly from the moment she said "hello" and knowledgeable in the particular matter we had discussed. Inna provided suggestions, that were extremely helpful, and followed up promptly while working with our insurance company. During the few conversations held, Inna was attentively and patiently listening to the details of the situation. And, yes, I know she's 'paid' to do that, but you can tell a genuine person from one who cares about business and money first, rather than people first, like Inna. While we had to ultimately part ways, from our limited experience with Inna, and not haven't spoken with a lawyer previously (on any occasion), I would heavily suggest reaching out to Inna. Inna was gracious and wished us well for our future. It was wholesome.
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28 Jun, 2023 by Gabrielle best husband
I first met Attorney Brady as a volunteer for Christian Legal Aid of DC. Attorney Brady was committed, dedicated, and passionate. Attorney Brady later worked closely with me on a case and her client-centric approach to law was inspiring. Attorney Brady is detailed, thorough, and passionate about supporting her clients on their legal journeys. A zealous advocate, Attorney Brady maintains her integrity and always takes the time to listen to her clients, and to explain each step of the legal process. If you are looking for an attorney who is committed, passionate, and listens - Attorney Brady is an excellent choice.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Kala spriggs
Sean was absolutely amazing. I suffered a personal injury from a slip & fall accident and hired Sean to represent me. From the hospital bed to settlement mediation, Sean was informative & constantly communicated updates throughout the process. His knowledge and experience in personal injury litigation resulted in beyond satisfactory compensation for my injury. I highly recommend you hire him to represent you if you fall victim to an unfortunate accident.
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22 Feb, 2017 by Daniel rudy
Sean Farrelly is the lawyer you want on your side when you've got legal issues. We had some recently & he got us off the hook, with minimal damage. He gave us a clear idea of what we had to do & what the likely outcome would be. And that's what happened. He always kept us informed of pre & post trial issues. Simply the best!
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31 Dec, 2016 by Annie
Sean Farrelly is an outstanding attorney. In my initial phone consultation with him he was EXTREMELY thorough and patient. I went with my intuition and retained him as my lawyer. I could not have been more pleased with his services. He went above and beyond any expectations. In addition to his vast knowledge of law, he is energetic and passionate about his work. He possesses a warm personality that made me feel comfortable every step of the way. I could not have asked for a better outcome for my case, or a better experience in a less that ideal situation. I highly recommend his services!
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01 Feb, 2024 by Kala spriggs
Sean was absolutely amazing. I suffered a personal injury from a slip & fall accident and hired Sean to represent me. From the hospital bed to settlement mediation, Sean was informative & constantly communicated updates throughout the process. His knowledge and experience in personal injury litigation resulted in beyond satisfactory compensation for my injury. I highly recommend you hire him to represent you if you fall victim to an unfortunate accident.
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22 Feb, 2017 by Daniel rudy
Sean Farrelly is the lawyer you want on your side when you've got legal issues. We had some recently & he got us off the hook, with minimal damage. He gave us a clear idea of what we had to do & what the likely outcome would be. And that's what happened. He always kept us informed of pre & post trial issues. Simply the best!
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31 Dec, 2016 by Annie
Sean Farrelly is an outstanding attorney. In my initial phone consultation with him he was EXTREMELY thorough and patient. I went with my intuition and retained him as my lawyer. I could not have been more pleased with his services. He went above and beyond any expectations. In addition to his vast knowledge of law, he is energetic and passionate about his work. He possesses a warm personality that made me feel comfortable every step of the way. I could not have asked for a better outcome for my case, or a better experience in a less that ideal situation. I highly recommend his services!
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07 Jan, 2025 by Heather r morgan
As my attorney, Eugene has had both incredible attention to detail and out-of-box creative thinking, which was invaluable throughout my case. He is a wizard with the sentencing guidelines calculations, and other attorneys also recognize this.
I hired him after firing my previous attorney, and he did not disappoint in our high-profile federal case surrounding the Bitfinex Hack. Hiring Eugene was one of the best decisions of my life. He goes above and beyond to get results, and genuinely cares about his clients as people. Cannot recommend him enough. If you have a federal case with Main Justice (in DC), or elsewhere in the area, Eugene Gorokhov is without a doubt your guy.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Christopher mutimer
Charles Burnham is an excellent Federal Trial Attorney. You are in excellent hands here.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Jon sheldon
Fantastic attorneys, very knowledgeable and care strongly about their clients.
