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21 Sep, 2015 by Connie
We were very pleased with the attention and excellent customer service that Jay provided to us. Our case was small but he was extremely attentive and always quick to respond. We quickly developed a good rapport and felt we could trust his advice. If we were to need representation in the future we would call Jay. I have also recommended the firm to friends.
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14 Sep, 2015 by Court
I had the good fortune to work with Mr. O'Keeffe closely over the last several years in a very complex real estate matter involving the location of a high-voltage power line across a residential subdivision. The dispute involved state laws and regulations, local subdivision ordinances and entitlements, and the determination of business damages to future development. The case was highly unique in that the subdivision property across which the power line was to be located was entitled to development while not yet developed. Mr. O'Keeffe combined and synthesized these details into a world-class briefing that laid out the case as clearly as one could hope for. The facts were presented, arguments based on governmental actions and entitlements made, and ultimately a conclusion reached that was easily understood and provided the strongest arguments to our benefit in a well-written and well-thought out way. I was amazed at how clearly the law was laid out and the intelligent work before us. Suffice to say, one week before trial the power company agreed to a settlement that far exceed my expectations. Mr. O'Keeffe's work speaks for itself in that sense, and I could not have been more pleased with the results. Mr. O'Keeffe is an incredibly intelligent, thoughtful and well-spoken attorney and the great success we had in our case was a direct result of his skill and ability to take complex matters and lay them out in a powerful and easily-understandable format. I would encourage anyone looking for an outstanding appellate or business litigation lawyer to consult with Mr. O'Keeffe. His intelligence, strong communications skills, ethical and friendly approach put me at ease during our case and ultimately resulted in a settlement greater than hoped for.
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17 May, 2024 by Anisleydis velazquez
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18 Dec, 2023 by Karla escobar
Excelente trabajo, siempre muy responsable y atendiendo amablemente.
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12 Dec, 2023 by Miguel ortega
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21 Mar, 2023 by Hunter breeden
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25 Apr, 2022 by Billy falls
Completely helped me out and explained everything to me in a way that helped me understand my issue.
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07 Apr, 2022 by Mary via
Apparently I'm not worth their time.
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23 May, 2020 by Charles
I hired Lugar Law of Roanoke, VA on May 4, 2020 to represent me in regards to a speeding ticket I received in Roanoke County. At first I was pleased with their responsiveness and they quoted me a fee of $150.00 for them to represent me, which was considerably cheaper than other law firms that I had spoken to. I paid the fee and sent them a copy of my insurance verification and a copy of the ticket. At Cerid Lugar’s instruction I had my speedometer calibrated and emailed the firm a copy of the results. They in turn sent me an email showing a letter that they sent to a judge, noting that my speedometer was inaccurate. I was content that the matter was being taken care of. On Friday, May 22, I received a call from the admin at Lugar law stating that they had erred, and that they thought the speeding ticket had been issued in Franklin County instead of Roanoke County. I found this to be a bit incredulous given that they had a copy of the speeding ticket and it states clearly in boldface red letters ROANOKE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT. The admin advised that since the offence happened in Roanoke County instead of Franklin county, that the fee would be $700 instead of the $150, which I had already paid. I was shocked to say the least. I had spoken to a few other lawyers in the area and the average fee was $360.00 and if Lugar Law had stated that ballpark figure, I would not have been that dumbfounded but an increase of FIVE HUNDRED and FIFTY DOLLARS??? The admin stated she would talk to Cerid Lugar and see if she would consider a compromise given that I had already paid the fee and the ERROR was due to Lugar Law, but she called me back and stated that Cerid Lugar would not lower the fee. At no point did Cerid Lugar call me to offer any detailed explanation or apology. I FIRED the law firm on the spot and demanded a refund, advising I would seek representation elsewhere. The fact that Lugar Law made such an egregious error and the fact that they were unwilling to acknowledge or accept responsibility for that error speaks volumes to their unprofessionalism. Attorneys are supposed to act in their client’s defense and a lot of trust is placed in them. Having that trust violated is a serious betrayal and what Lugar Law did to me felt like a SHAKEDOWN. If you are considering hiring them, I would advise you to FIND SOMEONE ELSE. Who knows how much they might SQUEEZE you for.
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12 Feb, 2019 by Rodney
At the end of 2017 I purchased a vehicle and learned a couple months later after having some issues with the vehicle, that the odometer had been rolled back. I called at least 10 attorneys in the area and was told by a few that there was nothing I could do and then by the rest that my case was too complicated to pursue.... Luckily I found Cerid just before I decided to give up. Not only did she get my settled for a fair amount she also showed that my Fair Credit Reporting Rights had been violated and that became part of my settlement. Cerid is a straightforward and honest attorney who doesn't say what you want to hear but rather says what you need to hear. She is an amazing attorney and my family and I are very grateful to have found her! She is also great with communicating the case details! The did far more than I could have hoped. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking an attorney in her area.
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23 May, 2018 by William
I had an out of state traffic offense that I needed help with. I searched through the law firms in the area and read some reviews, and decided to take my chance with Attorney Lugar. I could not be happier with the outcome! Attorney Lugar told me exactly what steps I needed to take to give her the best possible chances for a good outcome, she clearly knew the right things that I needed to do, was patient in explaining them, and followed through on every e-mail and phone call I made in a completely responsive, compassionate, and professional manner! I recommend her services to anyone needing legal counsel without hesitation!
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26 Aug, 2024 by Carrie poff
The Virginia Employment Law Firm has been extremely helpful to me in my time of need. They are compassionate and kind, knowledgeable and efficient. I highly recommend this law firm if you are struggling with a situation that is unjust and don't know what else to do or where to turn. They will guide you with honesty and integrity.
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10 Jul, 2024 by Heather martin
Do not use this firm to go against the Commonwealth of Virginia or any other government entity. Ever.
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17 Feb, 2024 by Curtis king
I would highly recommend this law firm! Brittany was my attorney. She was at all times on top of things. She was a pleasure to speak with, always nice I would highly recommend her.Also the secretary Vicki was also so nice and helpful.
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10 Aug, 2024 by David perdue
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05 Apr, 2024 by Anthoney robbins
Highly recommend.
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08 Jan, 2024 by Kevin berger
Nick Leitch is the best!
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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.

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