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25 Jul, 2024 by Libby shafer
We highly recommend Barb! She was extremely supportive in helping us buy our first home.
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28 Apr, 2024 by Debbie m.
Barbara Goodman of Goodman Law a highly regarded Real Estate lawyer was referred to me by my Real Estate agent. Barbara did not disappoint, she was the consummate professional throughout the process. She wants only the best for her clients. Barbara is extremely knowledgable and well versed in Real Estate law. She was always very responsive and consistently demonstrated a sense of urgency. Barbara and her Paralegal, Stephanie Dykas maintained an open-line of communication at all times with me, my agent, as well as the Seller's lawyer to facilitate and expedite the transaction. She successfully resolved any pending issues promptly. Barbara kept me apprised throughout the process. I am very grateful to Barbara and Stephanie for their tireless efforts on my behalf.
I would highly recommend Barbara Goodman.
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30 Sep, 2023 by Madison major
The Law Office of Barbara Goodman has been very prompt and helpful in assisting me with multiple real estate transactions over the last 6 years. I always enjoy working with Barb and her team. Highly recommended!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Carlos alvarez
05 Aug, 2024 by Ion preguza
28 Jun, 2021 by Rye infanzon
09 Dec, 2024 by J malissa jm
Mr. Therman provided tailored and thorough answers to my questions. I now understand my options based on my situation, time and location. I appreciate his personalized approach and feel comfortable about what I need to do next.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Marilyn o'neill
Dennis McNicholas is a superb estate attorney- 50 years experience. He fully explained options and details of my Last Will and Testament. Highly recommend!
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17 Mar, 2023 by Jaroc179
My wife and I first retained Dennis 24 years ago for a real estate purchase and were incredibly impressed by his professionalism, knowledge, and relaxing yet take-charge demeanor. He set everyone at ease at the closing while he handled the legal matters. We just sat back and watched the show, and the next thing we knew, we were owners of our new home. And we never forgot him.
Since then, we have used Dennis for reference on numerous occasions regarding real estate, estate planning, elder law and estate administration. He knows the law and gets things done efficiently, and he follows up matters on his own initiative.
He is also respectful, compassionate and principled, and has a sense of humor that makes dealing with him a pleasure rather than a chore.
When we have an issue that may require legal representation, Dennis J McNicholas is always the first person that comes to mind... always. He does not disappoint, and he has our absolute highest recommendation.
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5.0
3 Reviews
4.6
154 Reviews
19 Dec, 2024 by Alexis aarons
There is no one who knows, understands and is able to communicate the law better than Lisa Kane! Her brilliance is only outmatched by her tenacity for doing the right thing and getting her clients justice. Thankful for Lisa’s extensive experience and expertise! I would recommend her and suggest reaching out as early in the process as possible.
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18 Dec, 2024 by Solutions a to b
Called in. Discussed case details with firm - firm didn't call back. Perhaps conflict of interest. No courtesy. they have my case details - very untransparent responses by phone attendant. I don't think this place will protect my rights and, do not appreciate the lack of respose, or giving me the expectation that my call would be returned soon, and, implying I should wait for it. Never called me back.
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07 Nov, 2024 by Lord reign
17 Jan, 2025 by Sierra holmes
With such short notice, they had a great team take care of my case! They made it a very easy and smooth process. It was such a peace of mind having them take care of me. My case is dismissed!!! I cant thank them enough!
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17 Jan, 2025 by Jared brandow
Monica and everyone at the Law Office of Clyde Guilamo went above and beyond my expectations. She was so helpful and walked me through the painstaking process of getting my record sealed. I highly recommend Monica and everyone at this great Law Office!
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15 Jan, 2025 by Tiffany leah
Jocelyn is awesome, customer service can be very hard to deal with and she made my experience more than pleasant and after getting a million and one wrong answers and the run around she provided me with accurate and sufficient information that was needed. Thank you so much Jocelyn you are a rock star at what you do and you're awesome to talk to! Give her a raise and the recognition she deserves.
