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05 Sep, 2024 by Kelsie alford
Have loved working with Jeffrey! He’s the best when it comes to business disputes and contracts! Never a doubt that he’ll do what’s right for us!
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12 Jun, 2024 by Brayden johnston
Very professional guy! Helped settle my nerves over a contract dispute. He is willing to stand by me when I need him. He is very knowledgeable. He is a combat veteran, so for all you veterans out there, make sure you support his business!
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10 Jun, 2024 by Demetrius griffin (griff)
Jeff is amazing. He kept it REAL and pointed me in the right direction. He navigated me through the small claims process, while allowing me to save some money. A man truly for justice and for the people. Definitely gets a stamp of approval
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29 Jan, 2024 by Dora
Such a stressful thing to deal with. But I found Erin and everything was made as easy as possible and was explained very well. Communication and timely responses throughout the process. I can recommend her!
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07 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Top notch experience. I had no clue what to expect or how to feel about the services I needed. Erin listened, worked closely with me to keep me informed and confident of next steps. Highly recommend.
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11 Feb, 2023 by Joe s.
It is very true what they say about bankruptcy.....SCARY...and nerve racking. One local attorney declined to help, quoting the "complexity" of my situation. Another attorney was asking for an unreasonable fee and was not very friendly. A quick internet search lead me to Erin's practice and was impressed right away. Erin has a very confident and reassuring demeanor and I was so very relieved to have found her. Her rate is also very reasonable. Erin and her staff David are extremely prompt and reliable. They are both very easy to contact and again, very prompt. Lastly, I cannot say enough about how caring and detailed both Erin and David were with my case. We had a potentially devastating issue but Erin was very instrumental with ensuring that the outcome was favorable and positive; the Trustee during the creditor's meeting did not even bring up the matter, she's that good. I felt very very at ease and confident that my case was in great hands.
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04 May, 2018 by Christina
I recently hired Mr. Di Furia to handle my foreclosure situation. He was really easy to deal with and down to earth. I like that he knew what he was talking about, but he also really made me feel comfortable. I was in a bad situation, but he really got me a great deal in the end. One of the best qualities about Paul is his communication. Unlike most lawyers, his assistant will answer texts/calls until late and she will also communicate over the weekends. That's excellent for a person like me that works 8-5pm. She was able to answer my questions and make sure that I calmed down if I got distressed. This was a great experience, I got lower payments, and it was very affordable fee wise. I would recommend Paul to anyone.
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01 Feb, 2018 by Julie
I’d called the state’s mediation counseling/referral line December 23, 2016 and the woman I spoke with said I’d probably miss my 30-day option for mediation due to the timing of the holidays. That godsend of a woman then called in a personal favor and contacted “the best foreclosure attorney in the business” because she said if anyone could stop the foreclosure at that point, it was him.
Paul called me from the East Coast where he was celebrating Christmas with his family. He got my information and told me he’d enter me in the mediation program to stop foreclosure even if I didn’t end up hiring him to represent me, but of course I did.
Paul’s fee was extremely reasonable, and he accepted it in monthly payments. After 4 years and 2 prior failed mediation’s, my case was a mess that took a lot more time, effort, and negotiation than all of his other clients, but he never complained or asked for more money. He even convinced my ex to sign and notarize documents he’d sworn he’d never sign off on!
Paul worked ahead of deadlines, responded immediately, and walked me through every step with patience, humor, and a positive attitude. Both the lender and mediator had extensive prior experience working with Paul and at our first meeting, both commented on his reputation as a tireless professional they enjoyed working with. Their attorney told me I ‘couldn’t have chosen better’.
The end result was Paul pulled off a miracle by not only saving our house, he also negotiated with the lender to get my monthly payment $400 lower than what I was paying before the divorce.
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11 Aug, 2017 by Karl
Paul was of excellent service. We would highly recommend him. Thanks Paul!
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14 Aug, 2021 by Carol
I spent months working with Sleepers In Seattle trying to resolve a delivery issue and got nowhere. I hired Sam and he resolved the issue immediately and I received a full refund. I appreciated Sam's help very much, I would give him more stars if I could.
