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11 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
I contacted Mr. Reynoldson about some complaints I had about a venue in Tri-Cities Washington not being accessible and not being up to standards in regards to the ADA. Mr. Reynoldson responded to me in a very timely manner and we were able to reach a settlement with the city and the venue.
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11 Dec, 2018 by Addie
Conrad is passionate and knowledgeable about the type of law he practices. He provides fact-based advice to his clients
and is enthusiastic about getting results! He is a great listener who looks out for his client's best interests. Conrad is easy to work with and excellent at what he does. I highly recommend Conrad and his firm’s services. If I have other civil or disability rights issues in the future I will definitely use him again.
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10 Dec, 2018 by Vickie
Conrad helped us with Ada issue. He was fair honest. And follow through in a timely way
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18 Feb, 2018 by Robert jeffery
Mr. Teel assisted me at a time when I was going through a seperation, and needed to be clear on what the next step to do was, pertaining to an out of state investments with my partner at the time.
He gave me such comfort and assurance, and helped me understand my rights as an individual, seperate from the relationship.
Hes so good at explaining, and coming up with a plan that was comfortable to me.
I would Highly recommend Robert Teel, even to my best friend or family members!
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13 Feb, 2018 by Myrna
I am an independent public relations consultant specializing in crisis communications and media relations for public and private entities. Robert has advised me on a myriad of legal issues my clients face, including such diverse matters as environmental concerns, embezzlement, child protective issues, and land use. Without exception, Mr. Teel has provided excellent advice and direction to reduce my clients' legal exposure. Because the majority of my work involves crisis situations, it is important that I receive this counsel in an immediate fashion. Mr. Teel is accessible for me on a moment's notice, and has always been immediately responsive. I will continue to utilize his services.
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14 Jul, 2017 by Chris
Recently I needed to petition the State of California, and required a seasoned attorney to do so.
Robert Teel has a real knack for legal theory. He really does his homework sizing up the situation, the laws, and opponents. He furthermore carefully calculates risk, and his honest about the chances.
He complements his judiciousness before the court date with eloquence and personality in the courtroom.
Throughout the case he was a perfect communicator: keeping me up to date and providing very clear instructions what and what not I -- as a client -- had to do.
His ethics are impeccable, by the way, which I suppose one can't take for granted these days.
It has been a pleasure and hopefully will continue to be.
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09 Oct, 2018 by Jay
The first time I used him was for a criminal offense in the 2000's that is now perfectly legal statewide (we all know what I'm talking about). Peter was honest and clear with me about fighting this. He tolld me it was a coin flip. I was willing to flip. Long story short, after I turned down 5 plea bargains, all no time but had to take a felony, the prosecuting attorney decided to ad an enhancement (that's called malicious prosecution and is illegal).
Mr. Connick is a phenomenal, intimidating and well prepared trial attorney. I claim prosecutors fear facing him. I had two members of the front court come up to me to tell me it was one of the most fascinating cases they have ever heard. They hear cases every day. That to me is the ultimate compliment to Mr. Peter Connick.
The second time was a family issue that Peter won for me. All my siblings and their attorneys lost. To this day none of them can believe it. Probably because I paid AT LEAST half on fees that they did.
If your willing to fight, Peter is your man.
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27 Jun, 2014 by Johnny
Big Pete defended me in a very ugly domestic violence case.The day of trial he had it all taken care of and credit for time served and a fine. I thought screw it lets go to trial.And Again pete Had A Great Deal but my big mouth got me found guilty at trial.Had i done what i was told by my Mr Connick i would of walked so the trust thing this is a guy you can trust 100% and compared to any attorney in this state pete would be the choice and do what he tells you even if you dont agree with it
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20 Oct, 2011 by Katrina willard
Pete is truly the best. He saved me 25 years of my life at 24 years old. He then again represented me in the the small town of Ellensburg Washington on bogus Assault charges. He is an animal in trial. I have recommended him to many people and he has always won their cases. I trust him with my life as he has saved my *** many times. He is fair and affordable and I always asked him why he didn't charge thousands of dollars to clients, he said that if he did...a lot of people wouldn't get the help they need, including me. I feel bad I haven't been in contact with him lately as i still owe him money for a car and for saving my life. Although i am not in a financial position to fix it at this time, i plan to someday soon. Hats off to the best of the best..PETE CONNICK!!! katrina
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11 Apr, 2023 by Junior brooks
Best attorneys I have ever worked with in my life.
