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19 Apr, 2024 by Olivia white
28 Oct, 2023 by Mackenzie clark
08 Sep, 2023 by Kayla jones
This firm gets the job done! They will go above and beyond for you, they truly care. I’ve worked with a few firms previously and none compare to Merritt and Merritt! The customer service is top tier from the staff as well as the attorney!
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19 Apr, 2024 by Olivia white
28 Oct, 2023 by Mackenzie clark
08 Sep, 2023 by Kayla jones
This firm gets the job done! They will go above and beyond for you, they truly care. I’ve worked with a few firms previously and none compare to Merritt and Merritt! The customer service is top tier from the staff as well as the attorney!
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09 Sep, 2024 by Jeff white
Nate at this firm was able to provide me with great advice and patiently answered every question I had.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Robin whittenburg
My son, Nathan, is the owner of this law firm. You will find Nathan to be honest, reliable, and trustworthy. He takes his profession seriously and will work diligently to find you justice. He is easy to talk to and is readily available to answer your questions. Nathan is truly a caring and compassionate attorney.
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15 May, 2024 by Talia soares
Trustworthy lawyer
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09 Aug, 2024 by David soldato
The absolute best lawyer that is in the business! Stuart Mones has helped myself as well as 20+ of my friends and family obtain the best outcome of our situations!! So much that unfortunately bc of situations Stuart has become a family friend for 20+ years assisting our world! Prim and proper and very thankful to have his lawfirm in my life!
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24 Jul, 2024 by Priscilla medina
Mr. Mones is an awesome attorney!! Helped me beat a very hard case and came out on top. So thankful to him and will always keep him for any further help.
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03 May, 2024 by Kelly
I had the best experience. Mr. Mones is not only knowledgeable and professional but very immediately responsive and communicates effectively like I’ve never encountered before. Highly recommend!
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09 Aug, 2024 by David soldato
The absolute best lawyer that is in the business! Stuart Mones has helped myself as well as 20+ of my friends and family obtain the best outcome of our situations!! So much that unfortunately bc of situations Stuart has become a family friend for 20+ years assisting our world! Prim and proper and very thankful to have his lawfirm in my life!
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24 Jul, 2024 by Priscilla medina
Mr. Mones is an awesome attorney!! Helped me beat a very hard case and came out on top. So thankful to him and will always keep him for any further help.
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03 May, 2024 by Kelly
I had the best experience. Mr. Mones is not only knowledgeable and professional but very immediately responsive and communicates effectively like I’ve never encountered before. Highly recommend!
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26 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I was facing an incredibly stressful and life-altering situation after being falsely accused of a felony for criminal trespass, despite not having trespassed at all. From the very first consultation, Joe Habachy stood out as a beacon of hope. He was confident, professional, and reassured me that we could get the case dismissed. His confidence was not just words—he delivered. Throughout the entire process, Joe kept me thoroughly informed, explaining each step and making sure I understood all the legal jargon that came my way. He was always available to answer my questions, no matter how small or how often they came up. His dedication to my case was evident; he worked tirelessly to ensure that justice was served. When the day finally came, Joe secured the dismissal of all charges against me. The relief I felt was indescribable. Joe not only defended my innocence but also restored my peace of mind. If you need a criminal defense attorney who is not only skilled and knowledgeable but also deeply committed to their clients, I cannot recommend Joe Habachy highly enough.
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25 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Weeks before graduation, our daughter—a high school senior, scholar-athlete, and honor roll student—and her friends were arrested for a senior prank that went wrong. They accidentally targeted the wrong house with toilet paper and chalk, leading the homeowner to falsely allege exaggerated charges and damages, which triggered a full police response. This resulted in felony criminal damage charges in a county known for severe penalties on minor offenses.
Facing the potential of not being able to walk at graduation and significant disruption to her college plans at a top university due to a lengthy court process, we (along with several of the other families) turned to Joe Habachy. He acted swiftly, working with the district attorney to expedite the process and resolve the case with a dismissal of all charges and an expungement of our daughter's record.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Chris r.