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23 May, 2022 by Shailesh kulkarni
Denis Mitchell and his team are honest and competent. They reviewed our medical case in detail and recommended the best path forward.
There are a lot of law firms out there, but we are glad to have worked with Denis.
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13 Sep, 2019 by Amy beers
This is law firm is very dedicated to their clients and I recommend them highly. A family member had a very difficult case and I honestly didn't think there was much they could do to help. Dani, Lauren and Wendy were absolutely amazing, they worked hard and responded faster than I could have ever anticipated and won our case! Words cannot express my gratitude for these three and this firm for what they gave back to our family!
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12 Sep, 2019 by Rosemary rhew
Best lawyers around
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23 May, 2022 by Shailesh kulkarni
Denis Mitchell and his team are honest and competent. They reviewed our medical case in detail and recommended the best path forward.
There are a lot of law firms out there, but we are glad to have worked with Denis.
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13 Sep, 2019 by Amy beers
This is law firm is very dedicated to their clients and I recommend them highly. A family member had a very difficult case and I honestly didn't think there was much they could do to help. Dani, Lauren and Wendy were absolutely amazing, they worked hard and responded faster than I could have ever anticipated and won our case! Words cannot express my gratitude for these three and this firm for what they gave back to our family!
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12 Sep, 2019 by Rosemary rhew
Best lawyers around
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02 Apr, 2018 by Bernette mckenzie
Amazing
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30 Jan, 2025 by Sandeep giri
Very positive experience with Lisa S & Hayden H. They're responsive, experienced, and caring. Highly recommend their firm.
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06 Jan, 2025 by Sammy romeo
So for everyone I have talked to has been friendly and professional.
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04 Jan, 2025 by John johnson
30 Jan, 2025 by Sandeep giri
Very positive experience with Lisa S & Hayden H. They're responsive, experienced, and caring. Highly recommend their firm.
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06 Jan, 2025 by Sammy romeo
So for everyone I have talked to has been friendly and professional.
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04 Jan, 2025 by John johnson
03 Dec, 2024 by Chandler h
They were well organized and incredibly experienced in dealing with government security processes. I am incredibly glad that they were recommended to me. I felt like they truly cared about the success of my case. They took the time to understand me and why this case was so important to me. They were able to offer insight that I was never given from a previous firm. They understand their expertise and what I as a non-lawyer need to know and how best to relay that information. They were patient and responsive and I am so happy we were able to work together. Highly recommend!
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22 Nov, 2024 by M g (mg)
Carl, I am writing tonight to express my appreciation of National Security Law Firm's expertise in defending people in the position I found myself in. I cannot help but to admit that I found myself really low in spirit as my whole livelihood was at stake. I took many abuses at work. However, on a lighter note, I just found out today, that I just got my clearance back. I owe it all to National Security Clearance Law Firm. Please, please extend my gratitude to your colleagues that worked my case. There is really no way to know how to navigate the various beauracracies that you have to deal with. I would call your law firm in a heartbeat if I ever have any issue again.
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14 Nov, 2024 by Stephanie
Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for the assistance that Mr. O’Brien and his team have provided me. Recently, I had to appeal a revocation of my security clearance and so I scheduled a consultation with Mr. O’Brien. After having talked to two attorneys prior, Mr. O’Brien impressed me the most, not only with his knowledge but also with the compassion he shared for my particular situation. My decision was made on the spot to retain National Security Law Firm for my case. Over the last few months I have worked with Janet Schnell, who assisted with obtaining necessary information for my appeal, and Luke Rose, who finalized the masterpiece. All communications were professional and Janet was always available to answer any and all questions that I had during the process. I can happily say that my appeal was approved and I could not have done it without them. If you’re looking for assistance, National Security Law Firm should be your number one choice!
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19 Dec, 2024 by Lovell djieya
Best Law Firm I know!!!! Always willing to help!!. Magnificent results whether it is Personal injury, criminal or family law
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12 Dec, 2024 by Proud to be clothing company
Dave went above and beyond on so many levels to get the job done! Dave is there when you need him most and will pull through time and time again! I would highly recommend!!
