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28 Jun, 2024 by Kiara nora
I’ve been using JP law firm for years now she is very professional simple amazing at what she does very efficient always handles each case with care. I recommend her to absolutely anyone definitely will not be disappointed.
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26 Jun, 2024 by Matt eusse
Jennifer, there is nothing to tell me you're welcome for because you did nothing. You literally scammed us out of $2,000 dollars. All you did was agree to the original terms of opposing counsel (with a few emails) which is what I could have done myself and settled in less than one week since you feel time is so relevant. You are rude, unprofessional and full of yourself. By far the worst "nose up in the air, I'm better than everyone else" attitude I've seen from anyone. Under two months is completely irrelevant. Time has nothing to do with the issue(s) at hand. That's just noise to distract from the facts in play. Pointing out the fact that my wife retained you is also completely irrelevant. If you'd like, I can ask her to write a review as well if that makes it more relevant. Yes, you did point out that you are foreclosure only, but you also said that someone else can be retained to deal with the HOA issues. Any competent attorney that actually takes the time to read emails, listen to the client and do some forward thinking would realize that settling the foreclosure would have made it difficult or impossible (impossible in our case) to pursue further action against the HOA. It is pretty easy for me to see the scam you have going here by spamming public records with your $1,500 retainer (non refundable) and $500 monthly fee, and quite frankly I wonder if it's borderline illegal/unethical from the perspective of The Florida Bar. Anyone reading this ought to search you on the other legal sites to see that you have mostly negative reviews with most of them pointing out how rude and unprofessional you are with your clients. I guess the joke is on us since my wife and I were busy traveling and did not have the time to vet you out. **Edit is for response to Jennifer (above)** Original Text Below: Jennifer is an incompetent and unethical attorney. She advertised her services by targeting individuals facing foreclosure through public records. Our HOA, known for its underhanded tactics, pushed us into foreclosure, leading us to hire Jennifer. Jennifer's primary focus was to take our money without providing adequate service. We paid her a $1,500 retainer and $500 monthly for a fixed-rate arrangement, yet she performed only a couple of hours of billable work. Despite providing extensive details about our situation, Jennifer ignored them. During our consultation, we expressed our desire to take action against the HOA. She claimed this would be possible after addressing the foreclosure. Later, we discovered that the HOA became judgment-proof with the foreclosure resolution, making further action impossible—something she knew from the start. Her consistent failure to read and comprehend emails resulted in additional court filings. When the settlement deadline approached, she sent a one-line email saying, "I guess you're going to lose your home now," despite us already wiring the money and instructing her to accept the deal. She failed to read and understand our communication. When we demanded a refund for the majority of the payments made, she simply ignored us. In short, Jennifer is unresponsive, uncommunicative, and solely interested in taking your money.
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11 Oct, 2023 by Elizabeth pinero
I've received nothing but positive feedback from every client I have referred to this firm. Top notch representation.
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06 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
He likes to post irrelevant things on your questions and mock your situation. I live in Kentucky so I have no need for a Florida lawyer and I stated my situation with a little backstory and he not only tried to make me look stupid but continued to come back and add more comments with his condescending opinions and unasked for "advice" I think he enjoys trolling people. I did not consult him and asked him to move on to someone else and he just continued to come back and insult me personally.
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19 May, 2023 by Chris
I loved his advice even though it is a very messed up situation. I am presently hiring an attorney and he told me exactly what I needed to hear.
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08 Feb, 2023 by David
This lawyer was very helpful and obvious of having significant knowledge of the complex structure of the FL laws of civil procedures. He is upfront, no bs and honest.
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02 Jan, 2024 by Michael smith
Want $500 to meet to see if they will take case
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17 Jun, 2022 by Clay adams
Ed will get you what you deserve!!!
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17 Jun, 2022 by Keith schekelhoff printing
Experienced like no one else
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23 Apr, 2016 by Placa
he assisted with my foreclosure and probate. Helped my family greatly with a very stressful time. Was very good in court my only complaint was he is hard to just get in touch with didn’t like calling to get a time to call him but the staff did always take my calls.
