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09 Jul, 2024 by Dee hardrath
Atty. Young was just great in helping us get our parents better settled with some concerns we had about their long term care. Extremely friendly, but very professional, timely and helpful. That includes the administrative staff as well.
We will be using them in the future and would gladly recommend them to friends and family.
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12 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Hired Jaime's law firm to assist me with a single family home purchase that was a "for sale by owner." I worked with Jaime exclusively on the transaction which was complete in less than 30 days. She handled all communications with the seller and took care of all of the necessary documents. She even scheduled the inspection and appraisal. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to anyone needing legal advice or representation on a real estate matter.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Amy stull
We were very happy to work with Shannon Law Office! They were very patient with us and answered all of our questions. We will definitely work with them in the future! Thank you Shannon Law Office for all of your help!
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11 May, 2024 by Terri courtney carlson
Walter Shannon and his professional team are great to work with on your legal affairs. I highly recommend their services for your business and personal needs.
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17 Jan, 2024 by Emma mallon
Wally and staff have always gone above and beyond to assist us with various legal matters. We trust them implicitly and recommend them often!
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13 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Matthew McKenna responded to a question I posted and he was kind enough to speak with my mother and give her a website link for some help. Hopefully, this will lead to getting everything resolved and his help in the matter is greatly appreciated.
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14 Feb, 2024 by Ahmad
When i had no idea where to look or who to talk this man helped me out. I got into a bad situation where i had no clue how to handle it and i called him and he walked me through it
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27 Jan, 2025 by Scott lindner
I wanted to write this review and recognize Attorney Joe Bugni and his assistant Trinity for their hard work and dedication in helping my wife and I.
Navigating through the legal system can seem to be an overwhelming task. When my wife and I needed legal help we contacted Mr. Bugni for help. Mr. Bugni sat down with us, took notes, and devised a plan with his assistant Trinity on how best to address our situation. Mr. Bugni and Trinity talked to us like old friends, not attorney and clients, putting us very much at ease.
As our case proceeded Trinity put together a timeline and outlined our case, so we could understand it. Trinity was always available and answered all questions we asked.
Trinity and Mr. Bugni presented our case in terms that we could understand, which makes us feel better knowing what is happening.
My wife and I strongly recommend Mr. Bugni and Trinity if you find yourself needing legal advice. They will take the time to sit down with you, listen, and provide a plan that you understand. Mr. Bugni and Trinity make themselves available, and answer any and all questions you may have.
Thank you Mr. Bugni and Trinity for all of your help, and for taking time to help us navigate through the legal process.
Scott and Tina
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23 Jan, 2025 by Dave
Highly recommend Joseph Bugni for anybody who needs a lawyer that actually cares and will fight for you! Not just there collecting a paycheck! Amazing person, very knowledgeable and understanding! Thank you Joseph for beating my case!
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23 Jan, 2025 by Dmitriy melandovich
I have recently had a federal case, and this is hands down the best federal attorney out there. Joseph bugni is the man you want to hire. He will fight for you until the very end very communicative very professional. Amazing guy all around. The end result is we got exactly what we wanted. Thank you so much
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24 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Helped me with identey froud. He had got me through this whole case. He did a really good job on it. If I were to hire another one it would be him again. He is really good at what he does and sits and works things out like he should he helped me in ways no one has Nathan is excellent.
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24 Nov, 2021 by Dorothy
I am very pleased with the service I had concerning my car/dealership issue. What he advised me to do got my car swapped out and I could never thank him enough!
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05 Oct, 2021 by Amy
Nate’s office was so quick to respond. He had me send over paperwork so he knew the background of our situation. He solved our real estate purchase for us and reassured me on taking the right steps!
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30 Jul, 2024 by Skarly
I hired attorney Matt Frank to change custody placement along with another more delicate matter. Matt was an excellent attorney and I highly recommend him for any family matters. He works diligently and is extremely knowledgeable. Matt made sure that I understood anything that the judge was requesting and answered any questions during the entire process. He was also punctual and always met all deadlines that were required. Matt always communicated in a timely fashion. Thank you Matt!
