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19 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
I paid very high rental in one of Irvine city brand new community, but landlord neglected management caused me a series of non-stop headache. I found and consulted William, he paid empathetic attention to listen my suffering and gave professional moderative advice, fair and equal to understand and accept.
He taught me how to collect evidence and stand for my right. William is not judgemental at all, comfortable to talk. I very appreciated his service and time. Would love to recommend him to my friends!
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30 Nov, 2017 by Rouzbeh soleymani
I worked under the supervision of Mr. Tanner before starting law school and throughout this time, Mr. Tanner acted as a real mentor by motivating and teaching me and many other young law students about the law and compassionate advocacy. He truly cares about his clients and goes above and beyond during the course of their representation. He also teaches at many prestigious academic institutions, which enables him to remain highly educated and up to date with developments in many different fields of California and national laws.
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21 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I consulted with Bill Tanner and was very pleased and satisfied with his knowledge and advice he gave me.
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20 May, 2024 by Mark w. greenberg cpa money doctor 818-385-4999
She got my client's debt with the IRS down to almost nothing. In 36 years I've never seen anything like it! She is amazing. Anyone who is in debt to anyone for any reason should go to her. She is the Houdini of debt resolution.
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22 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Shadi is the best. She is so smart and so helpful. I highly recommend her. Her expertise and professionalism are only matched by her kindness.
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16 Jun, 2016 by Dave
Shadi recently helped me in a IRS tax related case and was very responsive and the net result was that the obligation was managed and more importantly the interaction with the IRS was handled by Shadi and allowed me to function and not deal with the angst that comes as part of the process. She was proficient, competent and very conscientious and to this day we still keep in touch
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14 Mar, 2017 by Chris
We have worked with Phillip and his practice for many years, over many varied and complex legal issues. I can't speak higher of Phillip, he's professional, knows the law incredibly well, has a great team but as importantly is a genuine partner to his clients as you figure out the best course of action depending on circumstances. I can't say enough great things. Congratulations Phillip and team on building an outstanding practice.
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03 Dec, 2014 by Ray
I have had two cases for Phillip. The first was a business transaction gone bad and required extensive discovery, finding details and analysis of documents. Phillip never stopped looking for the last bit of strength. In the final days he was able to get a favorable settlement from a tough Chapter 11 case.
The 2nd was on behalf of my grandson. He had an opportunity to become a 1/3 partner in a business where he was the acting manager. My Grandson knew my business and knew II was required to use competent legal advise. He asked me to look at the deal proposed by his, then, employer. I referred it to Phillip and , on my grandsons request, guided my grandson on the special points of future protection required to make the deal good for all parties.
The deal was done according to Phillips suggestions and my grandson has thanked me many times for getting him the right help to give him a "LIFE CHANGING" head start as a businessman.
Today, his company is doing much more business than ever and he has complete control to make it grow even more. Thank you, Phillip. Your are ALWAYS on the money with total competence, integrity and kindness in tough times. Phillip can do the job!
I have referred several business associates to Phillip and no one has EVER expressed anything but complete respect and satisfaction.
Ray
Now retired in Pocatello, Idaho
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25 Nov, 2014 by Jeff
My case involved a business matter. One of my customers filed bankruptcy and my corporation had a sizable liability on a Preference Claim. Mr Ashman settled the case for me for 12.5 cents on the dollar. I considered that outcome to be extremely positive. Mr Ashman and his team of legal experts were able to research some very specific and detailed areas of the law which contributed to my side of the matter. They were also able to utilize their capable negotiating skills to my benefit as well. I would highly recommend this lawyer! Since that case, I've called him several times to discuss other various business matters, he's always been very helpful.
