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4.8
935 Reviews
10 Jan, 2025 by Marcus callahan
My fiancé and I originally contacted an attorney in Cincinnati to help with our K1 Visa process, however he seemed a bit…busy? Anyway, after the initial phone conversation and odd feeling, we were lucky enough to find Neil Fleischer.
Neil was there EVERY step of the way, walking us through every aspect with respect, politeness, and a TRUE sense of caring! My (now wife) and I are truly blessed to have worked with him and were married earlier this year.
I can’t speak highly enough of Neil and his team. He always responded right away, was there for a phone call if I was confused about anything, and is a great human being. We are now working with him for my wife’s change of status paperwork.
You won’t find a more kind, caring, and knowledgeable attorney for immigration! I guarantee it! I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend him and his team, and my wife and I are forever in his debt. Thank you so much!!!!
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04 Jan, 2025 by 1
I call this law Firm, the one stop Firm. The best Law Firm in the whole wide world. Keep up the good works.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Amy reich
Maria is awesome! Thank you so much!!
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17 Dec, 2024 by Anthony “tonyd!” dominijanni
12 Dec, 2024 by Riz ali
He was very professional and easy to work with. Handled everything for me really easily had to really do nothing but pay a small court fee no points on my record! Thanks again.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Marco cipriani
Great lawyer, great guy. Highly recommend!
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10 Oct, 2024 by Diondra
the best attorneys in Ohio
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02 Feb, 2024 by Joelle
Jeff meticulously researched all aspects of the case, listened carefully to client and family, and was able to think outside the box. He was caring and compassionate, and made exceptional presentations in court. I am grateful to have had him represent my family member.
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30 Jan, 2024 by Steve johnson
09 Dec, 2024 by Sherri presley
super helpful with a old claim and very proffesional
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24 Oct, 2024 by Ismael caballero
10 Oct, 2024 by Conqurs
You guys are amazing! I was visiting my sister in a different state while getting surgery for cancer & was late due to unable to go to the bank, and you guys were patient & supportive of it all, even still days passing there was no issue at all and even wished me on getting better due to me also being sick, thank you guys so much! 100/10! Best wishes & stay being golden!
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04 Dec, 2024 by Aaron frase
Sarah is a fantastic divorce attorney. I would highly recommend.
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16 Nov, 2024 by Charlotte helton
My experience working with Shur Law was wonderful! Tara handled my legal needs quick and efficiently. Most of all she was very kind and helpful. I will definitely reach out to Tara/Shur Law for any future estate planning needs.
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13 Nov, 2024 by Wayne bogue
My experience with Attorney Heather Dyer and Paralegal Christine Kay at Shur Law was excellent. Heather is highly experienced and knowledgable, as is Christine. They were both caring and thorough — Heather was an excellent advocate and highly trustworthy. She has a deep understanding of the law and a calm, encouraging demeaner. I would call on them again, without hesitation. I highly recommend Shur Law.
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14 Jan, 2025 by Alex campbell
02 Jan, 2025 by Vicki watts
18 Nov, 2024 by Jennie fox
I am beyond pleased with Mr. Kapor and his paralegal Kaitlyn! Without them, I don't know if I could have won my SSDI case. They truly know the ins and outs of the SSA system and their experience shows. David prepped me for my hearing and made the process very smooth. Kaitlyn helped ensure all the correct paperwork was went sent in and helped to answer any questions I had. All this to say, you will be in great hands. Thank you so much David and Kaitlyn!!!
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04 Jan, 2025 by Scott
Schamberg & Associates were very diligent about not allowing the plaintiff to gain any upper hand. The result of this case was satisfactory in my mind.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Rebeccah yingling
13 Dec, 2024 by Sharon keeney
Parents had some issues but the office and Stefen was able to resolve it for them with a great outcome! Courteous and understanding of my parent's situation and their fees are definitely reasonable. Thank you so much!
