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27 Dec, 2024 by J
I have been waiting 3 months for my settlement check too! My accident was 2 years ago. My friend is hoping that the law firm didn't steal my settlement check! I never thought about it until she brought it up. I mean things like that happens. It's hard to reach someone to give me updates at the law firm. Have I been scammed?!! I don't want to believe it. I am still hopeful. I will give an update as soon as I get one. December 27, 2024
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23 Dec, 2024 by Rene birdow
I am Totally disappointed in This Law Firm. I have not met 1 person to this date. Unacceptable of the treatment. I've lost my job due to going out for surgery and no one is able to be contacted. No answered calls. My injury was 06/27/2022. I was not in my best interest, no lost wages was considered. My release forms was signed 06/24/2024 and I am still waiting on my part of wages owed to me. I cannot get in touch with anyone, It's as if they took my money and ran with it. The answering service just tells me that they cannot get in touch with anyone and that they will have someone call me back which never happens. It's almost 6 months of the release forms and no one will call on exception of Barbara and she states that she is unable to reach Lorena who told me that it will take less than 3 months for everything because they did not do my Loss of wages as they said they would.. I am sitting here no.help, no job and still with injuries. I.made a visit up to the office since I've never met anyone, the office was closed in which I was told that the person was out on Maternity Leave.I am not satisfied with the services. Poor services and where is my money. We are going towards 3 years since the injury and Nothing.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Morgan galloway
I had an excellent experience with Attorney Terry at Lowe Law. From the moment I reached out, they were incredibly professional and compassionate. They guided me through every step of the process after my car accident, ensuring I understood my rights and options. Their expertise and dedication resulted in a favorable settlement for my case. I highly recommend Lowe Law to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy car accident lawyer!
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27 Dec, 2024 by J
I have been waiting 3 months for my settlement check too! My accident was 2 years ago. My friend is hoping that the law firm didn't steal my settlement check! I never thought about it until she brought it up. I mean things like that happens. It's hard to reach someone to give me updates at the law firm. Have I been scammed?!! I don't want to believe it. I am still hopeful. I will give an update as soon as I get one. December 27, 2024
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23 Dec, 2024 by Rene birdow
I am Totally disappointed in This Law Firm. I have not met 1 person to this date. Unacceptable of the treatment. I've lost my job due to going out for surgery and no one is able to be contacted. No answered calls. My injury was 06/27/2022. I was not in my best interest, no lost wages was considered. My release forms was signed 06/24/2024 and I am still waiting on my part of wages owed to me. I cannot get in touch with anyone, It's as if they took my money and ran with it. The answering service just tells me that they cannot get in touch with anyone and that they will have someone call me back which never happens. It's almost 6 months of the release forms and no one will call on exception of Barbara and she states that she is unable to reach Lorena who told me that it will take less than 3 months for everything because they did not do my Loss of wages as they said they would.. I am sitting here no.help, no job and still with injuries. I.made a visit up to the office since I've never met anyone, the office was closed in which I was told that the person was out on Maternity Leave.I am not satisfied with the services. Poor services and where is my money. We are going towards 3 years since the injury and Nothing.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Morgan galloway
I had an excellent experience with Attorney Terry at Lowe Law. From the moment I reached out, they were incredibly professional and compassionate. They guided me through every step of the process after my car accident, ensuring I understood my rights and options. Their expertise and dedication resulted in a favorable settlement for my case. I highly recommend Lowe Law to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy car accident lawyer!
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16 Jul, 2024 by Ashley mckibbin
Serena Hudson made what could have been a very stressful process as simple and clear as she possibly could. She took the time to make sure we understood all of our options fully and was available for questions/chats when needed. We were more than satisfied with the outcome of our proceedings and will be forever grateful!
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03 Oct, 2023 by Wesley verret
Serena Hudson is bar none the best and the brightest. This is one of many reasons why I have gone back to her multiple times for council, strategic approach and case handling regardless of which law firm she resides. Serena always goes above and beyond to map out the best solution forward, relentlessly pursuing what is best for me and not just looking to get paid. Often times these situations are difficult to navigate, and they have been. With Serena's knowledge, experience and grit I am beyond thrilled at the outcome of my cases. All my questions are answered and concerns are alleviated. Her creativity and knowledge allowed for me to see and achieve outcomes that I was not even aware were possible. I would recommend Serena to anyone who is looking to get clarity and be in the best position for success. Take this from me, if you are looking for light in the darkness you want Serena in your corner.
