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16 Feb, 2025 by Tracy byrd
Best in the business!
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23 Dec, 2024 by Arnece roberts
If I could give 0 stars I would. Absolutely THE problem when it comes to attorneys this day and age.(maybe it’s just with men). If you want a game where you're being strung along and billed forever playing the rollercoaster game with you and your children's life instead of evidence being presented in a costly/timely and empathetic manner THIS IS YOUR GUY. Mr. Bancroft, i just got off the phone with you where you hung up on me stating that I’m threatening you. Get over your ego and realize that your business as a practicing attourney needs realignment. I wrote you about a standing invoice you provided totaling to less than the amount that Ive paid to you months prior with no response. After speaking to your paralegal, then being transferred to your “billing dept.” and speaking to them I was provided with a newer invoice…..with newer charges, where whomever was working before had originally just simply “forgot to send me the invoice”….what a convenient coincidence. After speaking with her, I was transferred to you where I had a conversation with your ego. Well, from the little guy(s) down here Mr. Bancroft, do whats right and fabricating invoices to skip out on paying balances owed on any moneys paid to you for the services that you DID NOT PROVIDE are just not that. Client paid $1750 in retainer fees(half of your 3500 to get the case started) and had to chase said attourney down for enquiries with little to no communications outside of ones that were initiated by me/client, INCLUDING in person conversation with YOU where I unexpectedly paid a visit to your office in August after I could not successfully contact anyone and asked about a status of my case. You did not recall my case by name until we went to your office and you searched my name.(keep in mind, this is three months after contracting). Attourney invoicing per attourney-client portals all state work for balance of $753, with latest payment from client being $631 in October.(this never happened, only payment made was the initial one and didn't make another due to subpar and in my opinion MALPRACTICAL, I'm aware that isn't an official word, service). After a few months of calling and majorly being placed on hold, back and forth’s with promises of returned calls or motions with paralegals, multiples of them and finally being frustrated with the reality of paying an attourney and not being fought for……while fighting a vindictive situation with my children as a GREAT DAD I asked for an explanation stating that if I did not hear anything as ai had been I wanted to discontinue services and be refunded via message inside of the client portal, I THEN was given a response…..but not with accountability, not with a plan of action, not to communicate any valuable evidence or structured plan of action, but to speak downward of me on the “dismal” months of non-payment……….ultimately this attourney demanded I paid him his past due amount, in addition to totals for mediations that hadn't even been had yet to avoid him WITHDRAWING. Needless to say I attended the mediation PRO SE, paid the mediator directly. I’m now on maximum state mandated child support and standard visitation for the children I equally raised because the relationship did not work out with their mother…finally divorced none the less. All of the evidence in the world to fight that good fight never presented, never saw a represented court setting, money just wasted and thank GOD I demanded a standard or it could have been MUCH MUCH worse financially. Contracted with this attourney on 5/24/2024….attourney withdrew as of 11/5/2024, yet they have still attempted to withdraw payment from my bank as of latest, 12/19/2024…….this was my SECOND attourney over a course of what I recall as a 3 year nightmare……I can confidently say, this is whats wrong with the family law system! Will edit with photo documentation when I have time.
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22 Dec, 2024 by Colton king
My wife and I had to deal with CPS so we hired Valerie to represent us, and we are so happy we did! She laid out a plan, kept us in the loop, and got us through the case with a favorable outcome. Well worth the money! Thank you so much!
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24 Jun, 2020 by Amber wagner
01 Apr, 2020 by Miguel angel taura villacorta
23 Nov, 2019 by Katherine ross
30 Jan, 2025 by Cecilia orta
The BEST Attorney!! Chance McGee is an absolute gem! He’s a kind, down-to-earth man who truly cares about his clients and their futures. From start to finish, he made the bankruptcy process simple and stress-free. His approach is so compassionate, and you can really tell he believes in giving everyone a fresh start. We’ll always recommend Chance to everyone we know. Don’t wait—call him ASAP!