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09 Jun, 2024 by James
Matt Frank did an excellent job representing me in my recent divorce. Matt was diligent and brought my case to an amicable
conclusion quickly . I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer in Rock County. Thanks Matt!!
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22 Sep, 2023 by Aaron
Matt Frank was a great lawyer for my divorce. From the first consultation to the final agreement, he handled everything quickly and communicated with me in a timely manner. I'd highly suggest Matt and his firm for any divorce needs.
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22 May, 2024 by Aline sellers
James Hiller is the best.. I had worked with several attorneys trying to save myself from eviction by the city of Milwaukee who required me to move or buy the property...My story won't end there I also had fines with the city from 2013....Attorney Hiller came through for he worked out a deal with the city Attorney's Office and I am now a home owner mortgage free. He is the Best....
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22 Nov, 2023 by Gwen
Due to a not-so-good deal I was in, Attorney Hiller provided me with the most accurate details, so that I could make a sound decision. He was very passionate about the legal issues at hand and was determined in seeing it through. He was there every step of the way. I would highly recommend him.
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17 Dec, 2021 by Seth
James Hiller is a very good advocate & Lawyer! Mr. Hiller entered our case and did his job with complete honesty. James could have chased the money ahead of this case and instead he gave us every option available for us to decide the next steps. James saved us thousands of dollars and costly time with his great work. James is also a family man and strong in his belief. Honesty is hard to find!
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01 Nov, 2018 by Mike
Attorney Reed was very helpful during a very difficult time in my life
I would highly recommend her to anyone! she was hands down worth the cost associated with hiring a lawyer.... I have friends that would not say the same about other lawyers..... to be honest she reinforced my belief in the court system... I always felt I had the best lawyer ..... the best prepared lawyer...... a lawyer that didn't have a paralegal handle everything... I never write reviews but in this case I want everyone know how amazing she was and how she protected my children and myself!
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02 Nov, 2017 by Timothy
I have a very high standard when it comes to attorneys considering I am one. I hired Renee to handle my divorce. My divorce presented it's own set of unique challenges, but I found her to be extremely knowledgeable, prepared, firm (when needed), compassionate (when needed), and always professional inside and out of the courtroom. She is very good at her craft! I would highly recommend Renee.
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17 Jun, 2016 by Heather
Attorney Read represented me during my divorce. She was always professional and well prepared for every meeting and court date. She was extremely thorough and competent. She explained everything to me in a way I could understand it. She was compassionate and provided me excellent guidance throughout the process. She was resourceful and respectful. She tried to maximize her efficiency so as to save me money whenever she could. I would highly recommend her without hesitation to anyone seeking an attorney.
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15 Sep, 2023 by Shannon
I have hired Johnathan twice over the past couple of years. Johnathan is very supportive and understanding. He takes time to listen. He provides clear and thorough explanations of all options and is transparent in his recommendations. Johnathan is honest and straightforward. He truly cares about justice and equity and will advocate with persistent tenacity on behalf of his clients. I recommend Jonathan as a lawyer for employment, labor, business, and real estate matters. I would also recommend Johnathan as a resource for any other legal needs. He is very knowledgeable and provides sound and reliable advice.
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11 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
My husband and I hired Jonathan after having a dispute with a contractor. This was the first time either one of us had ever hired a lawyer. Jonathan was highly recommended by a colleague and we immediately understood why. I texted him requesting urgent help on a Thursday night as our issue was time sensitive. He responded that evening and by Friday morning, we had hired him. He was able to efficiently gather enough information to start addressing our urgent concern that Friday afternoon. Within the week, our situation was resolved to our satisfaction. His responsiveness and professionalism was outstanding. He helped set expectations and educate us. He was upfront about expected costs for our case and when we ended up exceeding that, he honored his initial quote. We are in the middle of an adoption and he told us to take the difference of the quote and actual cost of his services and apply it towards the adoption. It was not expected and he certainly was not obligated to do this but was greatly appreciated. If we ever need a lawyer again, we will not hesitate to reach out. I have already provided his information to another co-worker.
