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07 Feb, 2025 by Fernando jara
El Sr terazakis y su abogada Yesenia Maldonado junto a su paralegal Fabiola Garcia trabajaron en mi caso de una forma muy profesional y dedicada , logrando como resultado mi residencia permanente . Honestos ,eficientes y con gran experiencia en las leyes de inmigración. Muchas gracias abogados son los mejores y los recomiendo 100%
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03 Feb, 2025 by Pristine transports
Amazing attorney honest transparent and very very good at what he does he’ll do
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24 Jan, 2025 by K f
Excelente firma de abogados!!
La abogada Yesenia Maldonado y su equipo de trabajo son excelentes y son muy profesionales con sus casos, yo llegué de otra oficina de abogados que solo querían sacarme dinero y dejó mi caso tirado, pero la abogada Yesenia retomó mi caso y gracias a Dios todo salió excelente y ahora ya obtendré my residencia!, muchas gracias por toda su ayuda!!
Karina Fuentes
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27 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Lawyer wasn't knowledgeable at all and wasted my time. I corrected the lawyer with only basic research.
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23 Jul, 2015 by Richard
Thank you Mr. Schutzer. I had nearly given up on collecting the moneys I was entitled to when I met you. You were extremely diligent and communicative in the process, which ultimately came to a great conclusion.
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18 Jul, 2015 by Leslie
Eric was attentive, patient and totally knowledgable regarding the matter he handled for me. He was available when I needed to speak with him, and he made me feel that my case was important to him. He is professional and efficient, and I would highly recommend his services.
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26 Dec, 2024 by Георгий
I was so satisfied with all services Mr. Morgan and all office provided to me! Thank you very much and happy holiday!
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26 Dec, 2024 by Bayram tairov
Thank you very much for your service.
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17 Dec, 2024 by Vlr btkwww
Russel Morgan helped me and my family with estate planning and probate matters, and I couldn’t be happier with his services. His team is highly organized and incredibly responsive. Russel made sure every detail was handled with precision, from creating a living trust to navigating the probate process after a loved one’s passing. I am truly grateful for his guidance and highly recommend Morgan Legal Group.
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28 Feb, 2024 by Artist farmer
Extremely negative experience after being used by David Boies several years to make himself hundreds of millions. He worked with the lawyer BRAD EDWARDS whose firm SA clients & me, their client. They did this knowing it would damage me psychologically/emotionally without a care. I walked away used and fiscally damaged. SIGRID MCCAWLEY IS AN ABLEIST LIKE NO OTHER, yet looks great in expensive clothes you will pay for folks.
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27 Apr, 2023 by Ken yoon
$250 for a takata airbag that never deployed? Thousands of checks and no reviews. Hope the plaintiffs got their $5k.
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19 Jul, 2022 by Wiscboy2003
They intimidated former employees of Theranos and have sent threatening letters to others
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23 Dec, 2024 by Reema jenaidi
My husband and I had an excellent experience with Dotan Cohen Law Offices while applying for our green cards.
Their team was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and attentive throughout the entire process. They guided us step by step, addressing all our concerns and ensuring we had all the necessary documentation. Thanks to their expertise, our applications were approved without any issues.
We will definitely be using their services again to apply for our kids' visas once we enter the USA. We highly recommend this office to anyone needing assistance with immigration matters—they truly went above and beyond!
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30 Nov, 2024 by Amy feit
We interviewed many attorneys from USA to Israel and hands down felt blessed that we found Dotan Cohen. Not only was he a pleasure to work with but his ingenuity, resourcefulness and compassion with our difficult and complicated case was beyond measure. He was such a great support through our years of this process that I am forever grateful.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Chantelle collier
We could not have done this incredibly daunting spousal green card application without Dotan Cohen. They were so informative and compassionate with my husband and I every step of the way, triple checking everything and making sure we were 100% ready for every step of the entire application. Thank you for changing our lives! We are eternally grateful.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Jennie santana
Very friendly office, helped me navigate a situation I was completely unfamiliar with and answered all my questions with great patience and detail. I felt confident and fully prepared for every step of the process. Highly recommend!
