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29 May, 2024 by Steve phillips
24 May, 2024 by Steve-o man
Dodge and Dodge office returned my call for professional representation on a weekend without hesitation or delay. Mark D. represented me and I couldn’t be more thankful for his counsel. I have recommended their office to everyone who asks and I will continue to do so.
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17 May, 2024 by Cj allers
David has been absolutely wonderful to work with. Very attentive and informative. I'm completely satisfied this far and I'm glad I switched attorneys over to him. Keeps in constant contact with me to update me with whats going on. Very straight forward. Highly recommended!
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13 Dec, 2022 by Sue yopek
After dealing with 5 different Attorneys on the same case, and the only gain being my generosity at donating money to Attorneys…I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Westbrook brought onboard. Amazing results, victorious ending to 14 years of prior litigation. He is hard working, honest, fair in his pricing and an AMAZING human being. Real Estate, Mortgage, Insurance, Easements, zoning, Airports… he’s your solid choice. 100 stars.
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27 Oct, 2022 by Eric smith
07 Jul, 2022 by Holdingpattern
The best attorney you will ever find!!
Just call him...you will be thankful you did!
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02 Sep, 2018 by Prod and deluxe (prodanddeluxe)
29 Dec, 2015 by Cathy
I met with Mr. Alles to discuss setting up an estate plan for myself. During our meeting, he recommended plans also be setup for my adult, unmarried children--which I did. Unfortunately, my son died soon after his trust was setup. But, having a trust in place, has made managing his home, IRA's, and other assets much easier without going through probate. I definitely recommend Mr. Alles to anyone needing estate planning.
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26 Jul, 2013 by Jennifer
Tim took my husband and I through every single step of setting up our wills and trust. We had lots of questions, concerns, and worries about what we could/couldn't do.
Tim was very patient and took us step by step through what we wanted, what he could do for us, and how he could bring everything together to get us what we were looking for. He was very informative and knew what we were looking for before we figured it out.
I have suggested Tim to family and friends since our experience was wonderful.
He is even doing our son's will for him since he is currently a Marine heading to Okinawa and has no idea what he will get into in the next couple of years.
Highly recommend Tim to anyone looking for a down to earth honest attorney.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Emily
James took on my case and was amazing. I am not a easy person to deal with as I'm stubborn but he handled it well. Showed up early in court sat and talked to us as people not anything less. In court he was professional and firm.
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02 Sep, 2021 by Andrea
My case was a change of domicile. I received a great career offer that I didn’t want to turn down but unfortunately my child’s father was not on board with my decision. So I called 7 different attorneys even attorneys that I used in the past. Every lawyer I spoke to asked for a retainer fee upfront without even hearing my case out. But not James we talked on the phone for one hour he never even mentioned a retainer fee I had to ask that question. I explained to him that with me moving out of state and affording a lawyer was very difficult. James came up with 3 payment options that I could choose from I was really shocked and grateful especially from my experience with the previous lawyer’s. Regarding my case James was available anytime I called he would get back with me within an hour time frame email or telephone during business hours. If he was busy his team accommodated me and helped with any questions I had. We won the case and I had a short time span because I had already accepted the job so I had one month to get everything done and I was really amazed at how fast James accomplished everything in a timely manner. He won’t let you down! I’m very grateful for this law firm you guys changed me and my family’s life! Thank you
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01 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Went above and beyond. Five out of five would definitely recommend! Just a great human being over all! The best part is the cost to hire, most definitely worth the price.
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06 May, 2024 by Camille
We are grateful for Amanda's outstanding representation in this legal case. She was professional, compassionate, and diligent throughout the entire process. Amanda fought hard and secured a favorable settlement quickly. She is not only a brilliant attorney, but is also a wonderful person who listens well and answers questions with patience and clarity (even on weekends!) I highly recommend Amanda to anyone who needs a competent, fair, and caring attorney. .
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24 May, 2019 by Anonymous
She was very nice and handled my case very professional and quick. Answered all questions I had and made a quick resolution to the issue I had.