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30 Jan, 2025 by Carlos orta
Mr McGhee did an amazing job. Always on time, and explains everything very well. I definitely recommend him, he did a great job.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Michael “mike” vivroux
I have now used Chance and his office for the 2nd time in my lifetime. In all the times I have transacted with Mr. McGhee it has always turned out to the best. He is very professional and makes things easy to understand. His assistant Lisa is great from the first meeting and explainging the process. To the meeting with Mr. McGhee and having to make a LOT of copies of my records. Only to find out later they were not needed and having to remove all the staples from what I brought. She is a true asset to his firm.
You will be truely happy with the results that Chance produces for you!
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21 Feb, 2025 by Melonie thornton
11 Feb, 2025 by Markus potter
Brad Thorton as my defense attorney went out of his way to explain my case to me and what to expect. He made sure to represent me with his best work and even had my case dismissed. I would highly recommend him.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Michel
Brad Thornton is a very knowledgable lawyer that knows his way around the syatem. He is patient and will take his time to to make sure you understand the process. My family member received justice with his help!
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08 Jan, 2025 by Rob block
Contentious divorce and custody battles don't just affect the immediate family; they ripple out, impacting extended families and friends. As someone who loves and supports a family member going through such a difficult time, I experienced firsthand the emotional toll these situations can take. We often become the ones helping carry the burdens created by the breakdown of a family.
As the brother of a Soulsby Law client, I feel compelled to leave this review—not only to express my gratitude for the tremendous work they did on my brother’s case but also to encourage others to refer their loved ones to the Soulsby Law Firm if they're facing similar challenges.
From the very beginning, the experience with Soulsby Law was exceptional. My brother had reached out to several attorneys before contacting Soulsby, but he knew immediately that this was the right fit. Stephanie, the front desk receptionist, was kind, patient, and professional. She made him feel at ease and promptly set up his meeting with Kate, which was the start of a life-changing process.
I’ll never forget the excitement in my brother’s voice after his first meeting with Kate. He told me, “I’ve found the attorney I need.” Kate was attentive, confident, and compassionate—not just during that initial meeting, but throughout the entire process. Her unwavering dedication and expertise ensured that my brother achieved the results he needed: more time with his children and a say in their medical care.
Of course, great outcomes are the result of teamwork, and Kate’s team is phenomenal. Amy was in constant contact with my brother, keeping him updated on developments and breaking down complex legal issues in a way that was easy to understand. Her calm demeanor was a source of reassurance during what could have been a storm of uncertainty.
And then there’s June, whom my brother affectionately referred to as “Kate’s Filing Cabinet.” Her ability to organize, recall, and present relevant information during court preparations and proceedings was nothing short of legendary.
Having been involved in combat sports my whole life, I’ve learned the importance of preparation. Walking onto the mat unprepared leaves you anxious and vulnerable, but stepping up with the confidence of thorough training changes everything. Thanks to Kate and her team, my brother walked into the courtroom prepared and confident, knowing he was in good hands.
I’m deeply grateful to the Soulsby Law Firm for helping my brother gain more time with his children. Their work has had a profound impact on all of us—because of them, I now get to see my niece and nephew more often. For anyone navigating the challenges of divorce or custody, I can’t recommend Soulsby Law highly enough.
I hope they have the day they deserve...which would be a day full of happiness!
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06 Jan, 2025 by Gerri blankenship
June, Kate, Amy, Stephanie were amazing at representing my close family friend during his torturous divorce. They did an excellent job in getting him a favorable outcome and keeping the situation peaceful and positive. I would recommend using their firm to have the best defense on your side.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Matthew holmes
Kate and her staff have provided me top notch service and I would recommend them to anyone. I greatly appreciate all they have done for me and my boys. Great communicators and great people! Sincerely, Matt Holmes
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19 Sep, 2024 by Charlie uresti
Lisa was very attentive to our concerns when it came to handling our father's estate. Her knowledge of the law is impressive. She addresses all the issues. I have referred her to several of my friends and one of them said she looks so sweet but she's really a tiger!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Bobby hernandez
Lisa was awesome. She was able to help me set our company contracts in place. As a small company this is one of the headaches we deal with and she made it easy to deal with. Highly recommend.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Jeff tom
Lisa was meticulous in ensuring my will accurately reflected my wishes. Her knowledge and compassion made the process manageable. Look no further if you need a trustworthy attorney to handle your will or probate matters.