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18 Feb, 2021 by Duane
I had some issues come up a few different times and Sam was straight to the point ! He gave me great info and I followed his lead and it all worked out great in the end. Peace&Love to one of the great in the NW. Go hawks!!!
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28 Sep, 2018 by Heather
I had an issue with a collection agency. I was referred to Sam via Legal Aid because I actually had a case against the collection agency and didn't even know it! He helped me understand the complexities of my case, handled everything, made no decisions with my consent, and safeguarded me through the process. I felt protected. My journey with this collection agency was years long, but Sam had experience with them and knew how to deal with them. He never pushed me to make a decision one way or the other. We discussed all of my options and moved forward only after I felt comfortable with the information provided and was sure about the next step. He is hard working, thorough, generous with his knowledge so that I had full understanding, patient, respectful, and kind. You won't find a better attorney.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Josh
Tom and Meredith were the best people imaginable to help with my mother's estate. Walked me through the whole process in a caring and personal way. No one else I'd rather have represent me or my mother's estate. One of these days I'm going to stop procrastinating and get my estate planning done and know exactly who to go to.
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08 Nov, 2021 by Mstislav seligman
11 Dec, 2019 by Denise “dee†dees raymond
10 Jan, 2011 by Jason
She helped a good friend of mine save her home! Very personal service, and above all, honest and to the point. I would recommend her to anyone.
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10 Nov, 2020 by Stanley
With intense pressure from the IRS and other creditors we filed a business Chapter 11 through Joel. His brilliant tactics kept the IRS and creditors at bay which gave us time to go to work and about 18 months later we paid off the IRS and all creditors and removed ourselves from bankruptcy protection.
Joel cuts to the chase and gets the job done. Highly recommend!
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10 May, 2011 by Patrick
I was brought into court for a criminal matter that I was 100% guilty of. I did not have an attorney when I arrived and Joseph was acting on behalf of the Public Defender's office. He was my first contact within the court and I was immediatly taken back with how friendly, professional, and calming he was. I was humiliated at what I had done, but Joseph took a moment and told me to breathe, said it would be OK, and really just made me feel better about the situation I put myself in.
He did not judge me or make me feel worthless and embarrassed. His attitude was all about how people screw up and he was there to help me achieve the best possible result from my own mistakes.
I knew I would not qualify for public defender so I reached out to his office at Feldman and Lee to see if I could hire them as my attorney. My only request was that Joseph Jordan represent me. They agreed and I retained him as my lawyer.
The entire process could have been awful and I could and should have been looking at serious punishment. Joseph negotiated on my behalf, worked with me on steps I could take, and in the end actually got the entire case deffered. I am amazed that this outcome actually happened based on my history and how guilty I was. He took the time to listen, to respond, and also to go to bat for me when no one else would.
He was careful to not over promise, but had a way of making me feel much better when things got scary.
I am very thankful for his service and for the way he treated me from start to finish.
Although I enjoyed him, I hope I never see him again.
If you need an attorney that will fight for you, and one who actually cares, then I have no problem communicating my excellent results while working with Joseph Jordan.
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10 Jul, 2007 by Anonymous
This attorney took on a mess of unbelievable proportions. He is a bankruptcy lawyer who took on two other attorney firms filing BS claims against me and my business. He beat them both hands down through motion summary, in fact he made them look like fools, which they were. He is a no nonsense, competent attorney with morals, determination and conviction. He never allowed his opposition to stray away from the case itself by creating bogus misdirection and needless expense. It is unfortunate I had to meet him in such a terrible circumstance, however if you must file for bankruptcy protection, he is the one to call hands down.
Thank you Arnie!
Rick
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25 Sep, 2024 by Deborah hendren
My brother was forced into a guardianship by these people. The Guardian Ad Litum completely ignored the revised laws of 2020 that state Guardianship is to be the least restrictive measures with individual preferance as the most important focus. The Guardian Ad Litum instead marked every box to strip my brother of all his civil liberties taking extreme measures to ensure my brother would never be able to live independantly again...my brother did not deserve the Guardian Ad Litums attack upon all his civil liberties thaf reduced him to a dog basically. Shr alsi did nothing to protect him she reduced him to a vegetable with a stroke of a pen...she probably is a volunteer for the court who has no formal education about guardianship and real intent. But here lies the true problem the attorney with FoxBallard even told my family it was futile nothing could be done to stop this nightmare ...this firm is nothing more than a parasitic nusiance of greed that benefits by inflicting suffering on vulerable adults who the legal system should protect not exploit!
