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16 Mar, 2024 by Kay held
I recommend Paul to anyone who needs a lawyer. Not only is his professionalism unmatched, his communication is top tier and he goes above and beyond for all his clients. During my time working with him, he was kind, hard working and gave me great results!
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12 Feb, 2024 by Crystal spaulding
Paul is incredible at always keeping in contact with you and going over your case so you understand what is best for you to do I had several cases and looking at going to prison he managed all cases for me and got me probation no prison time! Definitely recommend him and very happy I had him has my lawyer
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05 Feb, 2024 by Elijah peck
Very nice and very good commuting experience! He helped me resolve two cases no problem! Good guy thank you Paul!
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11 Dec, 2024 by Kim decker
Very responsive. Treated me like an intelligent person, never spoke down to me. Thank you for your professional and diligent support.
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22 Nov, 2024 by H
Donna and Andrew are amazing! Thank you for your dedication and support!!
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15 Nov, 2024 by Raul
Went on vacation and things seemed to have turned for the worst. Contacted Lerner and Rowe and Sean was assigned to my case. Felt like I had ruined my life but Sean was with me every step of the way. If I called they answered or would get back with a prompt response. If I was overwhelmed Sean would keep me calm and provide ease of mind. Very knowledgeable and would recommend Lerner and Rowe every time. I appreciate all Sean has done for me and may God bless him for helping people that have had a bit of misfortune. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
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18 Nov, 2024 by Stephanie
We needed a family lawyer that could prevent our child being taken to live in another state by her mother. David was approachable and explained in detail what to expect. He got started right away on our case, and prepared us for everything. He truly made it effortless and he was great to work with! We highly recommend him!
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18 Nov, 2024 by Kelley
David Uffens came highly recommended by a close friend of mine for his exceptional knowledge and dedication to his clients. David and his team were quick to respond, empathetic throughout the process, and provided exceptional advice and support.
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20 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
David took my case when my original lawyer had moved. He has walked me through each process, explaining the process and listened to me, even when my emotions took over. I am thankful each day and highly recommend David Uffens
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19 Dec, 2024 by Jerry
Michael did a great job forming a joint venture for a real estate deal. He worked quickly and kept me in the loop along the way. Lawyers are never cheap, but he was more fair and affordable than anyone else I called, and was finished quicker than I expected. I would definitely recommend him!
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11 Sep, 2024 by Tara
Michael helped me with organizing/filing legal paperwork related to my small business. The filing was complicated and confusing for me so I needed his expertise in the handling of these legal documents. Michael is personal and profession with a touch of dry wit which I can say is a breath of fresh air from an attorney.
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19 Jan, 2023 by Sarah n.
I'm an entertainer and felt stuck in a poorly worded contract provision I signed with a certain talent agency who was trying to get commission from my bookings after our contract expired. Michael stepped in, broke down the contract and emailed the agency a cease and desist letter. He was wonderful! Michael is very thorough, down to earth, easy to communicate with and extremely helpful! I highly recommend him!
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04 Feb, 2025 by Andrea digiacomo
Highly recommend Damoui Law offices . Very professional !
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10 Dec, 2024 by Evan jochims
I was recently involved in a motorcycle accident in Tucson Arizona in which I wasn’t at falt and received moderate injuries. I reached out to several law firms and so fortunate to select Richard Traulsen and his paralegal Coleen. He seemed the most knowledgeable and experienced in motorcycle injuries and the settlement they fought for me showed this through. His paralegal Coleen was phenomenal she steo by step walked me through all the documents I had to gather and answered all the questions I had promptly. They fought long and hard for me and won me a settlement that far surpassed my expectations. 10/10 would recommend this law firm for Motorcycle accidents.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Joe
A Law firm that is above others in their outstanding performance. They also sincerely care. I don't say this lightly and I'm not being compensated in any way, shape or form. They earned and deserve the 5 star rating. Sincerely, Joe H.
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26 Jun, 2015 by Eve
Mr Black has done many cases for myself, my mom and the rest of my family. I would highly recommend him to everyone. He has even came to my house on the weekend to get things done. He is very efficient. He likes to get things done and does them right. Is a matter of fact I am fixing to contact him again about another case. Thanks again Bill for everything that you have donr.
EVE G.
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08 Jun, 2015 by Bill r.