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20 Feb, 2018 by Jennifer
Monique helped me with setting up my small business, and drafting the required legal documents and company agreements. She was quick to respond, and attentive to the business' needs. Even after her services were completed, she remained available for questions regarding our business operations as well as unrelated liability questions that surfaced later during our operations. I would definitely recommend Monique, she was knowledgable and professional through the duration of her services.
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20 Feb, 2018 by Alejandro
Monique and her team are excellent at what they do and I’m grateful that I had such an amazing and supportive team. Monique was with me every step of the way and always made me feel like I was her top priority. I highly recommend Moniques’ services for anyone needing legal advice
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11 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I first contacted Ms. Diaz when an ex employer was defaming me. Monique was brutally honest with me, advising it would be unlikely I would get awarded damages but we could get them to stop, which she did! I was so impressed, that when I had a family issue, I contacted Monique expecting her to advise me to someone in family law, but she quickly addressed that issue too. In fact, that’s what Ms. Diaz does best, quickly resolving the issue, so her clients don’t get billed needlessly. I can’t speak enough about her, and appreciate all the legal support she’s provided me over the past 2 years.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Juan chavez
MR,AMSBERRY AND HIS WHOLE ENTIRE TEAM ARE THE ABSOLUTE BEST.
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14 Nov, 2024 by Eduardo romero
Mr. Russell Amsberry is an excellent lawyer, an extraordinary person, and provides excellent service. 100% recommended
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06 Nov, 2024 by Philip higgins
Russell began representing me a few years ago for a simple motion that became a custody fight. He has been professional and responsive throughout the process. His calm demeanor through what at times, became very stressful helped me to keep perspective during a grinding legal process. Highly recommended to handle your family law needs.
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21 Feb, 2025 by Melonie thornton
11 Feb, 2025 by Markus potter
Brad Thorton as my defense attorney went out of his way to explain my case to me and what to expect. He made sure to represent me with his best work and even had my case dismissed. I would highly recommend him.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Michel
Brad Thornton is a very knowledgable lawyer that knows his way around the syatem. He is patient and will take his time to to make sure you understand the process. My family member received justice with his help!
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30 Jan, 2025 by John dyess
We hired Rosenblatt Law Firm to organize our corporation for updating owners and we also had to hire RLF to go after a competitor. If we could give 10 stars ⭐️ we would. Fantastic service. 😃
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17 Jan, 2025 by K b
Received a threatening letter from Mary Lisa in 2022, and replied via email as that was the contact info in the letter. Still have never received a reply. This firm sent me a threatening letter, and when replied to, never once confirmed receipt of reply or issued any type of communication in return. Don’t threaten people, request a response, and then not reply to that response. When I replied to the salacious, threatening letter, more than adequate information was provided to refute the falsehoods in the letter sent to me. Not sending a reply to my response is actually the complete opposite of professional. It is actually unethical within the bounds of the Texas state law to threaten litigation with no intention of following through. If you need more information, comb through your outgoing letters and your received emails. That would require work on your end, though.
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02 Dec, 2024 by Martin jaeger
I have never been involved in a lawsuit. Elena with Rosenblatt Law guided me through the process, reassured me, and orchestrated a fair settlement. I was very happy with my decision to have Rosenblatt Law represent me.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Makayla jones
03 Dec, 2024 by Knotjunkiienesse
Great attorney, case dismissed
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30 Sep, 2024 by Geneva garza
My son was accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for flattening someone’s tires! TIRES , not a person!! Long story short CASE DISMISSED!! We’ve used Mr. Cantrell since the 90’s he never disappoints!!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Jordan f
Sheri did an awesome job on my case. She is super professional and knows what she is doing. I will forever be grateful for what she did.
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13 Nov, 2024 by Ramona pena
This attorney didn't do nothing for me but helped me lose my case! Still been 3yrs that I have requested my original documents I trusted with her and have not received them , I was told by a employee that works for her that our documents have been misplaced
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27 Sep, 2024 by Nandi landeros
28 Mar, 2021 by Michael s
Attorney Magoo was professional, knowledgeable, and very understanding during our legal process. She explained everything well, and helped us through our issues during the passing of our loved one. We appreciated all her hard work and understanding.