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06 Dec, 2024 by Mj mary
I was so anxious going into this process, but the staff and attorneys were so kind and professional; they explained everything so I felt comfortable and assured.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Dursun sahin
Thank you 🙏 for everything
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29 Jan, 2025 by Saad arshad
Scott Gilman , I retained your services to assist with an auto crash claim, and your help was invaluable. You guided me through the entire process, from gathering necessary documentation to negotiating with insurance companies. Thanks to your expertise, I was able to secure a fair settlement. This outcome has alleviated a significant financial burden and provided peace of mind. I am extremely satisfied with the results you achieved for me and appreciate your dedication and professionalism.
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28 Jan, 2025 by Lydia sardinas
I cannot recommend Scott Gillman highly enough! His expertise and professionalism in handling my case made a challenging situation so much easier to navigate. From our first consultation I felt supported and understood. Scott Gillman took the time to explain the legal process throughly answered all my questions and provided valuable insights that helped me make informed decisions. His attention to details and dedication to my case were truly commendable. Thanks to his hard work I achieved a favorable outcome. If you need a reliable and skilled attorney look no further than Scott Gillman.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Sharon benn
After my 5-year-old son sustained a head injury at school due to negligence, I turned to Mr. Scott Gilman for help. The incident not only terrified me but also caused my son significant trauma. As a mother, all I want is for my child to be safe, and schools have a responsibility to ensure that safety. Mr. Scott Gilman advocated tirelessly for my son’s right to justice, even when my case was initially dismissed by many. He was thorough, dedicated, and kept me informed every step of the way. Such commitment and compassion are rare, and his hard work ultimately led to a successful outcome. I am deeply grateful to have found someone so passionate about fighting for my child’s well-being. Mr. Scott Gilman is someone I trust completely and would recommend without hesitation.
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29 Jan, 2025 by Saad arshad
Scott Gilman , I retained your services to assist with an auto crash claim, and your help was invaluable. You guided me through the entire process, from gathering necessary documentation to negotiating with insurance companies. Thanks to your expertise, I was able to secure a fair settlement. This outcome has alleviated a significant financial burden and provided peace of mind. I am extremely satisfied with the results you achieved for me and appreciate your dedication and professionalism.
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28 Jan, 2025 by Lydia sardinas
I cannot recommend Scott Gillman highly enough! His expertise and professionalism in handling my case made a challenging situation so much easier to navigate. From our first consultation I felt supported and understood. Scott Gillman took the time to explain the legal process throughly answered all my questions and provided valuable insights that helped me make informed decisions. His attention to details and dedication to my case were truly commendable. Thanks to his hard work I achieved a favorable outcome. If you need a reliable and skilled attorney look no further than Scott Gillman.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Sharon benn
After my 5-year-old son sustained a head injury at school due to negligence, I turned to Mr. Scott Gilman for help. The incident not only terrified me but also caused my son significant trauma. As a mother, all I want is for my child to be safe, and schools have a responsibility to ensure that safety. Mr. Scott Gilman advocated tirelessly for my son’s right to justice, even when my case was initially dismissed by many. He was thorough, dedicated, and kept me informed every step of the way. Such commitment and compassion are rare, and his hard work ultimately led to a successful outcome. I am deeply grateful to have found someone so passionate about fighting for my child’s well-being. Mr. Scott Gilman is someone I trust completely and would recommend without hesitation.
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29 Jan, 2025 by Saad arshad
Scott Gilman , I retained your services to assist with an auto crash claim, and your help was invaluable. You guided me through the entire process, from gathering necessary documentation to negotiating with insurance companies. Thanks to your expertise, I was able to secure a fair settlement. This outcome has alleviated a significant financial burden and provided peace of mind. I am extremely satisfied with the results you achieved for me and appreciate your dedication and professionalism.
