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17 Aug, 2024 by B r iana fortson
So after 4 months of thinking my case involving a infestation of mice & rats(caught 15)was being worked on, I found out that my case was terminated almost immediately after accepting my case because I answered no to one of the criminal background questions that mentioned having any recent criminal activities etc which is true, over 6 years plus is not recent so I guess they don’t trust to represent us because of that I feel it’s discrimination because what does having a criminal record have to do with us needing the help?! It shouldn’t have even taking me reaching out to find this out. Very unprofessional for a law firm & they don’t have your best interest obviously.. like how you can’t sympathize with a family that obviously needs representation & justice from & very inhabitable situation if that’s your job?!
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08 Aug, 2024 by Goodarz filsouf
I had a quick session with Julie Hartlé , first of all, she is an amazing person, very understanding, and also very professional and well-informed about the issues we were having. She has an extensive background with different housing departments and also knows disability law very well. She gave me sound advice and we set up a follow-up. I can say that I am very happy with the value they provided me in this session and highly recommend them.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Mharco juliano
17 Aug, 2024 by B r iana fortson
So after 4 months of thinking my case involving a infestation of mice & rats(caught 15)was being worked on, I found out that my case was terminated almost immediately after accepting my case because I answered no to one of the criminal background questions that mentioned having any recent criminal activities etc which is true, over 6 years plus is not recent so I guess they don’t trust to represent us because of that I feel it’s discrimination because what does having a criminal record have to do with us needing the help?! It shouldn’t have even taking me reaching out to find this out. Very unprofessional for a law firm & they don’t have your best interest obviously.. like how you can’t sympathize with a family that obviously needs representation & justice from & very inhabitable situation if that’s your job?!
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08 Aug, 2024 by Goodarz filsouf
I had a quick session with Julie Hartlé , first of all, she is an amazing person, very understanding, and also very professional and well-informed about the issues we were having. She has an extensive background with different housing departments and also knows disability law very well. She gave me sound advice and we set up a follow-up. I can say that I am very happy with the value they provided me in this session and highly recommend them.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Mharco juliano
17 Aug, 2024 by B r iana fortson
So after 4 months of thinking my case involving a infestation of mice & rats(caught 15)was being worked on, I found out that my case was terminated almost immediately after accepting my case because I answered no to one of the criminal background questions that mentioned having any recent criminal activities etc which is true, over 6 years plus is not recent so I guess they don’t trust to represent us because of that I feel it’s discrimination because what does having a criminal record have to do with us needing the help?! It shouldn’t have even taking me reaching out to find this out. Very unprofessional for a law firm & they don’t have your best interest obviously.. like how you can’t sympathize with a family that obviously needs representation & justice from & very inhabitable situation if that’s your job?!
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08 Aug, 2024 by Goodarz filsouf
I had a quick session with Julie Hartlé , first of all, she is an amazing person, very understanding, and also very professional and well-informed about the issues we were having. She has an extensive background with different housing departments and also knows disability law very well. She gave me sound advice and we set up a follow-up. I can say that I am very happy with the value they provided me in this session and highly recommend them.
Read more
07 Aug, 2024 by Mharco juliano
17 Aug, 2024 by B r iana fortson
So after 4 months of thinking my case involving a infestation of mice & rats(caught 15)was being worked on, I found out that my case was terminated almost immediately after accepting my case because I answered no to one of the criminal background questions that mentioned having any recent criminal activities etc which is true, over 6 years plus is not recent so I guess they don’t trust to represent us because of that I feel it’s discrimination because what does having a criminal record have to do with us needing the help?! It shouldn’t have even taking me reaching out to find this out. Very unprofessional for a law firm & they don’t have your best interest obviously.. like how you can’t sympathize with a family that obviously needs representation & justice from & very inhabitable situation if that’s your job?!
Read more
08 Aug, 2024 by Goodarz filsouf
I had a quick session with Julie Hartlé , first of all, she is an amazing person, very understanding, and also very professional and well-informed about the issues we were having. She has an extensive background with different housing departments and also knows disability law very well. She gave me sound advice and we set up a follow-up. I can say that I am very happy with the value they provided me in this session and highly recommend them.