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09 May, 2024 by Cameron george
More than professionals employed here, family is how I was treated with care dignity and diligence by this firm, I heard horror stories about litigation or mitigation might be the word I’m not sure, but my claim was settled in less than a year, and could’ve went on much longer, without their entire team this wouldn’t have been possible, personal standing out gratitude to counselor Humza.
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09 May, 2024 by Kyle g
Kendra was extremely helpful and she was efficient at processing our case, she also helped us feel comfortable through the process
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21 Sep, 2024 by Lena mae
The staff here was very friendly and helpful with my case. I had a great experience and would recommend to anyone searching for accident lawyers!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Yumi shim
They provided great communication and worked very efficiently throughout the process. I would highly recommend!
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02 Sep, 2024 by Dylan ngo
The staff here were so amazing and accommodating. I was able to solve the situation extremely quick and without much confusion. They made the situation extremely clear and helped me navigate my potential options with ease!
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.8
743 Reviews
10 Oct, 2024 by Ali ataman
Great communication from the start to end. My ticket got dismissed. Very happy with the result and the process.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Nta ls lpz
🙏 Thank you very much to lawyer Matthew for all his help in defending my case and helping me to come out the winner and delete from my file the charges against me I recommend them very good lawyer and excellent the price he charges for his work🙏👨💼⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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07 Oct, 2024 by Kris griebe
I appreciated how simple the process was and how effectively it was handled. I would definitely recommend Hale Law and would go with them again.
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.8
62 Reviews
08 Oct, 2024 by Igor shamin
I do not recommend. At first everything was fine, the company gave me access to the CRM system to add documents and control the status. I added all the documents very quickly. The company was constantly in touch Katya and the team (Kimberly and Abel). But then they started disappearing and not answering questions, they promised one deadline, but did nothing within the specified time frame and do not give an answer on the actual status and when it will be ready. As a client, I am worried because I did not receive the service for which I made an advance payment and I am wasting time with filing a case.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Sofia down
Best choice! My husband and I had the smoothest and easiest green card process imaginable. Thank you Katya, Jelena, Vanessa and team for always being there, providing expert advice and doing so at the best price. Looking forward to taking the next steps together 🫶🏼💗 we got approved 9 months later!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Navruzbek ibadullaev
I would like to thank Stelmakh & Associates!
Katya has been amazing from day one, explaining all the options that might work for my unique case. Before starting to work with her team, I spoke with a few other lawyers but didn’t feel comfortable with them. However, after discussing my situation with Katya, I had no doubt that her team was the right choice for my EB2 NIW application. I chose this firm because of their stellar track record in handling immigration cases, along with the great feedback I received from an acquaintance who got her EB2 NIW approval in early 2024.
Katya and her team—Abel and Kimberly—did an incredible job taking charge of my case, meticulously preparing all the documents, answering my questions, and making sure every detail was covered. They were always responsive and kept me informed throughout the entire process.
Thanks to their dedication and expertise, I was able to secure my EB2 visa. I truly appreciate everything Stelmakh & Associates did for me!
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08 Oct, 2024 by Igor shamin
I do not recommend. At first everything was fine, the company gave me access to the CRM system to add documents and control the status. I added all the documents very quickly. The company was constantly in touch Katya and the team (Kimberly and Abel). But then they started disappearing and not answering questions, they promised one deadline, but did nothing within the specified time frame and do not give an answer on the actual status and when it will be ready. As a client, I am worried because I did not receive the service for which I made an advance payment and I am wasting time with filing a case.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Sofia down
Best choice! My husband and I had the smoothest and easiest green card process imaginable. Thank you Katya, Jelena, Vanessa and team for always being there, providing expert advice and doing so at the best price. Looking forward to taking the next steps together 🫶🏼💗 we got approved 9 months later!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Navruzbek ibadullaev
I would like to thank Stelmakh & Associates!