I made some pretty bad life choices and ended up with two DUIs. Joe was recommended to me by a friend, and he did a phenomenal job. He's a straight-shooter, and helped me understand all the details and possibilities that may be the outcome. He negotiated my case in such a way that the court was lenient on me and I've been able to work through all the details of probation, etc. remotely. Joe is very communicative, and responds to questions within a day (often within the hour). I'm fortunate to have not experienced the legal system directly prior to this case, but I appreciate Joe's candor and non-judgmental attitude. My court dates had to be rescheduled several times for various reasons, and Joe handled all of it without me needing to present in court. I 100% recommend him for your legal needs. Going to court is scary no matter how you slice it, but he made it as painless as it could possibly be, given the circumstances. And I went to court understanding precisely what to expect so there were no surprises. I'm grateful for his expertise. As an aside, DON'T drink and drive. Like ever. It's not worth it in any way.
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06 Jan, 2022 by C lee
Mr. Lee is very competent and through. He always respond upon request and update the information in time. He is very professional and has good manners . I would recommend his service without hesitation.
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06 Jan, 2022 by Dennis hare
Paul is very knowledgeable in terms of helping to protect your wealth which is very important in this economic and political climate.
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25 Oct, 2021 by Patrick cline
09 Jan, 2019 by Rashad mcfarland
21 Oct, 2024 by Ardasia faine
Raina will always be my go to. Unfortunately I was involved in another car accident 6months after my first accident. I was 8months pregnant and in a Lyft as a passenger this time. Another terrible experience, but I came back to Raina law office and she did what she always do, made sure my family and I was in good hands, with all of my therapy and appointments. Raina is very informative, helpful, and my experience will forever be a 10/10. Thank you again!… Highly Recommend Law Office for your car accidents.
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11 Feb, 2021 by Sheri pair
Mike Bennett is Class A lawyer that has many years of experience in personal injury law. I highly recommend!
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02 Sep, 2024 by Kamruddin damani
Best lawyer in town, who really cares about you, very quick response and 100% replying to all emails and calls.
Whiteout you it was too difficult to resolve my complicated case.
I also like the way you sent mail to make sure your customer has well taken care.
Thank you
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07 Aug, 2024 by Jenna scheinfeld
Unfortunately, we had to use Kevin to help with my son’s traffic ticket. Kevin got the job done and the ticket was dismissed. We never had to go to court and go before a judge. A stressful situation that was made easy. Thanks Kevin, for the great service, amazing work!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Brady scheinfeld
I got a traffic recently and I am under 21 years of age. I am getting ready to leave for college out of state and was worried this would become a bigger problem than it was. My family hired Kevin and he was able to get me into a program to have the case dismissed. Greatly appreciate the good work and now I can go to college and not worry about this ticket.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Kamruddin damani
Best lawyer in town, who really cares about you, very quick response and 100% replying to all emails and calls.
Whiteout you it was too difficult to resolve my complicated case.
I also like the way you sent mail to make sure your customer has well taken care.
Thank you
Read more
07 Aug, 2024 by Jenna scheinfeld
Unfortunately, we had to use Kevin to help with my son’s traffic ticket. Kevin got the job done and the ticket was dismissed. We never had to go to court and go before a judge. A stressful situation that was made easy. Thanks Kevin, for the great service, amazing work!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Brady scheinfeld
I got a traffic recently and I am under 21 years of age. I am getting ready to leave for college out of state and was worried this would become a bigger problem than it was. My family hired Kevin and he was able to get me into a program to have the case dismissed. Greatly appreciate the good work and now I can go to college and not worry about this ticket.