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02 Sep, 2023 by Alonzo myers
This firm is a powerhouse! The talent here doesn't only include the attorney's, but also the paralegals, legal assistants, and even the office staff. This is an eclectic group of well experienced professionals that will know how to represent you at trial, if your case goes that far. There isn't an angle they won't think about to get you the results you are looking for.
I had the pleasure of being represented by Walter Schouten. Ironically, he was referred to me by an attorney that I consulted with. I was told to call Walter because he is very knowledgeable and he's an outstanding trial lawyer. Walter took on my case and he was assisted by an amazing paralegal in Vanessa Enciso. This dynamic duo believed that they could help my situation in securing me a new trial for a custody case. They went to work immediately. This was 2 weeks after I lost at trial while being represented by a different firm.
Long story long...Walter was able to get me a new trial, and he was able to get the judge to change her previous ruling. I am now the custodial parent of my 7 year old son.
I have to admit that even if I wasn't awarded custodial rights, I was more than satisfied with the representation and would have been able to live with the ruling a lot easier. Knowing that I was being properly represented was huge for me. Especially since the previous firm I hired for this case was absolutely terrible.
Thank you Walter, Vanessa, and Team Toombs Imel for everything. Y'all have raised the bar to the clouds for other firms. Thank you for the open communication, trustworthiness, and good vibes.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Paul faciane
Ashley Coleman is sharp, wise, no-nonsense council that helped me through a brutal divorce/custody battle and got me an extremely fair outcome. She wasn’t afraid to tell me when I was wrong, even if it meant fewer billable hours. Ashley is honest, caring, and made sure to always think of the children’s best interest.
What a blessing to have such peace of mind through that terrifying time of my life.
Thank you, Ashley!
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31 May, 2024 by Robert tsai
13 Sep, 2023 by Stephanie holder
Ashley Coleman is a superb lawyer who works for her clients and goes the extra mile I highly recommend her if your looking for a hard working outstanding lawyer
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17 Nov, 2021 by Matthew
Justen really helped me out during a stressful and complicated business breakup. He helped me understand everything during the lawsuit and guided me to a successful settlement.
Since then he’s also helped me draw up several documents for my new contracting business.
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09 Nov, 2021 by Heather
Justen was referred to me to help with an opportunity I felt was too far outside my experience and expertise to handle without representation. Justen did a fantastic job of hand-holding yet empowering me simultaneously. He was always available to hear my thoughts and help me narrow down the path I wanted to take. Justen is very knowledgeable and professional and I learned so much through working with him and I am better off than before. I have only good things to say about him and would highly recommend him to anyone,
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10 Mar, 2020 by House tacos
I had the privilege and joy of sitting down with Justen Barks and Rodney Beard. Although it was our first consultation, they made me feel like I was their most valued client. This is the only commercial law firm I will be using and highly recommend them to anyone and everyone.
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16 Sep, 2010 by Alex
Griffin Vance represented a company I worked for. I can highly recommend Griffin. He is extraordinarily bright, thorough, but most importantly he is honest and trustworthy. He returned calls and was very respectful of our time. The advice he gave was always accurate and in my client's best interests. I have referred Griffin to family and friends.
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27 Aug, 2010 by Georgia
I was laid off from my last employer in 2009. When I received a letter from the TWC that said that my employer was contesting the claim I submitted, I felt I had been hit very hard in the chest. I was given Griffin's name from a relative and from the first phone call I made to him I felt I had someone who understood me and made me feel that I was in the right. I cannot tell you how relieved I felt having him on my side. Through 3 rounds of contesting my claims, I was finally awarded my unemployment claim. Without Griffin's support, I don't think my outcome would have been successful. I truly believe he is a hero.
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20 Aug, 2010 by Roger
I had a business that I needed some help with copy right infringement. I contacted Mr. Vance and we set up a meeting. When I met with Mr. Vance he was very cordial. He listened to what I had to say and what information I could provide. He then made suggestions as to what avenue to take to remedy the situation and provided approximately what it would cost. At no time did I feel that Mr. Vance allowed my situation to be put aside and not addressed. The situation was resolved and the cost was more that fair. I highly recommend Mr.Vance and if necessary will use him again in the future.