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24 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Clinton was so nice and took his time explaining things to us which was such a blessing because we had no idea how to go about collecting the court judgement against our previous tenant. He handled everything for us,kept us informed and by never giving up he was able to collect money we never thought we would see.
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31 May, 2017 by Virgil
My case was with a major credit collection agency. At first I thought that I could take the case myself to court, but I can say that it was not the best decision at all. After leaving the first court hearing, I did a google search and found this website. My decision to hire Michael Fine was do to the great reviews. The results were extraordinary, he was able to get a great deal and the case dismissed. I did not expect such an amazing deal to this case, but it was all done in a matter of a few weeks, with no reason to show up in court even once or at his office for that matter. Trustworthy and professional are the two adjectives that best describe Michael Fine. Thank you again for everything Michael.
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02 Apr, 2015 by Sandra
Mr. Fine really believes in the concept of justice for the maligned. A debt collection agency knew they were breaking the law when they served me but still tried to collect on a deceptively high amount. They would not back down but neither did Mr. Fine. He filed suit in federal court and got me the maximum allowed.
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23 Sep, 2013 by John
Where other attorneys wouldn't even listen Michael not only listened but had the debt collector settle with me in my case (yes pay me) and drop their suit and erase the debt from my credit report due to all of their mistakes and lack of legitimate back up. If you are being taken to court on a debt whether you think you owe or not call him immeadiately!!!!!
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18 Jan, 2025 by Joel sweitzer
Jeff and team were great to work with for our Estate Planning. Very patient and willing to take the time to explain everything in detail. Highly recommend.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Corky lenny
They make the process so easy. Everyone knows what they need to do and provide to the client for review or signing. It was very easy and I so appreciate that. Everyone is very professional.
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11 Jan, 2025 by Cory kuzemczak
Great Law Firm. Jeffrey made the whole process smooth and there always there for ?’s. Highly recomended
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25 Jan, 2016 by Crysta
Anthony has represented me on several cases in the past few years. He knows the law like the back of his hand. He is a brilliant thinker when it comes to litigation and resolution.
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27 Aug, 2015 by Shawn
No matter my legal needs the McIntosh firm has always been there to help. Criminal issues, wills and trusts, they even helped with pesky bill collectors. I highly recommend A. Brian McIntosh and his team.
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27 Aug, 2015 by Tracy
Brian is a fantastic Attorney. Having worked with him on several occasions, not only is he well versed on many legal topics and has many clients, he has always made me feel as if I am his highest priority. Sometimes his blatant honesty is alarming , but he quickly assess the situation and comes up with the most viable solutions.
His volunteer work in his community is commendable as well.
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24 Jul, 2017 by Greg
Adam has been very helpful on a number of occasions. He has processed both evictions and collections for us and has been timely and successful. I would recommend Adam to anyone needing a top notch lawyer.
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19 Jul, 2017 by Emily
We hired Adam to work on what we thought would be a very minor civil issue that ended up taking up more of all of our time than we anticipated. Adam handled everything for us and made the entire process manageable and much less stressful than I anticipated. He was thorough, incredible respectful and very patient with us when we asked many questions. We highly recommend Adam.
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12 Jul, 2017 by Jessica
Adam was absolutely amazing to work with. He did an eviction for me and walked me through every step. He set up a land contract for me and was very dedicated to all the details and made sure both parties completely understood everything that was in the contract. He also helped prepare my dads will and power of attorney paperwork. It was very last minute but he made time, not only to get it done but to come to my dads home to meet with him in person since traveling was hard for him to do. Throughout all he has done for means my family, he has gone above and beyond any other lawyers I have ever met with. He truly cares about his clients and I would recommend him to everyone!
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09 Dec, 2024 by Debra stierhoff
I couldn't have been more pleased with my attorney, Jacob. He worked diligently on my case and stayed on top of everything that was happening. I would not hesitate to hire him again. Great job Jacob and thank you.