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15 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
I have been a paralegal my entire life and embarrassed to say that I found myself in a horrible civil litigation matter. I purchased a home in December 2012 only to find leaks, mold, and dry rot the day I moved in. Even though I hired a home inspector and obtained pest and roof inspections, they all failed me and the seller lied and didn't disclose the massive mold and dry rot issues and standing water under the home. It was a nightmare and I had to move out of 1/3 of my home and seal it off due to hazardous contamination. The seller later filed bankruptcy. I first hired a Lodi attorney who essentially did nothing but bill us $10,000 in a 6 month period. I then went to Art Small in Stockton, who took my case on contingency. If it weren't for him trusting in me and our case, I would have been screwed and lost everything. The case was complicated because of the bankruptcy, but Art fought on my behalf in both BK and civil court and ultimately I received far more than I ever would have expected. I won't be rich but can now finally make all repairs and then some. Art went above and beyond and put up with my constant questioning. I now consider him a personal friend. He is hard working, honest, and fair...something hard to find these days especially in an attorney. I've worked with many, but Art is as good as they come. He really knows his stuff, especially in debt collection and litigation, and how to play the game. The Lodi attorney basically told me I had no case but took my money anyway. Art worked diligently for 2.5 years because he believed I was wronged and that meant everything. Fortunately, it finally paid off for both of us. I highly, highly recommend him!!
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28 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Small successfully defended me in a land use lawsuit. His professionalism and attention to detail created a positive environment to conduct business. I was promptly informed about each step in the case and Mr. Small excelled at clearing communicating the steps he would use to defend the case. A legal win is always sweeter when handled with the ease demonstrated by an attorney such as Mr. Small.
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16 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Small assisted me in a elgal matter involving a building contractor. Due to his professionalism and knowledge of the law, the case was resolved in my favor expeditiously and professionally.
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07 Dec, 2016 by Frank
Mr. Klaskin was recommended a few years back. Since then, he has helped me out with a few debt collection complaints. He has demonstrated professionalism, and expertise to be exceptional; He is very transparent about the service, and potential outcome that you might expected from each case.
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30 Nov, 2016 by Robert
Helped me with a difficult tenant eviction. Kept me informed at every step and did not dodge calls.
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30 Nov, 2016 by Paul
I was sued by an idiot lawyer in CA. Luckily I was referred to Mr. Klaskin by a very good east coast attorney(Im in CT). Mr Klaskin was very helpful and was able to dismiss this baseless case against me.
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12 Dec, 2017 by Glen
Mike put together a living trust for me and my family. He put a lot of effort into making sure our estate plan was personalized and correct. His personal touch was much appreciated.
I would refer him to any friend who was looking to get a trust.
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13 May, 2016 by Barry
Michael has helped me both personally with a trust as well as in debt collection for my business. He returned my calls, answered questions and did a great job with both. Frankly, I thought I would pay a lot more as well. Highly recommended.
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13 May, 2016 by Steve
Michael is very knowledgeable in the field of estate planning, he is familiar with trusts both living and testamentary and the other tools used to assist clients with health care issues including powers of Attorney , he is highly recommended in this field.
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16 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Donald has helped me in several cases with great success. He is a smart attorney and a guy you want on your side.
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22 Sep, 2009 by Josh
He collected a very large judgment for us. Before hiring him, we had spoken to five other attorneys, but no one seemed to be as knowledgable as Mr. Ramenian. The best thing about him was that he made us feel as if we were his most important client. He was super effective.
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19 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Ramenian has closed (won) several cases for me. His consultations and legal advice worked very well for me and I am certain that I will forward more cases to him. During my cases, if I was not able to reach him by phone he was prompt in returning my calls, which was very important to me! I would recommend Mr. Ramenian to represent your business cases.
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20 Apr, 2016 by Jacques
My name is Jacques Delacroix. I am a retired professor of Management. I live in Santa Cruz, California with my wife, Krishna Delacroix who is an artist. Recently, we went to John D. Laughton, A Professional Law Corporation in Monterey, California for help to deal with the complex and forbidding business of making end-of-life legal preparations. We dealt entirely with Brandie Luis Esq. ,and with the pleasant office staff person (whose name escapes me right now because, well, I am writing a will am I not?)
