Lawyers map
>11
experienced lawyers
Filter by
15 Dec, 2023 by Rigo grimaldo
On my way
Read more
04 Oct, 2022 by Debbie winkler
After going through two other lawyers who were no good, I found Ryan and he was amazing! He was very attentive, easy to reach, a good listener and good counselor, and just a great person that you can trust. I’m a small business owner and I’m glad I have Ryan as my lawyer. I know he has my best interest at hand, is very honest and forthcoming. 100% recommend him and his practice.
Read more
08 Mar, 2022 by Mike kadich
My name is Mike Kadich and I own The Son's Group insurance agency. I've been using Mr. Van Osdol and Business Law Group LLC for the past couple years on multiple business matters.. Recently the firm helped us through a shareholder dispute in which we were completely satisfied with the results. Ryan shows patience, transparency, along with an ability to educate you on any business situation or concern you come across. I've also referred his law firm to other businesses that utilize his services today. . I would recommend Ryan to any sized business.
Read more
16 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. LaScola was professional from the first moment that I reached out to him. He made efforts to keep me informed of all of the steps that he took to make sure that my case was handled in the best way. At no point did he leave room for doubt that I had made a mistake in retaining his services.
Read more
08 Nov, 2018 by T - forever appreciative
You messed up but relief is nearby. You want an expert who will also listen to you, explain the situation and your options and put you in the best situation for a positive outcome. Martin is your guy. After you hire him when you are going through waves of freaking out you can come to Avvo and re-read the 100+ positive comments (I've read them all for comfort 8 times by now) and know you've done all you can to help your situation.
I put myself in a tough situation. I went out for a few drinks, nothing egregious but when I was leaving a parking lot I goosed it around a corner and squeeled my tires. I was pulled over and declined to talk the the officers about where I was that evening or participate in any sobriety tests. The prosecutors for DUI trials in Lake county are farmed out to a private firm and the state's firm sent their #1 top guy. Martin got us a Not Guilty on DUI and Reckless driving, and a modest fine and court supervision for squealing tires. Martin went head-to-head with the state's top dui prosecutor and left him noticeably pissed while we walked out with a huge W.
You'll be comforted by his understanding of Lake county courts and procedures. He will listen to you. We worked together to craft a defense and no point anything that I thought important was left unconsidered.
Even though my case hit a complication and dragged on a bit his flat rate fees were clear fair. Quite honestly they were about 75% of what I expected and was willing to pay for a proven winner.
He's super busy but will always make time for you. Most importantly, he's a genuinely good guy.
There's a reason for Martin's top rating. Do yourself a favor and pick the best. Get the free consult and make your own choice. It's hard to put a price in peace of mind. If you've read this, you've been informed. Unless you have another proven rockstar at your disposal to consider I strongly advise you to go with Martin.
Read more
13 Dec, 2024 by Stephen collera
Ben was recommended by our Real Estate Agent and we were very satisfied with his team and quality of service. I especially appreciated Ben's time in person when he carefully walked us through documents and answered questions. His calming tone of voice and overall demeanor is a testament to his character and values. Thank you, 23 Legal!
Read more
25 Nov, 2024 by Spencer bain
I chose Tom as my USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association) representative to ensure I’d have expert support as a firearm owner if needed. Years after our initial consultation and retainer payment, I encountered a situation that concerned me and could have potentially escalated into a more serious issue. Late on a Friday evening, I left him a voicemail, not expecting a response until the following week. To my surprise, he returned my call that same evening, addressing my concerns promptly and reassuring me that the issue was manageable.
By Monday, as he predicted, the matter was resolved, and my worries proved to be unfounded. While I can’t delve into the details of the legal concern, what stood out was Tom’s expertise in evaluating the situation and his accurate assessment of its likely outcome. His professionalism and swift action gave me immense peace of mind during a stressful time.
Now, one word of caution: as a client, I started receiving some really interesting articles from Tom's practice—on topics spanning all aspects of his practice. Most weren’t from Tom directly but from others in his firm. One day, my wife stormed in, furious, holding my phone like it was evidence in a courtroom. “Why,” she demanded, “are there emails about divorce in your inbox?” Now, we have a great relationship, so once I explained they were from Tom's firm, tied to his retainer, we both had a good laugh. But let me just say this: if your spouse happens to be the jealous type—especially one with a flair for dramatics—you might want to give them a heads-up. Otherwise, your next legal concern might involve trying to prove your spouse's attempt to stage a “mysterious accident.”
Read more
19 Nov, 2024 by Shannon mcnealy
I’d suggest doing some shopping before choosing an attorney for a DUI charge. I did not do so and went with Glasgow because of his reviews. It cost me twice as much as any one I’ve ever talked to in the same situation and often I felt he was late or unprepared for court. One time he even sent his associate to fill in for him who didn’t know my case and had to ask for a continuance because he had another conflict. He is very nice to work with and always answers your questions but I felt he takes on a lot of cases and then isn’t prepared for yours.
In DUI cases especially first offenses often times your lawyer can get it reduced but I didn’t feel that he helped with any part of my case, when originally he told me I had a very solid case in his opinion. If you don’t think you will beat it, there’s not much point in hiring an expensive lawyer like him because you will end up with a guilty verdict and have to pay a ton in court fines on top of his fees in addition. The only thing he seemed to do for me was drag out the case for 4 months and blame the states side when I saw multiple times he was the one unprepared for court. Just my own opinion but I’d suggest if you’re ever in this position to get quotes from a couple lawyers then make your choice.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