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29 May, 2022 by Justin
Where to begin? Simply put, the project that Mrs. Davis undertook with us would’ve have probably taken 4 different lawyers. Each specializing in one area, she has taken the dream/idea that we had and helped us make it a reality! The little things that you overlook as someone trying to open a business, (and believe me, there are many! Despite how much you think you know.) she has addressed, and helped us tackle. We will definitely continue to retain her services for this, as well as future endeavors. Thank you, Mrs Davis!!
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27 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I would like to say that I am very pleased with The S Davis Law Group with helping reconstruct my Bailbonds business "Nonstop Bail bonds". Shakeatha Davis and her staff helped reorganize, staff, put policies in place, and even helped with collections as an added on service. Ms. Davis would attend my company meetings and stay for a longer period of time (at no extra cost) at my office to make sure her firm completed the task for that day. I would highly recommend any business to hire The S Davis Law Group (big or small) to help reconstruct their business they are very affordable and reliable with a good follow up. Thank you again Ms. Davis and Staff!
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16 Jan, 2019 by Wendy
Attorney Shakeata Davis, is very professional and kept me informed about my case. I nicked named her "Lioness" in the courtroom. Attorney Davis, was very proficient in everything she pertaining to my case. I highly recommend her services.
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11 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
First time dealing directly with an attorney. Case involved corporate litigation. Craig handled my case efficiently and productively. I would recommend him without hesitation. Provided insightful guidance and was always professional.
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22 Mar, 2016 by Yesenia
Craig provides a quality service within our construction industry. He has been a great asset and is such a pleasure to work with. He would definitely be a great addition to any construction company's legal team.
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27 Sep, 2014 by Jeanne
Craig set up and handles all of our Corp. Administration bylaws and everything that goes with it. He is available any time we need him for a question and answers ASAP. Only Lawyer I have ever seen do this!
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03 Dec, 2020 by Terence
I searched around for an attorney who was affordable, but who also could assist me with a complex divorce. Not only did Ms. Mickey and her staff show professionalism, but also encouraged me during a difficult time in my life. After back and forth negotiating, and not backing down, Ms. Mickey was able to settle my divorce with terms that I agreed upon. She never threw in the towel when I was ready to give up. I would recommend Ms. Mickey’s firm and services to anyone. She will be the first attorney I will call if I am ever in a situation again.
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12 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Attorney Kamisha Mickey was very thorough and diligent in taking care of my situation. She never backed down and always demanded accountability, always very reasonable and was ALWAYS my advocate!
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02 Mar, 2016 by Rico
I was in custody a battle with my ex... he was trying to take my daughter from me and tryin to make me pay childsupport.. but i had kamisha by my side... the whole process took 1 yr but finally we finished and my babygirl is here to stay wit me...
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18 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Daniels worked to have my case dismissed (as quickly as allowed by Harris county).
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11 Nov, 2015 by Ashley
I have used Richard Daniels on several different cases over the years. Richard Daniels has always gone above and beyond and exceeded my expectations! All cases resulted in my favor.
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14 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I consulted with Marrick on legal matters relating to my current employer. He was very supportive, knowledgeable, down to earth, and gave valuable real world insight on my specific case. He is a genuine attorney I would recommend to friends and family.
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04 Apr, 2011 by Anna
Mr. Ravi spend almost 2 hours with me at his office, then he told me he will not just recommend bankruptcy because he needs more info. More follow-ups, gave him more info, then he worked my numbers, then he told me bankruptcy was not best for me, but then he talk to my bank helped me save my house. Then he said no charge for helping. He wants to help people. Nicest lawyer. Anna
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29 Jun, 2016 by Joseph-michael
As the head producer here at 99 Years Studios Entertainment, I hired Casey to work with us as our full time Entertainment Attorney. She has done an absolutely phenomenal job. Casey is a hard worker and because of her very fine skill, we will be growing with her for many years to come. I would highly recommend Casey to anyone seeking legal council. Not only is she trained in Entertainment Law, but she has the know how and skill to excel in any type of situation. -Joseph-M.C
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22 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
She is such a down to earth person. She makes everything plain and clear. Straight forward and no nonsense. I recommend her to everyone I know. I wish I would have known about her sooner. I would saved myself a lot of stress and headache.