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02 Dec, 2024 by Ele and win
I talked to Marisha, and she was very sweet. Put my mind at ease. I feel faithful that if I needed support, they would provide it and thoroughly.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Mandy miller
Sean was extremely helpful during a recent legal issue. He was always very responsive to any questions or concerns I had. Highly recommend Kohl & Cook.
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21 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Randy explains all legal options for you very thoroughly. He responds promptly to all calls and emails. Randy goes into great detail about every step and process of your case. He is easy to talk to and all questions are answered in great detail. I feel he shows true compassion for his clients, and I recommend him 100%.
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26 Aug, 2012 by Brett
Very professional and knowledgable. Straight forward and understanding of individual needs and circumstances. All explained and answered in terms the average person can understand. Will be my first call if ever needed.
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05 Aug, 2016 by Katie
Mr. Mulvaney was extremely pro-active about helping us get justice in our lanlord-tenant dispute. He was very pleasant to work with and made sure to make us feel comfortable about our case even though it was very sensitive for us to talk about. From the get-go he was very upfront and straightforward about how our case was going to work, what we needed to get together for a successful case, and how payment would be handeled. Mr. Mulvaney was very helpful in helping us ammend our answer and counterclaim. He spent numerous hours on the phone with us before meeting us in person in order to take our case. He was very kind, and humble and did not pressure us about payment or our choice in attorney. On the day of our first settlement mediation with our landlord and his attorney we were not expecting what transpired to have transpired what-so-ever. In fact we did not expect to be able to reach an agreement on our first day of mediation. Instead Mr. Mulvaney showed up early, and made sure to inform us (seeing as how this was our first time dealing with a legal battle) of how the mediation would transpire, and what to expect from our landlord and his attorney, as well as some advice on how not to act in this situation. Mr. Mulvaney did not make us feel intimidated or uneasy, but rather confident in our case. He was very kind as magistrates and other lawyers walked by saying hello to each of them and telling us a little about each one and how he knew them. He was extremely humble and courteous. As our landlord's attorney walked in Mr. Mulvaney informed us of who he was, and told us that he was representing our landlord in this mediation. After a short time of going over everything once more with us, he politely walked over to our landlord's attorney, introduced himself and spoke with him about our expectations. Before even entering the mediation chamber he was able to reach an agreement that was better than what we had hoped for with the other party. Mr. Mulvaney kept a very cool, and collected composure with the other party, and stayed firm with our settlement number. He advised us to keep our composure even though we were extremely happy with the outcome while he entered the mediation chamber with the other party to draw up our settlement agreement. Not only did our case not have to go to trial, but we got exactly what we had hoped for, and were able to reach an agreement before even going into mediation. Mr. Mulvaney gave us hope when we were feeling hopeless, and he took such a heavy load of stress off of our shoulders by taking our case and so graciously approaching our concerns. We will be using Mr. Mulvaney again in the future should we have any issues, and will reccommend him to ANYONE in a troubled situation regarding a landlord/tenant dispute. Mr. Mulvaney is a GREAT lawyer, he is easy-going, and easy to talk to, he is humble, and takes his clients' concerns seriously, and most importantly, he got justice for us when we were fearful and hopeless. He turned a very unfortunate situation for us into a wonderful resolve.
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27 Mar, 2016 by Harriet
I own a 6-unit apartment building and wanted to be very clear on the leases what my rights and responsibilities are and those of the tenants should there be any problem with bedbugs. I was a bit hesitant to see an attorney but I am so glad I contacted Mr. Mulvaney. He has expert knowledge and is very easy to work with. My leases have been revised in a number of areas. Highly recommend for any real estate issues.
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22 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
When we came home from vacation to find 5 of our 30 year old pine trees cut down, the police told us we needed a civil attorney. We contacted Paul Kray. He met with us quickly and was very knowledgeable, also offering several alternatives. He is quite willing to take the case but also said he is your neighbor so try to work it out with him first. I was impressed with his common sense and honesty.