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28 Jan, 2025 by Lydia sardinas
I cannot recommend Scott Gillman highly enough! His expertise and professionalism in handling my case made a challenging situation so much easier to navigate. From our first consultation I felt supported and understood. Scott Gillman took the time to explain the legal process throughly answered all my questions and provided valuable insights that helped me make informed decisions. His attention to details and dedication to my case were truly commendable. Thanks to his hard work I achieved a favorable outcome. If you need a reliable and skilled attorney look no further than Scott Gillman.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Sharon benn
After my 5-year-old son sustained a head injury at school due to negligence, I turned to Mr. Scott Gilman for help. The incident not only terrified me but also caused my son significant trauma. As a mother, all I want is for my child to be safe, and schools have a responsibility to ensure that safety. Mr. Scott Gilman advocated tirelessly for my son’s right to justice, even when my case was initially dismissed by many. He was thorough, dedicated, and kept me informed every step of the way. Such commitment and compassion are rare, and his hard work ultimately led to a successful outcome. I am deeply grateful to have found someone so passionate about fighting for my child’s well-being. Mr. Scott Gilman is someone I trust completely and would recommend without hesitation.
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29 Jan, 2025 by Saad arshad
Scott Gilman , I retained your services to assist with an auto crash claim, and your help was invaluable. You guided me through the entire process, from gathering necessary documentation to negotiating with insurance companies. Thanks to your expertise, I was able to secure a fair settlement. This outcome has alleviated a significant financial burden and provided peace of mind. I am extremely satisfied with the results you achieved for me and appreciate your dedication and professionalism.
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28 Jan, 2025 by Lydia sardinas
I cannot recommend Scott Gillman highly enough! His expertise and professionalism in handling my case made a challenging situation so much easier to navigate. From our first consultation I felt supported and understood. Scott Gillman took the time to explain the legal process throughly answered all my questions and provided valuable insights that helped me make informed decisions. His attention to details and dedication to my case were truly commendable. Thanks to his hard work I achieved a favorable outcome. If you need a reliable and skilled attorney look no further than Scott Gillman.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Sharon benn
After my 5-year-old son sustained a head injury at school due to negligence, I turned to Mr. Scott Gilman for help. The incident not only terrified me but also caused my son significant trauma. As a mother, all I want is for my child to be safe, and schools have a responsibility to ensure that safety. Mr. Scott Gilman advocated tirelessly for my son’s right to justice, even when my case was initially dismissed by many. He was thorough, dedicated, and kept me informed every step of the way. Such commitment and compassion are rare, and his hard work ultimately led to a successful outcome. I am deeply grateful to have found someone so passionate about fighting for my child’s well-being. Mr. Scott Gilman is someone I trust completely and would recommend without hesitation.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Rita anthoine
08 Jan, 2025 by Vito terzulli
THIS WAS A POOR CHOICE SHOULD HAVE NOT SELECTED THIS LAW FIRM FOR 9-11 CASES THEY GAVE ME WRONG INFORMATION N WAS DENIED YOU WILL ONLY SPEAK TO PARALEGAL, THEN TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER PARALEGAL PLEASE STAY AWAY I HAVE CANCER FROM 9-11 EXPLOSION ZONE.THE PARALEGAL DIDN'T EVEN READ OR HAD KNOWLEDGE OF THE
ZADROGA BILL PLEASE 🙏 STAY AWAY FROM THIS FIRM.!!!!!!
I ONLY WISH I CAN GIVE 0 STARS..
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16 Oct, 2024 by Lauren milazzo
The staff there was wonderful in handling my dads VCF case for us. Very professional and compassionate to work with.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Geoffroy willaume
Leo has helped us a lot negotiate a business agreement, it was a pleasure working with him and we look forward to the next common assignment
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06 Jun, 2024 by Benoît martin
Leo provided exceptional support in helping our French startup establish and grow in the US. His expertise and dedication made the process seamless. Highly recommended!