Katya has been amazing from day one, explaining all the options that might work for my unique case. Before starting to work with her team, I spoke with a few other lawyers but didn’t feel comfortable with them. However, after discussing my situation with Katya, I had no doubt that her team was the right choice for my EB2 NIW application. I chose this firm because of their stellar track record in handling immigration cases, along with the great feedback I received from an acquaintance who got her EB2 NIW approval in early 2024.
Katya and her team—Abel and Kimberly—did an incredible job taking charge of my case, meticulously preparing all the documents, answering my questions, and making sure every detail was covered. They were always responsive and kept me informed throughout the entire process.
Thanks to their dedication and expertise, I was able to secure my EB2 visa. I truly appreciate everything Stelmakh & Associates did for me!
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21 May, 2024 by Shannon j
Mr. Karimi is a down to earth lawyer that will fight for justice.
I hate the reason for having to hire him, but I'm glad I did.
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21 May, 2024 by Gwen hull
Great attorney, listened to me and my needs. He was by my side the entire process. He got my felony dismissed. My life would have been ruined if I didn’t have Mr Karimi on my case.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Satisfied chapter 11 clients
Jacob helped my husband I through our Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. HIs honesty and willingness to change directions with our circumstances is a true testament to his flexibility and commitment to work with his clients for their best life results.
Jacob was always focused on our needs and desires concerning our real estate. Our rental portfolio was 3 rental properties but our circumstances were complicated and he treated us with the utmost care.
We strongly recommend Jacob as a knowledgable yet open minded attorney. He is not an income driven attorney, but an attorney that gives great value and caring as his greatest assets. He works hard to get his clients the best result possible!
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14 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Does not negotiate in good faith. Pushes responsibility entirely onto his client and then ghosts you. Sends a letter that says he represents said party and then doesn't. I could go on.
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03 Feb, 2015 by Andy cheng
Christian represent me in three Lawsuits starting from 2009. Initially, I was very stressful and frightened to deal with legal matter. Christian was very patient to help me, provide professional advice, follow through my case very carefully. Always consider my difficulties and concern. He treat me like his friend. He helped me to win two Lawsuits and successfully to collect the court judgement. Another one is still ongoing. I always trust him and have fully confident on him. I recommend Christian to my sister and friends. All are very pleased and satisfied the service provided by Christian. I highly recommend Christian to others.
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03 Feb, 2015 by Makenzy jones
Running a business is no easy thing. One has to take care of their customers and employees all the same. There are many challenges to being successful and one of them is navigating the legal system. Christian is that guy if you need some help in becoming familiar with the way courts (and other companies lawyers) handle the legalities in construction.
We were involved with multiple lawsuits that were unbeknownst to us until being served. The illegal actions were performed by someone in our company that we very much trusted. It was a very difficult situation to handle and we knew we needed legal help. The Linville firm had helped us in the past set up really good contracts for construction, so we decided to use them for our new legal matters. Christian was not only very understanding of the situation but he showed us that he was working hard on our case with continual updates of how the courts and lawyers were proceeding. Also, his advice for how we should act within our own company was very honest and orderly. In the end, he succeeded in getting us out of an ugly legal battle.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Kennya ambriz
07 Oct, 2023 by Yolanda morales
20 Jul, 2023 by Jaime pastor
Muy buen abogado
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21 Mar, 2024 by Casey day
Jay goes above and beyond to help people. I worked with Jay in the past with a slip and fall at a major retailer where I was injured. He handled the case with ease and kept me informed every step. He won the case and made sure to explain every detail.
Recently I was in a car accident out of state and Jay was a wealth of knowledge to help me again.
It's hard to find legal help that cares. Jay falls into that rare breed. Look no further, give him a call.
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31 Mar, 2023 by Raina bayas
I'm an attorney in Colorado and called Jay about a case I am contemplating taking on. He's very knowledgeable and provided me exceptional guidance. I would not hesitate to hire him.
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16 Oct, 2022 by My lea
Was a tremendous help. Went above and beyond. His guidance, time and knowledge were a great value
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21 May, 2024 by Shannon j
Mr. Karimi is a down to earth lawyer that will fight for justice.