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04 Mar, 2021 by Richele
Andrew May is a consummate professional. He has provided me with excellent legal advice and service over the years. Andrew is also well versed in FINRA laws and will work hard to resolve your issues. Highly recommend!
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13 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I have been a client of Andrew May for over 10 years. He has helped my numerous times and has always done a great job! He is very knowledgeable on all the securities issues I have needed help with and has been someone I can count on. He will always do what ever he can to be sure YOU are well represented!!
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29 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
When I found Andrew I had a mountain of regulatory trouble and despite 16 years in the industry, no knowledge or experience in how to deal with it. He calmed my mind and helped me make sensible decisions that were both ethical and protected me. I will continue to use him for all my business legal needs. Highly recommended.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Pavle iliev
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the team for the excellent outcome in my auto accident case. They were professional, attentive, and truly cared about my situation. I am incredibly satisfied with the results and the level of service I received. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of a dedicated and effective legal team. Thank you again for your hard work and support!
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24 Jul, 2024 by Mahmoud abu
Thank you guys for your excellent service
I hundred percent, recommend any new customers to this wonderful team of law
Well appreciated thank you🙏💯
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17 Jul, 2024 by Ibrahim aslanpay
If you have had an injury case, you should definitely work with this law office. They explained every detail to me well and helped me at every stage of the process. They concluded my case in about three months. I specially wanna thank Eric and Melanie for great help!
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28 Nov, 2017 by Wayne
To Whom It May Concern:
In thinking about Tom Burke, the three words that come to mind are integrity, character and brilliance. I am in the Construction Industry and had been trying to receive payment from a customer for over 15 months. My lawyer at the time had yet to accomplish anything, so I finally made the decision to switch my representation. In under four months, Tom Burke was able to accomplish what no one else had been able to; he pushed the opposing council to avoid further delays, he kept the matter from going to court, he got us a very generous settlement, and he even went so far as to go to Kane County to pick up the check for us.
Without Tom, my company might never have received the money that it deserved. He was efficient, persistent and knowledgeable, and offered a level of service rarely seen anymore. I would wholeheartedly recommend Tom to anyone and hope that he realizes my level of gratitude towards him.
Sincerely,
Wayne J. Klein II
President
Klein Construction
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11 Oct, 2017 by John
Tom Burke represented us with success in a dispute with an investment counselor. More than anything else, he was responsive and reactive to our information, asked questions on a need to know basis and kept us informed with developments. He was candid with his assessment of our posture, creative in his prosecution of our claim and persistent in his settlement posture. I am a lawyer, and I enjoyed working with Tom and appreciated his regard for my suggestions. We were far more financially benefited by his representation (resulting in more than a $1M recovery) than with other attorneys we consulted with who estimated the value of our claim at less than 10% of the settlement Tom Burke achieved. He virtually rescued out retirement.
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24 Sep, 2017 by Paul
Tom Burke represented me in an arbitration, and I am ever grateful for that. He was a quick study in learning the details of the matter at hand and demonstrated his grasp of the issues in his representation. He was professional, level-headed, and worked exceptionally well with our expert witness. He was also quick on his feet and able to effectively respond to the points raised by the opposition. As a result, my case was taken seriously, and we achieved a satisfying outcome. I highly value his competence and give my highest recommendation.
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13 Apr, 2015 by Patrick
Martin provided advice and handled the paperwork and filings to create a LLC for my company. Very responsive and made sure I knew the next steps at the times when I needed to provide information to move the project forward. The process was handled more expediently than I expected and I was very happy with the result, timeframe, and cost.
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05 Apr, 2015 by Chris
Marty Ryan has gone above and beyond our expectations. His expertise in being able to gain knowledge of information that was not privy to us was exceptional. Marty was always on top of the situation involving our case and kept us apprised in a very timely fashion. Whenever we had legal questions, he was always able to answer in terms that were easy to understand. In closing, if you are looking for an attorney who is extremely knowledgeable of the law, an excellent communicator, and someone who will fight for you to the end, we highly recommend Marty Ryan.
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19 Mar, 2015 by William
Martin is a perfectionist with an extensive litigation background. His excellent analytical skills and perseverance separate him from the rest. He is someone I would highly recommend to anyone seeking litigation services.
