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10 Jan, 2024 by Jessie a
20 Sep, 2019 by Faus sanchez
08 Sep, 2019 by Steve okoli
3.9
7 Reviews
4.4
93 Reviews
18 Sep, 2024 by Jessica
Thanks Chris Ingram law office for a smooth and straight forward process for my EB1 case. Let me breakdown my experience with them:
1. Intake: detailed breakdown of the categories that I could apply for. Tim was my intake specialist and he answered all the questions I had and gave me confidence to choose this lawfirm to support my case.
2. Onboard: pay the lawyer fees accordingly. I started end of Jan 2024.
3. Paperwork preparation: the team was available to talk to me via conference call appointment a few times. Majority of the communication will be via email. For my case, I focused the energy on 3 categories + Merit. The team shared the template for the recommendation letter for me. However, from data gathering and writing recommendation letter for signing, I had to all do it by myself. Once having all the approved document for each category, then they would proceed with having the category for writing by the legal team. Things happen in series so my entire case was not ready to be shipped out till end of August 2024, so plan your time wisely.
I was hoping the team could be a bit faster, and they got back with additional charges if I wanted to expedite the case filing. I think this was just misunderstanding and later they clarified their intention, which I appreciate the transparent and professional communication language that the entire team upholds. Sometimes the email feels a bit generic and repetitive, but maybe that’s part of professionalism and ensure of constant reminder for your case.
4. Case shipping: they shipped with priority Fedex mail and provide me with a scanned document for the entire package, so I know things are included part of my petition. A tracking number was shared once the case got shipped as well.
I paid for PP, and received the decision notice in time promised.
I’m grateful for my case worker team for all the attention you paid for my case: Jan, Mario, Mary, Jackie, Busola 🙏🏻🎉 overall, I highly recommend this law firm for your EB1 needs. They are legit!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Ishan khot
06 Aug, 2024 by Chandan saxena
I engaged the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram for my EB1A visa application. The firm's systematic and thorough approach to gathering evidence, developing case arguments, and client communication is highly impressive. My experience with them has been outstanding and has exceeded all my expectations. I am deeply thankful to Rhea, Judith, and all the staff members who worked directly and indirectly on my case. Thanks to their efforts in making the entire process flawless, my I-140 and adjustment of status (I-485) were approved quickly without any issues. The entire team at the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram is professional, well-informed, and exceptionally supportive. I highly recommend Chris Ingram’s firm for their expertise, responsiveness, and unwavering dedication to clients, which greatly eased my anxiety and ensured our green card success.
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27 Jul, 2024 by Elizabeth d’antonio
very unprofessional and rude. wouldn’t recommend.
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17 Oct, 2023 by Chinguis13
Excelente atención y muy empáticos y cálidos, viaje desde México y valió totalmente la pena, Gabby es muy amable y el abogado también, actualizo información más extensa cuando tenga avances sobre mi caso, de entrada, recomiendo bastante.
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09 May, 2023 by Vince
I thought Rudy was great!
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11 Sep, 2024 by Mark b
Nixon Peabody were exceptional to work with, their team understood all the complexities of our case. There is always some anxiety when dealing with these things but they kept their hours low and cost within reason.
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23 Mar, 2023 by Nishit prajapati
25 May, 2019 by Yusef khan
28 Aug, 2024 by Zahra dowlatabadi
Reached out to SmartLaw for a referral and was responded to in less 24 hrs.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Erik stroman
SD went above and beyond to help me over the course of 3 days to provide me the proper information I needed resulting in my ability to screen, communicate and ultimately engage with legal representation, which I was in a real hurry to secure. She is truly a person that anyone would want on their team. A++
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27 Aug, 2024 by J
MIGUEL AND HIS TEAM ARE TOP-NOTCH EXPERT PROFESSIONALS... MIGUEL QUICKLY GAVE MEE AN EXCELLENT LEAD TO AN ATTORNEY THAT DOES ELEVATOR INJURY CASES... THANKS TO SMARTLAW, I'VE BEEN ABLE TO GET THE BALL ROLLING! GRACIAS MIGUEL AND CREW...