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22 May, 2024 by Duy nguyen
They did not pick up your call. They will send you confirmation email and such, but they will ghost you if your case is not suitable for them. I received no respond from them after I described my case. Do not recommended as a law firm.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Walthea patterson
Very professional, friendly service that gave me peace of mind.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Edward eigerman
Great experience preparing for life's little eventualities with the Village Lawyer.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Anne christensen
We were dreading (who isn’t?) making our will. The Village Law Firm made it easy (although I’m not going to lie, there’s a lot of paper work involved but that’s not their fault!) for us. They are very professional and knowledgeable and walked us through every step. I’m so glad we worked with them!
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24 Aug, 2024 by Veronique racine
20 Jun, 2024 by Starseed
01 Aug, 2023 by Gonca latif
24 Aug, 2024 by Veronique racine
20 Jun, 2024 by Starseed
01 Aug, 2023 by Gonca latif
24 Aug, 2024 by Veronique racine
20 Jun, 2024 by Starseed
01 Aug, 2023 by Gonca latif
24 Aug, 2024 by Veronique racine
20 Jun, 2024 by Starseed
01 Aug, 2023 by Gonca latif
24 Aug, 2024 by Veronique racine
20 Jun, 2024 by Starseed
01 Aug, 2023 by Gonca latif
12 Jun, 2024 by Zhibiao peng
03 May, 2023 by David tang
Worldwide Advantage
YOUR BUSINESS REQUIRES AN ADVANTAGE, AN EDGE, TO SUCCEED IN A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE WORLD.
Dorsey’s lawyers and staff can help you gain that edge by applying superb legal knowledge and skills with practical wisdom and a deep understanding of your business and industry.
We serve clients in nearly all industries, but focus on six industries in which we have great depth and a history of achieving client success. Our banking, development & infrastructure, energy & natural resources, food, beverage & agribusiness, healthcare, and technology industry groups help coordinate our teams serving these industries across geographies and practice areas, keeping them at the cutting edge of industry needs and trends and sharing collective experience and expertise.
With locations across the United States and in Canada, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, we provide an integrated, proactive approach to our clients’ legal and business needs around the globe.
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10 Oct, 2022 by Michael raab
Melinda is top notch
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18 Jan, 2024 by Victor gaston
Needs email and phone number needs attorneys extension prompt numbers to connect to your attorneys and your website needs to say what exactly you do. I don’t know what kind of cases you handle and if you’re a contingency law firm or private paid attorneys and/or if you make lawsuits against USA and NYC for civil attorneys to fight and/or intellectual property trademark infringement attorneys by contingency which I need these types of legal help in NYC USA. These days
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14 Jan, 2024 by Sarah kent
I am amazed at the results Pryor Cashman has achieved - some of the cases you hear about in the news lately, the clients who won their case, those were clients of Pryor Cashman. In terms of business deals, Richard C. Leska is great to work with and he has about 30 years experience so I would recommend any M & A work or corporate deals ask for Rich Leska. The whole firm is highly intelligent, highly qualified, and great to work with in terms of providing the best service and achieving the best results!
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18 Apr, 2023 by Transition life
20 Dec, 2024 by Lois weiss
Abraham is a compassionate attorney and is very educated in elder care. I highly recommend him.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Richard schwartz
My wife and I went to Abraham a few years ago for estate planning. We were impressed with his thoroughness as we created our plan including wills and trusts. He cares enough to stay in touch with us as circumstances change. Thanks Abraham!