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03 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
John represented us and helped us get out an employment contract where fraud was occurring. He was very competent and patient. I recommend him for any securities fraud and related contract issues
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28 Aug, 2015 by Dave
John was great in helping assist in a fraud case for us. Through the whole process, a lot of roadblocks were put in place by the responsible parties, but John was able to overcome them. Through the whole process, he was very good at making sure he or one of his partners were in touch with us, so we always understand where we were at in the process. I would highly recommend John!
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27 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
John was very skilled, patient, and persistent in helping us with a default judgement that was placed against us. He handled himself with a professional manner throughout the entire process in spite of at times an irrational out of control plaintiff. I would highly recommend his services to anyone seeking a well qualified attorney.
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10 Nov, 2017 by John
We have hired Trace on several different projects. He is able to view issues presented from many different angles and brings fresh perspective to the matters at hand. I look forward to working with him again.
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09 Nov, 2017 by Bill
Trace has provided us with tremendous support on complex "bet the company" litigation and compliance matters. He is smart, tenacious, ad tirelessly dedicated to getting the best possible result for his client.
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08 Nov, 2017 by Mark
Trace helped us win our case with thought provoking coaching and genius rebuttal. His preparation and creative mind is what separates him from others. Doing his homework and thinking about the case from all angles. He also goes above and beyond giving advice on quick calls that are off the clock. True customer service!
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09 Oct, 2015 by Mike b - gents co-op
I've worked in the legal profession for 10 years, and Dan is the first attorney i've worked with that truly cares about our business. He strives to provide us with more tons of value, and he's done just that. Dan has navigated my business partner and I through some very hairy predicaments with huge success. Thanks Dan, not sure where we'd be without you!
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09 Oct, 2015 by Angela
We recently hired Regan Law at the beginning of 2015. Since adding this law firm to our corporation, we could not have been more pleased. Mr. Regan is the epitome of prudence and professionalism. We look forward to a long standing working relationship.
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29 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
After interviewing many lawyers, I found Ms.Olson to have my best interest at hand for the situation I was in. She is fair, honest and direct. She gets fair results and explains why things are the way they are in a calm and soothing demeanor. Ms.Olson returns phone calls (ect.) In a prompt & timely fashion, and has always answered ANY question I've had (big or small) day or night. I would recomend Ms.Olson to anyone in need of a reliable attorney that gets excelent results.
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04 May, 2016 by Tim
I first became focused on finding ways for our district to re-invest in its amateur sports tournament facilities in 2011. For nearly two decades before, our district had earned a national reputation for being a leader in hosting amateur sports tournaments. While we invested in our facilities over those years, we did not do so at the same pace as other communities and the competitive environment was leading to a loss in our reputation. I was committed to retaining and regaining that reputation which is when I turned to Paul.
I first became familiar with Paul's work about ten years ago when he represented a local government in our district who sought our participation in a regional economic development project involving five other local governments. Because of this project’s success, I felt confident that Paul would be able to help. That was nearly five years ago (see our complete project timeline) and today, with the guidance of Paul and his team, I am completing our region's award winning process for the development of a $65M amateur sports tournament hosting campus. None of which would have been accomplished without the help of Paul and his team. The Project, known as Reclaiming First, has a simple but powerful message - the reputation of our park district for hosting amateur sports tournament events is a critically important economic development engine for our region, and is, therefore, worth of regional support and investment.
Developing this message and moving it from idea into action required consideration of political, financial, economic and legal issues. The experience of Paul and his team in helping build local government coalitions to achieve regional projects was an indispensable part of our success. Through countless meetings, board presentations, and state legislative sessions, my team and I working side by side with Paul and his team to identify each stakeholder's needs in the context of their particular financial and economic positions and to cobble together a strong unified political and financial coalition to bring this project home. The project has not only been an award winning model for success but, in large part because of Paul's approach, experience and technical understanding, it has created a new sense of community collaboration amongst the local governments in our district.