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25 Oct, 2024 by Terry w
Eddie is a great lawyer and I was very pleased with the communication throughout the entire process Eddie and his support staff were awesome ! Would definitely use them again if the need arises
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21 Oct, 2024 by K jackson
So glad Kim Law was able to take our accident case. The team were consummate professionals, communicative, and thorough in handling our hit and run. We stopped stressing about chasing down documentation and dealing with the insurance company thanks to this firm, and everything worked out.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Bresha baker
Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys are the best! From the very beginning, Jeanine was incredibly helpful and made sure I felt assured that everything would be taken care of. She was there every step of the way, consistently staying in communication and responding in a timely manner. Throughout the entire process, I never once felt left in the dark or wondering about my case. Their team is not only professional but also empathetic and considerate. I felt genuinely cared for, and they made the whole experience as smooth as possible. I highly recommend them!
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16 Aug, 2024 by Im ryan
I was in a motorcycle accident and used Hornsby law group to have my case settled and they did a very good job
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13 Aug, 2024 by Brenda wright
01 Aug, 2024 by Jean david
My son was on his motorcycle, waiting to make a left turn and was hit from behind by a car. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he had injuries to his skull ,some brain bleed As well as other injuries... That is what prompted us to obtain an attorney, for potential medical fees and loss of wages.. Most of everything could be done online or via email. In a very scary, chaotic time in my son's life, this made it a lot easier.. We were not treated like one of the many cases.. We were treated like someone who was there to help us.
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22 Aug, 2024 by The clog dawg plumbing, inc.
So blessed to have this guy in my life. Great attorney. Smart and down to earth. He knows his shiznit. He's the man!
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22 Aug, 2024 by Steven douglass
Love this guy. Not only is he an amazing lawyer but has also become a great friend . Stayed with me from start to finish.. in the end he won my case. His name is suiting! ROCK ON !!
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09 Apr, 2024 by Jeff shiver
I have known Joe for many years professionally and personally.
Professionally, he is a gifted and diligent criminal defense attorney. He is my first recommendation anytime someone needs a criminal defense attorney, and I trust him whenever my clients find themselves on the wrong side of the law. Joe has an excellent reputation with judges in state and federal courts because of his technical legal skill and his credibility.
Personally, I've gotten to know Joe and can attest to his character and integrity. He is a man of his word and truly believes every person, even people accused of terrible things, deserve an advocate.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Djtranell hsmg
06 Aug, 2024 by Frank bailey
05 Aug, 2024 by Lil hatchet
08 Jul, 2021 by Will norman
Highly Recommend!!!
Regina and her team provide an incredibly smooth client-experience where you know exactly what is expected of you, and what they are going to do for you. Their communication policy is odd at first, but results in excellent communication, they have tremendous knowledge of the law, and do what they say the will do.
Highly Recommend!!!
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05 Sep, 2020 by Nina lynn amrozowicz
They All are "Excellent"!!! at "Edwards Family Law" Regina Edwards and Her Team Office Had Done Justice as Served with Laws Abide and Truth Prevail !!! Do right ✅ 👌 To Helping All of what Has To Be Done Up Right and in Honesty.
Don't Look Any Further for All doing(s) and Needing Advice and Getting All that Is to be Right in All Cases and Furthersome For You and Yourself, Family. Family Matters!!! And All that is To Be Done Up Righteous and Fear!!!
That is Why I have Put in My Review in Good Standing(s) to Educate All that Need to be pointed to Teaching and Direction in What All is to be done and go on. Hope for Best and Future have lifted some burden(s) in life stages and move on to Better Days!!!
Thank You again, To Revina, Her Staff and Future friends and to More Great Client(s) in Grateful Need(s) they Help what they May and come through for "Justice" and Peace of Mind. Thank You All, Sooo Very Much
Sincerely yours,
Nina Amrozowicz
(Client of Ms. R. Edwards,
"Edwards Family Law")
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28 Jul, 2020 by D. herndon
If you are looking for an attorney who will stay on the phone and rack up huge bills as she commiserates with you about how awful your spouse is, Regina is not the one for you. But if you are looking for an honest, straightforward, no nonsense, effective attorney who can easily identify the issues and fight for the best possible outcome in your case, I suggest you get a therapist for the commiserating and hire Regina for your divorce!