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04 Sep, 2019 by Gail
My job was eliminated after 18 yrs. I was 1 of 3 over age 60 eliminated. Since there were new employees and less seniority employees , i felt i was let go unfairly with age discrimination. Jonathan fought for a new severance contract against the medical corporation and won. He achieved double the severance i was offered per "their protocol" that was unfair. Jonathan was kind, calm, explained what i didnt understand ( which was most legal terminology!) And worked with me as my own advocate. Advising and suggesting. Timely , tenacious ( did not let down his drive to succeed in our goal.) Smart , timely, direct. I consulted and hired him within 2 days of losing my job. Highly recommend Jonathan.
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23 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Vern Jesse helped me on a real estate purchase transaction that involved an international seller and multiple special issues. Given his extensive experience in real estate, he was able to represent me well and bring the transaction to a successful conclusion in a tight time horizon. Vern is a highly responsive and good communicator, being both proficient and efficient, primarily through the use of email. I would not hesitate to engage his services again in the future.
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19 Nov, 2015 by Lori
I have worked with Vern on a few legal matters that mostly involved Real Estate transactions. In each case, he was very professional in addressing my issues in a timely and efficient manner. As a small business owner, I also appreciated the fact the he was respectful of my budget and his simplicity in explaining the issues and the best course of action to take. I would use Vern again in future legal issues and would definitely recommend his services.
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06 Feb, 2015 by James
Steve did a great job guiding our family through the entire land sale and purchase process. When our bank failed to identify the correct procedure executing the reverse 1031 exchange, Steve stepped in and guided the team along. He saved our family potential taxable gains with his knowledge of the 1031 exchange laws and titling requirements set forth via the US tax code. I will recommend him to anyone.
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03 Feb, 2015 by Barry
Steve has the reputation of the attorney you want on your side. He makes sure the client is aware of all issues so they are able to make an educated decision as part of the bigger picture. I am always impressed how he is able to point out potential problems that others have not, including other attorneys. I would never use anyone else.
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03 Aug, 2016 by Pat
Susan LaCava is such an advocate for the home owner! When my bank tried to grab my house with an escrow scam, Susan’s skill and experience made a huge difference when negotiating a settlement. She knows when to push hard and when to settle. She saved my home. And, while this was an extremely stressful time, I must admit that it was amusing to watch her train the pompous corporate attorney that worked for the bank.
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29 May, 2015 by Walter
I am a restructuring consultant and I have worked with Ginger on four matters over about ten years. In every one she has been extremely timely in her communications, detailed and prepared in her legal work, and clear in her verbal communications. She also sees the matter from the client's perspective, so that if it is simply procedural, she explains the why and when; if there are legal strategies to be weighed , she explains the pros and cons to prepare the client to make a decision.
She has helped in a unique state of Wisconsin receivership action under which a retail chain was sold for full repayment of the secured; in an out-of-court debt restructuring, which included a forbearance agreement and debt covenant re-set; and a contentious chapter 11 proceeding, where she served as counsel to the Chief Restructuring Officer. Potential litigation in this matter, in particular, was new territory to me, and Ginger's easy and confident style as well as legal-eagle drafting prevented tensions from rising too high.
All of the matters were successfully concluded from the client's perspective.
I strongly recommend Ginger as a partner for any restructuring, creditor's rights or bankruptcy matter, and I would be delighted to work with her again.
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31 Oct, 2008 by Anonymous
Shawn is knowledgeable and professional. He is proactive and will introduce me to experts in areas he is not an expert himself.
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18 Dec, 2014 by Teri
Sarah settled my father's estate. She gave me an estimate of her price in advance. Sarah was very professional and called or emailed me when there was something for me to sign or discuss. She didn't waste my time and gave me the option to do some of the mailings, etc. which saved me money. She also handled the closing/title work for my father's property. Her total bill came in for less than what I was quoted.
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01 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr Santarelli (my second ATTY in the case) handled my case in the best way possible and with superior restraint and professionalism. Our opposition handled their case Pro Se.