Read more
07 Aug, 2024 by Mharco juliano
17 Aug, 2024 by B r iana fortson
So after 4 months of thinking my case involving a infestation of mice & rats(caught 15)was being worked on, I found out that my case was terminated almost immediately after accepting my case because I answered no to one of the criminal background questions that mentioned having any recent criminal activities etc which is true, over 6 years plus is not recent so I guess they don’t trust to represent us because of that I feel it’s discrimination because what does having a criminal record have to do with us needing the help?! It shouldn’t have even taking me reaching out to find this out. Very unprofessional for a law firm & they don’t have your best interest obviously.. like how you can’t sympathize with a family that obviously needs representation & justice from & very inhabitable situation if that’s your job?!
Read more
08 Aug, 2024 by Goodarz filsouf
I had a quick session with Julie Hartlé , first of all, she is an amazing person, very understanding, and also very professional and well-informed about the issues we were having. She has an extensive background with different housing departments and also knows disability law very well. She gave me sound advice and we set up a follow-up. I can say that I am very happy with the value they provided me in this session and highly recommend them.
Read more
07 Aug, 2024 by Mharco juliano
24 Apr, 2022 by Darren white
05 Apr, 2022 by Roxana orellana
18 Mar, 2021 by Missy bkillingit
24 Apr, 2022 by Darren white
05 Apr, 2022 by Roxana orellana
18 Mar, 2021 by Missy bkillingit
30 Aug, 2024 by Dustin ball
28 Aug, 2024 by Tommy bailey
15 Aug, 2024 by Ninad ghody
Bunch of shady ambulance chasers
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30 Aug, 2024 by Dustin ball
28 Aug, 2024 by Tommy bailey
15 Aug, 2024 by Ninad ghody
Bunch of shady ambulance chasers
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14 Jul, 2024 by F chang
17 May, 2023 by Paris williams
Jason and his team are the best. Jason is the attorney you need BEFORE you get into any family inheritance dispute. He is also the guy you need if that dispute finds you anyway! I have had the pleasure of working with Jason twice over the years and both times he was communicative, professional, open, and able to explain and help us work through the complications. Jason is an amazing attorney, who has seen it all and who will see you all the way through until you have a resolution. I highly recommend you contact him for absolutely anything related to inheritance law.
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11 Oct, 2022 by Barbara nguyen
A little about my situation. I have no legal background and know no one who does. I am pursuing conservatorship of an individual and needed assistance navigating through the process. I've called multiple firms and even called some that were recommended to me. Which has deterred me and made me more confused than ever. I was starting to give up...
Then I went to yelp and found Jason Louie... OMG did I luck out. He was very honest with me. He told me that conservtoship was not his specialty but still proceeded to provide me with assistance.
He gave me a plan. Not just plan A, but plan B & C as well. He spent time on the phone with me genuinely helping me with nothing in return. To most people, talking to me would be a waste of time and money.
He asked me about the individual I wanted to pursure conservatoship for and our relationship. Then provided me with ideas prior to pursuing conservatorship, which would of been a hell of a battle and a crazy amount of legal fees.
To keep it short, he cares.
*plus he's asian. To find someone to represent you and be your advocate, I would like that person to understand my culture which he does. I felt like I was talking to a big brother with all the answers.
That phone conversation helped me a lot and gave me more hope for the future! Thank you :)
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06 Aug, 2024 by Sheel mohnot
11 May, 2024 by Junyi shan
I contacted Dhillon Law Group about a defamation case that I would like to pursue in February 2024. Now three months have passed, and I never heard back from them.
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24 Mar, 2024 by Christopher bout
I would like to express sincere and heartfelt gratitude for the work of Jesse Franklin-Murdock and the Center for American Liberty's extraordinary support in my case. From the outset, when I had that initial call with Eric Sell, and with Josh Dixon – they immediately pulled in strong resources and subsequently Mr. Franklin-Murdock. All these actions and the associated conversations demonstrated dedication, professionalism, superior competency, knowledge, and application of relevant case law by everyone who touched my case but most of all you, Jesse, so thank you! You yourself Jesse, went well above expectation by fielding calls and executing on some key action items, even while on international vacation.
Jesse, to you and the entire Center for American Liberty and the entire Dhillon Law Group – THANK YOU for defending my rights with vigor, professionalism, superior application of law, a successful outcome, and for the intangibles like diligence, listening, empathy and that unique feeling that I, as a client, actually matter. Ten thousand kudos to you!
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22 Aug, 2023 by Noli
Ms. Hansen did an excellent job for me in 2022 with very little notice - lifesaver!
