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14 Jul, 2023 by Sarai
We've had an issue with a neighbor and I hired Mr. Darnell for a letter stating we had rights to access a community area - it's been about 2 years and I kept asking, "can I have a letter?", he wanted me to sue the neighbor which would be additional fees, attorney fees etc.. I can't afford that and just needed to show legal rights to access the area. I finally gave up and fired him - and then he sent me a letter back dated to October 2022. Why not just do what I asked in the first place? This isn't right. And then he said he'd refund my money, and now it's been a month and no refund, no replies... not dependable in my personal opinion.
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19 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
I had a criminal case pending and hired Eric Darnell in December 2016. He never gave me or my mother any paperwork for hiring him and what it would cost. He was paid $5000 and did not do anything other than show up in court in April 2017. He would not return my phone calls nor address questions that I had. He asked for a statement of events from me which I provided him four days after he was hired. When we met him for the first time on April 20 in court, he stated that I didn't give him exactly what he asked for as far as my statement. He had over 3 1/2 months to tell me this, yet he brings this to my attention 30 minutes before court. He was extremely rude to me when I met him and to my family. Nothing happened other than the court date being pushed back for another two months, yet by the time we got home seven hours later, he had already sent another email asking for even more money. Not a single thing had he done for us other than show up in court. I dropped him as my attorney and had to hire an attorney that was more knowledgeable and professional. When he was given notification that he was no longer my attorney, he refused to answer phone calls from my new attorneys office and when my attorney ran into him in the courthouse elevator Eric Darnell had very unprofessional words with him. Needless to say, it was shocking that a "professional" would act like this.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Eric Darnell - Attorney For a criminal case. When asked if he handled criminal cases he said that he did…he does not and we were not familiar with finding the correct type of attorney at that time. Extremely hard to get a hold of and would not return phone calls. Kept asking for more money and hadn't done a single thing. He did not answer specific questions that were asked regarding the case. Dodged every question asked. Did not tell the truth regarding his filings and stated in emails that he had filed certain motions, which in fact he did not do. We ended up hiring a much more professional attorney that answered every email or phone call. I would never recommend Eric Darnell - to ANYBODY.
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18 Mar, 2019 by Lorenzo
Mr. Philip Mullin was legally retained and paid $21K to represent myself and my family. However, the day before our trial, Mr. Mullin advised us that he failed to file any motions on my family’s behalf and, as a result, we lost our case on a technicality. In other words, since Mullin missed the court's deadline to file his legal documents on my family’s behalf, we lost automatically and never had the opportunity to present our case to the presiding judge.. Afterwards, I discussed a reasonable refund with Mr. Mullin, but he laughed at me and told me, “No way, I'm giving you a dime back!" And also stated, "I’m sorry, but time just got away from me.” This was my family’s experience with attorney Philip Mullin of El Paso, Texas. Beware.
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13 Feb, 2019 by Patricia
I first used Mr. Mullin as my divorce lawyer 12 years ago. He went against a State Senator and did very well! I chose to retain Mr. Mullin on a yearly basis regardless if I needed him. He is a very good lawyer. He has assisted my family and has continued to fight for my children when any issues would arise. Mr. Mullin assisted me greatly when I had issues with my former employer. He was very well prepared, and won our case which was quite lengthy. It was not an easy case, but he was very knowledgeable in the area of labor laws. Mr. Mullin reassured me that everything would be fine and he was right. He is a very professional and well versed lawyer with many years of experience. His small family law firm went head to head against one of the biggest law firms in El Paso, and has won! It took several months, but beleive me Mr. Mullin knows what he is doing. He recently completed a child support issue, and although it takes him a little bit to get around, he managed to recover quite a bit child support due to an increase. Once again Mr. Mullin went against a large law firm in San Antonio and was very successful. Mr. Mullin has instilled hope to both of my children (who are now young adults) and in me. The bottom line is that he cares about his clients. I know that I have used Mr. Mullins services many times and I truly appreciate his fighting for justice! Thank you Mr. Mullin and Azalea for all that you have done for my family over the years. We are grateful.
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15 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
This lawyer continuously calls people from other States that have nothing to do with current court cases and harasses them. Calls them 9 to 10 times in a row without leaving a message behind for no reason whatsoever. The people he calls has nothing to do with the case whatsoever. Does not communicate With anybody until the day you see him in court. Do you only lawyer I have ever met that harasses people that have nothing to do with the case whatsoever just out of pure spite . He needs to retire hes way too old to be practicing law, and when he was in the court-room outside waiting to be let in he continually asked other lawyers for law advice. He needs to Be fired and needs a wheelchair because he can barely walk let alone practice law.
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30 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I understand that she is using her mother's coat tail to establish her clients, but I was very disappointed that I could not get thru past the receptionist. I paid the consultation fee, only to find out what I already knew. Fees are extremely expensive. Comparing this to a really good pair of leather shoes. You know they are good, and will last a long time, but then you see the same pair with a label and you end up paying five times more. If you have the money upfront they will talk to you, but you might be stuck with a pair of over priced leather shoes that pinch more than just your pocket. I was ready to hire the team, but I could not talk to anybody without money. I wanted to pay another $1000, and even then I couldn't speak to anybody. I knew that I wasn't going to be guaranteed a win win case, but I needed answers to some of my painful needs. My desperate actions led me to a different attorney who did answer all my questions. I lost my $250.00 consulting fee.
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19 Mar, 2023 by Nancy
My experience with this attorney was nothing short of a nightmare. This was the second attorney assigned to me from the ambulance chasing Alex Hernandez law firm and he did nothing but lie and ghost, just as the first attorney assigned to me, Rene Zarazua did. Memorize these names and do not use them. Unless you want to just give them your hard earned money and have them do nothing but lie and ghost you. David Leffman was assigned to me after Rene Zarazua lied and ghosted me. I received a fake apology for my experience with Rene and was assigned David Leffman. The first thing he did was lie and say, “I get things done, I will have answers for you within 24 - 48 hours.” That was back in December. I had to write the firm and accuse them if handing me another do nothing ghosting attorney, to which he rapidly called me and lied saying that he had sent me an email with a demand letter. I said, no I received nothing. I am ready to have my computer forensically studied to prove that he is a liar, as I believe he never sent me a letter. So he said, I will resend it and change the supposed dates. Then another month goes by after this supposed letter was sent, to which I send him another email and ask if he has heard anything back from this supposed letter he had claimed to send a month earlier. Nothing but crickets, so I email him, and CC’d Alex Hernandez, and another attorney that had told me earlier, apologetically that my case was being escalated, Dale Slade (Don’t use this liar, Dale Slade either) to inquire why the ghosting again, only to find Alex Hernandez has blocked me, but Dale Slade and David Leffman got my emails, but chose to ghost me. This was not a terribly difficult case, could’ve been solved with a simple letter, but this firm is excellent at taking your money and disappearing and becoming impossible to reach by phone or email. They have a great PR firm that answers the phone sympathetically, but that is all they are as the attorney’s will never get back to you. Even when they say they have marked the message URGENT. I am reporting the Alex Hernandez firm, mr Zarazua and mr Leffman to the Texas bar association as well as the IRS, there is major misappropriations of funds here going on here. And judging by the yelp reviews where they have a generous 1 star rating, this is their MO, take your money, lie and ghost you. I want my money back from this attorney and the do nothing firm. Maybe it’s time for a class action law suit? At any rate, save your money, and don’t use them. The only time they do anything aggressively is relentlessly pursue you for your business, then lie and ghost you.
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What a Government Lawyer Can Do for You