I had a particularly contentious divorce and it was a very emotional time for me. Having a flat fee removed a lot of stress from the process since I didn’t have to worry about how much money I would have to pay each month. This is very helpful, especially when you have a spouse who enjoys using the divorce process and the court system as a way to punish you. Regina was able to cut through the emotional aspects and lay everything out on the table so I could make the best decisions. The majority of my communication with her was done by email. Don’t expect daily calls or emails, but Regina will reach out when she needs something from you or if there is an update. And, rest assured, even though you may not hear from her, she is definitely working hard on your behalf. Any questions I had were normally answered the same day. Her paralegal, Krista, is also amazing to work with.
Divorce is never easy and no one really wins in the process. As the responsible spouse who saved and had the majority of the assets, I had a lot to lose. While I was not happy to have to give up anything in a marriage of only two years, as I look back on the experience, I realize that the outcome could have been far, far worse for me. I was able to hold onto what I wanted most which was my home, and my 401K and investments remained in tact. In the grand scheme of things, my settlement was a small price to pay for the opportunity to start over. I highly recommend Regina Edwards. Thanks, Regina, for everything!
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17 Dec, 2020 by Craig d
I cannot say ENOUGH great things about Attorney Antavius Weems! He is a BOSS in EVRY sense of the word. I hired Atty Weems when my company was experiencing some growing pains. I must admit that I had not done a great job in keeping things in order (which is why I had to retain Weems) but I thank God for sending Weems my way. The craziest thing is that I actually met him in line at a concert! We began talking after I eavesdropped on his phone call to a client....I remarked to him, 'You're the kind of Atty I need....answering calls in the middle of a concert' Atty Weems response was 'im your guy then'....and he was telling NO LIE. He came in, cleaned up the frivolous litigation that we had, and allowed us to move forward into our 8th location. His staff is top notch too! I CANNOT THANK HIM ENOUGH! And yes, just like everyone else says about him, he's a Super hero with a brief case, and he literally treats you like you are family. Attorneys just dont do that these days! Thanks Weems!!!
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10 Feb, 2019 by Erica
I am incredibly happy to write this review of MY Attorney, Antavius Weems. When I first learned of Atty Weems was through the tv show Braxton Family Values, where he represents Toni Braxton and her family. Once I got him to represent me, i knew i had made the right decision. In addition to sharing an Atty with Superstars like Toni Braxton, Trina Braxton, Angie Stone and Karlie Redd, I was mesmerized by Antavius' command and recall of the law. I was thinking wow, does he study this stuff in his sleep?? And just as EVERYONE here has stated, he IS a PIT BULL I n the Courtroom. He is not to be played with. In my case, not only did we win, but the other side ended up having to pay Antavius' Atty fees for me because of their actions. THANK YOU ANTAVIUS WEEMS. You are my Attorney fir life!
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12 Feb, 2017 by Deborah
Imagine walking into a Courtroom with a Dictionary, a thesaurus, a pit bull, a security guard, and of course, a legal scholar--I've just described my experience with Attorney Antavius Weems. I cannot say enough how protected and cared for I felt by he and his team. I had heard wonderful things about Attorney Weems and his legal skills from a friend of mine who hired him, so I thought I would give him a try. Now I brag about him more than my friend. She had to remind me that he was her Lawyer first! I just felt incredibly protected during my entire case. He was concerned, informed and prepared. His entire staff makes you feel the same way he does (special kudos to his Office Mgr, Ms. Finch!) What I really liked was watching how he has such an amazing command of the law! I have never seen anyone rattle off legal cases and laws like I saw with Weems. My impression was that he either had memorized all of this stuff for my case, or he already knew it...Either way I was fine with it, and I benefited from his knowledge. The Judge gave us most of what we had asked for, and although I was incredibly happy, Attorney Weems was still a little upset that we didnt get everything that we had asked for! I am just elated to call this man my Lawyer. The Weems Firm is my team for legal issues. I love him and them!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Amanda hogan
Communication was great worked quickly and efficient def recommend using this firm
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18 Sep, 2024 by Donald
I wish that lawyer would give me more info on the case. Other than this very good would recommend to anyone to use this law firm
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18 Sep, 2024 by Gilbert torres
Mina Simmons was so good at helping me with these case thank you so much
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24 May, 2024 by Kaira jones
Super professional team and they always informed me on what was going on! Definitely recommend this firm. Shoutout Dominque for sure! Always professional and sweet!
