Filter by

star star star star star
14 Nov, 2024 by Repentant sinner
I had a consultation with Richard Shapiro in which he explained, nit why he thought, but why I was wrong about how I chose to leave my estate to my beneficiaries. Lawyers overall I’ve found as most of us have to be extremely dishonest greedy and not looking out for their client but their wallet. When with the years of trust, estate and probate experience, to the point that on occasions I wrote our errata’s to pending petitions, guided me as to what I know is best for my beneficiaries, Mr Shapiro disagreed however was unable to provide a valid argument as to why his thought on how I should distribute my estate was wrong and even made the ludacris assumption I should put monies for adults in their 40s 50s and 60s into a trust that would not be immediately distributed at the time of my death. My decision is to have my beneficiaries be saved from dealing with greedy corrupt lawyers, power crazed trustees and executors and very wisely instead leave monies to beneficiaries of accounts which they would then immediately without lawyers or other corrupt interference , get their money. Okay, so Mr Shapiro said you’re not protected legally then and a wife could then somehow get that money . Instead his brilliant idea appears to be to treat adults like under age children and have them subject to trustees , trustee fees and the power crazed people giving them money like an allowance. I’m apparently unable to make the decision it appears he thinks to allow my beneficiaries, all who are adults, to have use and enjoy the money I leave them without being subject in their 40s and 50s and 60s to being lorded over by a trustee..of course which gets a nice fee, plus a trust company also taking more money in fees. Be wise and find someone ..speak to several lawyers when planning your estate and remember your decisions will affect your beneficiaries. They can be subject to years of litigation to even get their portion If the trustee fails their fiduciary duties and without spending months or years and endless amounts of lawyer fees. Theres nothing they can do about it. I think Richard was not concerned about me, my beneficiaries, what’s best for us and the money and assets but it seems to me in my humble opinion he’s more interested in making the estate pay the most possible , and continue making it pay year after years in a trust for successful adults, including 2 attorneys, one pediatric surgeon, as well as other mature adults, who do not need babysitters and to have to go to strangers to get their money in dribbles from a stranger. Honestly it’s so disheartening time after time to see how corrupt people are when money is involved. Do your research, leaving bank or brokerage accounts to beneficiaries is easiest quickest and the way to avoid any greedy or disturbed lawyers or executors or trustees to harm your loved ones.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
04 Nov, 2024 by Roy rysinger
I've worked with Susie Sohn for many years on various business, personal, and real estate legal matters. Susie and her team have always been excellent and are a true pleasure to work with!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
23 Oct, 2024 by Dustin leibowitz
I am happy to share my experience working with Susie Sohn, an exceptional attorney who has become my go-to recommendation for my clients over the past couple of years. From the moment I was referred to her by a colleague, it was clear that I had found a true professional in the field. Susie’s hard work and dedication are evident in every interaction. She approaches each case with an impressive level of experience and expertise, ensuring that my clients receive the best possible guidance. Her ability to communicate effectively and transparently sets her apart, making the legal process much smoother for everyone involved. Working with her is always a pleasure; her friendly demeanor and professionalism create a welcoming environment. I wholeheartedly recommend Susie Sohn to anyone in need of an attorney. Her commitment to her clients and her exceptional skills make her an invaluable asset in the industry. Thanks Susie!
Read more Google Maps
See 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 Consumer Protection Lawyer Can Do for You

A consumer protection lawyer specializes in safeguarding individuals from unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent business practices. These lawyers advocate for the rights of consumers in disputes with businesses, helping clients recover damages related to fraud, defective products, false advertising, or violation of consumer protection laws. They work to enforce laws that prevent businesses from taking advantage of consumers and ensure that businesses adhere to fair practices.

Whether you’ve been the victim of a scam, sold a faulty product, or misled by false advertising, a consumer protection lawyer can help you navigate legal options and pursue justice.

When Should I Hire a Consumer Protection Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a consumer protection lawyer when you’ve encountered unfair or illegal business practices and need legal assistance to resolve the situation. Common scenarios include:

  • Fraud or deceptive business practices: If a company misled you into purchasing a product or service under false pretenses, a lawyer can help you seek compensation.
  • Defective products: If you purchased a product that was unsafe or defective and caused harm, a lawyer can help you file a product liability claim.
  • False advertising or unfair pricing: A lawyer can assist if you were misled by deceptive advertising or charged for services or products in a way that violates consumer laws.
  • Debt collection harassment: If you're being harassed by debt collectors or are facing illegal debt collection practices, a consumer protection lawyer can enforce your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
  • Credit report issues: If errors on your credit report are affecting your financial standing, a lawyer can help you resolve disputes with credit reporting agencies or creditors under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
  • Predatory lending practices: If you've been subjected to unfair loan terms or practices by payday lenders or mortgage companies, a lawyer can help you challenge the loan and seek a resolution.
  • Data breaches or identity theft: If your personal information was compromised due to a company’s failure to protect your data, a lawyer can help you recover damages related to the breach.