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15 Mar, 2017 by Dave
You need attorney, please do not search any more!
Mr. Jammy is excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly. I had find him, excellent in his work. He knows how to protect his client's benefit. His expertise in business, consumer protection, debt collection is excellent. Before hiring any attorney, please consult Mr. Jammy, you will not be disappointed. Thanks for reading.
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13 Nov, 2017 by Glenn
Ethan faced four law firms is pursuit of our case, including one very large firm. Despite the resources on the other side, Ethan was very successful in our case. I highly recommend him.
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11 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Purav drafted and negotiated a joint collaboration agreement for us and demonstrated high awareness of intellectual property issues and knowledge of oilfield technology
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14 Jun, 2022 by Amir
I have used Carly for several years. I am very pleased with her work and would recommend her to anyone looking for an experienced lawyer.
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19 Nov, 2023 by Monica zabaloy
Best place to work.
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18 Oct, 2023 by Bill helfand
26 Dec, 2020 by Janetta gotcher
24 Aug, 2023 by Tracy gable
Great caring people.give them a try.
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24 Aug, 2023 by Tracy gable
Great caring people.give them a try.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Rich woods
I have had the privilege of dealing with Kirby twice. That should say enough. If you want someone genuine and very transparent look for Kirby at SEE YOU AT THE TOP Law firm.
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23 Dec, 2024 by Yael osher martinez
Thank you so much for helping settle my case! I really appreciate it and just in time for Christmas!!
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11 Dec, 2024 by Fernando moyron
Absolutely phenomenal people. Very knowledgeable. They really helped me out of a tough spot. 100% recommend.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Chantell williams
The best lawyer in Houston. Mr. Joseph and his team are amazing. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Definitely would recommend this law firm to others. Thanks again!!!🙏🏽🙏🏽
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15 Oct, 2024 by Kat ibar
I’m very pleased with Attorney Joseph, he went above and beyond to assist me with my accident!
Nice Office!
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28 Mar, 2024 by Penny davis
I was going through a lot and I came to this attorney and he believed in me and he told me that he will do his his best and he did I’m so blessed to have met him thank you so much I appreciate everything
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07 Aug, 2017 by Jonathan
I have known Alex for many years and I've never had any problems with him. He's going to fight for you and he'll lend a ear to you if your needing to talk . He's not trying to take your money and get you time . His Goal is to help keep you free
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03 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr Udorah is one of those rare attorneys that actually cares about his clients. I was so stressed out about a case I was involved in (I am a changed man now) but at the last hour I get a call that the DA dropped the case. Nobody went the extra mile like Attorney Udorah
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01 Mar, 2016 by Kesha
I was discouraged after a car accident but for whatever reason Mr. Udorah was very confident in my case. We won our case and I ended up getting much more money than I expected. I will refer anyone to him.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Edna taylor
No one thinks it will happen to them until one day, it does. No one anticipates getting into a car accident and the pain and suffering that sometimes follows. However, if and when it does happen, having the Ramsey Law Group help you through everything makes it a less painful process. Everyone at this firm is truly amazing, compassionate, knowledgeable and understanding. From beginning to end, I knew that no matter what was thrown at us from either the other parties or insurance companies, they would handle it all and do it seamlessly. Thank you to everyone at the Ramsey Law Group. I know I could not have gotten through this “bump in the road” (so to speak) without you. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Donna ramos
I got a great outcome for my personal injury case (car wreck). They really went to bat for me. I’m very happy and pleased. They are very easy to talk with and helped me the whole way! Thank you Mr. Ramsey, Angel, and all at the Ramsey Law Group, PC!!
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21 Oct, 2024 by Lonniece cauley
Thank you to Yuliana n Asians helping us signing up
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10 Dec, 2024 by Daisy darby lane
Our family was faced with a serious and stressful legal matter, and we knew we needed a skilled and experienced team to guide us through it. The Pink Law Firm team exceeded our expectations. With over 20 years of experience, professionalism, and genuine care, they were exactly what we needed. They communicated effectively, kept us informed throughout the process, and delivered on every promise they made.
Attorney Augustin Pink demonstrated an incredible understanding of the facts and handled our criminal cases seamlessly. His preparation, remarkable judgment, and strong legal strategy led to a victorious outcome—our cases were DISMISSED.