Ms. Luis deployed incomparable patience and perseverance in dealing with our passivity (and perhaps, with our unconscious resistance). She guided us skillfully through the meanders of legal dispositions we did not even suspected to exist. As a result of her quiet efforts, my wife and I now think that we have done all the right things with respect to our offspring and with respect to the world at large. We believe that thanks to Ms Luis, our passing will not trouble much the peace of those we leave behind. We even think we will leave behind us a slight wake of benevolence. Those are satisfying and probably rare feelings.
Ms Luis ' disposition is so conscientious and so kind that once, she ever made a house call to us! (I hasten to add that this may not be a service the firm offer routinely and to all is customers. We may well have received favored treatment, on his occasion though I am sure we did nothing to deserve it.)
Obviously neither I nor my wife have any previous experience with this kind of endeavor. However, we suspect we stand more on the side of clients from Hell than on the side of angelic clients. Ms. Luis never lost her cool with us and she continued to direct us with a firm but friendly hand until the task was completed. If loving lawyers were not a human impossibility, we would say we have come to love Ms Luis!We could not recommend her personally and the John D. Laughton firm more highly.
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20 May, 2015 by Scott
Brandie Luis, was able to help our family through some difficult legal challenges we had recovering funds that other firms had told us couldn't be done without going through a long and expensive legal process.
She was able to assess the situation quickly and worked with the State and the banking institutions on our behalf to resolve the issues we encountered all to a successful outcome.
Brandie was always prompt with her communications and updated us frequently through the whole process.
I especially appreciated her support and concern for us, we really felt that our situation was as important to her as it was to us, this is a rare commodity that you don't find very much these days.
I would highly recommend Brandie Luis to anyone looking for a Lawyer in her area of expertise.
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09 Mar, 2015 by Tracy
Brandie both informed us on our options and helped educate us on what the different choices would mean for the estate. She was very knowledgeable, had clear explanations, and was responsive in her replies when we had further questions. She was very thorough in ensuring all our assets made it in to the trust which was very reassuring as I have heard other peoples horror stories when they found out too late their assets weren't actually in the trust. Brandie's thorough nature ensure we are in good hands and the estate will remain a legacy for generations to come!
I would highly recommend Brandie as an attorney that you can trust with your families future in mind.
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17 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Matt worked with us to on-board a seasoned executive to our software team. Our contractor agreement templates were too aggressive and scaring away experienced prospects. Matt not only edited our templates but also helped with negotiations, identifying and clearly explaining potentially volatile clauses, and was able to facilitate getting an agreement signed.
10/10 would work with again.
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18 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Matthew helped me navigate a complex legal issue that was made all the more precarious by the political and business nexus of my case.
He was able to effectively lay out my options and help form a strategy that I felt comfortable with that ultimately was successful.
I would highly recommend Matthew Avetoom.
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23 Jun, 2018 by Andrew wen
As a real estate investor, Julia and her firm are a critical business partner for me for over 5 years. As I consider new investments, seek to maximize my existing properties and exit them, I always make sure to run my key transactions and strategy through them.
She's really efficient & effective at spotting the key issues I need to be concerned about. I get pragmatic legal advice that is in context of the business considerations I have.
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20 Jun, 2010 by Anonymous
Julia was extremely helpful in our legal matter relating to a purchase transaction. Her vast experience in real estate law lead to a favorable resolution for our family. We would look to Julia for future needs.
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20 Oct, 2016 by Claire
I hired Debra to represent me in a suit filed against me by a predatory lender. Debra handled my case with the highest level of expertise and professionalism. I appreciated her taking the time to explain every aspect of the legal process to me along the way. She was able to negotiate a favorable settlement for me.
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23 Oct, 2014 by Paul
Debra is extremely knowledgeable, very timely in all responses and very, very thorough.
I am very happy to have her on my team.
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20 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous
Nik was extremely helpful and answered every question and extinguished every concern that I had while dealing with my case. He kept me involved in the process which my lawyers in the past did not do. I would recommend Nik Reed to anyone dealing with a personal injury conflict.
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19 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
Amazing work! He made me feel like my case was important to him and I got a great result.
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03 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Excellent advice I plan to use ASAP and I was given a quick reply too! Thank you.