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13 Sep, 2018 by Michelle
Amanda helped me out with an issue I was having with a landlord. She took care of everything and made the process as easy and stress-free as it could be for me. She was honest and up front about every option I had, and I felt very supported by her.
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15 Jun, 2016 by Mary
In 2014 I had an income of a little over $40K. Also in that year, the Nonprofit I worked for as a consultant decided to dissolve and move it's assets to the local community foundation. The community foundation decided to use it's own staff to perform the mission of the now dissolved nonprofit and so I lost my job. In the months that followed, I was unable to find employment at that same level of compensation so lived on the income I had generated in 2014, leaving me with 4 figure tax obligations to the IRS, the State and 3 figure obligation to the City. With my current income at just above $14K, I was truly frightened to even engage any of these entities in a repayment discussion. I contacted South West Michigan Legal Service who referred me to Mr. Toft. Mr. Toft agreed to take my case. Over the weeks that Mr. Toft represented me, he thoroughly explained to me the circumstances of my situation with each entity so I could make fully informed decisions regarding the arrangement I would enter into. He talked with very unkind, uncooperative and even threatening representatives from the IRS. He successfully negotiated payment plans that I can meet based on my current financial situation. Most important to me is that he listened to me and respected and represented me to people I would have no skill to talk with in a reasonable way. He treated me with kindness and dignity at a time when I was not feeling very good about the circumstances in which I found myself. His knowledge of the incredible intricacy of tax law on the Federal, State and Local is extremely extensive. His resolution to my tax debts left me confident I can fulfill my obligations without fear of negative action from the any of the taxing authorities. I highly recommend Thomas H. Toft as a person and tax attorney.
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01 May, 2015 by Anonymous
From day one, Tom had my best interest in mind. He spent a lot of time educating me throughout the entire process of removing my name from numerous fraudulent loans. We talked frequently, with many phone calls and in-person meetings to discuss every step, record, and update from both the loan companies and credit bureaus. There was not, at any point, a time where I was not confident that I had the right person working with me to alleviate the headaches and stress of dealing with such a large amount of money and how it could affect my family. Over the nearly year-long process, Tom was able to help me remove all (numerous organizations and 10+ fraudulent loans), from my name and had them corrected by the loan companies, and removed and blocked by the credit bureaus. He is one of the truly genuine people out there and I feel fortunate to have had Tom working on my behalf.
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27 Sep, 2019 by Ken
Tom has been a huge help to our family. We've had 3 other firms review our situation and were unable to help us. Tom met with us, reviewed our case, and immediately found several key details the others missed. We haven't completed the process yet, but we have a very strong case due to the thorough investigation Tom and his firm did. We have high hopes of getting this resolved and I highly recommend Tom and his firm.
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03 Apr, 2019 by Stefan
Among 7 lawyers I worked with so far, Tom is the best. Very clear process, very fast reactions, very proficient explanations of legal matters to me as non-lawyer, effective interaction via email, all in all a 5-star performance in every respect. Most importantly, we won with our matter against the counter party!
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23 Mar, 2010 by Mark
Mr. Underwood was professional and helpful always, and he gets results.
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13 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
James Alexander and the firm he is working at, Damon, Ver Merris, Boyko & Witte is the most reputable firm i am have come across. They have handled cases for us against companies with big wallets and attorneys that were very sneaky, crafty, trying every imaginable tactic to win. James pursued the ethical path and we prevailed despite opposing counsels tactics. He is very knowledgeable and when he doesn't know something, he says so and finds a knowledgeable expert. An incredibly honest attorney.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Jessica brown
Jacob was great to work with. I had a lot of questions and he answered all of them. I will definitely recommend this place to anyone. Thank you
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29 Oct, 2024 by Devere kelley
If you want quality legal service and lawyers that care about their clients, go to Russell Law Firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jacob, Harlee and Travis are the most talented group of attorneys in the area. They are experts in the area of Bankruptcy. I have dealt with other attorneys before and it wasn't a happy ending but my experience with Russell Law Firm was one of the most positive experiences that I have ever had seeking legal counseling. They are the best. Don't ever hesitate to give them a call if you want the best legal service in Kent County.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Lawrence budd
I had a good experience with the Russell Law Firm and would recommend them for your representation.