Mr. Black has provided a variety of legal services to my family and me over the last several years. I initially contacted him for advice relating to certain of my business matters, but more sought his services regarding a personal injury accident in which my daughter was involved. She was struck by a negligent driver while she was riding her bike on a city sidewalk. She sustained multiple serious injuries and required extensive hospital treatment and medical follow-up. Her claim against the other driver’s insurance company was resolved much to our satisfaction. Mr. Black has continued to help me with other legal matters and when my inquiries are not in areas in which he regularly practices, he has been very helpful in helping me to connect with other top professionals.
Bill R
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04 Dec, 2012 by Jesus
This is my families injury lawyer. Mr. Black has been handling my case for two years, which is on going. I was rear ended and sustained two herniated disc in my neck. I have MS and this has made my life a hellish nightmare. Having this pain all the time on top of my MS is life ending.
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28 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Confronted entrenched and powerful interests on a rezoning opposition case and set up case for strong litigation position resulting in tremendous settlement. At every stage of approval process, precisely predicted moves of developer and city allowing perfect position for large settlement.
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09 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
John helped carry forth our vision of obtaining quality master planned community approvals that provided us with an edge versus our competition. Expanded the utility of existing development law and unafraid to push boundaries of interpretation with municipal actors. Creatively read and applied existing laws to help us craft new approaches to annexation, special taxing districts, development standards and limits on liability. Fearless and not able to be intimidated by in-house and outside firm municipal counsel. Regularly obtained entitlements better than competition.
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03 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
Shanks thoroughly researched our case and made himself an expert on the technical details of a very complex situation. He conducted many interviews and made an extra effort to locate all potential witnesses. Shanks was very well organized and presented the information to us in a manner so that we could easily understand all aspects of the case. Shanks is a very good listener and took the time to let us voice all of our concerns and facts. I greatly appreciated his friendly manner and easy going personality. He is highly recommended and will not disappoint !
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29 May, 2009 by Anonymous
Shanks is an intelligent, personable, hard-working professional. You won't find a more competent lawyer anywhere!
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11 Jun, 2021 by Blaine
Tim Collier represented me in a very difficult complex HOA lawsuit that I filed that lasted almost 5 years. He is extremely professional and and the work and time he put in the case was exceptional. I would recommend him highly to anyone who needed the services of a excellent lawyer.
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13 Sep, 2013 by Hilderbrand
Laura made me feel very comfortable being able to freely talk to her. She was very knowledgeable about the issue I was dealing with and provided all the information I needed.
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23 Jan, 2025 by James tusha
I can’t thank Feldman Royle enough for their outstanding work on my case. From my very first meeting with Bret Royle and David Ernest Ahl, I knew I was in excellent hands. They took the time to listen, reassure me, and thoroughly walk me through each step of the process.
Throughout the entire ordeal, the team was incredibly organized, responsive, and supportive—always keeping me informed without overwhelming me with unnecessary details. Their dedication and expertise ultimately led to a successful resolution of my case, and I’m grateful beyond words.
If you’re looking for lawyers who genuinely care, are highly knowledgeable, and will fight tirelessly for you, I highly recommend the Feldman Royle team. Their professionalism and compassion set them apart, and they truly are the gold standard in legal defense.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Jessica collins
I've used Tracy in the past and she was amazing! So when I needed her help again, I did not hesitate to contact her office. Both Tracy and her paralegal, Joelle are knowledgeable, thorough, patient, and extremely helpful. Tracy genuinely cares about her clients and I will forever be grateful for her legal advice and support.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Gladis garcia
17 Jan, 2025 by Nomin t
I am so happy with Kelly law Team. Especially Mr. Kelly for taking his time and talking and listening to me firsthand.
Jordan and Sophie and Kayla. Every one was so patient and kind with me. So professional, always there when I call. I cannot say thank you enough for these wonderful people who helped me when I needed the most.
Thank you ladies you are the best, I would 💯 recommend. Trust me they know what they are doing.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Alicia vozza
Kelly Law Team, John Kelly and Trent, my paralegal were great throughout my entire process. I had many minute details involved in my case and they made sure everything was taken care of for me. They fought to get me amount that I felt my case was worth. Trent communicated with me continuously and it made me feel a great amount of transparency. I had no idea what I was getting into with a large car accident but they made everything easy.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Janet d.
Clifford Frisbee and his staff were top notch in experience, understanding of the law, and communication. I truly appreciate their responsiveness and guidance throughout the legal process. The team did an excellent job of keeping me up to speed on progress and next steps. Highly recommend this group to anyone looking for legal advice and representation. 5 Stars.