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10 Dec, 2024 by Dennis rivera
I love PB! High quality service.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Lovell djieya
Best Law Firm I know!!!! Always willing to help!!. Magnificent results whether it is Personal injury, criminal or family law
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12 Dec, 2024 by Proud to be clothing company
Dave went above and beyond on so many levels to get the job done! Dave is there when you need him most and will pull through time and time again! I would highly recommend!!
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10 Dec, 2024 by Dennis rivera
I love PB! High quality service.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Nikhil sangale
13 Dec, 2024 by Joeann shaw
I’m so grateful I find Atty Pratibha Agarwal and her team. They help you a lot regarding immigration issues. They explain, and giving you advises what’s the best! I’m overwhelmed! More power to your firm and Thank you very much! God bless
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23 Sep, 2024 by Sonia rajput
20 Oct, 2023 by Sherry gold
After searching for and meeting with Patrick Malone and Daniel Scialpi, my husband and I knew we were in great hands. When my husband asked why we should choose his law firm, Pat responded “because I will win your case.” Their confidence, expertise and ethical standards are exceptional.
I was so impressed when they set up focus groups to look for strengths and weaknesses in my case to make sure that every angle was covered. Everything was done with highest level of skill and integrity.
There were difficult personal moments during the course of my litigation and Pat, Daniel and Heather couldn’t have been more caring and empathetic.
They are trustworthy and extremely professional and I would recommend them highly to anyone in need of their services. I am truly grateful for their representation and very successful results.
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04 Oct, 2023 by Black magic
23 Sep, 2023 by B g
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Al Clarke for several years while the office of Patrick Malone & Associates handled a complex medical malpractice case for my father.
Despite being faced with the unprecedented challenges of litigating during the Covid-19 pandemic, Al’s patience and tenacity were unwavering.
It was a long road, but Al was certainly the best travel partner anyone could ask for. I will forever appreciate his kindness, as well as the level of commitment he showed towards my family.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Sonja pohl
My settlement check arrived today and I will be eternally grateful to The Law Office of Leah Durant, her associates and staff for the efficient way they handled my case.
I would like to commend them for keeping me informed and making me aware of any new information. Anytime I talked to anyone in their office they were professional, pleasant, helpful, informative and made me feel valued.
As soon as the case was closed and the settlement was made available to them, they immediately sent it to me.
I would highly recommend them as they made everything easy and got results beyond my expectations.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Elaine phelan
we used Leah Durant to represent my husbands vaccine claim and can not say enough about the services we received from her and her wonderful staff and we had a great outcome would highly recommend 5 star ten out of ten Sean and Elaine
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01 Oct, 2024 by Deane southworth
Leah and her staff are amazing at what they do! This is not the sort of injury you would give to a typical injury lawyer. They walked me through the process and kept me informed the entire way, best of all the entire award for my injury was all mine! the government pays the attorney fees directly.
I would highly recommend Leah's firm to anyone who is unfortunate enough to get a vaccine injury! They will make the process easiest part of the injury.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Dionne bryant
So far this has been a frustrating experience. I constantly have to call for a follow up and promised someone will call but they never do that also includes emails. I asked for my retainer fees payments back and have not heard back…
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23 Jan, 2025 by Chris
I had a very positive and productive conversation with Mr. Hudson. I couldn’t be more pleased. He was very knowledgeable and listened to me. Mr. Hudson was very easy to talk to and had a very pleasant demeanor. We came up with a clear path to attain my goal, and I am certainly excited that the firm is representing me.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Donna blackledge
I spoke with Nora and she is amazing and I recommended her to my daughter and would recommend her over and over.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Dionne bryant
So far this has been a frustrating experience. I constantly have to call for a follow up and promised someone will call but they never do that also includes emails. I asked for my retainer fees payments back and have not heard back…
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23 Jan, 2025 by Chris
I had a very positive and productive conversation with Mr. Hudson. I couldn’t be more pleased. He was very knowledgeable and listened to me. Mr. Hudson was very easy to talk to and had a very pleasant demeanor. We came up with a clear path to attain my goal, and I am certainly excited that the firm is representing me.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Donna blackledge
I spoke with Nora and she is amazing and I recommended her to my daughter and would recommend her over and over.