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19 Apr, 2022 by Jimmy harris
Will has been our attorney for several small businesses over about 5 years. He is thorough, knows his stuff, and gets back to you quickly when you have urgent issues. I highly recommend him.
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20 Oct, 2020 by Wendy daum
16 Oct, 2017 by Lev bolotin
We are a Seattle based IP/Technology development and licensing company and have been working with Scott since 2005. He has our the-go-to-licensing-attorney who helped us with all of our licensing deals with companies that are much larger than we are.
Scott is one of the best of the best ... and I can recommend highly for any technology company that is engaged with a technology licensing, at least, when it comes to hardware, f/w and s/w, IP/patents licensing. He is able to see the "whole" picture, think thru about both technology and business aspects, and propose some practical solutions. Always useful.
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16 Oct, 2017 by Derrick
Scott is not just my attorney, he's a strategic advisor when it comes to emerging technologies and the current state of IP. Most recently Scott has been engaged to determine what issues we should be considering as we look to incorporate blockchain and cryptocurrencies into our business. This is a very complex field that is changing rapidly. I feel better knowing I have an expert of this caliber in my court.
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16 Oct, 2017 by Sabryna
Scott Warner is wholly responsible for keeping my life in one piece, safe and sound! Without this his brilliant, creative legal mind, I wouldn't be able to survive in today's complicated legal world and the forest that is Intellectual Property Rights and other scary beasts. I am honored to have worked with this fabulous Human Being since 2012. I recommend him to anyone who might be looking for the best attorney in the entire world!
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09 Oct, 2017 by Mark
I cannot thank him enough for the help he did for me during my DUI case, made things so much easier and stress free while I was in that process of handling the case thank you again!! I would highly recommend him to anyone I know that’s dealing with DUI cases.
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20 Mar, 2017 by Alphonso
Dillon Smith as a fantastic attorney. He represented me in a civil trial recently. If not for him I would have lost the case and I could have also potentially ended up going to jail because of the accusations someone else had been claiming about me. I interviewed two other attorneys before deciding to hire Mr. Smith. He seemed the most knowledgeable on the subject matter in the particular area of law that I needed representation for. He won the case for me and the petitioner didn't stand a chance. During the hearing, the petitioner put on a full dog and pony show, The judge was very biased towards me as well (perhaps I reminded her of someone she doesn't like or she was buying into the petitioners entire act) However, Mr. Smith was extremely professional and stuck to the facts of the case - as well as pointing out the lack of solid evidence - and in the end we prevailed. Had we not won, I could have also suffered financial loss due the petitioners claims. I am very thankful for Mr. Smiths help. He is a remarkably talented and top notch attorney. He is also a terrific human being. He sincerely cares about his clients. He went the extra mile for me, putting in lots of leg work and thoroughly researching every part of the case in order to reach the outcome I was hoping for. I highly recommend him. Ten stars!
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25 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Dealing with courts, cops, lawyers, judges etc. can be a scary situation, but Mr. Smith provided me with some relief as I could tell right away that he knew what he was talking about, and was invested in me as a client AND an individual. He's a very smart guy who listened to my concerns and had valuable insight and information. He knows the laws. He knows your rights. He will do everything he can to get the best outcome possible.
My case was dismissed, and I can't thank him enough for his help.
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21 Oct, 2014 by Angela
Courtney Ackley represented me after I suffered damages from a contaminated tattoo ink. The case, which seemed straightforward at first, became more complex and involved over time. Courtney was dedicated, hard-working, and informative throughout the process which led to a positive outcome for me, the plaintiff, in arbitration.