I hate the reason for having to hire him, but I'm glad I did.
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21 May, 2024 by Gwen hull
Great attorney, listened to me and my needs. He was by my side the entire process. He got my felony dismissed. My life would have been ruined if I didn’t have Mr Karimi on my case.
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07 Jun, 2023 by Julian cc
Bridget is too professional, it seems to me that she loves the profession, from the first moment she makes you feel like family, I highly recommend her and Miya her assistant is a great team
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01 Aug, 2024 by David fingerhut
Sam is an excellent real estate lawyer and someone you definitely want in your corner when negotiating complex real estate transactions or disputing a contract.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Nikki newby
01 Nov, 2023 by Natalie cielle
I had a wonderful experience with Ms. Woolery. She is extremely well-versed in law, bright, helpful, responsive, thoughtful, and kind. In other words, exactly what you need in a family law attorney!
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18 Dec, 2009 by Anonymous
I was referred to Katrina by a friend who also hired her for a tenant eviction. She is extremely knowledgeable in this area. She helped me immensely with my first ever eviction, and as a result of her work we were able to file a final judgment of eviction without a lot of extra time, money and hassle. I highly recommend her to any landlord in need of advice or eviction services.
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04 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
I hired Katrina to handle an eviction case. Her flat rate was very reasonable. I especially liked that she was available for an initial consultation in her Pioneer Square office. As a part-time landlord (like many homeowners renting instead of selling in this market), I was new to the eviction process. She patiently answered my questions. I also liked how she handled herself in court - very professional and respectful of the judge. Not surprisingly, we got the ruling we wanted.
My only issue was that the whole process took longer than expected for a couple of reasons. One was that the person who served my tenant the documents had difficulty finding the house initially since the tenant had scratched the house numbers off of the mailbox. Also, using the correct forms and following the procedure precisely was critical. Lesson learned, if I ever had to do this again (knock on wood), I would hire Katrina at the first sign of non-payment. And I would keep an eye on the mailbox.
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14 Nov, 2020 by Gary n.
I hired Michael Safren to research an issue for me and give me his opinion, which he did. He gave me a written opinion letter and regardless of the outcome I was completely satisfied with his work product. Being an attorney myself I was impressed with his professionalism and analysis.
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14 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
I hire J.Ling on Nov.of 2019 and ended our relationship on April 2020, yes it took that long but she had not file my bankruptcy at all. She came up with so many reasons to justify her ineptitude, it was a mistake on my part when I paid her in full, it made her lazy and not do her job. I asked her twice to give me my file so I could go to another but she has not given it to me, up to this time I still haven't received my file.
Hire this lawyer at your own risk.
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12 Oct, 2017 by Jennifer
I used Jenny for drafting a business purchase contract and review of a commercial lease. She was responsive, efficient and very accommodating of my shortish timeline. I appreciated working with her and highly recommend her for small business owners who might be afraid of working with a lawyer. High integrity. Great value.
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10 Sep, 2024 by River witch
Michelle Fze Chong So is an extraordinary lawyer who embodies the passion and tenacity often portrayed in movies and TV shows. Her commitment to delivering justice is inspiring and remarkable, reflecting the true spirit of a legal champion. Her unwavering support and expertise were nothing short of amazing.
Winning a case others claimed was hopeless showcased her exceptional skills and immensely impacted our lives. We are profoundly grateful for her ability to turn the tide in our favor when all seemed lost. She not only our saved our butts, but she also saved us tens of thousands of dollars. She is a true warrior with superpower legal skills. Her legal expertise was vital to securing our future. Her dedication and hard work have made all the difference in our lives. We are forever appreciative and profoundly grateful for all her effort and hard work.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Ken leffler
Kelley Duggan was disciplined by the Washington state bar for ETHICS violation, very incompetent attorney
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06 Sep, 2024 by X x
10 Sep, 2024 by River witch
Michelle Fze Chong So is an extraordinary lawyer who embodies the passion and tenacity often portrayed in movies and TV shows. Her commitment to delivering justice is inspiring and remarkable, reflecting the true spirit of a legal champion. Her unwavering support and expertise were nothing short of amazing.