He was very knowledgeable in an area that is not his specialty.
A case that should have been done in one or two visits to court took 3 1/2 years. Once Mr Santarelli came on board, he dealt with mistakes prior to his serivce and things became streamlined and went much quicker and more stuctured.
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11 Dec, 2014 by Dianna
Dawn's great at her job. She knows the laws and gets the wins. She helps low income families in their time of need and make your world a better place. you have made a difference in lives and for this we Thank you.
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04 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
I had no clue what to do as a single mother when I was only guaranteed so many hours. This made me ineligible for benefits which included health insurance. I suffered from severe neck and back pain, extreme enough that I needed to call 911. The hospital did a cardiac work up since my symptoms mimicked a heart attack. I was sent home soon after they ruled out cardiac abnormalities with no diagnosis what so ever besides neck pain. No further orders were done and they prescribed a minimal amount of pain meds, that didn't even take the edge off. I went to a few different doctors who simply ordered different medications. Finally after an MRI that I had to pay on a credit card I was ordered a series of three cortisone injections all of which I also put on my credit card. I ended up maxing out five credit cards after ongoing problems with this. I owned a home and car and thought I was goin to lose them. A friend recommended Mark Brunner since he was a life saver for her. He was so knowledgable and explained everything in detail and made sure I knew what I was signing. All I had to do was bring all my bills, deed, and title to the secretary and she took care of the rest. I thought my case was pretty complex because there was so much more involved. I felt he would have had to spend several hours on my case. He was prompt when arriving at the court house. The secretary was thoughtful enough to make a map and reminded me when the court case was. He told me exactly what to expect and knew what I had to do when I entered the courtroom. I was amazed about the whole thing and would highly recommend his office to anyone.
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29 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Atty. Hanes helped me with my creditor/debtor problem. He was responsive and I appreciated that he would explain things to me in English.
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20 Sep, 2019 by Dan
Christina assisted my brothers and I with a family real estate matter (transfer of ownership between relatives) and we would highly recommend her to anyone who needs for legal assistance in her practice areas. She couldn't have been more helpful, responding quickly to any questions we had, providing invaluable advice on tax consequences, etc. Stellar attorney! A+!
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11 Jun, 2024 by Rebecca s
08 Jun, 2022 by Travis koenig
Used them before for a case. Great firm.
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08 Feb, 2022 by Jake spano
Pam Whitmore is exceptional! She facilitated our city’s annual retreat covering governance models and knocked it out of the park. Clear, concise, thoughtful, and responsive in talking about the importance of governance models and norms to high functioning teams. Definitely recommend!
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19 Feb, 2025 by Brabrabarz
Eric and his team was amazing in our time of need. They worked with us and walked us through every step of the way in a professional and timely manner. I truly felt like they had our backs and where focused on providing us with would class service. I world recommend them to anyone who has fallen on hard times and needs help in a time where it can be overwhelming process, they where just what we needed we couldn't have done this with out them. Thanks Eric and your team for helping us through a tuff time and making it easy by showing compassion and making us feel like you guys truly cared about our case as if it was you own. Great job!
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15 Feb, 2025 by Becky korleski
Kept working my case and really listened to my problems. Went above and beyond! Thank you!
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13 Feb, 2025 by Denise licari
David Blinka is wonderful at what he does, and I am grateful to him for all the help he provided to me during my auto accident. I was kept informed often with updates regarding my case. There is not anyone else I would want to represent me. Thank you, Denise
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22 Dec, 2024 by Cathy schoenweitz
25 Nov, 2024 by Gary karasch
01 Oct, 2024 by Tricia
Nick is the first attorney we've ever worked with, and he took time to make sure we understood everything. He's down to earth, easy to talk with, and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
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24 Oct, 2024 by Mary ball
24 Oct, 2024 by Kay b.
Mary John updated our estate plan. We were able to get an appointment quickly. She was friendly, professional and promptly completed the plan. She took the time to explain different options so we could make the best choice to meet our needs. Highly recommend!