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25 Oct, 2011 by K barr
Stephanie was upfront and honest on all matters related to my case. She was very quick to return calls and emails. She was empathetic and took the time to explain the complex process of my case. Most importantly, she successfully resolved the case to my complete satisfaction. I highly recommend the Tatar Law Firm!
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26 Dec, 2018 by Oskar
I was referred to Greg Angus by a contractor I knew because he was dealing with a similar issue. Greg Angus helped me win my case when my other lawyer said I had no chance of winning. Greg took the time to explain a lot to me and prepare me with the information I needed to win in court. I would definitely recommend him to any contractors, small business owners, or anyone dealing with insurance claims, and I would absolutely come back to him for help in the future.
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14 Nov, 2014 by Lupe
Mr. Angus did a great job on my case. I would definitely go back to him if I need help with anything and referral I friends to him...
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31 Jul, 2013 by David
Referred by a personal friend we share, who I don't think used Michael professionally, I was pleasantly surprised to find a lawyer who's business acumen most impressive. Great listener, saw angles I hadn't imagined, showed up on short notice to sit through a long boring meeting as if he had all day, and gave great suggestions during the meeting. After the meeting he debriefed me in a manner that let me know it was more about my benefit than his billing. At the end, I was simply grateful for his wise counsel. I rarely do this type of 'rate your experience' survey, but for this man, who is a talented pro and now a trusted 'friend of the business', I'm glad to have the chance. Michael is top notch. I'd recommend him to family.
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30 Jul, 2013 by Della
We have known Michael for many years and he is one of the most gifted, professional and respected attorneys we have ever met. Micahel's credibility and reputation are well known in this community.
We have been in the construction business, in the LA area, for almost 25 years and Micahel has been a significant part of our overall success.
Michael has completely handled the few legal hurdles we have encountered with great skill, timing, responsiveness, favorable results and always at a fair price.
Michael and his firm represent a true asset to our team and our business. Based on the value he brings to our company Michael is and has always been the "right fit" attorney for our business.
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30 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Great people! They were all extremely helpful and down to earth. Did not make me feel bad about my situation. They were very understanding and extremely helpful in explaining everything to me. Although I don't wish this on anyone I strongly recommend these guys if you ever find yourself in this terrible situation. They are definitely who you want on your side.
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17 Nov, 2009 by Maria
i used him for our chapter 13 bankruptcy and for getting rid of the second mortgage in our home. He was great and fast at what he was doing. I recommended him to 3 other people that have hired him to do thir ch. 13 as well
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15 Aug, 2013 by Rodolfo estrada
Brad has been instrumental in the development of our department's legal process, keeping our agency and our clients very satisfied, owning up to his excellent reputation.
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24 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
We use many different firms. Pizer is brilliant and simply on a different level than most attorneys.
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20 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Linda assisted us with a landlord/tenant lawsuit. Linda was very trustworthy, knowledgeable and responsive. Assertive, professional. We feel we definitely got our moneys worth and would definitely recommend her.
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03 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
Linda Frieder was extremely supportive of my interests from the first day until the case was settled. She is very knowledgable of the law. There never were situations or developments that she wasn't prepared for. She handled every matter with the utmost professionalism. Her response time was very impressive, always returning my phone calls in a timely manner. I would recommend her to anyone looking for legal representation. Her fees are reasonable and her results are impressive. Overall I would say that I am 100% happy with her as my attorney!!
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01 Oct, 2012 by Ben
Attorney Fassazadeh is my savior! She helped me with several traffic tickets and got all of them dismissed. She also got me a very large settlement for my car accident. In addition, a vendor wrongfully charged me and she was able to reverse the charges. She is very caring, helpful, and knowledgeable. I definitely recommend her. I have sought her representation for all of my cases.
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01 Oct, 2012 by Joseph
Ms. Fassazadeh represented me on a breach of contract/collection issue. She was very responsive and knowledgeable. She walked me through the entire case and explained every move in details. I never felt like I wasn’t being represented by a stranger. She is very friendly and knows what she is doing. She is my number one contact
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23 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
I would recommend this lawyer to anyone in need of legal help. He is friendly and very knowledgeable and his staff gets back to you right away. He always knows exactly what is going on with your case and is very supportive and sympathetic. I felt confident throughout the legal process that he was doing everything he could to help me get the best results.