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17 Dec, 2019 by Pedro sevan
25 Nov, 2019 by Rebecca charnley
16 Aug, 2024 by Vilma. medina
Gracias a Dios hoy tengo que agrader a Dios y despues ami abogado Edwin Castellanos por ver puesto tanto enpeño en mi caso Gracias a su experiencia pudo ganar mi caso estaban mis hijos en juego por demandas injustas el pudo comprobar mi inocencia Gracias señor Edwin estoy muy agradesida por fin boy a poder Seguir mi vida normal . Le day un 10 al buffet Castellanos & associated
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29 Apr, 2024 by J
Great lawyer and great office. Very knowledgeable of the laws and always stays truthful.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Isaac flores
Where do I start castellanos & associates thank you so much for all the time and dedication with our case from beginning to end you guys are a great team highly recommend to anyone looking for a good attorney you won’t be disappointed
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16 May, 2024 by Jennifer vartanian
Julie is thorough, competent and works with integrity. She follows through and is reliable. I am grateful to have an attorney looking out for my best interest and wants to get the best outcome for me. I highly recommend her services.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Kelly smith
Julie doesn't really care about your case...
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06 Mar, 2024 by Natalia r.
My friend recommended Nokes&Nokes Law Corporation after I had a car accident, not my fault.
My experience with attorney Sari Nokes following my car accident in 2023 was exceptional! She and her team provided invaluable support, explaining the entire process thoroughly and assuring me that they would handle everything on my behalf. She was very professional, on target, and clear. I am truly grateful for her assistance and would wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone in need. They have my utmost trust and gratitude.
Thanks so much! You are wonderful and professional!
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09 Apr, 2024 by Glynnis
Terrible service I called at least 2 months ago to retain them they keep promising to call back never did they are either too busy which I doubt or just do not care either way it’s not a firm I would trust to represent me or my family
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12 Mar, 2024 by Suzy
Terrible law firm. I contacted them about a case that involved the wrongful death of my mom. After taking all the information and acting like they cared, I never heard back from them. I called multiple times and sent several emails asking to at least let me know if they were not willing to take my case. They did NOT. No sympathy, no courtesy. What a shame! They should be embarrassed to be treating potential clients like that.
FIND ANOTHER LAW FIRM.
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17 Dec, 2023 by Leo quiroz
22 Jun, 2021 by Alyona
Extremely unhappy with David J. O'Connell service. We were way overcharged. We hired him to review 4 page property management agreement, that takes average person 20 minutes to read, it took him 2 hours(!!!!) to read/analyze what he him self called "boilerplate" standard agreement, and he is in real estate attorney business, we assumed it will be very quick for him to review and say if there are any traps in that agreement! He also took another 30 minutes to write us an email where he advised 4 different firms/people for us to use when we didn't ask for any referrals, so we paid him to advertise his friends to us.
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19 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
He helped me in informing what I should do if my lawyer is being inappropriate and trying to take advantage of my family and charging to much money for services he did not do at all.
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12 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
David did for me in 5 minutes what my realtor and escrow couldn't do in weeks! We were trying to clear a lien from a title and couldn't find the people involved. But David did it in a flash--contacted the people and resolved what could have been costly issues in one visit. Plus a week ago I had a general question and he took the time to call me and discuss it--even though at that point we were not going to hire him for legal needs.
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15 Jun, 2023 by Damián preciado
I've had the opportunity to learn about NYCL programs and the care they take in delivering services. Really impressed by both the professionalism and the attention to detail in helping youth of different backgrounds accross the US.
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25 Aug, 2019 by Holly cooper
They work around the clock fighting for children. I have worked closely with them for years and never seen more dedicated lawyers.
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30 Apr, 2019 by Ellie?
THIS PLACE SUCKS (NO)
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01 Dec, 2017 by Sandra
After he represented me in a litigation matter, I have a very low opinion of Jamin Price Horn (i.e. Jamin Horn ). On multiple occasions his representation was below substandard in my opinion. For example, Mr. Horn didn't show up for a critical court hearing, which cost me thousands of dollars. On another occasion he didn't file a motion we spent weeks working on. Moreover, he lost supporting documents I gave to him. He told me "the court lost the paperwork". On yet another occasion, Jamin Horn didn't follow through with discovery requests. These are just a few examples. It is my opinion that Jamin Horn appeared to have problems with organization, follow-through and meeting deadlines. My new attorney suggested filing a report against Jamin Horn with the state bar. During the time Jamin Horn represented me he worked for Methven and Associates. I have documentation that supports the above facts.