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3.0
7 Reviews
4.9
115 Reviews
23 Oct, 2024 by Aiden deng
Mark was extremely helpful and experienced, he was very knowledgable and very resourceful as well. 100% would recommend.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Nic paauw
The first and only call you need to make when charged with an owi/dui is Mark Caldwell
From there follow his instructions to the letter, he knows the ins and outs of the courts, judges, and prosecutors, and when he gives advice follow it
He is a hardworking, honest, and straight shooting lawyer, he is there to help you get through this difficult situation, and make sure you navigate the intricacies of the law
He has an exemplary reputation within the legal community, which will greatly benefit you when pleading your case
This is the man that will get you your second chance
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08 Sep, 2024 by John
Despite having numerous meetings, phone calls, and payment transfers; Tony Valentine did NOT show up to my court date. I ended up being on probation for a year because of his negligence. Worst legal experience of my life. If I could select a rating less than 1 star I would.
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.7
155 Reviews
14 Oct, 2024 by Anna wodarek
If I could give 10 stars, I would! What a dedicated, hard-working, compassionate group of people. I highly recommend Michael Bartish; knowledgeable, educated, communicative, kind-hearted and down-to-earth. I knew I was in great hands from our first meeting.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Bonnie
In June I found myself in a situation that required me to find legal counsel. My husband got physical with me following an argument. I ran to our bedroom and called 911 as he put his hand through our door. The Ottawa County Sheriff’s office showed up after what seemed like an eternity. When they attired, my husband met them outside. To date I cannot comprehend what the the deputies were thinking because I was arrested after calling for help. Apparently my husband’s lies convinced her that I assaulted him and my daughter. He even added that I racked a 9mm and “almost” pointed it at him…
I was arrested and in jail for the night. I started to panic and was terrified about potentially losing my job and/or licensing through the state in addition to losing my CPL & 2nd amendment rights. I was initially charged with felony felonious assault and a few other things that I do not recall.
I started looking & researching who to hire to sort this mess out.
Attorneys need to be convincing. I had talked to a dozen of them & all I heard were the same lines- like a salesman working for commission. A few of them sat ok in my stomach. But that was the problem… they were ok. When there is so much on the line mediocre is not what I was willing to accept.
I reached out to a trusted attorney that I had worked with previously on a civil matter from Warner Norcross + Judd. He referred me to Michael Bartish. I began digging into reviews & searching for articles about him. I reached out to SBBL Law. It didn’t take long for Michael to return my call.
After speaking with Michael over the phone I knew he was the guy. He was direct yet empathetic. He listened to what was important to me and the fears I had. He was reassuring without over promising any sort of result. He never said any of the lines I’d heard from the previous attorneys who seemed to not be genuine.
Over the course of about 2 months Michael walked me through the process, explained everything so that I understood. I could feel he was vested in this fight with me from our first court appearance. His presence and confident demeanor brought me peace at some of the most emotional times I had faced in a long time. Michael included me in every aspect of the case and looked to me to make the decisions on plea deals that were offered. He supported my decision to go to trial. He still never promised a winning result but his confidence gave me the confidence to fight this.
I had never watched a jury selection. The jurors likely never were jurors before. Watching Michael educate the jurors while assessing their ability to be impartial for the anticipated trial was nothing short of impressive. He has power in his voice & not the sort that’s disrespectful or arrogant.
At hearings Michael made clear arguments backed by law. He crushed every move the prosecution attempted. He has passion and speaks with a dominance you only see with true experience.
The prosecution ended up dismissing the case because any headway they attempted was shattered by Michael. This was a huge win for us!!! Michael and I joked that it was a bit disappointing not going to trial. Watching him in the courtroom and knowing his abilities I felt it would be a sure win and that it would put the prosecutor in his place even more.
