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26 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Attorney Klein handled my divorce case flawlessly! Although the person I was divorcing made every attempt to make it most difficult to get it done and get equal custody of my child, Attorney Klein and his staff gave me proper advice throughout the entire process. I now am sitting here enjoying the best outcome I could have hoped for. In the beginning I had MANY questions about how things work and the staff was very helpful and patient with me. Looking back to the beginning of the case I have to give them lots of credit for how they handled all my questions at a time when my emotions running high. I highly recommend attorney Klein to anyone looking for someone who will produce results
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18 Jun, 2014 by Ann
I hired Mr. Klein after my first attorney failed to prepare for a court hearing and left me to pick up the pieces of a decision so wrong it does not bear repeating.
Attorney Klein was straightforward from day one. He did not pull punches. He told me, in exact detail, what I had to do and what he was going to do. He never sugar coated that we had an uphill battle, but not for one second did I doubt he was in the battle with me.
I don't need my attorney to pat my head and tell me warm fuzzy stories and give me hugs, I have friends for that. I don't need to walk out of my attorney's office feeling like I just had lunch with my best friend. I need to know, without a doubt, the attorney I hired is on my side 100% and is going to fight with me and for me. I have that with Mr. Klein.
His professional staff is prompt and courteous; I have never had to wait days/weeks for a returned call. I know they see this stuff every day, but I never have been made to feel it didn't matter.
I have nothing, but respect for Mr. Klein and his staff and would readily suggest his practice to anyone.
His professional staff is prompt and courteous, I have never had to wait days/weeks for a returned call. I know they see this stuff every day, but I never have been made to feel it didn't matter.
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14 Feb, 2014 by Alexander
When I sought a lawyer for my case, I first spoke to a few highly accredited Ivy League lawyers from Madison, and while I was tempted to go with them, they suggested that it might be worth looking into someone local to make things easier on my end. As my family had used the services of Klein’s firm in the past, I decided to seek the counsel of Klein, who asked for a retainer that was twice the amount quoted by the aforementioned lawyers- with travel fees factored in.
Now I do not know exactly what it was that he took issue with in me. If I am simply being sensitive, or if it was the details of my case, my age, my race, or just that he did not like the fact that I asked him questions and took notes at our meetings, but he clearly made an effort to be unprofessional in our dealings.
Perhaps Klein’s representation can be summarized in a defining phone conversation we had AFTER I had paid him a retainer. I had never personally hired a lawyer before, so I understandably had a few questions about the financial aspects of my case, as well as wanting to go over a few details of my case with my lawyer. After I asked Klein a couple questions about the difference between out-of-pocket expenses and court-fees, he snapped.
“What is this, twenty questions?” he yelled into the phone. “You’re wasting my time!”
This was funny, coming from a man for whose time I was paying hundreds of dollars for even in this phone conversation alone. He seemed just barely able to restrain himself from cursing at me as he tried to convince me to drop him as a lawyer after I tried to explain that the retainer I paid for was a fair amount for me, and that I just wanted to make sure I understood both the case, and wanted to go over details on expenses: “If you think X dollars is a lot of money, then just come here, and I’ll cut you a… stinking check for X dollars! Stop wasting my time!”
This was followed by a few snide remarks (nothing unexpected) directed at me. “I thought you went to college,” he yelled. “You should be grateful for what I did for you,” he yelled, referring to the deal made with the DA, as if this was some pro-bono case where he did this simply out of the goodness of his heart. I mean, it was not like he was paid for his legal work or anything…Of course, the condescension didn’t stop there.
After he was finished with his tirade, I calmly asked why he was angry. His response was that he wasn’t angry, but that I should “Come here and I’ll cut you a check for your lousy X dollars, and you can go represent yourself. If it’s so much money to you, good luck!”
This was all because I asked him if a court stenographer (which he recommended for my case) would be covered by the retainer.
“No,” was all the answer I got.
Wanting to know a bit more, I just asked “Isn’t that considered a legal fee?”
He replied briskly: “No,” again offering no elaboration.
Not left with too many options due to his monosyllable answers, I asked “Why not”. He simply said “It’s an out of pocket expense.”
So I asked him what the difference was, setting him off, because apparently college graduates shouldn’t ask questions, as they should be grateful for overpaid, grumpy lawyers. I tried to politely explain to him that I was only asking him these questions as I simply wanted to clarify details about the use of finances, to which he replied “If a stenographer is so expensive to you, then get a job or something. If it’s a financial problem, then it’s your problem, not mine!”
In what situation is it ever okay to be that condescending to a client, and to make implicit insults directed at their intelligence, education, or financial situation?
And one final point. If you are looking for a lawyer that can return your emails (which some find crucial in this day and age), forget it. Klein does not respond to emails. In fact, Klein does not even have an email, and refuses to use one. At least that was what he said in our dealings.
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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.