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01 Dec, 2016 by Jeremy
I was battling with a contract that seemed much scarier than it actually was. Jamin was very helpful explaining what my true risks were along with a very level headed recommendation. He was also very pleasant to speak with and took the time to make sure I understood what he was telling me. I would happily hire him if the need arose.
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06 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
I thank my lucky stars I found this man. He is patient, thorough, and was on my case for the duration. I know I am not the easiest client, I am ignorant to the law, but he always made me feel informed and at ease. He gave me realistic expectations and I respect him wholeheartedly.
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20 Sep, 2016 by Marta
Lauren Goldberg defended me in a contract dispute. From the start, she was thorough, making sure she precisely understood the details of the prior interactions. Despite endless delays and unprofessional behavior by our opponents, she developed a winning strategy and pushed the case forward to conclusion. She was always responsive and accessible. She made the effort to ensure that I was as comfortable as possible during each interaction with our opponents. Her professionalism is beyond reproach. Her rates are more than fair. I was so impressed that I have since used her to negotiate two additional contracts. She is a terrific attorney – I would use her again in a heartbeat!
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07 Sep, 2016 by Eli
I had lost all hope that I would get through my horrible 5 year of back pay situation at Work, religion discrimination and long harassment; after other lawyers had turned me down and said I had no Case!
From the initial meeting Lauren Goldberg were responsive to my calls, questions and concerns. All issues were handled professionally and in timely manner.
Lauren Goldberg is a team of lawyers in one Brilliant person; she is an outstanding lawyer and person! Lauren is a sharp strategist and truly cares for her many clients. She provided both me, and my wife excellent support and quality service, Lauren was also very responsive via e-mail and phone whenever I had questions and compassionate when I was stressed and upset.
I always felt that my needs were met and that the firm was invested in my case and me. Lauren was easily accessible, got back to me quickly, worked with me to understand me, although English is my Second language, Lauren understood me and asked many question. Lauren Goldberg Billing rates are VERY fair! Ensuring that my legal costs were efficiently managed for me throughout the process, including explanation of taxes needed to be paid from my Back pay settlement. Lauren had helped me with the financial expense beyond my expectation; I would recommend Lauren Goldberg for your case! Lauren was aggressive to our adversaries and got me the results that I wanted. Lauren is concise and very powerful with her words leaving no stone unturned.
Thank You Lauren Goldberg.
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07 Jul, 2015 by Gloria
I was represented by Ms. Goldberg in a wage case. I can't put into words how horrible of an experience it was in my opinion, she is very unethical, not moral, and I felt the entire time she was representing herself and defendants. I felt like I was her first client or one of her first clients. I would like to point out that I actually won my case. If you choose Ms. Goldberg, my advice to you is to hire another attorney to help you keep an eye on her. What you see is definitely not what you get.