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17 Apr, 2015 by Kevin
As a start-up company, we contacted Paul Kray and he demonstrated knowledge of our needs and an appreciation of our budget and helped us get incorporated, review vendor agreements and catch issues that we otherwise would not have identified. He helped us get off to the right start and his ongoing support has helped our continued success. I highly recommend for small to midsize businesses clients.
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05 Jul, 2019 by Hugh james
My wife and I have used Attorney Mark Sweeney many times. We hired him to draft a stock purchase agreement when when bought the shares of our family business from the original co-owners. After the purchase was complete, he amended the company's articles of organization on file with the Secretary of State. Finally, we hired him to prepare our wills. At all times Mr. Sweeney accommodated our busy schedules and was a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Attorney Sweeney for small business matters.
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24 Oct, 2018 by Linda
I have been a client of Mark Sweeney since 2015 when I hired him to prepare an estate plan. During that time he offered on his own initiative to review my business income taxes, which a national chain had always prepared. Mark suggested strategies which we implemented in tax years 2016 and beyond that have reduced my total taxes by 40% per year.
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07 Jan, 2016 by Andrew
John was invaluable to me and my family following my accident last fall. He was on top of all aspects of the court and litigation process. Never had to wait long for a response, and he was eager to answer all my questions and lay out all my options. In the end, he helped to secure my family's well being in a difficult time.
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13 Jun, 2013 by Jason
John was great at litigating an issue I had with my HOA. He was very professional and responsive to my needs. I would highly recommend John, and plan on using him in the future if needed.
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13 May, 2016 by Steve
Chuck has worked with our various entities on over 30 matters. From landlord/tenant disputes (both sides), contract litigation, evictions, multi-million dollar property acquisitions, and even an adverse possession claim, he has handled each matter with professionalism and competence.
For more complex matters, he has built a team of other attorneys and professionals with the skills and experience to get each unique situation resolved. He works diligently on every case, communicating effectively with us along the way. He has gone far above and beyond anything I have ever expected, often handling the roles of attorney, advisor, and negotiator.
Chuck also has a unique ability to keep calm and collected in situations where the opposing litigant (and occasionally the opposing counsel) has been extremely unreasonable and/or aggressive. This calm has allowed us to settle matters that, had cooler heads not prevailed, would have gone to trial, costing us far more in legal expenses and given us an uncertain outcome.
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19 Apr, 2016 by George
Chuck Royer literally saved my practice. Initially, he was brought in as co-council (to avoid being "homered") for the corporate attorney who was originally representing me. As time went on the other attorney became difficult to reach and was delaying a settlement by dragging his feet. When it became painfully apparent that the case was not being handled in a way that was in my best interest, Chuck took over at my request and settled the case within 2 weeks. Not only could the law suit have dragged on another two or three months, but it would have cost me a fortune, and left me bankrupt. Further delay would also have turned the judge against me since my side would have been responsible for the delay in reaching a settlement. Instead of remaining in the backseat and watching my case slip away while still being paid as a bystander (co-council) as a third attorney did, Chuck listened to my concerns, showed compassion for my situation and quietly took charge, while still maintaining good terms with my other attorneys who were nonetheless valuable for arguing the details of my case. Even though he was brought into the case five months after it had begun and as one of three attorneys representing me, Chuck was able to distill the case into its essential parts, identify what key elements had to be accomplished in order to reach a settlement, and then saw to it that all the players (including my other attorneys, the judge, and the opposing council) acted in a timely fashion in order to push the long over due settlement through. Chuck Royer is an extremely competent attorney, but his compassion for me, his client, is what made him uniquely qualified to settle a case that two other attorneys could not. Thank you, Chuck!
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22 Mar, 2021 by Michael
I retained Molly for a review of a current contract and how it could be affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. I asked for her expertise when it came time to amend said contract. Throughout the entire process she was very prompt in returning clarification to my many questions and provided guidance on how to navigate a favorable outcome. I highly recommend Molly and plan to utilize her expertise in the future. Thank you!