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06 Apr, 2016 by Paul
Joe Heintz and his staff helped us to get the time we needed to sell our house. He is terriffic.
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17 Mar, 2014 by Perri giafaglione
Epic bad experience/waste of money, time and energy. To be succinct his staff couldn't be more rude and unhelpful which is actually the highlight of his practice. I made at least 13 unreturned phone calls to his office. With an impending hearing I felt desperate and disconnected from my case which involved my home. As my court date drew near I had no recourse but to call the Florida Bar. They were extremely professional and helpful and explained that they would send him a letter (which would take about 10 days). When I explained that my hearing was in less time than that they asked me to hold and called his office immediately. They returned to the line and indicated that he would be calling me. Surprisingly, he did. He was very agitated that I had the gaul to call the Bar. It was obvious that the only reason he called was because he was being exposed for the unprofessional he is. I wouldn't hire this guy to detail my car, much less do important legal work. You are the reason people group lawyers in with used car salesmen.
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01 Apr, 2017 by Kris
Recently used Mr. Ged regarding real estate matters. I found Mr. Ged to go above and beyond an attorneys duty. He was knowledgeable, informative, honest and worked with confidentiality and integrity.
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20 Mar, 2017 by Kevin
Was referred to David by a real estate agent. He was very vague in his conversations. Could not keep appointments, and his secretary admitted she did not know if and when he would be in office. Our local attorney's would not deal with him.
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16 Jan, 2014 by Lea
I was referred to David and he was very knowledgeable and made the whole real estate transaction very smooth and easy. He was very organized and his company responded to me in a very quick manner.
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30 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Atty. Garner reviewed a lease last year and told us we were fine for the next 5-10 years which was the new lease conditions. However, she neglected to do her research in the lease and we were informed by the opposing attorney that the new lease was not "witnessed by two people", so it wasn't valid. Because of this, we had to move out of our business location. Furthermore, the attorney didn't have the courtesy to contact us toward the end of this issue and had sent us a letter telling us that they were "no longer being represented by their firm". We paid her $450.00 to have a paralegal draft up a letter and a few phone conversations. FIND AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY WHO KNOWS THE LAW AND WON'T LEAVE YOU IN A BIND!!!!!!
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05 Feb, 2018 by Mario
We hired Jennifer to write our articles of incorporation and guide us during the crucial time of starting a new medical business. She was very professional, responsive, helpful, and a pleasure to work with. We have no doubt that we hired the right attorney, would use her services again, and do not hesitate recommending her.
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02 Jun, 2017 by Megan
I was referred to Jennifer from my business broker. She was absolutely wonderful to work with. She was extremely easy to get in contact with, explained everything in our 40+ page contract so that I fully understood each item and even worked with me after the sale during a contingency period when she didn't really have to. Her pricing was beyond reasonable and I feel very lucky to have worked with her. I would recommend her to anyone.
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11 Jul, 2017 by Donald
It would take pages to list all the faux pas and issues my wife and I have with this very personable but lazy uncaring, poor excuse for an Attorney. Wasted years of our life, now we have to get a real Attorney in this space. Go name brand is the lesson here. His staff even laughs at you, you have to collect all the evidence yourself a year after you've been lied to and told you we'll get it handled. Lied to so many times about what was done or allegedly in progress. Once we finally got to him writing a demand letter...we waited a month to read it ( unfiled, thank GOD). Then we got a copy and it left out 90 percent of the points a second grader would have known to include in it. Then it sat another month on HIS desk...when we called, to ask if they had heard from State Farm ( he laughs and says...hold on let me look ...oops...I got so busy it's still on my deks. ) Love NASCAR apparently more than serving clients. He did get us a second opinion, but he didn't even remember later who the doctor was that HE had sent us to. Referred to our doctors by the wrong names, titles. fields of expertise. If you have an injury that will leave you with a lifelong issue..DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT THIS POOR EXCUSE OF AN ATTORNEY. Can you imagine a personal injury Attorney not wanting to go for more than a 100 K...and content to settle for 7500.00 knowing that it would leave you with thousands and thousands of dollars of unpaid medical bills, and nothing towards a life of needing a pain killer and a glass of wine to get to sleep from the pain?. Charles Parker forced her to say...she was 100 percent cured before he would even file the Demand Letter. Can you imagine that.....Would have had done that if her legs had been cut off from the car accident. Well we can't file until you can walk. He actually thinks we are thinking over for the last couple weeks...settling for 7500.00. If he wants a dime from the new attorney we will let the B.A.R. know the fullness of his negligence. We want justice, is that too much to ask for from one's Attorney. Several attorney friends we should have gone to could not believe the LONG list of truly unconscionable oversights, negligence would be an understatement.