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03 Aug, 2012 by Josie
My family and I have known Elizabeth Hansen for over 10 years. She did my mother's Living Trust/Will when my father passed away. She is compassionate, understanding, kind, friendly and very knowledgeable of her trade. She also has a good sense of humor. Whenever I have questions regarding my parents' property and other legal issues, Elizabeth responds to my emails or calls me back with answers. I recently recommended her to assist my other family members in which she provided them with her best support.YES! I would recommend Elizabeth Hansen to others.
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21 May, 2012 by Anonymous
Elizabeth Hansen was hired to review a trust and provide an opinion as to whether or not there might be a cause of action against the trustee for invading a portion of the trust that had been set aside for the children of the trustee's deceased husband.
Ms. Hansen took $900 and failed to provide a written agreement, did not respond to emails, never offered an opinion as to the legal question presented, and provided no written evidence of any work product performed. She then refused to refund my money.
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11 Feb, 2024 by Alex ferbrache
Victor helped my mom win a personal injury settlement against a major retail chain. I am incredibly grateful for his outstanding legal support and guidance throughout the process. His diligence and attention to detail in gathering information about the incident both from my mom and the relevant medical professionals and organizations was instrumental in the favorable settlement he achieved on her behalf. We'd highly recommend working with Victor.
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18 Dec, 2023 by Beverly li
Victor was a tremendous help. After my car accident, I initially felt overwhelmed and reluctant to deal with anything related to the incident, anticipating it to be a hassle. However, once I mustered up the confidence to reach out to Victor and put in some effort, it became evident that he would be able to assist me—and he truly did. Although the process was somewhat lengthy, Victor consistently excelled in providing timely updates throughout the case. I definitely would recommend Victor to anyone who needs him.
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19 Sep, 2023 by Alvin lee
I cannot express my gratitude enough to Victor and his team. They truly went above and beyond to help me with a case that was far from easy to prove. Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to my case were remarkable.
From the initial consultation, Victor and his team took the time to thoroughly understand the complexities of my situation. They provided me with clear guidance on the potential outcomes and a realistic assessment of my situation, which helped me make informed decisions throughout the process.
What impressed me the most was their tireless advocacy on my behalf. Victor and his team left no stone unturned, conducted meticulous research, and navigated through the legal intricacies with finesse. They handled everything with determination and professionalism, even when all seem hopeless.
I'm thrilled to say that their hard work paid off, and I received compensation that I never thought possible. This outcome was a testament to Victor and his team's expertise and their ability to handle challenging cases.
Moreover, the communication throughout the entire process was exceptional. They kept me informed at every step, promptly answered my questions, and eased my anxieties. I felt supported and empowered throughout the journey.
If you're in need of legal representation and are facing a complex or challenging situation, I wholeheartedly recommend Victor. They are a dedicated team of legal experts who will fight with passion, skill, and unwavering commitment.
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14 Dec, 2018 by Jolen
Carroll Collins did a great job helping me finalize my divorce. He worked long hours and some weekends as my divorce was complicated. He was expensive but worth it. I appreciated his patience and wisdom.
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22 Sep, 2009 by Anonymous
Carroll Collins totally screwed up my divorce. he charged me a ton of money for leaving messages and sending one line e-mails, in addition to charges for work that was not done. i am going to be dealing with the state bar , his company and the referal i recieved to try to get my money back. hiis unethical behavior is unethical and was similar to the movie "Wall Street".
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15 May, 2023 by Mi na
I'm convinced that Ann Riley is the most ethical, competent, and intelligent divorce attorney in the Bay Area.
I interviewed a lot of lawyers and many of them were simply not confident about the law and fairly apathetic. Ann really cares in a way that is helpful. She doesn't waste your time, she is able to be firm when needed, and is extremely logical.
She has a good understanding of the family court system in SF. Opposing counsel was unprofessional and difficult and Ms. Riley refused to engage, knowing that it would cost me more if she did so and that it wouldn't get me any further ahead.
A lot of attorneys like to engage in time wasting activities because they know they can get away with billing you for them - there wasn't a single line item in Ms.Riley's bill that was questionable - she deserved every penny of her retainer.
I wish I had met Ann under different circumstances but I'm really grateful to have met her when I did. She gives me hope that there are still decent and good people who find value in doing the right thing.
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23 Dec, 2020 by Brayden fox
Riley Ann bullies me!
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15 May, 2023 by Mi na
I'm convinced that Ann Riley is the most ethical, competent, and intelligent divorce attorney in the Bay Area.