This was my first experience with legal proceedings and Courtney's support and competence helped me get through a very difficult and stressful process. I would highly recommend both her and Andrew Ackley to anyone looking for representation in a product liability case.
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14 Dec, 2013 by Luna
I am so glad to have been able to be represented by Courtney. She was there supporting me whenever I needed! I am blessed to have had her as my attorney. I really needed that with what I had gone through.
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30 Nov, 2013 by Erika
I just finished working with Courtney Ackley and I am so happy with the results. This was my first time dealing with anything like this so it was really nice having someone that was so helpful and patient. She was always very easy to get ahold of and never had any trouble answering my questions. She explained every thing to me in a way I could understand which made what could've been a very stressful process so much easier. Never once did I feel anything negative towards Courtney. I wouldn't hesitate at all to recommend Courtney Ackley to anybody.
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11 Mar, 2016 by Dave
I found Alison in 2003 when the state tried to seize my house in a civil forfeiture over trumped up charges. A previous attorney had botched the case and Alison picked up the pieces, turned it around and kicked the prosecutors behind up and down the courthouse steps like a Jedi Ninja. She saved my house and made them pay all my legal fees too.
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17 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
She is really honest with her profession,very much understanding and knows well in which situation what she has to do.
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18 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
From my first meeting to my last meeting with Alison she was brilliant, dedicated and honest with me. Her knowledge of the criminal justice system and the way she handled my case was simply amazing. There was never a time when she would not meet me or take my phone calls, she always made sure I understood where my case was at and what was to come next. You could tell Alison is very well respected by her colleagues from the way they treated and respected her every time we walked into the courts. Not only is Alison is a truly superb lawyer but an incredible human. To this day she still is a person I can count on respect and highly recommend as an attorney.
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11 Apr, 2023 by Junior brooks
Best attorneys I have ever worked with in my life.
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19 Apr, 2022 by Jimmy harris
Will has been our attorney for several small businesses over about 5 years. He is thorough, knows his stuff, and gets back to you quickly when you have urgent issues. I highly recommend him.
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20 Oct, 2020 by Wendy daum
06 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Lawyers are like doctors, truly. We all hope that we never need one; but if we do, we want, and need, the absolute best. In respect to the absolute best, I can say that I found that in Brendan. As a person of color (more specifically a black male), I unfortunately encountered extreme racial aggression and discrimination on my job. As you might imagine, that alone brought with it great stress. Then, add having to deal with the legalities and legal battles that come along with that. Those two things combined are enough to drive anyone crazy, and they nearly did me. What made my legal journey different was Brendan. I can say unequivocally that he is one of the fiercest, most compassionate, knowledgeable, and responsive legal advocates that I have ever encountered in life. Put simply, he does not play. Past that, the level of kindness and professionalism with which he treats his clients, and approaches his practice, is beyond reproach. If you are reading this now, that likely means that you are looking for good legal counsel. To those looking for “good”, I’d tell you to keep looking. Those looking for phenomenal, Brendan is definitely your guy. It takes me a lot to write a review, but this one was easy to write. I am incredibly thankful that Brendan is a fierce legal advocate for ALL people. If you give him a call, I can say with absolute certainty that you’ll be glad that you did.
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03 Jun, 2019 by Martha
I came to Brendan with a very troubling legal issue and he made me feel like he was on my side and explained the issues to me in a clear way I could understand. I always felt like my case was a priority to him, even though he had other clients he was working with at the time. He kept me updated throughout the entire process. In the end, the final outcome was even better than I had hoped!
I highly recommend Brendan... he is a zealous advocate who fights for his clients no matter what the issue is.
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02 Feb, 2019 by Vicente barraza
Brendan is a passionate defender of human rights and has won major victories helping the families of the Firs Mobile Home Park. He is diligent, writes well-researched and well-reasoned legal arguments, and ensures his clients feel empowered and respected.
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11 Apr, 2023 by Junior brooks
Best attorneys I have ever worked with in my life.
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19 Apr, 2022 by Jimmy harris
Will has been our attorney for several small businesses over about 5 years. He is thorough, knows his stuff, and gets back to you quickly when you have urgent issues. I highly recommend him.