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05 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
The Loeb Award is given for excellence in pro bono work for the Arts by the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts.
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23 May, 2012 by Anonymous
Mary Ann represented me in a case against a large corporation, and thanks to her, the case was eventually settled in my favor.
When it comes to intellectual property, copyright and trademark, Mary Ann stands as an authority. She's knowledgeable, confident and smart.
Mary Ann possesses other strong attributes. She listens well and easily assimilated my case history with all its complexity. She explains things well and always let me know the best and worst case scenarios as we moved forward. What I appreciated most, however, was that I always felt that Mary Ann was truly on my side.
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28 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
I had known Attorney Mcgrail for a number of years, first as a fellow volunteer at a non-profit organization where I continue to appreciate and value her commitment to a worthy cause. It was in this context that I first divulged information about a stressful situation regarding an incompatible roommate who was attempting to evict me with insufficiently timed, improper notice. Since I had immediate need of legal counsel, and since Ms. Mcgrail is licensed to practice in Maryland as well as Washington, D.C., she offered to help. Her advice was sound and given the fact that she does not specialize in cases of this nature, I was impressed with the versatility of both her knowledge and skills. Even in the most emotionally wrought moments of my dilemma, she was calm, professional, and at the same time, compassionate. Her advice was sound; decisions not to take action were just as effective as the actions she did take. She reviewed letters and forms I submitted and was instrumental in resolving the case without going to court. Telephone calls were returned promptly. One thing that impressed me the most was her response to detailed voicemail. On a day in which my situation changed dramatically over the course of a couple of hours, I called twice, once to ask Mary Ann Mcgrail to place a call on my behalf, and then, later, to request that she not place that call. Because she listened to all her messages before taking action, I was able to avoid a potentially difficult turn of events. I managed to make peace with my roommate until I had sufficient time to find a more suitable, new home. I remain grateful and urge you to consider hiring Ms. Mcgrail.
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12 Oct, 2009 by Kassie
John has helped me on 2 separate ocassions, and has saved me money (after paying his fees) on both. He was quick to understand the issues and champion the cause.
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14 May, 2013 by Virginia
Ten years ago,my landlord tried to implement an illegal rental increase on my unit,and I sought assistance from attorney,Ronald Gilchrist. No only did his advice save me from eviction,but I currently reside at that property,defeating all of the court motions filed against me by the landlord with the knowledge of the law I acquired from attorney Gilchrist. He is a God send to anyone needing legal advice,the most brilliant legal mind I have ever encountered, and a really nice person.
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31 Mar, 2016 by Gary
If you need a personal injury lawyer hire this an. My settlement for my case was life changing. IF you listen to Mr. Williams and follow his directions he will get you the highest possible settlement for your case. You will also feel like he is your best friend. Gary D.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Civil Rights Lawyer Can Do for You
A civil rights lawyer focuses on protecting individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated by government authorities, employers, or private organizations. These lawyers specialize in cases involving discrimination, police misconduct, freedom of speech, and other fundamental rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution and civil rights laws, such as the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Fair Housing Act.
Whether you've been discriminated against due to race, gender, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics, or you believe your civil rights have been violated by a government entity, a civil rights lawyer can help you seek justice, hold wrongdoers accountable, and secure compensation for any harm you've suffered.
When Should I Hire a Civil Rights Lawyer?
You should hire a civil rights lawyer when your constitutional rights or other protected rights have been violated, and you need legal assistance to seek justice. Some key situations in which you may need a civil rights lawyer include:
- Employment discrimination: If you have faced discrimination at work based on race, gender, age, religion, national origin, or disability, a civil rights lawyer can help you file claims under laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Police misconduct or brutality: If you were the victim of police brutality, unlawful arrest, racial profiling, or other forms of misconduct, a lawyer can help you file a lawsuit for violations of your Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
- Freedom of speech or assembly violations: If your First Amendment rights to free speech or peaceful assembly have been restricted by the government, a civil rights lawyer can represent you in challenging the violation.
- Housing discrimination: If you’ve been denied housing or faced unfair treatment due to your race, ethnicity, gender, or disability, a lawyer can help you file a complaint under the Fair Housing Act.
- Voter rights violations: If you believe your right to vote has been unfairly suppressed or you’ve faced discrimination in the voting process, a civil rights lawyer can help you fight for your rights.