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31 Jan, 2025 by Mandy goldstein
I contacted and hired Kristopher only 2 days before a hearing for a very unique and rare case, and he jumped on the opportunity to help me right away. I am so grateful for his dedication and guidance, and highly recommend him if you are looking for someone trustworthy, knowledgeable, and fair. Thank you Kristopher and Gini for being an incredible support system during a very difficult time and helping me every step of the way until it was all resolved. Do not hesitate or think twice….hire Kristopher!!
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19 Dec, 2024 by Alexander jennings
The most transparent down to earth attorney I've dealt with. I recommend this guy to all. Thanks for everything!
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11 Nov, 2024 by Joseph d'aguanno
I am a lawyer in a different field. My office has been referring criminal defense cases to Kris Califano for years. We have consulted with Kris on a few occasions when personal injury (our practice) intersects with criminal defense. He and his team are excellent and know the subject matter thoroughly. The clients and other people we have referred to Kris love him, the personalized representation they receive, and the results Kris obtains for them. If you choose this firm, you are in good hands.
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06 Jan, 2024 by Kelly goodnow
Going Ivy is amazing! Erin is so supportive, and really cares about all her students! Her tutoring worked so well, and I got into all my top schools!!! I highly recommend for others!!!
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14 Jul, 2022 by Brody goodnow
Amazing
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17 Dec, 2021 by Sheela sethuraman
It is an honor to provide a review for Erin Goodnow and her GoingIvy service! What makes Erin unique is that she truly listens to the student and understands what their aspirations and interests are. Then she helps them present the best version of themselves. She has remarkable insights and truly sees this process as a partnership - with the entire family. She helped my daughter identify which aspects of her activities to highlight and how to tell her story in a unique voice. She has a very calming and soothing disposition which worked perfectly with my daughter's personality. She would respond to emails and drafts within 12 hours, sometimes even sooner. We would have been lost without her. And I am proud to say that without any 'hooks' my daughter got into her first choice - an HYPSM college. We will be back again for our second daughter. Can't imagine going through this journey without Erin by our side!
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17 Oct, 2018 by Brandon
Lerner and Rowe got me the maximum possible for my case! I am happy with the experience and would use them again! My attorney Nic and Case Manager Mindy were great! Thank you!
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27 Jun, 2013 by Anne
It's been my pleasure to recommend Ms. Ormand a few times and will continue to do so. She has a great couple of skills that is hard to find today: (1) She is an exceptional listener, and (2) She had a keen legal mind. Isn't that why we contract attorneys?
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26 Jan, 2016 by Katie
I'm very shocked Mr. Linder has no reviews.
Ryan J. Linder has been phenomenal, he has been so helpful. Not only did he help me voice my concerns to an insurance company who wouldn't give me the time of day, he got me what I deserved.
He managed to get my settlement number up and bring my medical expenses down. The drop in the numbers that he achieved was very surprising. i.e. I owed well over $15,000 to one doctor and he got them to accept just under $5,000 for it all!
I was beyond impressed. I'm still in shock. I didn't believe it until I got a letter from the doctor's office saying that I still owed the amount, less than $5,000 (I had to wait for my check to clear and they were just sending a reminder)
Aside from his extensive knowledge and impressive creative writing skills, he is a very kind person. He treats you as if you are his one and only client. He is very hands on and up front. You're not always talking to his paralegal. (She is a very nice woman as well. She took care of me while Mr. Linder was out dealing with other cases in court) The only time he is out of his office is when he is dealing with court cases. I retained him for about a year to a year and a half and not once did I have an e-mail go unanswered.
He has been very kind to me, very understanding, and listened to me complain about the same thing over and over, just different ways each time (haha).
Ryan, you are my life saver and I couldn't thank you enough for everything you have done for me.
THANK YOU SOO MUCH! :)
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02 Jan, 2025 by Jaime sanchez
Saludos al excelente abogado José Rivera desde Zacatecas México...
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05 May, 2023 by Melodie bogart
I contacted this firm to possibly take on a bad faith case. I spoke with Mr. Kottoor a couple times. He was very kind and knew his stuff. We ended up going with a different lawyer we contacted earlier, but based on Zubin's demeanor and knowledge I would absolutely have trusted my case to him and this firm.