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17 Mar, 2024 by Larry richman
I can only speak for Burton Mitchell, as I have not utilized the firm for other matters. Having gone through a few estate firms, Mr. Mitchell is the foremost expert and legal scholar in estate planning in So Calif. A prior firm not to be mentioned interviewed for a full page spread in the NYTs botched so much. Fame doesn’t equal knowledge. I switched and am forever grateful. Knowing Mr Mitchell’s character, he would NOT associate with other attorneys unless they are of similar aptitude. Legal matters, always tortuous. Judges or jurors decide whimsically especially in California. Any disgruntled matter should be directed to the TRIAR OF FACT, not councils regardless of firm, that has to deal with oftentimes a disinterested jury pool. That is a variable no one has control over. My overall observation, reasonably priced TOP NOTCH FIRM. From one high level professional to another, different fields but astute observer. Thank you for taking the time to read my snapshot
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24 Nov, 2023 by B pitocco
18 Oct, 2023 by R c
Terrible experience.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Michael de st. aubin
I cannot speak highly enough of her expertise, professionalism, and compassionate approach. From the moment I began speaking with Shannon, I knew I was in capable hands. Shannon possesses a unique ability to empathize with her clients while educating them about the complexities of the legal process. Unlike other attorneys, Shannon goes above and beyond to ensure her clients fully understand their rights and options, making informed decisions with confidence. Her wealth of knowledge and top-tier professionalism are truly remarkable. Shannon was able to set realistic expectations for my case while instilling in me a sense of confidence and assurance. Despite the challenges of navigating the family court system, Shannon's guidance and support served as a beacon of hope during what can often be a daunting and emotionally taxing experience. In a system that can sometimes feel overwhelming and intimidating, Shannon shines as a bright light of positivity and reassurance. Her unwavering dedication to her clients' well-being is evident in every interaction, and I am immensely grateful to her. Working with Shannon DeBiase has been nothing short of amazing, and I cannot thank her enough for her outstanding advocacy and support throughout my legal journey. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone in need of exceptional legal representation. Thank you, Shannon, for your unwavering commitment and for making a positive difference in my life.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Steve portaro
Amazing firm of very helpful and knowledgeable Trust and Probate lawyers
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23 Aug, 2023 by Raul ramirez
Avoid at all costs. I had the misfortune of using an attorney from this firm. They over charge, and then proceeded to do the bare minimum. In court they are too passive letting the other side have their way resulting in my child suffering as a result.
Do not let your family suffer.
Update: my attorney from this firm contacted me about my review. They stated that their poor work was intended to save me money. I never asked for that.
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16 Jan, 2024 by Ari
This man is awful and his practice is unethical. He got a free 1000 from scamming my family. Didn’t even bother to look up my father’s case we literally paid him 1000 for him to see my father in person and demand more money. He did not look up his case or offer any type of consultation on how we can help my father. BEWARE of this awful unethical attorney that’s ok with scamming families out of their hard earned money.
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06 May, 2023 by Robert hill
31 Jul, 2022 by Max jones
I wish I was able to give this "lawyer" less than 1 star. He took my family's money and spent it on his mortgage or car note. I would not recommend this man for anything other than postponing your court dates and not showing up for them.
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27 Jul, 2024 by Profiles and reviews
28 May, 2018 by Mark greydanus
27 Oct, 2018 by Paul
Frankly, Ken Luer doesn't seem to know what he is doing. I consulted with him on a business matter and he seemed to be too distracted. Maybe he's past his prime. He bragged during my paid consultation how his wife helped him decorate his office. I wasn't interested in it. I didn't hire him.
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24 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
I was referred to Ken Luer from another attorney who volunteered for Big Brothers. I first spoke to a junior partner who gave me good advise. But, he said I had to speak to Ken because he was in charge of corporate and tax issues. It took forever to get Ken on the phone because he was always "busy". Finally, we set up a meeting in his office (which he bragged was decorated by his wife). Ken spent the next 30 minutes trying to "upsell" me more work and trying to scare me. I got out of his office just in time and spoke to another lawyer. I am so glad I didn't take Ken's advise. The other lawyer recommended a solution that was less expensive and efficient. If I had listened to Ken, it would have cost me thousands of dollars in legal fees, accounting fees, and headaches.
Surprisingly, I got a huge bill from Ken's law firm a few months later. He billed me for "research" , meetings, conferences etc. I disputed the bill. Ken's response was that he couldn't lower the bill without "ExCom" or "FinCom's" approval. He said he was on the committee so he could pull some strings. I kept getting dunning letters. I don't mind paying for the 30 minute meeting even though it was more like a marketing session. But, I don't want to pay for thousands of dollars that I didn't ask for. Gratefully, they did withdraw the bill but only after I threatened to sue them over their bill.
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20 May, 2014 by Anonymous
I went to see him and was turned over to a junior lawyer. He was terrible. He wrote an unusable letter. He over charged me. I was told he was bad and nobody was satisfied. I was thrilled with that kind of integrity. Then I got the "official" response. He was terrific and they hated to lose him. So what do I do if my lawyer was bad. Find a new lawyer. Haha. A waste of $800. I think if you are wealthy you would probably fair better.