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24 Sep, 2020 by Erin
Rosiee is professional, compassionate and responsive. She was recommended to me, and I can't say enough good things about her.
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29 Jan, 2019 by Rebecca
Never again!!!! I did all the work and she dropped us after she went missing for almost a year!! Waste of money!! She never returns calls or emails but will charge you for calling and emailing her!!
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02 Mar, 2024 by Wade
Ðavid is a great lawyer he ķnows how to handle bad landlords and he took real ĝood care of us I recommend him to anybody who need help ss far as iam concerned
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31 Aug, 2022 by Bill davis
I asked Mr Shaffer a question and instead of responding to my question he managed to use profanity towards me towards me . I'll find this very unprofessional and disrespectful from an attorney who's supposed to be a professional. Of course I wouldn't expect anything less from someone who purchased liens from homeowners associations and evicted many families from their homes many with children. He and his buddy Brian Trenz make millions of dollars a victim homeowners from their home. Anyone who has had dealings and been wronged by attorney David Schaefer or his buddy attorney Brian Trenz . Please contact Bill Davis at 210 439-8254. I'm in the process of filing a complaint against Mr Schaefer with the State bar association for the rude and disrespectful profanity he used towards me in a text . What kind of professional attorney cannot answer the phone and has to respond via text. In addition has a filthy mouth and only likes to cuss people out very unprofessional.
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12 Jun, 2023 by Lora cantu
Didn't help me 😭 n what I needed didn't even give me a chance to explain my situation
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04 Jan, 2023 by Drew h
I don’t see how this guy is in business. He exudes apathy. Every interaction I’ve had with him just seemed like he couldn’t care less or was bothered. I felt like a huge imposition just from contacting him to consult on my case.
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02 Dec, 2022 by Vernell boson
Nice environment and safe.
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25 Mar, 2021 by Andrea
This guy was horrible. He failed to get protective order in timely fashion or meet with me and tried to convince me of splitting my son 50/50 after the father abandoned, stalked, harassed, and was mentally unstable. He then said he needed an extra $7k retainer on top of $2.5k he already received. I fired him the next day and he refused to give any of the 7k back nor did he provide a single invoice. This man is a THIEF and should not be allowed to practice law for his lack of ethics.
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31 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
He didn't seem to really work on the details of my case until the very day of mediation. Prior to that, he forgot about our meetings that didnt involve his payment and wasn't prepared for them which left us discussing the exact same things we had already discussed; yet, he had no problem charging me for that meeting and thensome. During one meeting (in which I paid him more $) he yelled and threw papers at me when he got upset that I wouldn't just agree with his point of view of how I should just forget about getting things that the mediated contract noted should have occurred. Yes, I know that complaining about paper being thrown at me sounds silly because it was merely paper, but it should not have happened in the first place. I never felt like he was "on my side" and his advice during mediation was just to give into what the other side demanded since it'll cost more $ in the long run...but that didn't stop him from charging me more than $3,000 after that! Very unprofessional! It'll be a waste of YOUR time and money.
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30 Dec, 2021 by Jose
SHE PRESIDES OVER HER COURT WITH GOD LIKE COMPLEX NOT ALLOWING PLAINTIFF OR DEFEDANTS THAT AREN'T IN HER BRITISH ACCREDITTED COUNTRY CLUB THE SAME PRIVILIGES AND LIBERTIES AFFORDED BY THE CONSTITUTION AND TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHS ACT OF 1964. SHE SHOULD NEVER BE IN OFFICE. PERRIOD!!!!!!!!
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20 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
I used Cynthia for my divorce and custody case, she was a little less expensive than the other consultation with another attorney... I got what I paid for. She didn't return my calls, emails or texts for months and when she finally did she claimed she never got my messages. I used a friends phone once and she answered right away but that didn't work after she had the number. She sat on paperwork, and then worded the decree incorrectly causing me to pay more money than I had to as well as having the attorney general put my child support payments on hold because of the verbiage being wrong on my decree so they couldn't send it to have the money taken from my ex husbands check. When I reached out to her I had to wait over a month to reach her and then she sat on the paperwork again and finally got to court several months later. She sent me a text saying the judged signed and she would send me the decree and my Q-Dro and I never received it nor was I able to reach her again. She was horrible!