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22 May, 2024 by Cliff dehere
C. Kelly law will very professional very knowledgeable and very forthcoming with information about my case I'll recommend them to anyone who needs a lawyer I was 100% satisfied without them on my case
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11 May, 2024 by Alex cantrell
23 Feb, 2024 by Randy m
I recently signed up for assistance from Georgia Lawyers for the Arts and I can’t say enough wonderful things about the organization.
They were able to find an attorney, who was able to give me excellent advice as to how to proceed with my case.
I am very satisfied with their timely and excellent work. I highly recommend this organization to any artist who needs legal help.
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22 Dec, 2022 by Kimberly lavon
This organization is incredible! Thanks to them I was able to sort out my creative dilemma. They gave me my peace of mind back and inspired confidence all at once. I wish every state in the US had this kind of support.
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14 May, 2022 by Javaris minor
Good
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23 Feb, 2024 by Randy m
I recently signed up for assistance from Georgia Lawyers for the Arts and I can’t say enough wonderful things about the organization.
They were able to find an attorney, who was able to give me excellent advice as to how to proceed with my case.
I am very satisfied with their timely and excellent work. I highly recommend this organization to any artist who needs legal help.
Read more
22 Dec, 2022 by Kimberly lavon
This organization is incredible! Thanks to them I was able to sort out my creative dilemma. They gave me my peace of mind back and inspired confidence all at once. I wish every state in the US had this kind of support.
Read more
14 May, 2022 by Javaris minor
Good
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23 Feb, 2024 by Randy m
I recently signed up for assistance from Georgia Lawyers for the Arts and I can’t say enough wonderful things about the organization.
They were able to find an attorney, who was able to give me excellent advice as to how to proceed with my case.
I am very satisfied with their timely and excellent work. I highly recommend this organization to any artist who needs legal help.
Read more
22 Dec, 2022 by Kimberly lavon
This organization is incredible! Thanks to them I was able to sort out my creative dilemma. They gave me my peace of mind back and inspired confidence all at once. I wish every state in the US had this kind of support.
Read more
14 May, 2022 by Javaris minor
Good
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23 Feb, 2024 by Randy m
I recently signed up for assistance from Georgia Lawyers for the Arts and I can’t say enough wonderful things about the organization.
They were able to find an attorney, who was able to give me excellent advice as to how to proceed with my case.
I am very satisfied with their timely and excellent work. I highly recommend this organization to any artist who needs legal help.
Read more
22 Dec, 2022 by Kimberly lavon
This organization is incredible! Thanks to them I was able to sort out my creative dilemma. They gave me my peace of mind back and inspired confidence all at once. I wish every state in the US had this kind of support.
Read more
14 May, 2022 by Javaris minor
Good
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02 Sep, 2024 by Kamruddin damani
Best lawyer in town, who really cares about you, very quick response and 100% replying to all emails and calls.
Whiteout you it was too difficult to resolve my complicated case.
I also like the way you sent mail to make sure your customer has well taken care.
Thank you
Read more
07 Aug, 2024 by Jenna scheinfeld
Unfortunately, we had to use Kevin to help with my son’s traffic ticket. Kevin got the job done and the ticket was dismissed. We never had to go to court and go before a judge. A stressful situation that was made easy. Thanks Kevin, for the great service, amazing work!