I interviewed a lot of lawyers and many of them were simply not confident about the law and fairly apathetic. Ann really cares in a way that is helpful. She doesn't waste your time, she is able to be firm when needed, and is extremely logical.
She has a good understanding of the family court system in SF. Opposing counsel was unprofessional and difficult and Ms. Riley refused to engage, knowing that it would cost me more if she did so and that it wouldn't get me any further ahead.
A lot of attorneys like to engage in time wasting activities because they know they can get away with billing you for them - there wasn't a single line item in Ms.Riley's bill that was questionable - she deserved every penny of her retainer.
I wish I had met Ann under different circumstances but I'm really grateful to have met her when I did. She gives me hope that there are still decent and good people who find value in doing the right thing.
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23 Dec, 2020 by Brayden fox
Riley Ann bullies me!
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15 May, 2023 by Mi na
I'm convinced that Ann Riley is the most ethical, competent, and intelligent divorce attorney in the Bay Area.
I interviewed a lot of lawyers and many of them were simply not confident about the law and fairly apathetic. Ann really cares in a way that is helpful. She doesn't waste your time, she is able to be firm when needed, and is extremely logical.
She has a good understanding of the family court system in SF. Opposing counsel was unprofessional and difficult and Ms. Riley refused to engage, knowing that it would cost me more if she did so and that it wouldn't get me any further ahead.
A lot of attorneys like to engage in time wasting activities because they know they can get away with billing you for them - there wasn't a single line item in Ms.Riley's bill that was questionable - she deserved every penny of her retainer.
I wish I had met Ann under different circumstances but I'm really grateful to have met her when I did. She gives me hope that there are still decent and good people who find value in doing the right thing.
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23 Dec, 2020 by Brayden fox
Riley Ann bullies me!
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25 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
I found Dave charming and difficult to work with at times.
Consider a general litigators in your search.
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11 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Schindler charged for work that he did not complete successfully. Half-assed all the way. Run from this attorney. He needs to retire.
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29 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Our family hired this attorney to assist in carrying out the most simplest estate after my father passed. He failed to respond to my many emails, failed to return phone calls, and hung up on me on a couple occasions. I kept all emails from this attorney, at least 4 times he contradicted himself, and when I called him out on what I believe was a lie, he avoided phone calls or had his assistant always say “he’s on vacation again”. Even the people he referred to help us out(appraisers)were very much on the shady side. Apparently, he is known as a very shiesty attorney. I wish we did better research, but he was recommended by a trusted neighbor. I would thoroughly consider interviewing other attorneys, as he was a big waste of time and money. Our estate should have been closed within 6-12 months . It took him 3 years and he still has not provided professional closing docs, nor answered many family questions we still had. All in all he did our family wrong.
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26 Nov, 2012 by Sergio
Mr. Lanctot was hired by my parents to design a living trust. It is disputed whether he adequately explained the long term financial ramifications of having a bank assigned as my mother's trustee (we maintain he did not - he maintains that he did) What is indisputable is that the bank HE chose provides a fee list of their outrageous nickel and dime charges which was not offered to nor explained to my parents until after the fact when it was too late to make any changes.
I feel that it is worth noting that my parents immigrated to this country, and spoke English as a 4th language. One would think that such a situation would prompt a lengthy detailed explanation of a 100+ page binding legal document. When questioned (after the fact) about the bank fees, Mr. Lanctot referred to them as industry standard practices. All well and good when someone is intimately acquainted with an industry, not particularly helpful to someone with a rudimentary command of the English language who worked a minimum wage + tips job.
A meeting with a bank representative was requested through Mr. Lanctot, with an express stipulation that they be prepared to answer specific questions regarding the estate. The representative came to the meeting totally unprepared, with gift bags and coffee mugs, not even having reviewed the documents in question. Mr. Lanctot was more than happy to bill for this useless waste of our time.
He spoke of my father after his passing as if they were best friends, when in fact the only time they spent together was 2 hours and phone consultation (both billed, of course) I found this nauseatingly obsequious.
During a particularly heated discussion in his offices, he was extremely rude and raised his voice, something I was not expecting when being charged $380 an hour for someone's services.
Numerous written requests for clarification of his billing practices were not directly addressed.
I cannot speak to Mr. Lactot's competence - his http://Martindale.com rating is high. I will however say that I despise him as a person, I despise what he did to my family and the effect it had on my elderly mother, and I would never personally choose to utilize his services.