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25 Apr, 2023 by Mindy reed
23 Apr, 2022 by Marteal lamb
What an awesome personal injury attorney!
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17 Jan, 2025 by Nomin t
I am so happy with Kelly law Team. Especially Mr. Kelly for taking his time and talking and listening to me firsthand.
Jordan and Sophie and Kayla. Every one was so patient and kind with me. So professional, always there when I call. I cannot say thank you enough for these wonderful people who helped me when I needed the most.
Thank you ladies you are the best, I would 💯 recommend. Trust me they know what they are doing.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Alicia vozza
Kelly Law Team, John Kelly and Trent, my paralegal were great throughout my entire process. I had many minute details involved in my case and they made sure everything was taken care of for me. They fought to get me amount that I felt my case was worth. Trent communicated with me continuously and it made me feel a great amount of transparency. I had no idea what I was getting into with a large car accident but they made everything easy.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Janet d.
Clifford Frisbee and his staff were top notch in experience, understanding of the law, and communication. I truly appreciate their responsiveness and guidance throughout the legal process. The team did an excellent job of keeping me up to speed on progress and next steps. Highly recommend this group to anyone looking for legal advice and representation. 5 Stars.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Craig lambert
We searched for quite a while to find someone who was very experienced, client friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to work with us. Lisa and her staff exceeded our expectations and was great to work with. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her in the future.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Lyndsi sherman okh
David Uffens was great! He helped answer all of our questions and was really easy to work with. Highly recommend him for your legal needs!!
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06 Dec, 2024 by Leila ali-akbarian
I own and operate a small primary practice in Tucson. Lisa Paine has been our lawyer for the past 5-6 years, and she has been remarkable. She is personable, timely, and has done a wonderful job including helping us establish our LLC, developing business
and consulting contracts, and other various legal needs we have over the years. She is a gem to work with. I highly recommend her for that service. Additionally, my husband and I hired her to complete our will and trust. She helped us navigate difficult decisions and created a very important document that will protect our family in the future. I also highly recommend Lisa for estate planning. Her price point is fair as well.
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09 Feb, 2025 by Francis arnold
It was really good and useful conversation. Excellent behavior, very friendly and give best advice for next step.
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05 Feb, 2025 by Areli guzman
Para mi ha sido un placer trabajar en la oficina del abogado Rafael Tirado, es un excelente ser humano y profesional. Me ayudo con mi advance parole. Lo recomiendo mucho😊
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01 Feb, 2025 by Celeste romero
23 Jan, 2025 by James tusha
I can’t thank Feldman Royle enough for their outstanding work on my case. From my very first meeting with Bret Royle and David Ernest Ahl, I knew I was in excellent hands. They took the time to listen, reassure me, and thoroughly walk me through each step of the process.
Throughout the entire ordeal, the team was incredibly organized, responsive, and supportive—always keeping me informed without overwhelming me with unnecessary details. Their dedication and expertise ultimately led to a successful resolution of my case, and I’m grateful beyond words.
If you’re looking for lawyers who genuinely care, are highly knowledgeable, and will fight tirelessly for you, I highly recommend the Feldman Royle team. Their professionalism and compassion set them apart, and they truly are the gold standard in legal defense.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Jessica collins
I've used Tracy in the past and she was amazing! So when I needed her help again, I did not hesitate to contact her office. Both Tracy and her paralegal, Joelle are knowledgeable, thorough, patient, and extremely helpful. Tracy genuinely cares about her clients and I will forever be grateful for her legal advice and support.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Gladis garcia
23 Jan, 2025 by James tusha
I can’t thank Feldman Royle enough for their outstanding work on my case. From my very first meeting with Bret Royle and David Ernest Ahl, I knew I was in excellent hands. They took the time to listen, reassure me, and thoroughly walk me through each step of the process.
Throughout the entire ordeal, the team was incredibly organized, responsive, and supportive—always keeping me informed without overwhelming me with unnecessary details. Their dedication and expertise ultimately led to a successful resolution of my case, and I’m grateful beyond words.
If you’re looking for lawyers who genuinely care, are highly knowledgeable, and will fight tirelessly for you, I highly recommend the Feldman Royle team. Their professionalism and compassion set them apart, and they truly are the gold standard in legal defense.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Jessica collins
I've used Tracy in the past and she was amazing! So when I needed her help again, I did not hesitate to contact her office. Both Tracy and her paralegal, Joelle are knowledgeable, thorough, patient, and extremely helpful. Tracy genuinely cares about her clients and I will forever be grateful for her legal advice and support.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Gladis garcia
16 Jan, 2024 by Manishi shelat
Not professional at all. I had given them my sons case. me and my son have called their office several time and asked to speak with Mr Garvey it has been 6 months we are trying to get hold of him but he is extremely busy and don’t care to call his Client who has paid him $20000 in fees.