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28 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
I retained Molly as counsel for an issue, and found her to be an experienced expert in her field. She responded quickly to questions, and gave sound, dispassionate advice. She rapidly navigated the process and brought it to a quick, favorable conclusion. Her work, demeanor, availability and knowledge were excellent.
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23 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Chris was so easy to understand,his knowledge and his personality just put me at ease.He is an excellent lawyer and I will recommend him to all of my family and friends when they need a lawyer!!
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01 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Have use Mr. Holtsberry numerous times and always had excellent, praiseworthy results. From tax issues, to real estate transactions, to personal injury and auto collisions, he is the ONLY lawyer I will use!
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27 Jun, 2017 by Evan
Meg helped me with a traffic offense. She greatly facilitated my time at court (got us to the front of the line) and then managed to get my ticket dismissed. There were no court fees or points either.
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12 Jun, 2015 by Rodney
Jeff has been doing evictions for us for a few years, as well as handling other items. We are truly amazed with his experience and knowledge of the law, as well as his follow through and communication. He also has a great support staff.
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29 Apr, 2021 by Charlie
Zach did a great job in helping out our family with some recent debt affairs. He was able to clearly communicate options, likelihoods of outcomes, and avenues to approach taking on the challenges that we were facing. Will definitely look to work with Zach in the future!
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15 Apr, 2016 by Troy
I was involved in a car crash where the other party did not want to pay for the damages to my car. I did not have a police report and was very frustrated with the whole situation. When it came time for me to suggest legal action against the other party, I went to Kelly because I was a student at the University of Toledo.
From the very start I liked Kelly. She listened to my story regarding all of the bizarre excuses given by the other party and then gave me some advice. She was very informative, explaining to me why I should ALWAYS get a police report and suggesting that I see a doctor because there could be underlying injuries that could manifest after I received payment. She then gave me a few options as to how we could proceed with the situation.
In the end, thanks to Kelly's work and guidance I did receive a fair payment for the damages done to my car. Throughout the whole experience I felt that she had my back, was willing to answer any questions that I had, and had a very good balance between offering me legal advice but still allowing me to call the shots. My only complaint is that communication between the office and I was pretty slow and done primarily via mail. With this being said, I still think that Kelly did a fantastic job with my case and the outcome could not have been better.
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11 Oct, 2016 by Tom
Chris takes a common sense approach to protecting your business, which is refreshing and easy to engage in the conversation and understand.
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27 Jan, 2016 by Paulette
The first time I saw Sylvia, she was on CSPAN speaking in front of a government agency about identity theft. It's a commonplace situation now, but it wasn't then. I was a victim of that crime and had been trying to deal with it for months. I was overwhelmed. Sylvia helped me put things right, protected my credit reputation and advised me in a professional and knowledgeable manner. She's a great communicator, kept me well-informed and did an exceptional job with my case. I'll always be grateful for her hard work and expertise.
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30 Jul, 2013 by Ellen
Jamie was referred to me by my accountant when I decided to sell my business. He did a brilliant job of explaining the process, making suggestions, writing the contract, and helping to close the deal. He is busy, but always got back to me in a timely manner and was great about returning correspondance. I feel that hos fees were fair and overall I was extremely pleased with his services. I highly reccomend Jamie if you need a talented business lawyer!
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12 Jul, 2024 by Jarod olade
great people keep me updated on the whole process in a timely manner
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05 Apr, 2021 by James west
Was dealing with an issue and needed some advice, so I reached out to the firm. I got a callback with a half hour and was speaking to an attorney the very next day.
Usually, even with the best of attorneys, if you're getting a free consultation you might get 2-3 questions asked before the attorney makes it clear that he/she really doesn't have time for you. Not the case here. The gentleman with whom I spoke patiently explained the laws that applied to my situation, sat through all of my questions, gave me some advice, and then STILL made sure I was satisfied before getting off the phone.
If you are facing any issue that this firm can help with, I absolutely recommend reaching out to these guys. You will not be disappointed.
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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.