Winning a case others claimed was hopeless showcased her exceptional skills and immensely impacted our lives. We are profoundly grateful for her ability to turn the tide in our favor when all seemed lost. She not only our saved our butts, but she also saved us tens of thousands of dollars. She is a true warrior with superpower legal skills. Her legal expertise was vital to securing our future. Her dedication and hard work have made all the difference in our lives. We are forever appreciative and profoundly grateful for all her effort and hard work.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Ken leffler
Kelley Duggan was disciplined by the Washington state bar for ETHICS violation, very incompetent attorney
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06 Sep, 2024 by X x
11 Dec, 2021 by Nichole kyrkos
22 May, 2010 by Anonymous
Ryan reviewed my contract for me: he was fast, meticulous and thorough. Joy to work with!
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20 Apr, 2010 by Bob
Ryan Carson reviewed an employment contract for my wife and me. He did so promptly, professionally and thoroughly. I was impressed by the balance he struck between a rigorous fine-toothed-comb approach and a global "what does this mean" assessment. He explained technical matters in clear language for our lay ears.
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05 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
I consulted with Ms. Freel-Sparks regarding our case and felt she was honest about her professional opinions. She made some assumptions about our case without having a clear picture of certain issues and not reviewing the information we were willing to provide. She didn't feel it would have made a difference, I totally disagreed with this assessment.
Overall, she is an attorney that claims to be a very good negotiator, but not a fighter or one to take a firm stance. This is someone to bridge the gap, to discuss issues that specifically deal with special education, but feels there has to be a real need to retain attorney.
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11 Sep, 2013 by Lori
This attorney has serious ethical issues! She failed to serve us with documents! We were never able to respond without knowledge of her court actions against us! We have called several times after we got a garnishment and she ignores us and hangs up on us. DO NOT ever use her for any services.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Foreclosure Lawyer Can Do for You
A foreclosure lawyer specializes in helping homeowners navigate the legal complexities of foreclosure, working to protect their rights and potentially save their homes. Foreclosure lawyers assist homeowners facing foreclosure by negotiating with lenders, filing legal defenses, and representing them in court. They also help with loan modifications, short sales, and other alternatives to foreclosure. Whether you’re behind on mortgage payments or already in foreclosure proceedings, a lawyer can help you explore your legal options and work toward a solution.
If you’re at risk of losing your home, a foreclosure lawyer can provide guidance on how to stop or delay the foreclosure process and protect your financial future.
When Should I Hire a Foreclosure Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a foreclosure lawyer in several situations where you are facing financial difficulties with your mortgage. Common reasons to hire a lawyer include:
- Facing foreclosure proceedings: If your lender has initiated foreclosure proceedings, a lawyer can help you file a legal defense and explore options for stopping or delaying the process.
- Loan modification: If you want to modify the terms of your mortgage to make payments more manageable, a lawyer can help you negotiate with your lender and ensure that the modification complies with legal standards.
- Challenging the foreclosure: If you believe your lender has violated foreclosure laws or the terms of your mortgage agreement, a lawyer can help you challenge the foreclosure in court.
- Stopping a foreclosure sale: If your home is about to be sold at a foreclosure auction, a lawyer may be able to file for a temporary restraining order or injunction to halt the sale.
- Short sale or deed in lieu of foreclosure: If you cannot afford to keep your home but want to avoid foreclosure, a lawyer can assist with arranging a short sale or a deed in lieu of foreclosure, where you voluntarily transfer ownership of the home to the lender to avoid foreclosure.
- Filing for bankruptcy: If you’re unable to manage your mortgage debt and other financial obligations, a lawyer can advise whether filing for bankruptcy might stop foreclosure and help you restructure your debts.
Hiring a lawyer as soon as possible - especially when foreclosure is imminent - can provide you with more legal options to save your home or limit financial damages.
What Does a Foreclosure Lawyer Do?
A foreclosure lawyer provides a variety of legal services to homeowners facing foreclosure, working to protect their rights and help them avoid losing their homes. Their responsibilities often include:
- Negotiating with lenders: A lawyer can negotiate with your lender to modify your mortgage or create a repayment plan, helping you avoid foreclosure by securing more favorable terms.