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08 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
Mitch, is a great trustworthy attorney. He has conducted himself in the upmost profession when dealing in my cases. His accomplishments as a lawyer and his progression in the industry speaks for itself.
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08 Feb, 2013 by Kathleen
Mr. Segatto has helped me and my family for many years. We are extremely happy with the service we get at Barber, Segatto, Hoffe, Wilke and Cate. They treat us like fellow human beings and Mr. Segatto takes great concern and care into any issue we present to him. We have recommended Mr. Segatto and his firm to every person who asks us if we know of a good attorney. We have yet to hear of anyone not satisfied with Mr. Segatto's help. Mr. Segatto is highly regarded among his peers and in his community. He is a great attorney and we have no reason to seek help elsewhere.
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11 Feb, 2010 by Anonymous
I have worked with Aaron on multiple matters for my company involving everything from standard bankruptcy analysis to complex eight figure disputes. Aaron and his team are responsive, diligent and most importantly, they come to the table with a "big picture" focused approach. Aaron will continue to be my bankruptcy counsel of choice and I would recommend him with absolutely no reservations.
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03 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
I cannot put into words what Justin McShane has done for us. My brother was pulled over and drugs and a stolen weapon were found in his car. At that point we were preparing for the worst. I called a couple lawyers in the area and the first one to call me back (within 20 minutes) was Justin McShane.
If you ask me Justin is a miracle worker. He proved that the police violated my brother’s rights by wrongfully stopping him. The prosecutor had been pushing for 2 years in prison but my brother was saved.
Thanks Justin. You will definitely get referrals from us.
Dwight
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26 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Best lawyer ever plain and simple. The fact that he hasn't been approached to be the Attorney General of our country is ludicrous. Hire this man he is as good as it gets.
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25 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Mike has the legal knowledge and gives the expert advice you need when facing a lawsuit. He uses influence and expertise where needed and knows how to handle almost every situation, good or bad. He also puts his heart in each case that he involves himself in.
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13 Nov, 2023 by James schlenker
He is the best. Hands down. He wins cases for his clients by being knowledgeable, well prepared and aggressive. He can adjust his strategy in a split second as necessary to outperform his opponents. He leaves his opposition speechless. Case closed.
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30 Jul, 2023 by Ken fiedler
I highly recommend Mike Leonard. he has helped be throughout my legal dispute. He is knowledgeable, responsive and above all, an zealous advocate. I am grateful for his support, guidance and services.
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12 Apr, 2023 by M sircar
Michael has great communication skills. He listened to our concerns carefully and informed and advised us thoroughly without the condescension I have felt from previous attorneys.
He kept us up to date on developments and responded to our calls quickly. He was empathetic to our situation and made us feel like our outcome was the highest priority. Thank You for the great outcome!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Carlos alvarez
05 Aug, 2024 by Ion preguza
28 Jun, 2021 by Rye infanzon
28 Aug, 2024 by Carlos alvarez
05 Aug, 2024 by Ion preguza
28 Jun, 2021 by Rye infanzon
18 Oct, 2024 by Tautyanna parker
This top-notch lawyer delivers results. With clear direction, he expertly tackled my objectives. If you need a reliable lawyer, consider hiring him.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Krystle
Attorney Rush is hands down one of the best criminal defense attorneys out there. His expertise and confidence made an incredibly stressful situation so much easier to navigate. He took the time to explain every step of the process, listened to my concerns, and built a strong defense that ultimately led to a favorable resolution. I felt supported and reassured throughout the entire process, knowing that my case was in good hands. I would highly recommend Rush Criminal Defense to anyone in need of top-notch legal representation.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Rn on hand llc
I cannot recommend Attorney Rush highly enough. From the moment we first met, it was clear that I was in extremely capable hands. He displayed a deep understanding of the law, was thorough in reviewing every aspect of my case, and always kept me informed about the progress. Not only did he provide expert legal advice, but his attention to detail and professionalism were outstanding. Thanks to his hard work and dedication, the outcome of my case was better than I could have hoped for. If you need a criminal attorney who will fight for you, look no further than Rush Criminal Defense.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Office scanner
Matt and staff are thorough and went above and beyond to get the best results on our case. I definitely recommend Willens & Baez
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26 Nov, 2024 by Rena larson
25 Nov, 2024 by Ian manthey
Use this attorney to have a child support/ visitation case modified and moved from Lasalle county to Will county. Attorney failed to have case properly closed in Lasalle, attorney was contacted and fixed their mistake but now want to charge me a large amount of money for a mistake they made!! Filing fees would be one thing but I shouldn’t be paying you hourly to fix your own mistake!!