Read more
06 Aug, 2024 by Brady scheinfeld
I got a traffic recently and I am under 21 years of age. I am getting ready to leave for college out of state and was worried this would become a bigger problem than it was. My family hired Kevin and he was able to get me into a program to have the case dismissed. Greatly appreciate the good work and now I can go to college and not worry about this ticket.
Read more
30 Sep, 2024 by Jasmine jemmott
Outstanding Lawfirm with great customer service.
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30 Sep, 2024 by David decuir
Great accident lawyers, who care about the community.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Spencer wallace
Highly recommend! The staff was attentive and helpful, making my experience beyond exceptional".
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3.9
14 Reviews
4.9
139 Reviews
11 Sep, 2024 by Ms. coleman
Tracy Reeves is a crooked lawyer. Withdrew from my case the week of trail. Yet he kept the money he was paid and did not come to any court dates. Paid him almost 4k to do absolutely nothing. Had to plea guilty due to him continuing the court dates each time scheduled, and withdrawing the week of the final court date.. Disgusting attorney be warned!! Literally did no work and was paid $3500 and has not returned any of my money. Crooked..
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05 Sep, 2024 by Lauren jones
21 Aug, 2024 by Kimberly harris
I LOVE THIS FIRM MR DANNY DAMANY IS AWESOME HE GET THINGS DONE VERY QUICKLY AND HE IS VERY UPFRONT WITH YOU AS WELL AS HONEST I CANT THANK HIM ENOUGH LOVE YOU GUYS OH HE ALSO HELP MY DAUGHTER ALSO.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Del sher
Knowledgeable and honest. Totally would recommend.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Ryan browne
Mr Nemat received my case on extremely short notice. He was very reassuring and handled my situation like a true professional
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24 Aug, 2024 by Nick swekosky
Sasan Nematbakhsh provided exceptional advice and support during a challenging landlord-tenant dispute involving uninhabitable conditions in a rental property. His deep knowledge of Georgia law and clear, actionable guidance have given us confidence as we navigate this unresolved situation. I felt he was professional and truly committed to our best interests. I highly recommend his services to anyone facing similar challenges.
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05 Nov, 2024 by Michael smith
They are fantastic, Chinny is the sweetest but I would not want to be on her bad side. She is a Great Lawyer. She tells you like it is, Good or Bad. When She tells you what She wants to do. Well you can take that to the bank!! Chinny and Brian and the whole Team, keep you in the loop the whole way. They are a very busy Team and they get results. I could not have picked a better firm. I would recommend them to anyone. The entire firm are the Best. Thank you for all you do.
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01 Nov, 2024 by Maka
Working with Ramos & Law was an absolute game-changer for my case. I can’t say enough good things about this law office . They exceeded my expectations in every way.
They handled my worker’s Comp case with skill and professionalism. The team was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also compassionate and understanding during a stressful time.
My attorney was always available to answer questions and explain the process clearly.
They kept me updated every step of the way, and even anticipated potential challenges before they became issues.
Their negotiation skills were outstanding, securing a favorable outcome for my case. Thanks to their hard work, I achieved an outcome I hadn’t thought possible.
They fought tirelessly for my case, and the results were better than I could have expected. I highly recommend Ramos & Law to anyone needing a skilled and reliable attorney. If you’re looking for a trustworthy, effective law firm, Ramos & Law is the one. 💫 Thank you guys
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17 Oct, 2024 by Melissa revuelta
I can’t thank Ramos & Law enough for the support and dedication they showed my mother during her Workmen’s Comp case. From start to finish, they went above and beyond to ensure she felt cared for and understood. Attorney Bryan Ramos was not only professional and knowledgeable but also genuinely empathetic towards her situation, which made a challenging time much easier for our family. He kept us informed every step of the way and worked tirelessly to secure a fair settlement. I would recommend Ramos & Law to friends and family and would gladly obtain their services again if needed. If you’re looking for someone who truly values their clients and their well-being, I highly recommend Ramos & Law. Thank you again!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Moore sam
KUDOs🙏 to The Gunnels Law Firm… Although they could not handle my case as it was outside their practice area, they were willing to listen and try to point me in the right direction… I am grateful.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Jerry lin
Working with Josh as my attorney was a truly positive experience. Josh was professional, attentive, and genuinely cared about our case. His negotiation skills are exceptional, and he always fought for my our interests. Josh kept me informed every step of the way and made the entire process as smooth as possible. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy attorney.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Jay gil
Had a great experience, will recommend this firm. I assure you will not be disappointed.