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25 Apr, 2017 by Ks
Has won multiple cases for our family and friends and got just as much money as other attorneys would promise. He is like an extended family member, very down to earth! Thank you Mr. Parker!!
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10 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Charles has always been there for me. His prices are reasonable and his work ethic is impeccable. To top things off, he is just an overall great guy! JC
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01 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I was contacted to repay a debt . I was told I will go to jail if I don't pay the debt and I wouldn't last a day there. I paid the first payment and told them what day I could pay in the following month but they disregard what I said and charged my debt card twice in a month
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18 Nov, 2014 by Courtney
This company was hired to collect money for a debt that I owed. I agreed to allow them to charge my debit card $150. I go onto my bank account and this company charged my card twice! I immediately called them back and spoke to Carol Lewis who assured me that this was reversed back and would be back into my account within 24hrs. The next day I show this didn't happen. I made a total of 6 phone calls with her and my bank to get this taken care of. I told her that my bank needed a document on letter head letting them know that the second charge was in error. Carol even argued with my bank who told her they see no request for reversal from them as she stated. Needless to say Carol never "did right by me" as she would say repeatedly. My bank was gracious enough to reverse the second charge that was not authorized. But because of their error this caused me $257.11 in NSF that I had to pay for cause this company said it "wasn't their fault" I spoke with the attorney and he was SO RUUUUDE.. said that it was my fault and they are not responsible for the NSF that they caused! He told me to have an attorney call him. WHO SAYS THAT?
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05 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
We had a situation where a former associate tried to claim ownership on one of our properties. Mr. Katz was able to advise me as the managing member, that the work we had done to Copyright, Trademark and help protect our intellectual property was sound. He was also able to help identify some holes in our corporate operating documents and advised on the creation of a new document. We are now more confident that our new products will be protected and our company will be able to move forward without concern of false claims.
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29 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
I was going through a landlord tenant dispute over the return of a security deposit. The landlord was trying to basically ripped me off from money owed back to me that I was legally owed. Within days mr. Lee was able to communicate with the landlord and do what was necessary to get my money. He stayed on top of it and was very professional. I would recommend him and you can again.
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22 Sep, 2018 by Rachael
I hired Mr. Lee for a housing issue I was having. He told me he would write a letter to the other party indicating the concerns I was having as well as the statute that held them liable. I gave him the statute that i had gotten from another attorney so he didnt even have to look it up. After i hired Mr. Lee he attempted to contact the other party. When they would not respond he told me I needed to contact them and said he would help me write the letter. The letter he helped me write included the wrong statute and he assured me it was a different one that would help me. The letter was very simple, not aggressive or assertive enough for the issue. The other party replied with a response that the statute was invalid which after i looked it up I also found out that was true. Instead of addressing that and writing another letter with the correct statute Mr. Lee proceeded to drop me as his client and tell me he did not have the knowledge to assist me any further. He should have told me that from the beginning. I wasted my money and should have paid more for a better more experienced lawyer. Mr. Lee got me as a client because he seemed like a nice guy but trust me when I say you dont want him as an attorney. I now owe $3600, lost my case, and lost a lot more than that in the process. I had no time to hire another attorney by the time i realized Mr. Lee did not know what he was doing. Mr. Lee could have easily rubuttled to the other party's response with the correct statute and called them out on the laws they were not following. Instead he dropped the ball and left me stranded!!!!! He NEVER did that and thats what I hired him to do. He never should have taken my case and should not be an attorney if he cannot fight for a client's rights. I hope other people see this and do not lose like I did by hiring him.