UPDATE: My now almost 86 year old mom has sent Mr. Lanctot no less than 3 polite, respectful, hand written requests to clarify his "final" bill (which came months after this matter should have been settled) It has been over a year, and he has not had the common courtesy to reply to her or explain from whence this mysterious last bill has originated. I think this speaks VOLUMES about his personal character.
(keep in mind she promptly paid all bills prior, even those including charges to correct his office's paperwork errors, the screaming match meeting, and an hour wasted with the fat cow from Bank of the West and her $6000 coffee mugs)
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05 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
Charles K. Lewis changed the Trust of an incapacitated 98 year old woman and destroyed a family. Charles K. Lewis embezzeled over $2 million dollars from the estate of one of his clients.
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22 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
I was a client of Ms. Gilman at Farella Braun and would not recommend her for the following reasons:
- Lack of knowledge & information
- Lack of responsiveness
- Lack of professional guidance
- Lack of accountability
- Lack of client service
- Very expensive
I have been extremely dissappointed with Ms. Gilman and expected a lot more from lawyers at Farella Braun, given the firm's reputation.
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07 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
As the result of a mediation conducted by Mr. Madden, I have a statement that I signed that I cannot read because he refused to give me the agreement typed. I agreed verbally to something which I was told was written within the agreement. Now the other party says the statement says something else. This is with regards to getting an outside study done, which by law we can conduct ourselves. The estimated cost that Mr. Madden suggested would be for $450-500. A well-informed real estate lawyer has told me that is an unreasonable estimate and that a reasonable estimate is closer to the $1000 that we are now getting. The other party insists that the agreement says if it is more than $500, we have extra time to do the study. I never wanted to spend the unnecessary $500 and definitely do not want to spend more. I felt bullied into signing an agreement that I could not read and now being expected to fulfill something I never would have agreed to. I would never recommend a lawyer who expects me to sign something handwritten, let alone handwriting that I can not read. I would also never recommend a lawyer who is not competent enough to make suggestions during a mediation that can be accomplished ( a study for $500).
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20 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Ito charged us a $5000 retainer to produce a trust document for our grandchildren. After our initial interview, we sent her many emails, detailing specific items we wanted in the trust. However, her first draft did not reflect what we had requested. When we called in our financial and insurance advisors to help clarify what we needed, she became defensive and hostile. In what we felt was an extremely unprofessional act, she terminated our contract by letter, keeping all of the money, and leaving us without a usable product. Stay away from Ms. Ito.
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22 Aug, 2023 by Kreyer family trust
This man is a horrible lawyer, as far as I’m concerned he is a criminal, and a bully - he billed my family over $80,000 and didn’t fight to present crucial evidence when it came down to the wire..
He is a liar, a megalomaniac, a horrible person, and I would absolutely NOT recommend him unless your willing to waste tens of thousands of dollars to listen to him lecture and insult you while telling you crucial evidence is worthless. He abandoned me twice during hearings he promised to appear for, as he said he would not leave me out to dry - yet abandoned me day of the trials/hearings and I lost horribly due to his malpractice and misrepresentation of his skill set
I went in on my own for trial and was ten times more effective than he was in all three years of his representation combined!
I will gladly share more information with anyone considering hiring Wallace. Unlike him, I’m not scared to present it. He has threatened to sue me for defamation when he knows he’s failed me as an attorney - the only thing he did well was a deposition - which Yorker a ton of evidence he never presented.
This man is a joke and a hot head - do not waste your money or energy depending on him to do the honest Abe ethical thing.
Feel free to message me for further detail and evidence.
I’m reporting him to the bar and trying to recover the money wasted on this man’s ego.
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22 Aug, 2023 by Kreyer family trust
This man is a horrible lawyer, as far as I’m concerned he is a criminal, and a bully - he billed my family over $80,000 and didn’t fight to present crucial evidence when it came down to the wire..
He is a liar, a megalomaniac, a horrible person, and I would absolutely NOT recommend him unless your willing to waste tens of thousands of dollars to listen to him lecture and insult you while telling you crucial evidence is worthless. He abandoned me twice during hearings he promised to appear for, as he said he would not leave me out to dry - yet abandoned me day of the trials/hearings and I lost horribly due to his malpractice and misrepresentation of his skill set
I went in on my own for trial and was ten times more effective than he was in all three years of his representation combined!