- Disability rights violations: If you’ve faced discrimination in accessing public spaces, employment, or services due to a disability, a lawyer can help enforce your rights under the ADA.
- LGBTQ+ rights violations: If you've experienced discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, or public services, a civil rights lawyer can help you pursue legal remedies.
Hiring a lawyer early on can help you understand your legal options and build a strong case to protect your rights.
What Does a Civil Rights Lawyer Do?
A civil rights lawyer provides legal representation and advocacy to individuals whose rights have been violated. Their work can include:
- Filing lawsuits: A civil rights lawyer can represent you in court by filing lawsuits against individuals, businesses, or government entities that violated your rights.
- Advocating for policy changes: Civil rights lawyers often engage in advocacy work, pushing for reforms to laws and policies that infringe upon people's rights.
- Representing clients in discrimination claims: These lawyers help clients file claims with federal or state agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- Negotiating settlements: In many cases, civil rights lawyers work to negotiate settlements for their clients before a case goes to trial, securing compensation for damages such as lost wages, emotional distress, or legal fees.
- Defending freedom of expression: Lawyers may represent clients whose rights to free speech, assembly, or protest were violated by government restrictions or other actions.
- Handling appeals: If your civil rights case has been decided but you wish to appeal the ruling, a civil rights lawyer can help you through the appeals process.
How Are Civil Rights Lawyers Paid?
Civil rights lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Contingency fee: Many civil rights lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Their fee is typically a percentage (usually 25% to 40%) of the settlement or damages awarded.
- Hourly rate: For cases that require extensive legal research or litigation, some lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Pro bono or sliding scale: Some civil rights lawyers or organizations may work on a pro bono (free) basis or use a sliding fee scale for clients who cannot afford typical legal fees.
- Flat fee: In specific cases, a lawyer may charge a flat fee for services like drafting legal documents or filing a complaint.
It’s important to clarify the fee structure during your initial consultation to avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does a Civil Rights Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a civil rights lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the type of legal issue. General cost estimates include:
- Contingency fee cases: For cases taken on a contingency basis, the lawyer’s fee will typically range from 25% to 40% of the settlement or judgment awarded.
- Hourly rates: Many civil rights lawyers charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For straightforward legal tasks, such as filing a complaint with a government agency or drafting legal documents, flat fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Pro bono work: Some civil rights lawyers or nonprofit organizations provide free legal representation in certain cases involving important constitutional or civil rights issues.
Be sure to ask for a detailed estimate of costs during your consultation to understand the financial commitment involved.
Top Questions to Ask a Civil Rights Lawyer
Before hiring a civil rights lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with civil rights cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it’s employment discrimination, police misconduct, or First Amendment violations. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, hourly rate, or flat fee, and ask for an estimate of the total cost of your case. -
What is the likelihood of success for my case?
Ask the lawyer to provide an honest assessment of your case, including the strengths, weaknesses, and potential outcomes. -
Have you handled cases like mine before?
Inquire about the lawyer’s experience in cases with similar facts and legal issues. -
What is the timeline for resolving my case?
While exact timelines can vary, ask for an estimate of how long your case may take, from filing to resolution. -
Will you handle my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may work on parts of your case, so it’s important to know who will handle your legal matter directly.
How to Check the Credibility of a Civil Rights Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable civil rights lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no disciplinary actions against them.
- Look for specific civil rights experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in civil rights law and have a history of handling cases like yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who can speak to their experience with civil rights cases.
- Check for advocacy or nonprofit work: Lawyers involved with civil rights organizations, such as the ACLU or NAACP Legal Defense Fund, may have a strong reputation in the civil rights legal community.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a civil rights lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- A detailed account of the violation: Provide a written summary of the events, including dates, times, and any people involved in the violation of your rights.
- Documentation and evidence: Bring any supporting documentation, such as emails, letters, photos, or video footage that may help prove the violation of your rights.
- Records of complaints or reports: If you’ve filed complaints with a government agency or reported the violation, bring copies of those documents.
- List of questions: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes of your case.
- Information on damages or harm: Be prepared to discuss the harm you’ve suffered due to the violation, such as emotional distress, financial loss, or physical injury.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your case more effectively and get the best possible legal advice on how to proceed.