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21 Dec, 2018 by Ted
Our experience with Sean and SSDI was great! Sean walked us through the entire process. He always kept us informed of what was going on with the case. This case was complicated with years worth of documentation to sort through. But in the end, the judge approved the SSDI. I would highly recommend Sean McCormack for anyone seeking a Disabilty attorney
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06 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
Was very demeaning and made me feel less then. It seemed he was just looking to get out of it what ever amount he could and go on to a higher earnings case.
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18 Jul, 2016 by Marie
I hired Mr. Rosenquest. To represent me in an appeal case. He filed the Appellate brief and a month later he petitioned the court to withdraw from the case.
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07 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Rosenquest helped my family with a name change request and other items. He went the extra mile, clearly explaining each step in the process, and willingly putting in extra unexpected time as needed. We had a successful outcome. I highly recommend him.
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20 Jul, 2018 by Philippe
I contacted Mr. Pavlou for illegitimate law enforcement violence against me. He kept the case in his office and never brought it to trial. The status of limitation was reached and I was not able to sue the County Jail for jail guards beatings on me. This lawyer lied, He made me believe he was working hard on the case but never. He did not say to me he did not want to take the case and that I should find another lawyer. He just kept me waiting for years until I figured out that too many years have passed and that I could not sue the County jail anymore. You should avoid this lawyer. He has multiple office but that does not make him more serious and
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15 May, 2017 by Kirk
After a long soil contamination case on a property i purchased 10 years ago in Caldwell NJ , Mr. Pavlou was able to prove the contamination was not my negligence, and the prior owner of the property paid the full $150,000 for the clean up. Thank You
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12 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Excellent and caring attorney who takes care of his clients at a very fair rate. My Association has been a client for many years and he has always given us the best legal services, handled collection matters for us and covenant enforcement. Would recommend him to anyone. You can't do better than Adam.
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09 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Perfect line for this attorney is that he is Robber who extorts money by using his law degree. He is one of the attorney who thinks it’s OK to charge $1500 for 4-5 emails that were exchanged because the crooked HOA he worked as an attorney for refused to take care of any issues and only way to resolve was to get in touch with the attorney and violation was for something that does not even state in CCR’s and he feels totally OK about cheating and never sending any invoices after many requests. Karma has a way to come back to bite you and it will.
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17 Apr, 2024 by Mike apap
Unbelievable! I contracted with them to collect on several debtors and paid them money. After the funds were transferred I never heard anything from them. I called only to hear "OH THEY COULD NOT BE SERVED" I gave up calling because they never gave me any thing in writing regarding updates on the cases! Maybe that is how they operate. Oh yeah one star because you have to give them something to post
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19 Jan, 2024 by Brayo lin
Edit: Just received a letter indicating that in fact this collection agency was indeed hacked and information maliciously accessed during November 2023 and December 2023. The letter also stated no adequate encryption was used to store personal identifying Information. Worst collections company ever. I suggest you look up your payment balances because I just got a call saying that their IT department apparently deleted all the payment information. I had to confront the rep because he first wanted to gaslight me in thinking I had not provided current bank info, when pressed about it the said it was a mistake their IT department made. So the loose your sensitive financial info and it's not a big deal for them. Be warned
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17 Nov, 2023 by Benji p
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20 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
She started out much better than my previous lawyers but I have one hearing left and nothing has been done to set it since March, except for charging me a lot of money. I have paid almost 3 times the retainer and it's not over. She hasn't even responded to my requests regarding my bill since June and I haven't received copies of the documents that I am being charged for.
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19 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Absolutely the best lawyer I have ever dealt with. She spent many hours explaining my crucial case details and was extremely patient yet unbending with the opposing counsel. I would recommend her to anyone who requires an attorney who has a difficult matter to resolve.
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18 Jun, 2013 by Hannah
Excellent attorney- handled my very complex case in a compassionate and truly professional manner.
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12 Jan, 2023 by A c
Absolutely terrible experience. Has no clue how to be a professional, extremely inefficient. Ended up costing me thousands of dollars and still needed another lawyer. In regards to your reply… you never got any money, you claimed bankruptcy instead and continue to be an unethical and unscrupulous human being. You are scam artist and a disgrace to lawyers.