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19 Jul, 2012 by Eugene
Once Mr. Rossi found out I was a member of the Texas Legal Protection Plan he was no longer interested in representing me. He is listed on TLPP's website as a provider of legal services to their members.
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11 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Matthew was not responsive throughout the process. He said it would be $1K to help me. 5 weeks after paying him I still had no information on next steps, he kept saying he would write a letter. After 5 weeks of no action I asked for my money back and he kept $250 due to a phone call we had. I would not recommend him.
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30 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
We hired Matt over 2 yrs ago to handle a bad real estate transaction. He said it shouldn't take more then 6 months to settle. Here we are 2 yrs and 2 months later nothing settled and haven't been able to get him to respond to emails, phone calls or text since Aug (almost 4 months).
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05 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Engaged Mr. Cowart for a title search three years ago. Have have next to no response from him. All he was asked was to keep us informed on progress. We even gave him he addresses of all parties involved. He has not answered emails or text requests. His phone is always full
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30 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
She is unprofessional and her intenstions are only in what benefits her not her clients. Worthless as a lawyer&judge! She had no intenstions in fully helping her clients and always asked for more money in return. She gave us the run around on everything and was never clear on anything but when she needed her money she made sure she was on top of everything and answer minimal questions.
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24 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Michael initially answered calls, in the event he didn’t he would return the call in a reasonable time frame. Not prompt but within reason. Within the first week he had already reneged on things he previously said he would do. Dates he guaranteed passed by. With no explanation or reason. He simply stopped communicating. Leaving us completely in the dark. On a matter he said was just a matter of presenting to the judge, no more than a simple interaction ll. After contacting the county clerk numerous times I was informed he never even went as he had assured he would. Now he will not answer anyones calls and has yet to return a single call. Is this guy actually committed to his clients. I don’t think so
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24 Apr, 2024 by Bryan
I found attorney Nestor Javier Lopez-Garcia through a Legal Aid referral notification when requesting legal assistance for my type of case. I was seeking representation after my initial civil case was concluded against my apartment complex [Artisan Luxury Apartments | Location: 8701 W. Parmer Lane] [Case #1JC-21-0454]. While I lived there, I rented a garage port that was tied into my lease agreement. While still in my lease, they leased out my garage to a new resident, and reported my items as abandoned. I filed a civil suit against them, and won a settlement amount; however their attorney made a countersuit about water damage on the carpet, which was the result from the big winterstorm that happened around 2021.and was related to the winter storm that displaced most of the people in my building. After that situation happened, there was no maintenance work done to repair my floor in the unit. I realized that this countersuit could be a tactic to mitigate the settlement. The settlement I won therefore was reduced after they won their countersuit against me. I filed an appeal, and realized that I needed professional help, because I realized how unprepared I was to counter-argue the opposing side's claim. I came into contact with Nestor J. Lopez, Esq. (Loc: Law Office of Nestor J. Lopez, PLLC). Which I found through Texas Legal Aid service. The issue that Mr. Lopez caused me was not appearing for my appeal hearing, & advising me that I did not have to appear myself. This caused the opposing side to win a Final Judgment at the County Court at Law #4 [No. 22-0869-CC4]. I had the opportunity to open a new case, but within that 30 day window Mr. Lopez did not file a new case on my behalf, and failed to provide me the information I needed to get him off my case, which would have allowed me to get someone else to open a new case for me. I had grounds to reopen a new case, but since Mr. Lopez was listed as my lawyer on file, then he would have to do so, which he never did. I filed a CDC grievance with the "Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel" [Re: 202207630] and provided them a detail papertrail & timeline of the events that lead to my outcome. After the hearing they found cause to provide disciplinary actions on him. He was required to complete mandatory courses, and has since been reinstated as of April 10, 2024. I am writing this review for anyone needing honest feedback before making a decision. I believe that people need resources & feedback to make informed decisions. I have vetted this review to make sure I have cobberating information to support everything I stated.
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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.