If I ever need a defense attorney he 100% will be my guy without hesitation! I would recommend him to anyone needing help with a case.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Amanda s
Heath and this firm failed on every level. Heath failed to prepare his client to speak with the Judge as written in his contract. Heath failed to keep his clients informed of the cost as stated in his contract. I would strongly urge you to find a different firm.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I was referred to Mr. Sanchez back in March of 2023 for a Landlord Tenant Dispute. I am a Veteran and was facing some financial hardship at the time and my malicious apartment complex decided to attempt an eviction and place a balance on our ledger for "court and attorney fees" along with an attempted possession of items letter. Mr. Sanchez took on my case and reassured me that this was a common tactic used by landlords to scare renters into paying the balance and their attorneys fees. This was reassuring and gave our family the confidence we needed to dispute this in court, he advised us of the appropriate measures to take and we did just that. A few months passed and never heard or saw any eviction notice or possession of items notice either, and we informed Mr. Sanchez and he stated that if they do not serve us they cannot legally evict us. With that being said we waited...and...NOTHING.. He had not seen anything up and coming related to our case at all, so I contacted the courthouse in my county and found out through the clerk that they served the letters improperly and to a completely different address, however, they did get the address for possession of items letter correct but it was sent out to the incorrect address, and we found out they held a hearing without our knowledge and so he jumped on it and diligently filed a motion to set aside a default in our case for improper service. We ended up settling with the apartment complex. Fast forward to 2024, and I reached back out to Mr. Sanchez because I was in need of some consumer protection from debt collectors. I was made aware of his excellence and profound knowledge in consumer protection and debt collection practice areas through a few news articles and reviews, and he has really shown his service and dedication to protection against aggressive debt collectors. Mr. Sanchez had limited knowledge with how (non student loan) federal debt was handled by debt collectors, however he prevailed and advised me on the appropriate steps to take legally and so far, my credit has improved tremendously, were talking 94 points give or take. In total there were about 3 or 4 collections accounts that were placed on my credit report in 2022 during a divorce, and removed from my credit report with his help. I continue to seek legal advice and guidance from Mr. Sanchez on his knowledge on consumer protection on top of other legal related topics. I would definitely recommend his services.
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28 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Gabriel Sanchez took my case, it's been over a year and I haven't heard anything from him, no letter or email. I continue to have to call the office which every time I call they ask for my name and when I give it to them no one is available to speak with me. I continue to get the run around and I don't know what's going on with my case, in the beginning I was told the money was being refunded, then it was they had to go to court now it's no communication for over a year, I suggest going else where so u don't have to deal with this type of headache and stress.
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19 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Went into a hefty tenant/landlord dispute with little legal experience & nobody around West Michigan was willing to help…except for Gabe!!
He knew his stuff and was very reassuring. The case was dropped and Mr. Sanchez was a great asset to have on my team.
Down to earth & willing to assist.
10/10 recommend.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Adrian fajardo
Im posting on behalf my poor boyfriend and yes he’s your client or was cus you stole $1200 just to told him things he already know and here we are asking you for the background you already had that I’m pretty sure you did nothing cus you don’t want to give it to him he already paid and we found another lawyer that is willing to help not just stole LISTEN stay away from this lady office found a better and reliable.
For the Spanish Latin
Busquen otro abogado esta señora es una ladronsuela que solo anda atrás del dinero y no hace nada y como otros pusieron en los comentarios uno llama y le cuelgan y aparte su contestación siempre es que no son clientes nosotros fuimos clientes y solo tomo nuestro dinero
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29 Aug, 2024 by Loreli lee
Worst experience ever, this office cares about money and nothing else and will find every way to screw you over!!! There are far better attorneys out there! Avoid this office like the plague!!!!! If you have any frustrations with them and try to voice them, even in a respectful manner, they hang up the phone and refuse to speak to you! Terrible place overall and a complete lack of communication throughout! 10/10 DO NOT RECOMMEND!!!
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16 Aug, 2024 by Isabel arriola
19 Mar, 2024 by Hao nguyen
Krista Jackson cares about her clients/potential clients. She’s thoughtful and puts in the effort to work things out for the client with her law firm. I look forward to working with this law firm.