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20 Oct, 2020 by Wendy daum
30 Aug, 2019 by Cindy
I am honored to be able to provide a review of Attorney Mark Anderson. I work for the WA State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Mark was our assigned counsel. The issue fell square within employment law, and I found Mark to be incredibly knowledgeable, flexible and adaptable, and he also behaved with high integrity and professionalism. I have 35 years working in government HR, and Mark was the best attorney I've worked with: assertive, yet reasonable.
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07 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
Mark is just an amazing advocate and diligent attorney. My case was an employment labor dispute. Mark carefully separated the facts from story and developed the tightest argument. Marks ability to view all angles of opposing arguments provided an articulate case that we won. Also I greatly appreciated his coaching on how to stay focused when answering questions during cross examination. I was able to remain calm and strong. Thank you Mark for all your support!
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06 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Mark was great as my attorney. Prompt, together, knowledgeable and most importantly empathetic. The Courtroom can be very foreboding environment to to find yourself in and Mark made it a point to ease my apprehensions. My case was simple, just a "disorderly conduct" charge, but to me it was a complex mess to mire through and Mark made it smooth sailing. Would I retain again? Without question.
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15 May, 2024 by Joanna schmidt
Mehera @ Pride Law helped take a giant pile of stressful choices and legal forms and translate it all into something we could easily understand so we were able to make informed decisions and finally get our Will and Trust set up.
Mehera was clear, easy to talk with and we are so happy we had the chance to work with her. We highly recommend her.
Thank you Mehera! ❤️
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19 Mar, 2021 by Erin roudybush
Lisa was immensely helpful with my case. She was able to get me the best results I could have asked for in my case. She was professional but still friendly and made me feel like she was doing her absolute best for me. I highly recommend her.
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03 Dec, 2018 by Venessa sandoval
Lisa Martinez helped my family and I during a very difficult time that could have impacted my career in the bail bonds industry. Not only did she go above and beyond to assist me, she also made me feel secure during a vulnerable moment. I trust her direction and practice. I can’t thank her enough!
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11 Apr, 2023 by Junior brooks
Best attorneys I have ever worked with in my life.
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19 Apr, 2022 by Jimmy harris
Will has been our attorney for several small businesses over about 5 years. He is thorough, knows his stuff, and gets back to you quickly when you have urgent issues. I highly recommend him.
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20 Oct, 2020 by Wendy daum
01 Nov, 2021 by Nicole
Chris is Amazing!!! He makes you feel like family! He helped me win my case against my employer!!!
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21 Jan, 2020 by Douglas
I had hired Chris Stockwell to represent me in a wrongful termination case. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome and the quality of legal counsel I experienced with Chris. I highly recommend Chris.
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17 Oct, 2019 by Jd hood
19 Jul, 2017 by Genipher owens
19 Sep, 2018 by Michelle
We were happy with the service provided and with the outcome. I would recommend Rizk Law to family and friends.
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18 Sep, 2018 by Rudy
Got me much money the money was good and I like money so the most money I getting the better
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14 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Bob Christie is a great attorney and an even better person. I have worked with him twice.
The first case Bob, defended the City that I worked for against a lawsuit. He was able to get the case "dismissed" after the Plaintiff rested. He did a great job during the trial and was I was very impressed with him, as an attorney and a person.
I was so impressed with Bob that I employed him recently on a certification hearing. He was again very impressive in this hearing and he won this case as well.
Both times I worked with Bob he was always the most prepared attorney in the room.
I would recommend Bob to anyone; all other attorneys should strive to be like Bob.
Thank you,
Ryan Bonnalie
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06 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Bob did an incredible job negotiating a very large claim(almost 7 figures). He worked with our own legal counsel and they had nothing but positive things to say about the way he handled our situation.
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17 Oct, 2019 by Jd hood
19 Jul, 2017 by Genipher owens
23 Oct, 2013 by Sylvia
Andrea assisted me with a complex discrimination case. She was exactly the type of assertive, competent lawyer I needed.