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22 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
I am an extremely busy professional and was not sure who to turn to in my time of crisis. James Huber and his team helped to resolve my issues quickly and was extremely informative and patient with me. James explained all the specifics of where we were at throughout the entire process. I found they were extremely reasonably priced but more than anything, he got me the best outcome I could have hoped for. I cannot thank him enough. You will not find a better attorney and at the right price. James Huber is the only lawyer you need.
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08 Sep, 2017 by Laura
I met Russell at a community Veterans meeting and later scheduled a meeting with him. Russell was always friendly and clearly explained the process to me. He never pushed me into filling a lawsuit or paying him for his services. He got a deal settled in a few months and kept me informed throughout the process. I would highly recommend Russell!!!!!
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05 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
David managed my business's Chapter 11 case. His work was always proficient, creative, honest, and ethical. Couldn't be happier.
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22 Nov, 2016 by Cackenzie molt
I hired Alanna as a consultant to help me with my first Civil Litigation Case. I was extremely impressed with her trial preparation skills. She was always responsive to texts, emails, and phone calls. She gave great advice and did what she said she would do with a reasonable if not fast time. She also had an excellent legal mind and understanding of the processes of civil litigation. I would recommend her to anyone seeking justice.
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24 Oct, 2011 by Masud
Mr. Vaca is an amazingly talented, knowledgeable, and end very personal lawyer. He was able to tackle my very unique and difficult case with great confidence and ease. He not only was able to successfully resolve my case but he helped me devise a plan of action that would allow me to move with ease and confidence during the ordeal of the case. By nature I tend to be very nervous around legal matters, but i must say that Mr. Vaca made sure that I always had an answer for my questions and I was never in the dark. It was an absolute pleasure working with Mr. Vaca and I would strongly recommend him to any friends and family.
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07 Jun, 2019 by Rra construction
Our construction company, RRA Construction, had to sue a non-paying client and Thomas came as a referral from another attorney for our case. If you are going through or have gone through a case, then you would know how imperative it is to be armed with a winning attorney. Even though we were stressed out of our minds, Thomas reassured us. He helped keep us calm throughout the process. RRA Construction was impressed with Thomas's extensive knowledge and in utilizing his services, we have become a better company in the end. We have Thomas to thank for helping us with our case.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Lia ghirmazion
Dennis has been my family lawyer for years. Because, he is the most honest lawyer, that I have known Mr Kollenborn. I few lowyer before Mr kollenborn that took advantage of me, Unfortunately, I didn’t know Mr. Kollenborn then. I have know him for over 25 years I always recommended my friends and family to go to him before they hire other lawyers. he helped me my nasty divorce case 25 years ago and And family members are criminal cases Did wonderful job.
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13 May, 2016 by Rakesh
Brian is a very Down to Earth and Client friendly Attorney, and helped me with my case at a very affordable cost and provided me the best service that any attorney could possibly provide. Definitely not one of those attorneys who are more inclined towards their fees and hourly billing and retainers.
Had my issue solved very easily!!!
Great attorney, would recommend very much!
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23 Apr, 2017 by Joseph
I found Adam Greely through Avvo and was pleasantly surprised how quickly I was able to meet with him for a free consultation. Since I was impressed with his knowledge of Bankruptcy law, I hired him right away. I was forced into a situation where I needed to hire a Bankruptcy attorney because I was trying to collect on an arbitration award and the other side was threatening Chapter 11 (through another Bankruptcy firm) if I didn't negotiate the terms of payment with them. Mr. Greeley laid out my options in layman's terms for me and was available to handle my case in a very timely manner. I believe he helped me resolve this quicker and more efficiently than if I would have tried to have my existing attorney negotiate with the other side instead. This potentially saved me a lot of time, aggravation and money as a result. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anybody that seeks a professional that is well-versed in bankruptcy law, who is also a great communicator as well!