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24 Oct, 2024 by Josh denzin
This was a great experience. Mary was a pleasure to work with.
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08 Sep, 2010 by Ron
As current chairman and previous supervisor for our Town, I have had the pleasure of working with Steve on many town matters since we retained him in 1991. Steve has always given us advice and guidance that proves to be "right on the mark". He has a unique way of cutting through the legal mumbo jumbo and gets right to the heart of the matter. Steve also has excellent associates and employees within his firm that go out of their way to be helpful to any concerns or requests you may have. We have always found that Steve and his firm have been more than fair on billing hours for service. I would highly recommend Steve Chiquoine for any of your legal matters, especially municipal law.
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07 Sep, 2010 by Tim
Very few times in your life do you meet and retain someone that will assist you in making decisions that are life altering. Steve Chiquoine and his firm continually demonstrate a deep understanding of a clients goals and obstacles, our experience has been nothing short of Thank God for Steve Chiquoine. We would highly recomend you make the call and find out for yourself, in these high challenging times having a firm that is there for you seperates this frim from others.
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07 Sep, 2010 by Ron
I have worked with Steve for 27 years as the attorney representing companies I have worked for. We continue to use his services for collections as well as other legal issues that arrise for many reasons. I know i can trust him to make judgments & decisions with the best interests of our company in mind & decisions that I & our CEO would have made ourselves.
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27 Jan, 2025 by Scott lindner
I wanted to write this review and recognize Attorney Joe Bugni and his assistant Trinity for their hard work and dedication in helping my wife and I.
Navigating through the legal system can seem to be an overwhelming task. When my wife and I needed legal help we contacted Mr. Bugni for help. Mr. Bugni sat down with us, took notes, and devised a plan with his assistant Trinity on how best to address our situation. Mr. Bugni and Trinity talked to us like old friends, not attorney and clients, putting us very much at ease.
As our case proceeded Trinity put together a timeline and outlined our case, so we could understand it. Trinity was always available and answered all questions we asked.
Trinity and Mr. Bugni presented our case in terms that we could understand, which makes us feel better knowing what is happening.
My wife and I strongly recommend Mr. Bugni and Trinity if you find yourself needing legal advice. They will take the time to sit down with you, listen, and provide a plan that you understand. Mr. Bugni and Trinity make themselves available, and answer any and all questions you may have.
Thank you Mr. Bugni and Trinity for all of your help, and for taking time to help us navigate through the legal process.
Scott and Tina
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23 Jan, 2025 by Dave
Highly recommend Joseph Bugni for anybody who needs a lawyer that actually cares and will fight for you! Not just there collecting a paycheck! Amazing person, very knowledgeable and understanding! Thank you Joseph for beating my case!
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23 Jan, 2025 by Dmitriy melandovich
I have recently had a federal case, and this is hands down the best federal attorney out there. Joseph bugni is the man you want to hire. He will fight for you until the very end very communicative very professional. Amazing guy all around. The end result is we got exactly what we wanted. Thank you so much
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26 Apr, 2015 by Coby
In my dealings with mr. Finkel I was blown away by his professionalism and attention to detail. Along with his fearlessness, knowledge base and creativity I am certain he is capable of handling whatever ur needs are.
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21 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Att. Awen originally helped me with a traffic citation. I have subsequently seen him for consultation and legal advice for a professional issue. He advised me on matters within his expertise and referred me to another attorney for extended consultation. I have referred clients in need of legal help to him. Having also worked with attorneys as a professional consultant, I am aware of qualified and ethical attorneys. Att. Awen is qualified, personable and ethical.
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20 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Personalized service.
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15 May, 2024 by Scott durr
Several years back I hired these guys and Tim is the best attorney I ever had
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25 Aug, 2023 by Richard draney
Paul Angel is a brilliant attorney. He found solutions that worked and no other professional had thought of. He made simple what had been a long and complicated deal and made it possible to close on time.
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30 Jun, 2023 by Joe rundell
Very quick with Emails and contact, got good outcome would recommend
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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.