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04 Dec, 2024 by Itsik ben dor
We met Abraham and Evelyn a couple of years after Abraham helped our aunt with her will and preparations for elder life, and they truly stood out. Both of them took the time to explain everything clearly and thoughtfully. Evelyn guided us through all the paperwork with incredible care and attention to detail. She was warm, sharp, and always made herself available whenever we had questions. They collaborated with our aunt’s accountant to ensure everything was done perfectly. We were so impressed with their help that we returned to them for our own needs and have since recommended them to friends. They are thoughtful, reliable, and genuinely care about the people they work with.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Lana g
This attorney sues everybody he can find with a Google search for a particular case. Shame on you for suing people totally unrelated to your cases.
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15 Nov, 2024 by David turashvili
Professional team !
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27 Oct, 2024 by Elena
Very professional. Straight up. Knowledgeable.
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23 May, 2020 by Drezzy emz
08 Mar, 2020 by David tuttelman
03 Mar, 2020 by Calvin davis
01 Jan, 2025 by Monir nirab
So bad
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20 Dec, 2024 by Audry
It was absolutely amazing working with Attorney Barna! She is very patient and professional. Because of her, our family was granted asylum and are now permanent residents. We’re so grateful to her and her team.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Akter hossain
People are nice , they provide good quality service. The lawyer has very attention to details on the case. She is also a very nice person.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Bojan cvetic
My attorney was kind and helpful, Im very grateful to have him on my side.
Thanks for everything
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09 Dec, 2024 by Kenny navarro
They did a great job I’m please with their
Services I
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09 Dec, 2024 by Anthony abrams
I would love to work with you guys again anytime
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03 Nov, 2024 by Silvia sosa
Tuve un accidente de carro esta firma me ayudó con mi caso. Trabajó muy profesional y eficiente con Jonathan altamente recomendable. Gracias SAM
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03 Nov, 2024 by Thomas sime
Great firm. Excellent customer service. Jonathan managed my MvA case. Highly recommended. Thanks SAM.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Fsaneil lazer
If you are up s41t creek and don't know where to turn, Arthur will get you out of a jam for sure.
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12 Dec, 2012 by Matinal_chan
Mr Artel reviewed my portfolio and helped me to draft a business plan for a commercial venture I presented in my homeland of Cambodia. He also served as a liaison to facilitate my communications with government officials in attempts to secure work with the Khmer Rouge tribunal proceedings in Cambodia. I greatly valued his advice to implement my entrepreneurial ideas and reach my philanthropic goals in helping to bring justice and constructive change to my homeland.
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11 Nov, 2008 by Anonymous
Craig did a fine job defending my claim against my ex landlord and although I had to pay some compensation for breaching my lease, Craig made sure I had to pay no more than necessary, and I avoided a judgment for non payment.
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31 Dec, 2024 by Jillian cohen
Working with Kate Mayo was a fantastic experience! She was professional, attentive, and went above and beyond to help me during a challenging experience. Her expertise and support made a big difference, and I’m so grateful for her help. Highly recommend her to anyone looking for a great lawyer!
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18 Dec, 2024 by Jordan levi
17 Dec, 2024 by Tat yana
Where do I start?! Had a very bad situation, someone referred me to Shapiro Law Firm, Aaron was extremely honest and professional. The level of dedication that was displayed is beyond words, there was never a time I was unable to reach him. I recommend this firm 100%.
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31 Dec, 2024 by Jillian cohen
Working with Kate Mayo was a fantastic experience! She was professional, attentive, and went above and beyond to help me during a challenging experience. Her expertise and support made a big difference, and I’m so grateful for her help. Highly recommend her to anyone looking for a great lawyer!
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18 Dec, 2024 by Jordan levi
17 Dec, 2024 by Tat yana
Where do I start?! Had a very bad situation, someone referred me to Shapiro Law Firm, Aaron was extremely honest and professional. The level of dedication that was displayed is beyond words, there was never a time I was unable to reach him. I recommend this firm 100%.
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17 Mar, 2020 by Philip espina
08 Mar, 2019 by T temple
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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:
-
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.