I will gladly share more information with anyone considering hiring Wallace. Unlike him, I’m not scared to present it. He has threatened to sue me for defamation when he knows he’s failed me as an attorney - the only thing he did well was a deposition - which Yorker a ton of evidence he never presented.
This man is a joke and a hot head - do not waste your money or energy depending on him to do the honest Abe ethical thing.
Feel free to message me for further detail and evidence.
I’m reporting him to the bar and trying to recover the money wasted on this man’s ego.
Read more
22 Aug, 2023 by Kreyer family trust
This man is a horrible lawyer, as far as I’m concerned he is a criminal, and a bully - he billed my family over $80,000 and didn’t fight to present crucial evidence when it came down to the wire..
He is a liar, a megalomaniac, a horrible person, and I would absolutely NOT recommend him unless your willing to waste tens of thousands of dollars to listen to him lecture and insult you while telling you crucial evidence is worthless. He abandoned me twice during hearings he promised to appear for, as he said he would not leave me out to dry - yet abandoned me day of the trials/hearings and I lost horribly due to his malpractice and misrepresentation of his skill set
I went in on my own for trial and was ten times more effective than he was in all three years of his representation combined!
I will gladly share more information with anyone considering hiring Wallace. Unlike him, I’m not scared to present it. He has threatened to sue me for defamation when he knows he’s failed me as an attorney - the only thing he did well was a deposition - which Yorker a ton of evidence he never presented.
This man is a joke and a hot head - do not waste your money or energy depending on him to do the honest Abe ethical thing.
Feel free to message me for further detail and evidence.
I’m reporting him to the bar and trying to recover the money wasted on this man’s ego.
Read more
22 Aug, 2023 by Kreyer family trust
This man is a horrible lawyer, as far as I’m concerned he is a criminal, and a bully - he billed my family over $80,000 and didn’t fight to present crucial evidence when it came down to the wire..
He is a liar, a megalomaniac, a horrible person, and I would absolutely NOT recommend him unless your willing to waste tens of thousands of dollars to listen to him lecture and insult you while telling you crucial evidence is worthless. He abandoned me twice during hearings he promised to appear for, as he said he would not leave me out to dry - yet abandoned me day of the trials/hearings and I lost horribly due to his malpractice and misrepresentation of his skill set
I went in on my own for trial and was ten times more effective than he was in all three years of his representation combined!
I will gladly share more information with anyone considering hiring Wallace. Unlike him, I’m not scared to present it. He has threatened to sue me for defamation when he knows he’s failed me as an attorney - the only thing he did well was a deposition - which Yorker a ton of evidence he never presented.
This man is a joke and a hot head - do not waste your money or energy depending on him to do the honest Abe ethical thing.
Feel free to message me for further detail and evidence.
I’m reporting him to the bar and trying to recover the money wasted on this man’s ego.
Read more
22 Aug, 2023 by Kreyer family trust
This man is a horrible lawyer, as far as I’m concerned he is a criminal, and a bully - he billed my family over $80,000 and didn’t fight to present crucial evidence when it came down to the wire..
He is a liar, a megalomaniac, a horrible person, and I would absolutely NOT recommend him unless your willing to waste tens of thousands of dollars to listen to him lecture and insult you while telling you crucial evidence is worthless. He abandoned me twice during hearings he promised to appear for, as he said he would not leave me out to dry - yet abandoned me day of the trials/hearings and I lost horribly due to his malpractice and misrepresentation of his skill set
I went in on my own for trial and was ten times more effective than he was in all three years of his representation combined!
I will gladly share more information with anyone considering hiring Wallace. Unlike him, I’m not scared to present it. He has threatened to sue me for defamation when he knows he’s failed me as an attorney - the only thing he did well was a deposition - which Yorker a ton of evidence he never presented.
This man is a joke and a hot head - do not waste your money or energy depending on him to do the honest Abe ethical thing.
Feel free to message me for further detail and evidence.
I’m reporting him to the bar and trying to recover the money wasted on this man’s ego.
Read more
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What an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Do for You
An estate planning lawyer helps individuals plan for the management and distribution of their assets after death or during incapacitation. Their services involve drafting important legal documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Estate planning attorneys work to ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes, minimize tax liabilities, and avoid probate court. They also help clients plan for potential long-term care needs and protect their estate from being diminished by healthcare costs.
By working with an estate planning lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be cared for and that your estate will be managed efficiently and according to your desires.
