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13 Oct, 2024 by Zukhriddin amirkulov
Shodmon bel dukoni
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19 Sep, 2024 by La’kriah spence-mcallister
Steven L Chung & his staff provided me with excellent service. I would highly recommend this company to family and friends in the future.
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15 Sep, 2024 by Sara shannon
Sarah was the best choice I made during the process of closing on a business. Her advice was invaluable, and she was head and shoulders above opposing counsel in understanding M&A and PA business law. I 1000% trust her advice, and will 1000% keep working with her.
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4.0
4 Reviews
4.9
102 Reviews
14 Oct, 2024 by Tiffany burton
I had the great Lawyers at Dion Solomon & Shapiro L.L.C kevin proud was the best her fight to get you wat u deserve Also Gray was the best I First getting into an accident and they fought there Hatdesy from me
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26 Sep, 2024 by Victor torres
Jeffrey Soloman and Kevin Proud were amazing. From the beginning I felt very comfortable with Dion, Soloman and Shapiro. My needs were always met and I received the best care and attention from my attorneys and their team. Dion, Soloman and Shapiro will fight for you, not just represent you. Thank you for everything.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Cynthia canty
Pleasent good lawyer Mr Kevin Proud
Thank you
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04 Oct, 2024 by Austin edelman
Steve and Debra were very helpful and attentive when hearing about issue. I had a very positive experience with the team and wouldn’t hesitate to reach back out to them if I needed it.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Stephen boyle
Pat Doherty from The Town Law has his client’s best interests in mind in all of his actions. He understands the needs of clients and uses his legal knowledge, experience, and relationships to effectuate great outcomes. Fantastic lawyer!
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28 Aug, 2024 by ????
Great guy and even greater results, and ready to answer any questions i had!
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04 Oct, 2024 by Austin edelman
Steve and Debra were very helpful and attentive when hearing about issue. I had a very positive experience with the team and wouldn’t hesitate to reach back out to them if I needed it.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Stephen boyle
Pat Doherty from The Town Law has his client’s best interests in mind in all of his actions. He understands the needs of clients and uses his legal knowledge, experience, and relationships to effectuate great outcomes. Fantastic lawyer!
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28 Aug, 2024 by ????
Great guy and even greater results, and ready to answer any questions i had!
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14 Oct, 2024 by Tama martellucci
Angela took such good care of us. She worked with my wife and me through the adoption of our second child. In that process she also caught and fixed an error in our first child’s adoption made by a previous law firm. She was kind, clear, timely and supportive. She held our hands through the process of setting up our will and making lots of important decisions. We can’t recommend Angela enough! I wish we had found her at the beginning of our adoption journey.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Ciara neruda
Truly cannot recommend Angela enough — she made the estate planning process as painless as it could possibly be and was able to offer profoundly helpful, real-world answers to all of my questions. No one wants to contemplate their own death and the aftermath — but as Angela advised me, one of most loving things we can do for those we leave behind is to have a plan. I’m very pleased with my experience and feel so much better knowing that I leave my loved ones with the certainty of my wishes. Thanks Angela!
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30 Jul, 2024 by Leah hynansky
Angela is a wonderful attorney; tough, smart, always on point and a joy to work with. I am so grateful for her dedication and expertise with all of my Estate Planning and personal protection needs. Angela is unique in the field of law because she is so thorough and knowledgeable but also incredibly kind, personable and compassionate. Having my paperwork thoughtfully and professionally executed is such a relief. I don't have to think about them anymore and I can go enjoy my life. Having an attorney to protect my well being has allowed me to regain so much of my health and my life. A huge bow of gratitude to Angela Giampolo and Giampolo Law.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Barbra bordones
Los mejores abogados la doctora Katherin,gracias a ella y al grupo de abogados con los que trabajan aprobaron mi caso excelente,también el agradecimiento a mi paralegal.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Ruth escobar
Exelente abogado muy buena experiencia gracias a Dios nos encontramos con muy buenos abogados recomiendo 💯/💯
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19 Dec, 2023 by Angélica patiño
25 Jul, 2024 by Michael lewis
Mr. Kunnel is a beast! Just won my case! He turned the impossible to possible! Throughout the wholes process Mr. Kunnel was very informative, always returned my calls if he couldn't answer right away, kind, patient, professional, & knowledgeable! | recommend him he's an excellent lawyer!
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29 Mar, 2024 by Kodwo sackey
Was recommended to them by a friend and have been a client ever since, for the last 4 years. For all of my legal needs and inquiries I definitely contact them and receive timely advice and counsel. Glad to have them in my corner. Thank God for them. Fair and just. And make things happen.