Thank you so much Mr Luis Miranda and Mr Chris Gunnels for all you did for me.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Entertainment Lawyer Can Do for You
An entertainment lawyer specializes in legal matters related to the entertainment industry, including film, television, music, publishing, sports, and digital media. They assist artists, creators, producers, and companies with contract negotiations, intellectual property protection, licensing deals, royalties, and disputes. Entertainment lawyers also help clients navigate complex industry regulations and ensure their creative rights are protected.
Whether you're an actor, musician, producer, writer, or influencer, an entertainment lawyer can help safeguard your rights and ensure that your business deals are legally sound.
When Should I Hire an Entertainment Lawyer?
You should consider hiring an entertainment lawyer in a variety of situations, including:
- Contract negotiations: If you're signing a contract for a film role, recording deal, or publishing agreement, an entertainment lawyer can review the terms and negotiate on your behalf to ensure your interests are protected.
- Intellectual property protection: If you're a creator (musician, writer, filmmaker), an entertainment lawyer can help secure copyrights, trademarks, and licensing agreements to protect your work from unauthorized use.
- Disputes or litigation: If you’re involved in a legal dispute, such as breach of contract, copyright infringement, or defamation, an entertainment lawyer can represent you in negotiations or court.
- Representation agreements: If you’re hiring or entering into a contract with a manager, agent, or publicist, a lawyer can ensure that the terms of representation are fair and comply with industry standards.
- Royalties and licensing: If you're licensing your work for use in film, TV, or digital platforms, a lawyer can negotiate royalty agreements to ensure you receive proper compensation.
- Talent contracts: Whether you are hiring talent for a project or negotiating your own appearance or performance fees, an entertainment lawyer can ensure the terms are legally binding and beneficial.
- Film and television production: If you're producing a film, TV show, or other media project, a lawyer can handle contracts with crew, talent, and distributors, and ensure that all legal aspects of the production are covered.
Hiring a lawyer early in your entertainment career or project can prevent costly legal mistakes and protect your creative and financial interests.
What Does an Entertainment Lawyer Do?
An entertainment lawyer provides a range of legal services to professionals in the entertainment industry. Their responsibilities often include:
- Reviewing and drafting contracts: Entertainment lawyers review, draft, and negotiate contracts for talent, production, licensing, distribution, and endorsements. This ensures that the terms are fair and protect their client's interests.
- Securing intellectual property rights: They help clients obtain copyrights, trademarks, and patents for their creative works, and assist with licensing those rights to third parties.
- Negotiating deals: Whether it's a film deal, music contract, publishing agreement, or endorsement, an entertainment lawyer ensures that their client gets favorable terms and is protected from potential legal pitfalls.
- Handling disputes and litigation: In cases where contract terms are violated, intellectual property is infringed, or other legal issues arise, an entertainment lawyer can represent clients in negotiations, arbitration, or court.
- Advising on industry regulations: Entertainment lawyers help clients navigate industry-specific laws, such as union regulations, labor laws, or FCC rules for broadcasting.
- Managing royalties and residuals: They assist in tracking and collecting royalties or residuals for music, film, television, and digital content to ensure clients receive the compensation they are owed.
- Talent agreements and representation: Entertainment lawyers often work with talent agents and managers, ensuring that their clients' representation agreements are legally sound and financially beneficial.