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12 Jan, 2023 by Michelle fencerilla
If you’re actually looking for any type of results, save yourself the time/money & do not come here. After taking the money she was nowhere to be found. Never once called to give an update on my case nor ever notified me of the status of my case. It wasn’t until months later that I finally heard back from her rude “assistant” that she could no longer take my case....then why even accept in the first place.
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12 Jan, 2023 by Oliver dubrawa
Would unfortunately have to agree with the review below -"Absolutely terrible experience. Has no clue how to be a professional, extremely inefficient." I'm not one to usually leave bad reviews but I simply could not believe this was how someone runs their business. Paid her money then NEVER heard back from her regarding my case even after multiple calls, texts, voicemails and even showing up to her office. Multiple months later (more than four months after the fact) her assistant calls that she is now too sick to take on my case. PLEASE DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME. Not out to help but rather out to get money and run with it.
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23 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
We are out $15,000 unjustly due to her mistakes in court where she was unprepared, admonished by the judge and filed the wrong initial complaint and then we had to pay the defendants legal fees because of all of this!!!!!Our case should have been contingency but she took our money and after being the victims to our home completely destroyed in a water loss, she took advantage of us and left us in a very bad position, worse than where we started. Do not give her a dime!!! Her mistakes unfairly cost us more $$$$!!!
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19 Sep, 2023 by Anthony
This attorney fully supported to pursue my claim against my HOA’s property manager in February 2023. After the initial consultation and write up with this attorney I had gotten very sporadic emails from her assistant for months. In September 2023 I was sent an email to set up a $300.00 15 minute call with the attorney. I expected the call to reveal the outcome of the months of sporadic emails over the months. Instead the attorney asked what was going on with my claim. I told her I would be expecting her to have her tell me what was going on. She did not remember the expected outcome of my claim. Many things said during the conversation did not make sense. The attorney 13 minutes into the conversation told me to call back(for another $300.00) when I was not aggravated, snarky, rude, and argumentative, and then hung up the phone. She followed up with an email saying because if the snarky, rude, argumentative, and disruptive that they are terminating services and closing my file. This was a large waste of my time and my money.
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18 Sep, 2023 by Nicole
I had an extremely disappointing experience with this attorney. I engaged their services with high hopes, but unfortunately, it turned into a complete nightmare. First and foremost, there were significant issues with transparency regarding fees. I was advised to settle my case, which ultimately left me with a settlement that didn't even cover half of the attorney fees. To make matters worse, I was billed for the attorney fees after the settlement, which I wasn't informed of in advance. If I had known, I would have pursued a different course of action, potentially going in front of a judge to ensure my legal expenses were covered. It was also shocking to discover that the company we were suing had a clause limiting their contribution to just $500 in attorney fees. If the attorney's staff had done their due diligence and informed me of this before taking my case, I would have never proceeded with the lawsuit. Another major issue was the disorganization within the office. They consistently failed to keep me updated on the progress of my case, and I had to initiate follow-ups repeatedly. At one point, I didn't hear anything from them for an astounding three months, which is completely unacceptable when dealing with legal matters of any kind. In conclusion, I strongly advise against hiring this attorney and their office. They lack competence, organization, and, most importantly, the dedication to look out for their clients' best interests. If you are in need of legal representation, there are undoubtedly more capable and client-focused options available. Save yourself the trouble and frustration, and look elsewhere for legal assistance.