When Should I Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is beneficial in many situations, especially when you want to ensure that your assets are handled properly after death. Common reasons to hire an estate planning lawyer include:
- Drafting a will: If you want to clearly define how your assets will be distributed after death, an attorney can draft a legally sound will.
- Creating a trust: For those looking to avoid probate or provide for loved ones over time, setting up a trust can help manage the distribution of assets.
- Planning for incapacity: An estate lawyer can help draft powers of attorney and healthcare directives so that your financial and medical decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated.
- Minimizing estate taxes: If your estate is large, a lawyer can help create strategies to reduce or eliminate federal and state estate taxes.
- Special circumstances: If you have minor children, blended families, or complex assets like businesses, an estate planning lawyer can create tailored solutions.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If you want to designate guardians for minor children or ensure proper care for incapacitated adults, an attorney can help.
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is especially important if your estate is complex or if you want to ensure that your wishes are properly followed.
What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?
An estate planning lawyer provides a range of services designed to help you organize your affairs and ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. They can:
- Draft wills and trusts: Creating legally binding documents that dictate how your assets will be distributed and managed.
- Create powers of attorney and healthcare directives: Appointing someone to make financial or medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
- Minimize taxes: Developing strategies to reduce estate taxes, gift taxes, and other financial liabilities for your heirs.
- Help avoid probate: Structuring your estate plan to avoid probate, which can save time and money for your beneficiaries.
- Advise on long-term care planning: Helping you plan for potential healthcare needs in the future, including Medicaid planning and protecting assets from being depleted by nursing home costs.
- Assist with beneficiary designations: Ensuring that life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments are correctly designated.
- Handle probate and estate administration: If a loved one has passed away, an estate planning lawyer can help guide you through the probate process or act as an executor.
How Are Estate Planning Lawyers Paid?
Estate planning lawyers typically charge for their services in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of your estate and the type of services you need. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many estate planning services, such as drafting a will or trust, are charged on a flat-fee basis. The fee covers all work related to preparing the document.
- Hourly rate: For more complex planning, such as estate tax strategy or trust administration, lawyers may charge by the hour. Rates vary based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: Some lawyers require a retainer for more complex cases, such as ongoing trust management or estate administration. The retainer is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer depends on the complexity of your estate and the services you require. Here are some general guidelines:
- Simple wills or powers of attorney: A straightforward will or power of attorney may cost between $300 and $1,500, depending on your location and the lawyer’s experience.
- Trust creation: Establishing a trust, such as a living trust or revocable trust, can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your assets and estate planning needs.
- Comprehensive estate planning packages: Some lawyers offer packages that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, which may range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the estate’s complexity.
- Hourly rates: For ongoing services like estate administration or tax planning, lawyers may charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience.
Always get a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Lawyer
Before hiring an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
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What is your experience with estate planning?
Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or by the hour and ask for a detailed estimate of costs. -
What strategies do you recommend for my estate?
A good lawyer should be able to explain the best strategies for minimizing taxes, avoiding probate, and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. -
How often should I update my estate plan?
Ask how frequently you should revisit your estate plan, especially if your financial situation or family dynamics change. -
Do you offer ongoing support or updates?
Some lawyers provide periodic reviews or updates to ensure your estate plan stays current with changes in your circumstances or the law. -
How will you help my beneficiaries if something happens to me?
Ensure the lawyer is willing to guide your heirs through the estate administration process or help manage your trust after you’re gone.
How to Check the Credibility of an Estate Planning Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a credible estate planning lawyer, follow these steps:
- Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for estate planning certifications: Some lawyers are certified as estate planning specialists, which indicates they have extensive knowledge in this area of law.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews on sites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and client satisfaction.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from previous clients who can speak to their expertise and client service.
- Check for membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) or the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) often have a strong reputation in the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- List of assets and liabilities: Provide a detailed inventory of your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, and personal property, as well as any debts you may have.
- List of beneficiaries: Be ready to discuss who you want to receive your assets and in what proportions. This includes naming guardians for minor children if applicable.
- Existing estate documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other relevant estate planning documents.
- Questions about your estate goals: Write down your goals, such as avoiding probate, reducing taxes, or setting up charitable donations, so your lawyer can tailor a plan to meet your needs.
- Information on medical and financial decision-makers: Be prepared to discuss who you want to appoint for healthcare and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.
By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and begin building a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs and protects your loved ones.
