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22 Apr, 2023 by Paul
Back in December 2016, Gorodetzer Esq has helped me with a case regarding a restaurant complaint. He did a great job helping me get compensated for medical costs and a general settlement for what happened to me that time. Thank you so much for helping me out.
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07 Mar, 2023 by Tracy hickey
I tried to retain Marta as my attorney in my divorce. I was unable to as my former husband visited several attorneys in the area so I would not be able to have them represent me.
I was able to retain Marta for what all that was not settled with the divorce including child support.
My former husband was very dishonest through the entire divorce process and child support. Marta was the one who brought years of dishonesty to light! Krebs vs. Krebs, that rewarded me thousands of dollars in arrears money and the maximum I could receive in alimony!
In addition, Karen Schryver’s review below I am in agreement 110%. In sports, I have always stated to my children and asked of my players, that you give 110% effort.
Marta gave me that 110% 💕
Tracy Hickey
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23 Apr, 2022 by Veronica marciniszyn
For someone who is from a foreign country and was in a domestic violence marriage living in a shelter for months… It was very important to trust in someone again. A friend who knows my soon to be ex husband and me recommended me Martha . I don’t regret working with her. This has been a very difficult time for me dealing with traumas and healing from my concussion. Martha has always advised me the best. She is very professional and smart. I am embarrassed that she has to deal with my soon to be ex husband because he lacks empathy and is very controlling and can be very scary and rude sometimes. I was scared of him when I saw the type of divorce he filed a fault divorce lying, but Martha is not scared of anyone and has always treated everyone with respect but always fighting for my rights . It’s been about 6 months working with Martha. Her staff is also very professional and caring.
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23 Jul, 2016 by Dewayne
Ryan did a great job for me. I had three duis He was able to get one reduced to a general impairment other one to 10 days and the last one got me work release so I was able to keep a very good job which I had for over 20 years. I would highly recommend Ryan.
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25 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I had hired Ryan back in 2009 to handle a bankruptcy and during a very difficult time he made it seem less stressful always answering questions, keeping me informed and going above and beyond, lord knows I had to be a difficult client as the 5 years it took to go through there were plenty of downs to get through and he was always there. I am a very picky person I have to feel comfortable and trust my legal representation and this encompasses Ryan. I will be using him again and recommending him for any need that arises
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01 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I retained Ryan Paddick. Personally I think that he is a very good lawyer. I stood In a very racist county, accused of a crime that didn't even take place. Every face in the courtroom was white, except for me and my family. Ryan had never experienced racism because he was white himself. But I saw him treated differently when he refused to play their little game. At first it was all business, Ryan read all of the facts of the case and the law in Pa. It seemed like a sure win based on the law. However we both would soon see that in some counties racism is still alive and strong. I saw other white lawyers giving Ryan dirty looks and treating him different. However he never wavered. In fact he cared. At one point outside of the courtroom he said said " I know this wouldn't be happening if you were white". I watched this man fight back tears giving his closing arguments to an all white courtroom,. The prosecutor had the nerve to accuse me of being the racist. So many things were being done underhandedly. Even part of the discovery had been withheld from other black Attorneys. Well all of a sudden when Ryan Paddick who is white shows up without the black lawyers they call him in the judges chamber and missing discovery shows up, but only to try to persuade him to stick with the good old boys and his own kind. Ryan left that chamber and shared what was discussed and the missing discovery with the other black attorneys. Why am I putting all of this on here? Because I believe based on my personal experience that Ryan M. Paddick is an outstanding lawyer. He could have turned a blind eye and act like this was all normal, but he spoke up and called it like it was. Even though I did not win in that courtroom, Ryan did not hesitate to come stand by my side to appeal the ruling in that racist courtroom. During the appeal it became known by the states key witness that coaching and misconduct on the part of the prosecution had taking place during the trial. So I'm speaking up fir Ryan Paddick because the loss wasn't on him. The good old boys had an axe to grind, but they are being exposed. Thanks Ryan for being not only a good lawyer, but a decent Human Being, and not being influenced by those evil ones who sought to destroy me and my family. (BUCKKKS COUNTY)
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01 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Attorney McDonald for an appeal of a condo association matter. Despite holding herself out as an appeal attorney, she initiated the appeal in the wrong court! She also drafted the appeal at the last moment despite having months to do so. Needless to say, I was not successful in my appeal. When I decided to exhaust my remaining appeal opportunity to the Pa. Supreme Court, McDonald refused to represent me and gave me incorrect advice telling me that I had 90 days to initiate an appeal when in reality I had only 30 days.
While the appeal was going on, McDonald also prepared extensive litigation with numerous counts against 15 defendants involved in my condo association dispute. Every single count was dismissed by the court against each and every one of the 15 defendants before trial because each and every one of McDonald’s legal arguments was deemed to lack legal merit! Not one of the counts was even tried as each and every count was dismissed prior to trial because there was not enough legal substance to her arguments to warrant a trial! The judge stated that many of the issues had already been litigated in the prior case! And Attorney McDonald either knew or should have known this because she handled the appeal of the prior case! McDonald even filed counts against the condo association’s attorneys, which any legitimate attorney will tell you that you cannot do! McDonald lead me on a wild goose chase in this matter. I only found out there was no legal merit to all of the court filings that she prepared after the cases were dismissed through preliminary objections and motion for summary judgment! McDonald would not refund any of the thousands of dollars of legal fees that I paid to her. She then refused to participate in binding arbitration per the terms of our agreement which she herself drafted.
STAY FAR FAR AWAY FROM ATTORNEY MCDONALD!
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30 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
I had a minor incident with the police and she Kept it to a small incident.
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14 Dec, 2011 by Cassie
Ms. McDonald is one of the best lawyers I have worked with. She was very helpful to me after my car accident and got me the settlement we both felt I deserved. She was more then willing to put in extra hours for research, and once she even drove 4 hours just to sit with me in court for 20 minutes. She kept me involved throughout the process of settling our lawsuit and responded to my emails the same day i sent them. She kept me appraised about what she was doing for me and also kept me informed about the other sides actions. She was very patient and willing to help me understand what all the legal stuff I didn't understand meant. Hiring Ms. McDonald was the best decision I made after my accident!
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06 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
I engaged Ms. Agnew to draft a pre-nuptial agreement for me, which she did. While we were waiting for the other attorney to review, she charged me 49 cents for postage each month for multiple months to send me a bill stating that she did NO work on the agreement. Fairly excessive, considering I engaged her with a large retainer fee up front, and in good faith.
Once the other party's attorney reviewed the agreement, it was determined (by that attorney, as well as another who was engaged as a third set of eyes) that the agreement as written by Ms. Agnew was unusable, and not enforceable in the state of PA the way that she had written it. In short, it needed to be completely re-written. Ms. Agnew refused to do that without charging against my retainer. (Despite the fact that the errors were in the document she created, and no fault of mine.)
At that time, I sent an email requesting that Ms. Agnew stop work on the document (as I realized that she was grossly overcharging me, and I still did not have the enforceable legal document that I had paid her to draft). She then charged me $25 to read my one line email, and leave me a 15 second voicemail. I did not respond, knowing that she would again charge me excessively.
In short, due to Ms. Agnew's negligence and incompetence, I had to engage another lawyer to draft an accurate pre-nuptial agreement. Ms. Agnew's egregious overbilling added insult to injury, as I have nothing to show for the large retainer I paid. Unfortunately, in this instance, I engaged an attorney who clearly is more concerned about lining her pockets than the best interests of her clients. I don't want that to happen to anyone else.
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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.