A government lawyer specializes in legal issues related to government policies, regulations, and disputes involving public entities. Whether you are a private individual, business, or government agency, a government lawyer provides expert guidance on navigating the complexities of government law. These attorneys handle cases ranging from constitutional law, administrative law, regulatory compliance, and government contracts to defending or challenging government actions.

Government lawyers help individuals and organizations understand their rights and obligations under the law, represent them in disputes with government agencies, and assist in matters of government contracting, procurement, or public policy.

When Should I Hire a Government Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a government lawyer in several situations involving government regulations, compliance, or disputes. Common reasons to hire a government lawyer include:

  • Government contracts and procurement: If you are bidding for or negotiating a contract with a government agency, a lawyer can help ensure compliance with federal, state, or local contracting rules.
  • Regulatory compliance: Businesses operating in highly regulated industries (e.g., healthcare, finance, environmental sectors) often need legal guidance to comply with government regulations and avoid penalties.
  • Government investigations: If you're being investigated by a government agency such as the IRS, SEC, or EPA, a government lawyer can help defend you against allegations or negotiate settlements.
  • Challenging government actions: If a government agency has denied a permit, license, or benefit, a lawyer can help you appeal or challenge the decision in court.
  • Constitutional and civil rights issues: If you believe your constitutional rights have been violated by a government entity, such as in cases involving free speech or discrimination, a government lawyer can help you seek justice.
  • Public policy or lobbying efforts: If you are involved in lobbying or advocating for policy changes at the local, state, or federal level, a government lawyer can provide legal advice on compliance with lobbying laws and strategies for effective advocacy.

Hiring a government lawyer early in the process can help you navigate complex legal frameworks and avoid costly mistakes when dealing with government-related legal issues.

What Does a Government Lawyer Do?