Attorney Clement Pink's courtroom strategy was equally impressive. His relentless approach applied significant pressure on the opposing side. He argued fiercely for our rights and protections, displaying both brilliance and ruthlessness. Thanks to his skill and determination, we WON.
I am forever grateful for everything the Pink Law Firm did for my family. Their expertise and dedication were invaluable, and I highly recommend them to anyone in need of exceptional legal representation.
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09 Dec, 2024 by Joy land
Attorney Pink is the truth… He told me not to worry because he was going to fight for me, Pink kept his promise! He told me everything I needed to do to help him help me. We went to court on Dec 5th where he fought to get the charges dismissed. Thank you so much Pink you stood on business!
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25 Nov, 2024 by Hazel darby
Hope you never have to use an attorney, but if you do, please contact Mr. Pink. He and his staff are very professional and easy to work with. He got the job done for my family and I thank him very very much.
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02 Dec, 2024 by Maria martinez
I loved it here very welcoming as soon as i walked in very nice ppl i loved how they treat me i definitely recommend them
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02 Dec, 2024 by Alma ramirez
I highly recommend it, talk to them so they can help you with your problems.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Lynn martinez
Will definitely be recommending this company to family and friends! Great company and amazing customer service! Thank y’all so much for the help and support!
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07 Dec, 2024 by Ryan francis
I had the pleasure of working with The Doan Law Firm, and I can't recommend them enough! From start to finish, their team was incredibly professional, responsive, and dedicated to helping me through my legal matter.
What stood out the most was their commitment to clear communication. They took the time to explain every step of the process and made sure I understood my options. I never felt like just another case—rather, they truly cared about my situation and fought for the best possible outcome.
The level of expertise they bring to the table is unmatched. They handled my case with efficiency and confidence, giving me peace of mind throughout the entire process. I felt supported every step of the way, and the results exceeded my expectations.
If you're in need of legal representation, I highly recommend The Doan Law Firm. Their professionalism, skill, and personalized approach make them a standout in the industry.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Graham kelley
Jimmy is one of the few people I trust and actually enjoy working with. He and his team are always there to answer any legal questions, no matter the time. Working with The Doan Law Firm is such a relief when dealing with legal issues that can get complicated and overwhelming. I’ve used Jimmy and his team before and will definitely keep recommending them.
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07 Nov, 2024 by Amanda carker
Highly recommend! Very compassionate and made me feel like family from the very beginning. I really appreciate The Doan Law Firm!
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07 Dec, 2024 by Ryan francis
I had the pleasure of working with The Doan Law Firm, and I can't recommend them enough! From start to finish, their team was incredibly professional, responsive, and dedicated to helping me through my legal matter.
What stood out the most was their commitment to clear communication. They took the time to explain every step of the process and made sure I understood my options. I never felt like just another case—rather, they truly cared about my situation and fought for the best possible outcome.
The level of expertise they bring to the table is unmatched. They handled my case with efficiency and confidence, giving me peace of mind throughout the entire process. I felt supported every step of the way, and the results exceeded my expectations.
If you're in need of legal representation, I highly recommend The Doan Law Firm. Their professionalism, skill, and personalized approach make them a standout in the industry.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Graham kelley
Jimmy is one of the few people I trust and actually enjoy working with. He and his team are always there to answer any legal questions, no matter the time. Working with The Doan Law Firm is such a relief when dealing with legal issues that can get complicated and overwhelming. I’ve used Jimmy and his team before and will definitely keep recommending them.
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07 Nov, 2024 by Amanda carker
Highly recommend! Very compassionate and made me feel like family from the very beginning. I really appreciate The Doan Law Firm!
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02 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
I got lucky, Attorney Wadhawan helped with a previous case which he had dismissed for me. Later when I had Entertainment Contracts I needed reviewed, I was able to go back to him for that as well. In either case, he handled both my cases perfectly. He definitely knows his Entertainment Law, and he ain't no punk when it comes to standin up for his clients.
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04 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
Attorney Tony Wadhawan was extremely professional, yet was personal enough to take away the stress I had. I definitely recommend him and will definitely return if I ever need legal help, HOPEFULLY I WON'T NEED HIM AGAIN!
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Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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:
-
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.