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07 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Called Mr. Bass many times over many weeks for help & information, he never answered his phone line even when the Receptionist forwarded my call & he never returned my call either. How horrible & uncaring & 100% unprofessional. The exact kind of Lawyer who gives other Lawyers & their sometimes very shady & deceptive industry a bad reputation. Bad & sad.
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28 Jul, 2023 by Brett kestenbaum
I worked with this firm on a small project. I confirmed the project, and made sure to re-confirm the cost of a project and capture it in an email. When the bill came, it was essentially double. I spoke to them about it, and instead of taking responsibility for their error, they simply tried to negotiate with me over what I would pay, even though our arrangement was clearly laid out in an email.
For a firm that has very high bill rates, this is certainly not the way I would have hoped they would conduct business.
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13 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Extremely unstable in presentations, Lacks sensitivity to those he's speaking to. Poor listener. Has trouble with "critical intersections" where he appears confused. Can';t hold teaching job. Rubs peolple the wrong way. Extremely poor communicator.
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18 Nov, 2021 by Kristin
I reached out earlier this week for a consultation to see if he would be able to help me with the situation I have going on. Didn’t even get a response. Clearly unreliable.
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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
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Financial Markets and Services Lawyer Can Do for You
A financial markets and services lawyer specializes in providing legal advice and representation to individuals, corporations, and financial institutions involved in various aspects of financial markets and services. These lawyers deal with issues related to securities regulations, banking laws, investment management, financial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance. They help clients navigate complex financial regulations, mitigate risks, and resolve disputes that arise from financial dealings.
Whether you're an investor, corporation, or financial institution, a financial markets and services lawyer can help ensure that your financial activities are compliant with the law and structured to protect your interests.
When Should I Hire a Financial Markets and Services Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a financial markets and services lawyer in the following situations:
- Compliance with financial regulations: If your business is subject to financial regulations, such as those enforced by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or other regulatory bodies, a lawyer can ensure compliance to avoid penalties or legal issues.
- Securities law and investment management: If you’re issuing, buying, or selling securities, a financial lawyer can help ensure that your activities comply with applicable laws and regulations, such as the Securities Act and the Dodd-Frank Act.
- Banking and financial transactions: Whether you’re a financial institution or a business engaged in complex financial transactions, a lawyer can draft and negotiate agreements, ensuring compliance with banking laws and regulations.
- Mergers and acquisitions: If your business is involved in a merger, acquisition, or significant restructuring, a lawyer can provide legal guidance on the transaction and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
- Resolving disputes: If you’re involved in disputes regarding securities fraud, financial misconduct, or breaches of fiduciary duty, a lawyer can represent your interests in litigation or arbitration.
- Investment fund formation: If you're setting up an investment fund, such as a hedge fund or private equity fund, a lawyer can help with legal structuring, regulatory compliance, and drafting fund documents.
- Financial product development: For financial institutions developing new financial products, a lawyer can ensure that these products comply with relevant regulations and market standards.
Hiring a lawyer with expertise in financial markets and services can help prevent costly legal disputes, ensure compliance with complex regulations, and protect your financial interests.
What Does a Financial Markets and Services Lawyer Do?
A financial markets and services lawyer provides a wide range of services, depending on the specific needs of their clients. Their responsibilities often include:
- Ensuring regulatory compliance: Financial markets lawyers help clients navigate federal and state regulations, including securities laws, banking regulations, and consumer protection laws. They ensure clients are compliant with laws such as the Securities Exchange Act, the Investment Advisers Act, and the Bank Secrecy Act.
- Advising on securities and investments: These lawyers provide guidance on issuing securities, registering securities with the SEC, and complying with insider trading and disclosure rules. They also advise investment managers and funds on compliance with the Investment Company Act.
- Drafting and negotiating contracts: Lawyers draft and review contracts related to financial transactions, including loan agreements, investment agreements, and derivative contracts, ensuring the terms are favorable and legally sound.
- Representing clients in litigation: Financial markets lawyers represent clients in disputes involving securities fraud, regulatory investigations, financial misconduct, and breaches of fiduciary duties. They also handle arbitration between investors and financial institutions.
- Mergers and acquisitions: Financial lawyers assist with the legal aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring transactions, conducting due diligence, negotiating terms, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws.