A government lawyer provides a wide range of services that cover interactions between individuals, businesses, and government entities. They can:

  • Assist with government contracts: Helping clients navigate procurement laws, drafting contracts, and resolving disputes related to government contracting.
  • Provide regulatory compliance advice: Offering guidance on meeting regulatory requirements for industries subject to federal, state, or local laws.
  • Handle administrative law matters: Representing clients before government agencies, such as appealing administrative decisions, applying for permits, or defending against regulatory enforcement actions.
  • Challenge or defend government actions: Representing clients in lawsuits involving government agencies, including constitutional challenges, civil rights violations, or disputes over government decisions.
  • Negotiate settlements with government entities: If a government agency is pursuing legal action against you or your business, a lawyer can negotiate settlements to avoid costly litigation.
  • Advocate for policy changes: Advising clients on legal strategies for influencing public policy, including lobbying and drafting legislation.
  • Litigate constitutional issues: Handling cases related to the Constitution, such as First Amendment rights, due process violations, or unlawful government actions.

How Are Government Lawyers Paid?

Government lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the nature of the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:

  • Hourly rate: For ongoing legal matters, such as regulatory compliance or government contract disputes, lawyers may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
  • Flat fee: For specific services, such as drafting a government contract or filing an administrative appeal, some lawyers charge a flat fee.
  • Retainer: For clients who need ongoing legal support, such as businesses frequently interacting with government agencies, a lawyer may charge a retainer fee. This is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
  • Contingency fee: In some cases involving litigation, such as civil rights violations, a lawyer may work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win or settle the case.

It’s important to discuss fee structures with your lawyer during the initial consultation to avoid surprises.

How Much Does a Government Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a government lawyer depends on the complexity of the legal issue, the lawyer's experience, and their fee structure. Here are some general cost estimates:

  • Hourly rates: Government lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
  • Flat fees: For specific legal services, such as drafting a government contract, flat fees can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the nature of the service.
  • Retainer fees: A retainer for ongoing legal work with government agencies can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the scope and frequency of the work.
  • Contingency fees: In cases where a lawyer works on contingency, their fee is usually a percentage (typically 25% to 40%) of any settlement or damages awarded if the case is successful.

Be sure to get a clear estimate of costs during your consultation to ensure that you understand the fees associated with your case.

Top Questions to Ask a Government Lawyer

When hiring a government lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and skills needed for your specific situation. Key questions to ask include:

  1. What is your experience with government law cases?
    Make sure the lawyer has substantial experience in handling cases or issues involving government agencies, regulatory compliance, or constitutional law.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Ask how the lawyer charges for their services - whether by the hour, flat fee, retainer, or contingency fee - and request an estimate of costs.
  3. What are the potential outcomes of my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of your legal options and the likelihood of success based on your specific situation.
  4. How do you handle interactions with government agencies?
    Ask about their approach to dealing with government entities and their experience with specific agencies relevant to your case (e.g., IRS, EPA, SEC).
  5. Have you handled cases like mine before?
    Ask about their experience with similar cases and whether they have achieved favorable outcomes in the past.
  6. Who will handle my case?
    Clarify whether the lawyer you are meeting with will personally handle your case or whether junior attorneys or paralegals will do most of the work.

How to Check the Credibility of a Government Lawyer

To ensure you’re hiring a reputable government lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:

  • Check state bar association records: Confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and has no history of disciplinary actions.
  • Review their professional experience: Look for specific experience in government-related legal issues, such as regulatory compliance, government contracts, or administrative law, on their website or professional profile.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Check online reviews and ratings on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to get insight into the lawyer’s reputation and track record.
  • Ask for references: Request references from previous clients who have worked with the lawyer on government-related matters to understand their experience and effectiveness.
  • Check for membership in relevant organizations: Look for memberships in professional organizations such as the American Bar Association's Administrative Law Section or the National Institute of Government Procurement, which can indicate the lawyer’s focus on government law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first meeting with a government lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant information and documents. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Detailed description of your legal issue: Be prepared to explain your situation, whether it’s a regulatory compliance question, a government contract issue, or a dispute with a government agency.
  • Relevant documents: Bring any paperwork related to your case, such as contracts, permits, letters from government agencies, or notices of investigation.
  • A list of questions: Write down any questions you have about your case, including the legal process, potential outcomes, and costs.
  • Timeline of events: Provide a clear timeline of any relevant events, such as the issuance of government orders or interactions with government agencies.
  • Goals for the outcome: Be ready to discuss what you hope to achieve, whether it’s a favorable settlement, regulatory compliance, or overturning a government decision.

By being organized and prepared, you can help your lawyer understand your situation more quickly and give you the best legal advice moving forward.

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