How Are Entertainment Lawyers Paid?
Entertainment lawyers may be paid in various ways, depending on the type of service provided. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many entertainment lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $250 to $1,000 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fee: For specific legal services, such as drafting a contract or filing a trademark, some lawyers offer flat fees. Flat fees are common in simpler or one-time transactions.
- Contingency fee: In some cases, especially when working with talent, entertainment lawyers may charge a contingency fee, meaning they take a percentage (usually 5% to 10%) of the client's earnings from a particular project.
- Retainer: For ongoing legal services, such as managing contracts and royalties over a long period, a lawyer may require a retainer fee. This is an upfront payment that covers future legal services, and the lawyer bills against the retainer as they work on the case.
It’s important to discuss fee structures with your lawyer at the outset to ensure you understand the total cost of legal services.
How Much Does an Entertainment Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an entertainment lawyer depends on the complexity of your legal needs, the lawyer’s experience, and the type of fee arrangement. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly rates: Entertainment lawyers typically charge between $250 and $1,000 per hour. More experienced lawyers with extensive connections in the entertainment industry may charge higher rates.
- Flat fees: For simpler services like drafting a basic contract, flat fees can range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the agreement.
- Contingency fees: Lawyers working on a contingency basis typically charge between 5% and 10% of the earnings from a project or deal. For example, if a lawyer helps you secure a $100,000 film contract, their fee might be $5,000 to $10,000.
- Retainers: For ongoing legal representation, retainers can range from $2,500 to $50,000 or more, depending on the scope of the legal services and the length of the engagement.
Always discuss the costs and fee structure during your initial consultation to ensure that the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask an Entertainment Lawyer
Before hiring an entertainment lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they are the right fit for your career or project. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have in entertainment law?
Ensure the lawyer has experience in your specific area of the entertainment industry, whether it's film, music, television, or digital media. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, flat fee, or contingency fee, and ask for a detailed cost estimate. -
Do you have industry connections?
Ask about the lawyer’s experience and connections in the entertainment industry, which can be valuable for contract negotiations and deal-making. -
What contracts or legal issues should I be aware of?
Ask the lawyer to identify potential legal pitfalls in your specific project or career and how they would help you avoid them. -
What intellectual property protections do I need?
If you’re a creator, ask how the lawyer will help protect your intellectual property rights and prevent others from using your work without permission. -
How will you negotiate deals on my behalf?
Ask about the lawyer’s approach to negotiating contracts, ensuring they focus on getting favorable terms while maintaining strong industry relationships. -
What happens if there is a dispute?
Ask the lawyer how they handle disputes, including whether they aim for negotiation or litigation and how they would protect your interests.
How to Check the Credibility of an Entertainment Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable entertainment lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no disciplinary actions against them.
- Look for entertainment law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in entertainment law and have successfully handled cases or negotiations relevant to your industry.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients say about their experience with the lawyer, especially in terms of contract negotiations and industry knowledge.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on entertainment-related matters.
- Check for industry memberships: Membership in entertainment law organizations, such as the Beverly Hills Bar Association Entertainment Law Section, can indicate a lawyer’s dedication to staying up-to-date on industry trends and regulations.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with an entertainment lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Current contracts or agreements: Bring any contracts you have already signed or are considering, such as talent agreements, recording contracts, publishing deals, or management contracts.
- Intellectual property portfolio: Provide details about any copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property you own or are seeking to protect.
- Project details: If you’re working on a specific project (e.g., film, album, book), provide a summary of the project, your role, and any legal needs, such as contract negotiations or copyright protection.
- List of collaborators or stakeholders: Provide information about other parties involved in your project, such as agents, managers, producers, or distributors, and any contracts related to them.
- Questions about your legal needs: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, potential issues, and how the lawyer can help you protect your interests.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your legal needs effectively and provide the best possible advice tailored to your entertainment career or project.