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29 Dec, 2023 by Jill frey
Mary Pigorsh made a complete mess of my children’s and my life. I went in to hire her and as soon as I signed and paid the retainer - she passed me off on to Patricia Sheltrown. Mary told me I “could not afford her” (yes, in those words). $65,000 for a horrible divorce that I then had to pay double to another attorney, post divorce, to try and unravel. My ex hired a dishonest attorney here in GR that I used to work for. (Yes, I showed a conflict of interests right away. I was even friends with his assistant. Mary said it was “fine”. No it was not!). Because of what Mary & Patti allowed this unjust attorney to do to my children and I in the divorce, 6 years later - he still tries to beat on us. EVERY single holiday especially.
I reached out to Mary’s bosses to tell them what happened and how much I was charged and actually received (there was never any separation of property, which I was told would happen post divorce. What? No, my ex got basically everything). Mary’s bosses did not care.
DO NOT USE this firm. Run especially if Mary Pigorsh is mentioned.
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30 Mar, 2023 by Kapish goyal
08 Mar, 2024 by Jenna rietveld
When you’re divorcing a serial cheater with a secret bank account & a gambling addiction, you need Kim Large on your side! She is so meticulous, detailed, and extremely dialed in to protect you from the antics of conniving people! 10/10 recommend!
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05 Feb, 2024 by Courtney moose
Kim Large is top notch! The best divorce attorney without a doubt! She fights hard for her clients, shows up strong and takes great care of those she is working for! Hands down I trust her with legal needs!
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01 Feb, 2024 by Randy katerberg
Kim has been an unbelievable help to a few people I referred to her with custody issues. For family law you need to look no further.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Sonja sirie waters
Very slow need more people
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26 Jul, 2024 by Rick the ricker
No help or even reply.. Good luck.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Taniesha sanford
Lawyer was very careless she basically sided with who i was going to court against i lost both my cases while she laughed and giggled with the person taking me to court i was harrased after court she never respo ded to messages until 3 days later she was very careless about my situation we came to a agrrement in court and my landlord added fees that was not in my agreement and she did not say anything about it she was not for me she was more for getting paid for nothing worse lawyers ever
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13 Aug, 2024 by Sonja sirie waters
Very slow need more people
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26 Jul, 2024 by Rick the ricker
No help or even reply.. Good luck.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Taniesha sanford
Lawyer was very careless she basically sided with who i was going to court against i lost both my cases while she laughed and giggled with the person taking me to court i was harrased after court she never respo ded to messages until 3 days later she was very careless about my situation we came to a agrrement in court and my landlord added fees that was not in my agreement and she did not say anything about it she was not for me she was more for getting paid for nothing worse lawyers ever
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13 Aug, 2024 by Sonja sirie waters
Very slow need more people
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26 Jul, 2024 by Rick the ricker
No help or even reply.. Good luck.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Taniesha sanford
Lawyer was very careless she basically sided with who i was going to court against i lost both my cases while she laughed and giggled with the person taking me to court i was harrased after court she never respo ded to messages until 3 days later she was very careless about my situation we came to a agrrement in court and my landlord added fees that was not in my agreement and she did not say anything about it she was not for me she was more for getting paid for nothing worse lawyers ever
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13 Aug, 2024 by Sonja sirie waters
Very slow need more people
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26 Jul, 2024 by Rick the ricker
No help or even reply.. Good luck.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Taniesha sanford
Lawyer was very careless she basically sided with who i was going to court against i lost both my cases while she laughed and giggled with the person taking me to court i was harrased after court she never respo ded to messages until 3 days later she was very careless about my situation we came to a agrrement in court and my landlord added fees that was not in my agreement and she did not say anything about it she was not for me she was more for getting paid for nothing worse lawyers ever
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07 Oct, 2021 by Aubrey kruger
Very polite staff and people that truly know what they are doing!
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28 Aug, 2021 by Tyler black
Cares solely for himself and his own interests.
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25 Aug, 2021 by Jamie overway
Doug van Essen is rude and disrespectful! Do not support this man!
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05 Aug, 2024 by George case
Great place. Chelsea is always a pleasure to talk to and informative.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Deshawn porter
Idk who to call or what to do these people are taking my money. For no reason I wasn't served papers or nothing. Now they saying they don't know who I am but still taking my money
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29 Jul, 2024 by Matthew johnson
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:
-
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