- Advising on financial products and services: Lawyers provide legal guidance to financial institutions on structuring and offering new financial products and services, ensuring compliance with financial laws and mitigating legal risks.
- Handling investment fund matters: For investment funds, financial lawyers assist with fund formation, management, and regulatory compliance, including preparing offering memorandums and filing with relevant authorities.
How Are Financial Markets and Services Lawyers Paid?
Financial markets and services lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many financial markets lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $300 to $1,500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience, the complexity of the work, and the jurisdiction. Hourly rates are common for advisory and compliance work.
- Flat fee: For specific projects, such as drafting a particular agreement or filing a regulatory document, lawyers may charge a flat fee. Flat fees are typically used for straightforward legal tasks.
- Retainer: For ongoing legal services, such as handling compliance issues over time or advising on multiple transactions, financial institutions may pay a retainer. This is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on various matters.
- Contingency fee: In some cases, particularly litigation or arbitration over financial disputes, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis. This means they are paid a percentage of the settlement or judgment if they win the case.
It’s important to clarify the fee arrangement with your lawyer during the initial consultation to ensure you understand the total cost of services.
How Much Does a Financial Markets and Services Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a financial markets and services lawyer depends on the complexity of the legal issue, the size of the transaction, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly rates: Financial markets and services lawyers typically charge between $300 and $1,500 per hour. For example, routine compliance advice or contract drafting may cost between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on the scope of the work.
- Flat fees: For specific tasks like filing a securities registration or forming an investment fund, flat fees may range from $10,000 to $100,000, depending on the complexity of the project and the lawyer’s expertise.
- Retainers: Financial institutions or large corporations that require ongoing legal advice may pay retainers ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the scope of the legal services and the length of the engagement.
- Contingency fees (for litigation): In financial litigation cases, a lawyer may charge a contingency fee of 20% to 40% of the settlement or judgment amount. For instance, if the case settles for $1 million, the lawyer may receive $200,000 to $400,000 as their fee.
Be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of fees and costs during your consultation to ensure that legal services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask a Financial Markets and Services Lawyer
Before hiring a financial markets and services lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the necessary experience and skills for your case. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have in financial markets and services law?
Make sure the lawyer has experience in the specific area you need help with, such as securities law, investment management, or banking regulations. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees, or requires a retainer. Ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost, including any potential additional fees. -
What regulatory issues should I be aware of?
Ask the lawyer to identify potential legal issues related to your financial activities or transactions and how they plan to ensure compliance with relevant laws. -
How will you protect my business interests?
Ask how the lawyer plans to mitigate legal risks and protect your financial interests in any transactions, disputes, or compliance matters. -
What is your track record in financial litigation or disputes?
If you’re involved in a legal dispute, ask the lawyer about their experience in financial litigation and their success rate in similar cases. -
How long will the process take?
Whether you need help with regulatory compliance, a transaction, or litigation, ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to take. -
Can you provide references?
Ask for references from other clients in the financial sector who have worked with the lawyer on similar matters.
How to Check the Credibility of a Financial Markets and Services Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable financial markets and services 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 relevant financial experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in financial markets and services law and have experience in the specific areas you need help with.
- 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 working with the lawyer.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on financial markets or services matters.
- Check for certifications or memberships: Look for certifications or memberships in relevant legal and financial organizations, such as the American Bar Association’s Business Law Section or the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA).
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a financial markets and services lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Details of the financial matter: Provide a clear summary of your financial transaction, regulatory issue, or dispute, including key details and any potential legal concerns.
- Contracts and agreements: Bring any contracts, investment agreements, or loan documents related to the matter so the lawyer can review them.
- Correspondence with regulatory agencies: If you’ve received communication from regulatory bodies (e.g., the SEC or FINRA), bring copies of these documents to help the lawyer assess your compliance or legal exposure.
- List of questions: Prepare a list of questions about the legal process, potential outcomes, costs, and the lawyer’s strategy for handling your case.
- Details of previous legal issues: If you’ve faced previous legal challenges related to financial matters, provide information on those cases, including any settlements or judgments.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice for your financial markets and services needs.