Also Ms. tracy is very efficient and keeps everything tight. I appreciate the expansion into the county as well for less travel into the city.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Nihil kalaparambath
Great team. Always available and ready to get the job done.
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13 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Represented me in a court case with great vigor and determination. He really put me at ease leading up to court and was a forceful client advocate that won the appropriate verdict in court. I’d recommend if in trouble, he’s a fighter.
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23 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Gibbs is very professional. He is also very thorough when reviewing contracts. He definitely makes sure your needs and wants are expressed in the contract. He has your best interest in mind.
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25 Jan, 2017 by Tia
Charles came highly recommended . He is very knowledge and professional. He knows the law and enjoys what he does.Charles exceed my expectations and won my cases for me without breaking a sweat. I couldn't ask for a better attorney.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Shen jiangchuan
This law group is, in my point of view, a scam group. They responded to you pretty well for initial contact and payment collection, however, they disappeared later. They took 15k from me and wrote me a demanding letter based on my personal narratives. Since then, I never had any updates, however hard I tried to set up a communication. Very disappointing experience. So after almost 10 months, I requested that the service fee to be refunded and one more time, they disappeared. My life needs to move on with more important aspect and I had unsuccessful experience searching for legal service from Lento's and so should you not consider hiring them. Terrell Ratliff was the so called attorney that was assigned to me and he is horrible. He doesn't seem to have any professional competence for what he is doing and nor does he care about customer, very cocky. Stay away.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Yan yan
We highly recommend Mr. Lento and the attorney that was assigned to our case - Mr. Thomas Terrill! They helped us navigate a challenging situation involving unfair treatment at our son's public elementary school in Houston, TX, and their support was invaluable. From the start, Thomas was compassionate and approached the case with sound reasoning, helping us to prioritize our demands and stay focused on what was most important—not only improving our son's current situation, but also ensuring a better future for him. He was incredibly responsive, always quick to answer our questions and provide guidance during a stressful time. Thomas is an exceptional lawyer who genuinely cares about his clients, and we are so grateful for his expertise and dedication!
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10 Sep, 2024 by A gia
I did a chat on the website because I was looking for an educational attorney after a thorough explanation of my situation the employee failed to mention this is a law firm that handles criminal defense not and educational attorney. They then proceeded to send me an email to collect a $350.00 consultation fee to speak with one of there attorneys about a matter they don’t even handle. I would steer clear of this place deceptively trying to collect unfair fees for services they don’t handle.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Shen jiangchuan
This law group is, in my point of view, a scam group. They responded to you pretty well for initial contact and payment collection, however, they disappeared later. They took 15k from me and wrote me a demanding letter based on my personal narratives. Since then, I never had any updates, however hard I tried to set up a communication. Very disappointing experience. So after almost 10 months, I requested that the service fee to be refunded and one more time, they disappeared. My life needs to move on with more important aspect and I had unsuccessful experience searching for legal service from Lento's and so should you not consider hiring them. Terrell Ratliff was the so called attorney that was assigned to me and he is horrible. He doesn't seem to have any professional competence for what he is doing and nor does he care about customer, very cocky. Stay away.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Yan yan
We highly recommend Mr. Lento and the attorney that was assigned to our case - Mr. Thomas Terrill! They helped us navigate a challenging situation involving unfair treatment at our son's public elementary school in Houston, TX, and their support was invaluable. From the start, Thomas was compassionate and approached the case with sound reasoning, helping us to prioritize our demands and stay focused on what was most important—not only improving our son's current situation, but also ensuring a better future for him. He was incredibly responsive, always quick to answer our questions and provide guidance during a stressful time. Thomas is an exceptional lawyer who genuinely cares about his clients, and we are so grateful for his expertise and dedication!
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10 Sep, 2024 by A gia
I did a chat on the website because I was looking for an educational attorney after a thorough explanation of my situation the employee failed to mention this is a law firm that handles criminal defense not and educational attorney. They then proceeded to send me an email to collect a $350.00 consultation fee to speak with one of there attorneys about a matter they don’t even handle. I would steer clear of this place deceptively trying to collect unfair fees for services they don’t handle.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Moruf a lawal
I highly recommend Attorney Ricky Paladino!
Ricky's communication skills are outstanding; If you're seeking top-notch immigration representation, look no further! Ricky Paladino is your go-to attorney. His expertise, passion, and commitment to clients are unparalleled.
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11 Sep, 2024 by David zager
My wife and I recently worked with Natalia Ruggiero to respond to a request for evidence from USCIS, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the experience! From the very beginning, Natalia was incredibly professional, patient, thorough, and easy to talk to. She made everything clear and manageable, guiding us every step of the way.