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07 Sep, 2021 by Kerby ganthier
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04 Jul, 2018 by Cindy fortune lully
The place is called Ras LaVrar now
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14 Sep, 2017 by Maria velasco
Just wanted to make sure everyone knew how cruel and heartless this all about the money this company is... just so you're aware you could have caused my daughter and I our lives. When everybody has come together to help out in a time of need, you decided to freeze my bank account, the absolute only money my 9 year old and I have access too the day we were told that we had to evacuate because of hurricane Irma. I contacted this heartless company and they did not care one bit. Long story short we were unable to leave our home as we were told to do because we are in zone A as we had NO money, no money to buy supplies, no money for gas, no money to leave or even drive to a shelter. I have been out of work now going on a week because there is no power at our office, and still can not leave our home. I am grateful that we lived trough this, but still have no access to my money for almost one month. How do you think I will be able to go out and purchase gas and food???? We have no other family here. Again.. your company is cruel and please take the little money I owe you and do as you please with it, I hope your conscience is clear.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I would not recommend this attorney. He was sued by Tree Lake HOA for LEGAL MALPRACTICE . Not only that but he has also had several default judgements against him. Research your lawyer before wasting your time and money. A good education goes a long way…Barry University law school accepts over 60% of applicants.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Larry Cortez is an utterly despicable attorney who shamelessly deceives honest, hardworking people. As a fellow attorney, I am appalled that such a disgraceful individual is allowed to practice law.
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05 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
It took over a month to get response from Larry Cortez on request for payoff letter. Very unresponsive. After receiving the payoff letter and paying requested amount directly to bank account specified it took another month to release a lien. Not recommended, beware.
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06 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
I cannot speak directly to Heckman or Trey Thriasher but Elwin Thrasher has long been my business' attorney. Recently however, he has been totally unresponsive. His assistant seem useless as she has not forwarded any of my calls or emails to him, nor has she been able to answer any questions I have had. I dont know if hes just gotten so rich that he doesnt need clients or work, or if senility is setting in and he just cant remember what he is doing, but I would not recommend this firm to anyone unless they learn to communicate with their clients.
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09 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
This guy was hired to handle a HOA suit. This guy collected money upfront and fast. However when it came to doing follow ups and filing paperwork he fell short. He was paid by the home owner and never filed or released the proper paperwork for the owner after receiving payment from them. He never answered the phone or emails after receiving payment. So if I were you I would save time and money and find a real lawyer.
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10 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
This lawyer believes that in the state of Florida, a spouse has no rights in an HOA if they aren’t on the deed and that they are a non-member. While he quotes definitions, he forgets what title vs deed means, all while threatening you. Someone tell this attorney that in the state of Florida, a spouse is on the title and holds equal rights before he commits legal malpractice and is reviewed by the ethics committee.
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11 Aug, 2023 by Brian
I am not going to waste your time with a sob story, In my opinion, it is best to just use another company. This rating is not rectifiable, so please don't ask again. Rest assured, I am a legitimate customer that paid Mr. Levine for his services. They can play the semantics game and say that I am not their "client", but again, I absolutely used his services, thus, I am leaving a legitimate review of my personal experience, to suggest otherwise is misleading to say the least. Mr. Levine did contact me to rectify this situation but we are at an impasse. He is suggesting that clarification of a mediation agreement that he authored is considered legal advice, and I disagree. It is important for mediators to be aware of the line between clarification and advice, especially during mediation. He seemed to understand this point during mediation. As I understand it, as a mediator, he was never allowed to provide legal advice but he was, and still is, allowed to clarify what is written in the mediation agreement that he authored.
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09 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
I don't normally post negative remarks or reviews but this one stayed with me. On the recommendation of a friend I went to see Mr. Reinstein regarding a business issue a few months ago. Although, I knew there would be a charge for the initial consultation (most attorney's don't charge for this) I felt offended. Thinking that was the norm, I gave him the benefit of the doubt and went to see him. He offered no real options and was rather negative about my situation. I felt ripped off. Luckily I subsequently found and worked with a wonderful attorney. The moral of the story is you should consult an attorney for free and walk away feeling empowered about what they can do for you.
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26 Apr, 2022 by James foran
Vernon Swartsel who is one of the attorneys in this office does the least amount of work possible and will lie.
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26 Apr, 2022 by James foran
Vernon Swartsel who is one of the attorneys in this office does the least amount of work possible and will lie.
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26 Apr, 2022 by James foran
Vernon Swartsel who is one of the attorneys in this office does the least amount of work possible and will lie.
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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:

  • 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.
  • 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:

  • 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.
  • 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and the potential outcomes.
  4. 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.
  5. 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).
  6. 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:

  • 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.
  • 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.

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