What Does a Consumer Protection Lawyer Do?

A consumer protection lawyer provides a wide range of services to help protect consumers' rights and seek compensation for harms caused by businesses. Their role may include:

  • Filing lawsuits: Representing clients in lawsuits against businesses that have violated consumer protection laws, whether through fraud, deceptive practices, or negligence.
  • Negotiating settlements: Working with businesses or their insurers to negotiate fair compensation for damages caused by unfair practices or defective products.
  • Pursuing class action lawsuits: When a company harms multiple consumers, a lawyer can represent a group of plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit, seeking collective damages.
  • Advising on consumer rights: Helping clients understand their rights under various consumer protection laws and advising on the best course of action.
  • Handling product liability claims: Representing clients who have been injured by defective products and holding manufacturers or retailers accountable for the harm caused.
  • Defending against debt collection harassment: Enforcing the rights of consumers under the FDCPA and other laws that protect individuals from abusive or unlawful debt collection tactics.
  • Resolving credit report disputes: Helping clients correct errors on their credit reports that may be causing financial harm or affecting their creditworthiness.

How Are Consumer Protection Lawyers Paid?

Consumer protection lawyers typically use different fee structures depending on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work required. Common payment methods include:

  • Contingency fee: For many consumer protection cases, such as class actions or product liability claims, lawyers may work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win or settle the case, taking a percentage (typically between 25% and 40%) of the awarded amount.
  • Hourly rate: For more complex cases or ongoing legal disputes, some lawyers charge by the hour. Hourly rates can range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
  • Flat fee: For specific services, such as reviewing a contract or filing a small claim, a lawyer may charge a flat fee that covers all the necessary legal work.
  • Retainer fee: For clients needing ongoing legal assistance, some lawyers may charge a retainer fee, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on the case.

It’s important to discuss fees upfront with your lawyer to understand how you’ll be charged and to avoid unexpected costs.

How Much Does a Consumer Protection Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a consumer protection lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the type of legal service required. General cost estimates include:

  • Contingency fee cases: For cases handled on a contingency basis, the lawyer typically takes between 25% and 40% of any settlement or damages awarded.
  • Hourly rates: Hourly rates for consumer protection lawyers generally range from $150 to $500, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or cases involving complex legal issues.
  • Flat fees: For specific services like contract reviews or handling a small claims case, flat fees may range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the scope of work.
  • Class actions: In class action cases, fees are often paid out of the settlement or damages awarded, and individual plaintiffs usually do not have to pay upfront.

Make sure to ask for a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to avoid surprises and to understand how much you can expect to pay.

Top Questions to Ask a Consumer Protection Lawyer

Before hiring a consumer protection lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they have the experience and skills to handle your case effectively. Key questions include:

  1. What experience do you have with consumer protection law?
    Ensure the lawyer has specific experience handling cases like yours, whether it involves product liability, fraud, or debt collection issues.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or a contingency fee, and ask for an estimate of the total cost of your case.
  3. What is the likelihood of success for my case?
    Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and what outcome you can reasonably expect.
  4. Have you handled cases like mine before?
    Make sure the lawyer has experience dealing with similar legal issues, whether it’s credit report disputes, data breaches, or defective products.
  5. What is the timeline for resolving my case?
    While it can be difficult to predict exact timelines, the lawyer should give you a general idea of how long your case may take to resolve.
  6. Will you handle my case personally?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of your case, so it’s important to know who will be working on your claim.

How to Check the Credibility of a Consumer Protection Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable consumer protection lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:

  • Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
  • Check for experience in consumer protection: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to confirm they specialize in consumer protection law and have handled cases similar to 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 willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their ability to handle consumer protection cases.
  • Look for industry affiliations: Membership in organizations like the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) can indicate that the lawyer is committed to protecting consumer rights.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a consumer protection lawyer, come prepared with all relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Details of the product or service in question: Bring any purchase receipts, warranties, or contracts related to the product or service involved in your claim.
  • Documentation of your complaint: Provide evidence of your complaint, such as email exchanges with the company, photos of a defective product, or a timeline of events related to the dispute.
  • Communication with the business or debt collector: If you’ve communicated with the business or debt collector, bring copies of letters, emails, or phone logs.
  • List of questions: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes for your case.
  • Information on damages: Be prepared to discuss any financial losses or harm you’ve suffered as a result of the unfair business practices, including medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer understand your situation more effectively and get the best possible legal advice on how to proceed with your case.

Scroll to top