Natalia ensured all of our paperwork was in order, answered all of our questions promptly, and gave us the confidence we needed throughout the entire process. Her knowledge and expertise gave us peace of mind during what could have been a stressful time.
We highly recommend Natalia to anyone in need of immigration assistance!
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11 Sep, 2024 by Reem hassan
We had an excellent experience working with Ricky Palladino. He is highly professional, efficient, and has a great team supporting him. My husband was able to get his immigration papers within just a few months, thanks to their hard work and dedication. Throughout the process, they kept us informed and were always available to answer any questions. We felt confident and well taken care of the entire time. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of immigration assistance! Thank you Ricky and team!
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14 Oct, 2024 by Tiffany burton
I had the great Lawyers at Dion Solomon & Shapiro L.L.C kevin proud was the best her fight to get you wat u deserve Also Gray was the best I First getting into an accident and they fought there Hatdesy from me
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26 Sep, 2024 by Victor torres
Jeffrey Soloman and Kevin Proud were amazing. From the beginning I felt very comfortable with Dion, Soloman and Shapiro. My needs were always met and I received the best care and attention from my attorneys and their team. Dion, Soloman and Shapiro will fight for you, not just represent you. Thank you for everything.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Cynthia canty
Pleasent good lawyer Mr Kevin Proud
Thank you
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27 Aug, 2024 by Chuck lewandowski
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jay Edelstein and his team on several occasion’s and I cannot recommend them highly enough! From the moment I reached out for their assistance, I was met with professionalism, compassion, and a genuine commitment to my case. Jay Edelstein and his team took the time to listen to my concerns, thoroughly explain the legal process, and provide me with the guidance I needed.
I felt supported every step of the way, and their proactive approach made a significant difference in the outcome. Jay's knowledge of the law is impressive, and he truly advocates for his clients with passion and dedication.
I’m incredibly grateful for their help and would recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance!
Charles Lewandowski
Berlin, NJ
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27 Aug, 2024 by Kayla devlin
I can’t say enough great things about this firm. When I first called for information I was transferred to speak to Maria. She spent an hour speaking with me. I knew from the first 5 minutes of our conversation that this was the firm for me. Everyone who works here is amazing! Matthew has been great at communicating during this process. He’s kept me up to date on everything happening. Jay, reassured me that he would get me justice. He got me more than justice. They made the entire process so easy. If you’re looking for a lawyer, I highly recommend using them! I can’t thank everyone here enough for what they’ve done for me.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Robert lutzky
Edelstein Law LLP…Jay Edelstein and his associates represent a highly professional, extremely knowledgeable and compassionate law firm. My experience was seamless. The personal support was unwavering and the results went well beyond my expectations.
Justice prevailed…thanks to Jay and his associates.
Thank You Edelstein Law LLP.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Mike assad
03 Oct, 2024 by Mrs bailey alexandria trippett
Well done Law Offices Team of Mr. Sadek.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Minor garro
18 Sep, 2024 by Ramata ba
I am beyond satisfied of the consultation i had with David Bercovitch, he was an amazing listener and give me all the answers i needed . I am definitely recommending this field for any immigration matters THANK YOU again for your time
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06 Sep, 2024 by Brian vino
Brooke is the best!
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24 Aug, 2024 by Anthony domonick
David is a excellent lawyer. He truly cares about his clients. I highly recommend him.
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01 Oct, 2024 by I.a.
Sarah was incredibly compassionate and easy to communicate with throughout the entire process. She was deticated and worked hard to ensure a positive outcome with dismissed charges. Sarah comes and remains highly recommended!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
From the moment I hired her, I was impressed by her incredible responsiveness and respectful demeanor. Her knowledge of the law is truly outstanding, and she applied it skillfully to my case. She was always available to address my concerns, no matter how small.
I felt supported every step of the way. She was always available to address my concerns, no matter how small.
I would recommend Sarah Jones to anyone in need of legal representation. She is not just a skilled attorney, but a true advocate for her clients. If you're looking for a lawyer who combines exceptional legal knowledge with genuine care and responsiveness, Sarah is the one to choose. I'm incredibly grateful for her service and can't thank her enough for her outstanding work. Thank you, Sarah!
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20 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Sarah was great; thorough and responsive, and got me through my divorce without too much headache.
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17 Aug, 2024 by Court gucci
Oh how i wish this was a 5 star great experience like the others but unfortunately Mr.Ellis did not give 5 star service.Instead he charged me $3500 to go see my father (20 Min visit) who I explained to him was in need of a fighter (facing federal charges/Life) . These monies are non refundable and a 20 min visit for a case as big as this is certainly unacceptable.