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19 May, 2016 by Raj
Ofer, offers a very comprehensive service, in all aspects of business law, he goes above and beyond in so many ways, i am thankful and grateful to him. He is an excellent lawyer and could not find a better human being, and lawyer. I have known him for 3 years and he is brilliant.
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06 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
From day one, Mr. Clinnin was very honest and straight forward. I was able to trust him with my case and knew he would get the best settlement possible. He is honest and a humble human being. He was looking out for my best interest. He is not your typical attorney. His calm persona and attitude made this process a whole lot smoother. We settled out with more than what I was expecting and all my bills were paid and then some! I definitely recommend him to anyone that is looking for a hard working and honest attorney.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Debt Collection Lawyer Can Do for You
A debt collection lawyer helps individuals and businesses navigate legal matters related to debt collection. Whether you’re a creditor seeking to recover unpaid debts or a debtor facing aggressive collection actions, a debt collection lawyer can provide valuable assistance. These lawyers help creditors pursue legal action to collect overdue debts and ensure compliance with debt collection laws. On the debtor’s side, they help defend against unlawful collection practices, negotiate repayment plans, or file for bankruptcy if necessary.
If you’re dealing with a debt collection issue, a lawyer can ensure your rights are protected and work toward a resolution that aligns with your financial or business needs.
When Should I Hire a Debt Collection Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a debt collection lawyer if you are facing any of the following situations:
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For Creditors:
- Unpaid debts: If you’re a creditor (such as a business or individual) with unpaid invoices, loans, or accounts receivable, a lawyer can help you pursue legal action to recover the debt.
- Debtor refuses to pay: When a debtor is unwilling or unable to make payments, a lawyer can assist with filing lawsuits, securing judgments, and enforcing those judgments to collect the debt.
- Negotiating repayment plans: If you’re willing to work with a debtor to arrange a payment plan, a lawyer can negotiate and draft a legally enforceable agreement.
- Legal representation in court: If a debtor disputes the debt or countersues, a lawyer can represent you in court and ensure your legal interests are protected.
- Securing liens or garnishments: A lawyer can help you secure liens on a debtor’s property or garnishments on their wages to recover the owed debt.
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For Debtors:
- Facing debt collection lawsuits: If you’ve been sued by a creditor or collection agency, a lawyer can represent you in court and help you defend against the claim or negotiate a settlement.
- Debt collection harassment: If creditors or debt collection agencies are harassing you or violating your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), a lawyer can help stop the harassment and potentially sue for damages.
- Negotiating debt settlements: If you owe a significant amount of money but want to avoid bankruptcy, a lawyer can negotiate with creditors to reduce the total amount owed or set up a payment plan.
- Disputing a debt: If you believe a debt is incorrect or have been wrongfully targeted by debt collectors, a lawyer can help you dispute the claim and provide evidence to resolve the matter.
- Bankruptcy options: If your debts are overwhelming and you’re unable to repay them, a debt collection lawyer can help you explore bankruptcy as an option for debt relief.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help you protect your financial interests and avoid escalating legal issues.
What Does a Debt Collection Lawyer Do?
A debt collection lawyer provides a variety of services depending on whether they are representing the creditor or the debtor. Their responsibilities often include:
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For Creditors:
- Filing lawsuits: A lawyer can file a lawsuit against a debtor who has failed to pay what they owe. This includes preparing and submitting legal documents, representing you in court, and pursuing judgments.
- Negotiating settlements: If the debtor is willing to settle, the lawyer can negotiate a payment arrangement or reduced settlement that ensures you recover some or all of the debt.
- Securing judgments and enforcement: After obtaining a court judgment, a lawyer can help enforce it through methods like wage garnishment, bank levies, or property liens.
- Reviewing contracts and agreements: A lawyer can review your contracts and lending agreements to ensure that they comply with the law and are enforceable if a debtor defaults.
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For Debtors:
- Defending against debt collection lawsuits: If you’re being sued by a creditor, a lawyer can challenge the lawsuit, dispute the debt’s validity, or negotiate a more favorable settlement.