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23 Jan, 2025 by Jeff joyce
Very happy with their service, both the speed and their willingness to answer all my questions as we went through the process of setting up our family trust.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jenna medlin
Phil Bareck went above and beyond for me. I was injured at work and felt I was treated unfairly while out on leave. Phil listened to me every step of the way and fought a fight most wouldn’t. It was a very long and tiring battle but he never once gave up. He kept me in the loop and asked my opinions on everything. If you are looking for someone to fight for you Phil is your guy!!
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18 Jan, 2025 by Ross m
Absolutely the best legal experience I've heard from anyone and arrival at justice in a difficult case. My company used an IME which lied. It was easily shown to the arbitrator and Mrs. Bridgette Kolb ensured justice and a fair outcome, recovering all of my lost workers compensation and covering a partial loss of my body due to the injury. I could not imagine a more effective or elite attorney.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Jeff joyce
Very happy with their service, both the speed and their willingness to answer all my questions as we went through the process of setting up our family trust.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jenna medlin
Phil Bareck went above and beyond for me. I was injured at work and felt I was treated unfairly while out on leave. Phil listened to me every step of the way and fought a fight most wouldn’t. It was a very long and tiring battle but he never once gave up. He kept me in the loop and asked my opinions on everything. If you are looking for someone to fight for you Phil is your guy!!
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18 Jan, 2025 by Ross m
Absolutely the best legal experience I've heard from anyone and arrival at justice in a difficult case. My company used an IME which lied. It was easily shown to the arbitrator and Mrs. Bridgette Kolb ensured justice and a fair outcome, recovering all of my lost workers compensation and covering a partial loss of my body due to the injury. I could not imagine a more effective or elite attorney.
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17 Dec, 2023 by Pearl jewels
I appreciate his time of explaining why I should have protection of property and life insurance.
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02 Feb, 2022 by Pawan kapoor
Mike is very thorough and flexible. He spent time understanding our family situation and helped with estate planning very efficiently. I would certainly contact Mike for any future legal needs in this area...
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21 Jan, 2022 by Danny krantz
Michael has been incredibly helpful, responsive and professional when helping my wife and me with our estate planning and will. He's helped us with a number of legal matters including the purchase and sales of real estate. Overall, very please with Michael and his services.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Emilee figueroa
I worked with Mikayla Stoveland and she was wonderful to work with. She was thorough, kind and helped with many frustrating situations in my case. I always felt she had my back and best interest in mind. 10/10 would recommend!
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10 Jan, 2025 by Tremaine crayton
Mitch is an excellent lawyer. With his knowledge of the law he was able to get my pending uuw felony dropped down to a misdemeanor. Best money spent thanks again Mitch for all your help
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19 Dec, 2024 by Joel sanchez
Very responsive and reasonable. Mitch is very knowledgeable and effective. He will go far and beyond for his clients. Highly recommended, I’d give him 6 stars if I could
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13 Jan, 2025 by Emilee figueroa
I worked with Mikayla Stoveland and she was wonderful to work with. She was thorough, kind and helped with many frustrating situations in my case. I always felt she had my back and best interest in mind. 10/10 would recommend!
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10 Jan, 2025 by Tremaine crayton
Mitch is an excellent lawyer. With his knowledge of the law he was able to get my pending uuw felony dropped down to a misdemeanor. Best money spent thanks again Mitch for all your help
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19 Dec, 2024 by Joel sanchez
Very responsive and reasonable. Mitch is very knowledgeable and effective. He will go far and beyond for his clients. Highly recommended, I’d give him 6 stars if I could
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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.