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14 Aug, 2024 by The bn show
Ellis Palivias is a genius, he beat my case only using 12 words. He didn't over charge me or just take my money. This gentleman knows the law. If he runs for governor I'm voting for him. Thanks for everything....
M.Skp
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21 Jun, 2024 by 4j's everyday (rocked_em4_u)
My guy Ellis beat a case for my son. Ellis was very honest and straightforward about my sons case and possible outcomes. He was very thorough, strategic and his cross examination with the witness was gentle but brutal. This guy definitely plays chess while the D.A was playing checkers. Highly recommend him and the five stars do him no justice. (No pun intended)
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13 Sep, 2022 by Joe bush
03 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I am so lucky to have worked with Kaitlyn through my recent divorce. She was professional, always quick to respond, and was very effective in my case. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a family lawyer!
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08 Jun, 2022 by Sasha williams
Kaitlyn Mazur of Metka Law is an awesome attorney! She obtained a very favorable outcome for us in our custody case. She over delivered and gave an outstanding closing argument. We could not ask for better representation!
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13 Sep, 2022 by Joe bush
08 Jun, 2022 by Sasha williams
Kaitlyn Mazur of Metka Law is an awesome attorney! She obtained a very favorable outcome for us in our custody case. She over delivered and gave an outstanding closing argument. We could not ask for better representation!
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07 Mar, 2022 by Barbara dupree
Best attorney I ever met deals with clients with a charming way and very sweet very natural looking very attractive love this attorney she’s the best and best friend you could ever have. Very trustworthy
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04 Oct, 2024 by Mike assad
03 Oct, 2024 by Mrs bailey alexandria trippett
Well done Law Offices Team of Mr. Sadek.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Minor garro
04 Oct, 2024 by Mike assad
03 Oct, 2024 by Mrs bailey alexandria trippett
Well done Law Offices Team of Mr. Sadek.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Minor garro
04 Oct, 2024 by Mike assad
03 Oct, 2024 by Mrs bailey alexandria trippett
Well done Law Offices Team of Mr. Sadek.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Minor garro
04 Oct, 2024 by Mike assad
03 Oct, 2024 by Mrs bailey alexandria trippett
Well done Law Offices Team of Mr. Sadek.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Minor garro
08 Oct, 2024 by Allen dori
I am a long-time Law Enforcement Officer in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Marni Snyder came highly recommended by an attorney who I have gotten to know both personally and professionally. The attorney who I know unfortunately does not work in Philadelphia any longer. Without hesitation, when asked who he would suggest to defend a close personal friend of mine who lives in Philadelphia, he immediately said to hire Ms. Marni Snyder. He told me that he has worked with her in the past and said she is of the highest quality. My close friend hired her and could not have been happier in doing so. My friend was successful in all regards of her case. I am grateful to my attorney friend for recommending Marni Snyder; I am even more grateful to Ms. Snyder for her highly effective and successful litigation.
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08 Oct, 2024 by James leake
I was a character witness in a case that Ms Snyder tried.
I was so impressed with her performance that I decided if I ever needed a criminal lawyer in Philadelphia that she would be the first person I would call.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Karen gallagher
18 Sep, 2024 by Ramata ba
I am beyond satisfied of the consultation i had with David Bercovitch, he was an amazing listener and give me all the answers i needed . I am definitely recommending this field for any immigration matters THANK YOU again for your time
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06 Sep, 2024 by Brian vino
Brooke is the best!
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24 Aug, 2024 by Anthony domonick
David is a excellent lawyer. He truly cares about his clients. I highly recommend him.
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29 Aug, 2024 by D knf
I knew very soon after signing with Eric and John that I had made the right choice. They and their team took care of everything for me while always keeping me fully in the loop, which was a huge weight off that allowed me to focus on healing physically and mentally.
I'm confident they got me the largest settlement I could have gotten. They also got me the professional psychiatric help that I didn't realize I needed. . which made a profound difference in reclaiming my peace of mind and over time helped reduce the frequency and severity of many of the negative symptoms I've dealt with since the accident.
Eric, John, Donna, Megan . . everyone there made this really hard chapter of my life as easy on me as possible for the last 2.5 years and I'll always be grateful for that. Thank you so much to everyone at Pearson Koutcher Law
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21 Aug, 2024 by Clyde fayorsey
Pearson Koutcher Law is by far the best law firm. I would definitely recommend them to anyone I know. They fought to make sure that my mother was treated fairly for her workers compensation case.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Sandi chladni
I can’t begin to say enough grateful & complimentary comments on my experience with Shawn. She was very helpful from the start & gave me a good insight on what I was going through. She was always available & prompt in answering any of the questions I had. Wonderful job Shawn. I’d recommend her to anyone who needed guidance in her area of expertise!!!!