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13 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
I found Ms. Brenneke and her staff to be committed to providing excellent client services. Her technical expertise was extraordinary. She possesses a superb sense of strategy, tactics, and legal knowledge. Smart, energetic, passionate, available, accessible & responsive well beyond the call of duty. Ms. Brenneke was an eloquent, strong advocate, who exudes character & competence. My experience was stellar. I highly recommend Ms. Brenneke. I hold her in the highest regard, and would (and have) recommended her without hesitation.
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09 Dec, 2013 by David
Andy is the most professional, tenacious, and relentless attorney I have used over the last 15 years. I have used him for numerous legal situations ranging from property disputes, landlord tenant act, and overall general legal counsel. He is the first attorney I call when a potential situation could arise. He is phenomenal to work with and has always exceeded my expectations.
If you use Andy – feel good he is representing your legal situation! I have recommended him to several of my friends and family and will continue to recommend.
I can’t say enough about how good he is!
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06 Dec, 2013 by Gordon
I have been friends with Andy for more than a decade, but a business entanglement was what finally gave me the opportunity to avail myself of his expert services. What started as a simple debt collection matter turned into a near trial. Andy was prepared for all phases, and while he was encouraging us to do smart things along the way that would have shortened his engagement with us, he was fully prepared (and maybe looking forward to) going the distance. He was directly involved in all phases of the case, from deposition to mediation, and took it as his personal mission to see that we got a satisfactory result in the end. I highly recommend Andy and his firm for your legal matters.
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07 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Karen was able to take complex legal concepts and explain them in simple ways I could understand. She's very accessible and easy to work with. I highly recommend her.
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10 Jun, 2013 by John
Karen provided innovative solutions for difficult copyright and advertising issues. She explains things clearly and in non-legal language that I can understand. Always very prompt to respond.
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09 Nov, 2011 by Seattle professional
I worked with Ms. Thomas through difficult employment related contract negotiations, and felt she provided excellent counsel. She made herself as available as possible, in person, by email, or by phone. She was able to provide informed guidance on the "big picture," and timely, targeted responses on individual points in contract negotiations. She allowed me as a client significant leeway as to whether I took the lead in negotiations, or she did, which was very useful for keeping costs contained. I felt she helped me attain the best agreement possible under the specific circumstances. After this matter was resolved, I elected to seek her help again, for review of an employment agreement at a new employer.
On the personal side, she is a pleasure to work with! Joyce conveys a strong sense of caring in her work, and she will know you as a person to the extent you wish, not just as an interesting case she elected to take on. Her accomplishments and contributions to society at large are not even mentioned by her, but when you research her, you will see the further testimony to her intellignence and strength of her character in supporting just causes.
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05 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
I had a problem with a previous employer and a boss with a well documented history of discriminatory behavior.
Joyce was recommended to me by an associate and I'm very grateful. She's a very honest and detailed attorney who knows labor law from A to Z and she doesn't miss any details. She's is an outstanding advisor/counselor and genuinely cares about her clients and social injustice.
I couldn't recommend her highly enough.
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05 Jul, 2017 by Jamie
My lawyer did not leave me waiting ms somerstien came to see me promptly ,did not leave me waiting. I was confused at first ecstatic that I kept her. She has a heart and at no point in time made me feel less of a man for mistake I made. On my way to get the help I need instead of a incarceration exposure thank u from the bottom of my heart
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23 Dec, 2014 by Shelby
I just met with this competent young lady for a few moments but love everything about her very top notch I couldn't have ever asked for a better attorney than she.
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01 Jul, 2022 by Linda
i needed help with my will this attorney is a wonderful guy,he explains everything in great detail and walks you through all your paperwork,he has great knowledge of the law
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20 Aug, 2021 by Sherene & travis
Pat and her incredible team stepped up to help when our family lost an Adequate Cause determination due to an insufficient review of the evidence we presented showing extensive medical and educational neglect of my fiance’s kids by their mom. We had been turned down by multiple well known appeals attorneys in the area. Apparently NO ONE wins appeals for adequate cause in family court — ESPECIALLY DADS — so no one wanted to take us on. We were running out of time, when at the last minute we were referred to Pat. I think because of her strong civil rights bent, and her work with LGBTQ clients, she had an open mind when it came to our dilemma. We had strong evidence that had been ignored. We had a suicidal, special needs kid going without treatment or support. I think her sense of fairness is what made her scratch the surface where others shied away.