- Stopping harassment: If debt collectors are using unlawful practices to collect a debt (such as threatening you or contacting you excessively), a lawyer can intervene and protect your rights.
- Negotiating debt relief: A lawyer can negotiate with creditors to reduce the total amount of debt you owe or develop a manageable payment plan that suits your financial situation.
- Disputing inaccurate debts: If a debt is not valid, a lawyer can help you gather evidence to dispute the claim and prevent further collection actions.
- Filing for bankruptcy: If your debts are overwhelming, a lawyer can advise you on whether filing for bankruptcy is the best option and help you through the process.
How Are Debt Collection Lawyers Paid?
Debt collection lawyers typically charge for their services in different ways depending on the complexity of the case and whether they represent a creditor or debtor. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many debt collection lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and the case’s complexity. Hourly fees are common when the lawyer is representing either party in litigation or negotiation.
- Contingency fee: For creditors, some lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they successfully recover the debt. Their fee is typically a percentage of the recovered amount, usually ranging from 20% to 40%.
- Flat fee: For specific services, such as reviewing a contract, drafting a demand letter, or defending a straightforward debt collection lawsuit, a lawyer may charge a flat fee.
- Retainer: For larger or ongoing cases, a lawyer may require a retainer fee ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the expected duration.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation and understand the total cost of their services before proceeding with your case.
How Much Does a Debt Collection Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a debt collection lawyer depends on whether you are a creditor or debtor, the complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly rates: Most debt collection lawyers charge between $150 and $500 per hour. Complex cases involving litigation or large amounts of money may result in higher legal fees.
- Contingency fees: If the lawyer works on a contingency basis, they typically charge between 20% and 40% of the recovered amount. For example, if you recover $10,000 and the contingency fee is 30%, the lawyer would take $3,000.
- Flat fees: For simpler services like drafting a demand letter or responding to a debt collection lawsuit, flat fees may range from $500 to $2,500, depending on the work required.
- Retainers: For larger or ongoing cases, a lawyer may require a retainer fee ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the expected duration.
Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to avoid surprises and ensure that the services fit your budget.
Top Questions to Ask a Debt Collection Lawyer
Before hiring a debt collection lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have with debt collection cases?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether you’re a creditor or debtor. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, on a contingency fee basis, or a flat fee, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and the potential outcomes. -
How long will the process take?
Debt collection cases can take time, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last, from filing the claim to recovering the debt or resolving the dispute. -
What are my legal rights?
Ask the lawyer to explain your rights as a creditor or debtor, including protections under laws like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). -
Will you personally handle my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be managing your case.
How to Check the Credibility of a Debt Collection Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable debt collection 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 law and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for debt collection experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in debt collection law and have successfully handled 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 ability to handle debt collection cases.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on debt collection matters.
- Check for certifications or memberships: Look for certifications or memberships in organizations like the National Creditors Bar Association (NCBA) or other relevant associations that focus on debt collection law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a debt collection lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
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For Creditors:
- List of outstanding debts: Bring a detailed list of the debts owed to you or your business, including invoices, contracts, or other supporting documentation.
- Previous communication with the debtor: Provide copies of any emails, letters, or phone call logs showing attempts to collect the debt.
- Contracts or agreements: Bring any contracts or agreements related to the debt, as they may be critical in proving your case.
- Judgment information (if applicable): If you’ve already obtained a court judgment against the debtor, bring the judgment documents and any enforcement attempts.
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For Debtors:
- Debt collection letters or notices: Bring any correspondence from creditors or collection agencies, including demand letters and collection notices.
- Payment records: Provide proof of any payments made toward the debt, including receipts, canceled checks, or bank statements.
- Debt validation or dispute documentation: If you’ve disputed the debt or requested validation, bring copies of the dispute letters and the creditor’s response.
- Legal summons or lawsuit documentation: If you’re facing a lawsuit, bring the court summons, complaint, and any legal documents related to the case.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best legal advice tailored to your needs.