- Filing a legal defense: If your lender is improperly foreclosing or has made errors in the foreclosure process, a lawyer can file a legal defense, challenging the foreclosure in court. Defenses may include violations of foreclosure laws, predatory lending practices, or failure to follow the terms of the mortgage.
- Representing you in court: A lawyer can represent you in foreclosure proceedings, whether you are defending against the foreclosure, seeking more time to negotiate with the lender, or filing for bankruptcy.
- Stopping or delaying foreclosure sales: If your home is scheduled for a foreclosure auction, a lawyer can help file a motion to stop or delay the sale, giving you time to explore other options.
- Advising on bankruptcy: A foreclosure lawyer can assess whether filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy would be beneficial, as bankruptcy can temporarily stop foreclosure and give you time to reorganize your finances.
- Arranging short sales or deeds in lieu of foreclosure: A lawyer can help facilitate a short sale (selling the property for less than the mortgage balance) or a deed in lieu of foreclosure (transferring the property to the lender), which may allow you to avoid the foreclosure process.
How Are Foreclosure Lawyers Paid?
Foreclosure lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many foreclosure lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For specific legal services, such as negotiating a loan modification or filing a bankruptcy petition, some lawyers offer a flat fee. Flat fees can range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the scope of the work.
- Retainer: In more complex foreclosure cases, especially those involving ongoing negotiations with lenders or court appearances, a lawyer may require a retainer. This is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on your case.
- Contingency fee (rare): In some rare cases, particularly when suing a lender for wrongful foreclosure, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win the case or settle on your behalf.
It’s important to discuss fees and payment arrangements with your lawyer upfront, especially if you are facing financial difficulties.
How Much Does a Foreclosure Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a foreclosure lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the amount of time required to resolve the issue. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly rates: Foreclosure lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour. For example, a simple case with 10 hours of legal work at $300 per hour would cost $3,000.
- Flat fees: For straightforward services such as filing for bankruptcy or negotiating a loan modification, flat fees typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the work.
- Retainers: In more complex or ongoing foreclosure cases, a lawyer may require a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the length of the case and the lawyer’s experience.
In addition to legal fees, you may also need to cover additional costs, such as court filing fees or expenses related to property appraisals.
Top Questions to Ask a Foreclosure Lawyer
Before hiring a foreclosure lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the necessary experience and approach to help you. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with foreclosure cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling foreclosure cases similar to yours and has successfully helped homeowners avoid foreclosure or negotiate better terms. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost of their services. -
What are my options for stopping foreclosure?
Ask the lawyer to explain the different legal strategies available for stopping or delaying foreclosure, such as loan modifications, filing a legal defense, or bankruptcy. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and the chances of successfully avoiding or delaying foreclosure. -
How long will the process take?
Foreclosure cases can vary in duration, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to take and what factors might affect the timeline. -
Will I need to go to court?
Ask whether your case is likely to settle out of court or if a trial may be necessary. If a trial is possible, ask what steps the lawyer will take to prepare. -
What steps can I take to protect my home?
Ask the lawyer for advice on steps you can take to protect your home, such as making partial payments, negotiating with your lender, or exploring foreclosure alternatives.
How to Check the Credibility of a Foreclosure Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable foreclosure lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no disciplinary actions against them.
- Look for foreclosure experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in foreclosure law and have successfully handled cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about their experience with the lawyer.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on foreclosure matters.
- Check for certifications or memberships: Look for lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) or who have specialized certifications in real estate or foreclosure law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a foreclosure lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Mortgage documents: Bring a copy of your mortgage agreement, payment history, and any correspondence you’ve received from your lender, including foreclosure notices or demand letters.
- Financial information: Provide information about your income, expenses, and debts, as this will help the lawyer assess your financial situation and determine the best legal strategy for your case.
- Previous communications with your lender: If you’ve already tried to negotiate with your lender, bring any emails, letters, or records of phone calls that document these communications.
- Court documents (if applicable): If foreclosure proceedings have already begun, bring any court documents related to the case.
- Questions about your legal options: Prepare a list of questions about the foreclosure process, your options for avoiding foreclosure, and how the lawyer plans to help you.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice for protecting your home from foreclosure.