The mom worked at the courthouse where the case was heard and all of the commissioners and judges knew her. Several recused. But even the ones who didn’t saw her as a colleague and we never stood a chance for a fair hearing - though there was no way we were ever going to be able to prove bias.
Instead, Pat approached the appeal as a thorough, logical, evidentiary walk-through which systematically picked apart the lies, inconsistencies and unsubstantiated claims made by the mom. This deconstructed her narrative and showed it for the smokescreen it was. By the time she had laid out 2+2, it was obvious the case equaled 4, and that the Skagit County court had missed it completely. It was amazing to watch her talk to the appellate panel. It was obvious they viewed her as a peer and someone who would bring very valuable arguments to be considered. Until we saw those interactions I don’t think we were really aware of WHO she was in the legal community and the tremendous respect and standing she had. But we got it at that moment and now recognize the last second miracle we were given when she took our case.
10 months after we filed the appeal, the opinion came back that the Skagit judge had abused his discretion and our case was remanded for trial. They even published the opinion. We went on to win primary custody, sole medical and educational decision making (with a minor area of exception for one child) and have been able to start getting them the help and support they needed.
Pat went up against the SYSTEM that is stacked to the rafters against fathers and prevailed. She saved our kids from a lifetime of neglect and an abusive level of alienation that had been going on for many years. She saved our family. It’s that simple. We are forever grateful.
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06 Nov, 2018 by Betty
My husband was diagnosed with mesothelioma and we reached out to Kaitlin to represent us, we are so grateful we did. Kaitlin not only knows everything about asbestos law, but she was the most caring attorney we've dealt with. This was a difficult time for us, but Kaitlin made us feel we could leave it up to her.
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04 Jun, 2021 by Gabrielle
I engaged Kay in 2016, at the recommendation of my manager, and she was superb with the labor law I needed with legal representation.
I hired Kay again from about May 2018 to about May 2019. There were typos in some important documents and we were all catching up to the fact this employer wasn’t going to do anything right without going through its administrative process.
I needed to scope Kay’s work to control for cost, which she thought was because I didn’t trust her. This was really unfortunate. She also reduced her schedule and increased her bill rate and my employer got a lot of mileage out of those typos. But at the end of the day I wish she hadn’t been upset that my scoping for budget was a sign of not trusting her.
I’d have her back in a heartbeat. She’s that good. The firm hired to replace her - at half the cost - did not have the experience they claimed and I had to try another attorney or risk my statute of limitations. The third attorney was unethical. The only unethical attorney I’ve been exposed to.
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18 Dec, 2012 by Frank
I have worked closely with this attorney on several issues involving insurance claims investigations and defending law enforcement officers finding him to be knowledgeable and responsive to the needs requested leading to successful conclusions.
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19 Apr, 2008 by Anonymous
I recently contracted with Mr. Daly to perform business law and estate planning. As the owner of a growing dental practice, I asked him to incorporate my business, as well as develop an estate plan for my family's future needs. During all steps of the process I felt that Mr. Daly had my business, family, and personal goals at the forefront of his mind. Although, this process is often intimadating and overlooked, he made it in a word "simple". His professionalism and his ability to make complex legalise understandable was very reassuring as well. I would highly recommend Mr. Daly to anyone, who is seeking similar services or like me has procastinated the resolution of such important and neccessary legal issues far too long. Finally, his correspondence and follow-up during the process was always timely, as I was on a deadline to achieve my legal goals for the beginning of the calender year. In short, I was extremly satisfied with his legal dealings and would wholeheartedly refer him to anyone seeking legal services.
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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:
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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.