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29 Aug, 2024 by D knf
I knew very soon after signing with Eric and John that I had made the right choice. They and their team took care of everything for me while always keeping me fully in the loop, which was a huge weight off that allowed me to focus on healing physically and mentally.
I'm confident they got me the largest settlement I could have gotten. They also got me the professional psychiatric help that I didn't realize I needed. . which made a profound difference in reclaiming my peace of mind and over time helped reduce the frequency and severity of many of the negative symptoms I've dealt with since the accident.
Eric, John, Donna, Megan . . everyone there made this really hard chapter of my life as easy on me as possible for the last 2.5 years and I'll always be grateful for that. Thank you so much to everyone at Pearson Koutcher Law
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21 Aug, 2024 by Clyde fayorsey
Pearson Koutcher Law is by far the best law firm. I would definitely recommend them to anyone I know. They fought to make sure that my mother was treated fairly for her workers compensation case.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Sandi chladni
I can’t begin to say enough grateful & complimentary comments on my experience with Shawn. She was very helpful from the start & gave me a good insight on what I was going through. She was always available & prompt in answering any of the questions I had. Wonderful job Shawn. I’d recommend her to anyone who needed guidance in her area of expertise!!!!
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17 Aug, 2024 by Court gucci
Oh how i wish this was a 5 star great experience like the others but unfortunately Mr.Ellis did not give 5 star service.Instead he charged me $3500 to go see my father (20 Min visit) who I explained to him was in need of a fighter (facing federal charges/Life) . These monies are non refundable and a 20 min visit for a case as big as this is certainly unacceptable.
Read more
14 Aug, 2024 by The bn show
Ellis Palivias is a genius, he beat my case only using 12 words. He didn't over charge me or just take my money. This gentleman knows the law. If he runs for governor I'm voting for him. Thanks for everything....
M.Skp
Read more
21 Jun, 2024 by 4j's everyday (rocked_em4_u)
My guy Ellis beat a case for my son. Ellis was very honest and straightforward about my sons case and possible outcomes. He was very thorough, strategic and his cross examination with the witness was gentle but brutal. This guy definitely plays chess while the D.A was playing checkers. Highly recommend him and the five stars do him no justice. (No pun intended)
Read more
30 Jul, 2024 by Karen wexler (karen wexler)
Bethany was amazing! From the first meeting she was not only efficient and accommodating, but through everything she made herself available to me when I had questions or needs. I am so glad Bethany was my lawyer. I could not have hoped for a better one!!! In a tough situation she made it a much better process than I could have hoped for.
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17 Jul, 2024 by Omar rifi
The team that worked on our case was amazing. They were extremely responsive, kind and knowledgeable. They provided great advise and went out of their way to address all our issues. I would highly recommend them.
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02 Feb, 2024 by Kyle rogers
This was my first ever experience with a lawyer and a firm i must say this was a very easy process my attorney Peter was great at everything thanks again for everything
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02 Feb, 2019 by John
My phone consultation with Lori A. Frio-Walker made the difference in winning my custody case. Her expertise with legal child matters was extremely efficient and very up to date. She was aware of the new adjustments to the law pertaining to my case. Her on the spot knowledge during a phone consult led to a positive resolution. I received the best legal advice I've ever had. Her availability was lightning fast. She responded in less than one business day. I recommend that anyone would benefit from the consult services provided by this dynamic lawyer.
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02 Nov, 2016 by Frederick
Lori is a great attorney. Genuinely concerned about her clients. Emails are returned promptly. She ensures all your questions are answered. My family is going through a complicated divorce and Lori has handled it with professionalism, genuine care and expertise. We trust Lori and would recommend her to others.
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27 Oct, 2016 by Willie
Hi, I can not say enough good things about Mrs Lori Ann Frio! She was very informative about where I stood in regards to my case; so that I had no unexpected expectations. I was aware of where I stood every step of the way. She was very confident. And legally savvy in and out of the court, which reassured me. I was kept informed of all legal actions/directives during this process. I was a little anxious upon entering the Nj court, but her assured manner help to quell any feelings of disaster. I can never thank Mrs Frio enough for coming through for me and my family during my time of need. I feel that my case was equitable and fair. Thanks again for being the best attorney in Philadelphia!
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