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28 Sep, 2023 by Logan bartlett
Ryan and his paralegal did an amazing job, got my second chance certificate done where others lawyers said it couldn’t be done. I don’t live in Az anymore but if you need something done, trust them, I did and wasn’t let down!!
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03 Dec, 2022 by Adrian flores
Ryan Garvey is a great attorney. He and is staff were extremely helpful in my case and very nice! Great service and I highly recommend Ryan Garvey for your legal needs.
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26 Feb, 2025 by A t
I worked with Connor and AJ with Cantor Law firm on my family law case, and I was very impressed with their level of expertise and the quality of representation.
Connor and AJ were extremely knowledgeable, thorough and excelled at writing motions, which really got my point across. I believe this made a significant difference in my case, as their clear and compelling arguments helped strengthen my position.
Connor was extremely well-informed about every detail of my case, even recalling critical information from months prior. His remarkable memory and dedication demonstrated a deep understanding of family law and ensured that no detail was overlooked.
While the quality of the service was excellent, the fees were more than I expected going into it. Despite the cost, I believe the representation was worth the investment because, in the end, my children are all that matter.
If you're looking for an attorney who is not only skilled but also excels in effective legal writing and strong representation, I highly recommend Connor but be prepared for higher-than-expected costs, as high-quality legal representation can come at a premium.
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24 Feb, 2025 by Margaret pereida
My husband and I are very glad to have used Cantor Law Group's attorney services! From the very beginning and in our initial consultation, we were cared for and recommend the best lawyer for our particular needs. This was the first time we hired a lawyer, and Andrea Banks made the whole process easy to understand and very efficient. She was always on top of our needs and wishes being completed, and would regularly check in with us! We were so happy to have a lawyer we could call immediately if there were any sudden questions we needed answered, or any concerns we had. Andrea and her assistant Kendra are a wonderful team to work with and get the job done as soon as possible! We HIGHLY recommend this law office, but more specifically these two wonderful women who made sure we were well taken care of in our particular case!
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23 Feb, 2025 by Anne ferraioli
Rebekah Burz of Cantor Law Group delivered! She is strategic, honest, driven, and knowledgeable about her clients. I am so grateful that Rebekah oversaw my case. She is a dedicated and hardworking lawyer who takes the time to understand her clients. Rebekah is determined. She and her team provided an excellent and fulfilling experience. Thank you so much!
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07 Feb, 2025 by Martin mora
04 Feb, 2025 by Artur ohanesian
They are professionals in their field!!
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21 Jan, 2025 by Sergiu antalovschi
Very good experience with this law firm , my case was solved very solid , I would like to thank Tyler Allen for helping me with my case !!! Recommend!
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29 Sep, 2024 by Douglas mize
Monthly classes are very informative and help us navigate our HOA. Our community is better. Thank you.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Katja high
As a new community association manager in Pinetop, the virtual classes have been extremely helpful
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17 Sep, 2024 by Carol evans
These HOA Academy classes are vital to me in my capacity as a board member for my HOA. I have gotten great information that has made me a much better director and has greatly helped relationships in my community.
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08 Feb, 2023 by Briana cruz
We hired their services for a wrong odometer reading from an RV purchased at La Mesa RV in 11/17/22 he would reach out to La Mesa and we hadn't heard back so I called and to my surprise they did not contact any one, no letter nothing and they just apologized and will refund my money but why didn't let me know they couldnt take my case? a call last month would of worked for us.
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20 Dec, 2022 by Sean k. brown
04 Dec, 2022 by James a. delarosa
08 Feb, 2023 by Briana cruz
We hired their services for a wrong odometer reading from an RV purchased at La Mesa RV in 11/17/22 he would reach out to La Mesa and we hadn't heard back so I called and to my surprise they did not contact any one, no letter nothing and they just apologized and will refund my money but why didn't let me know they couldnt take my case? a call last month would of worked for us.
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20 Dec, 2022 by Sean k. brown
04 Dec, 2022 by James a. delarosa
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.
