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22 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
During my 37 year career as a law enforcement officer and as Chief of Police for the past 16 years I have worked with many attorneys. Cliff Shepard is without a doubt on top of my list as an advocate for his clients. In recent litigation involving a multi million dollar lawsuit many lawyers wanted to settle the claim after arbitration. Cliff took the position we had done nothing wrong and insisted on going to trial if need be. As a result of his insistance the case proceeded and we prevailed with the court ultimately dismissing the claim totally.
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26 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
Cliff handled a very sensitive civil litigation matter for me which involved mutiple parties and perfomed admirably. He was always conscious of who he represented (me!) and was enthusiastic about the pursuit of the case. He is a knowledgeable and aggressive litigator who can think on his feet, but above all, he is ethical. I certainly would engage him again.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Elizabeth
Northstar Legal placed me at my current position and I am absolutely grateful. I love my role and couldn't be more happy with Northstar Legal placing me there. Highly recommend their services.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Marie
During a stressful battle over my child Ms. Rolla was a friend, a fighter, and my advocate. I could not ask for anything else.
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21 May, 2024 by Theresa rozenberg
Absolutely amazing company and would recommend NorthStar Legal to anyone looking for work in the legal field. Ms. Magnusson is hands on and goes above and beyond for ALL OF HER CLIENTS. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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12 Jul, 2024 by Carter shrum
They were Great. They got my Student Loans forgiven. $38,000 + ... I would recommend them to everyone.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Von250
Highly recommend. The entire staff all highly professional, all working together as a team. Very thorough especially Mr. Wayne Spivak. Questions I had were short and to the point, answered all my questions in a timely manner. Very easy to navigate through the process. I learned a lot as well. Important to gather all your data and keep it handy for references.They follow all proper legal guidelines as to what is needed. I had researched other places and I went with this firm. Cost effective wise they were THE best regardless of which route you went for your case.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Axel giraldo
I am super happy I hired Justin Clark & Associates Law Firm to help me with my student loans. They were able to get all my student loans discharged. Candice Medina kept me informed through the whole entire process. Very professional. I will definitely recommend them.
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03 Jan, 2018 by Selena
My daughter was involved in a single car accident in which another parent was driving. I didn't know what to do. I contacted Don, and he was able to help put my mind at ease. My only concern was my daughter's medical bills, which have all been paid, and we even walked away with more than expected. His team helped set up medical treatment, as well as followed up with us often to make sure my daughter was doing well. I am very satisfied. If I ever need another attorney, I know where to go.
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22 Jun, 2017 by Krystal
Don defended my business in a civil suit. He put me at ease from the beginning and throughout the entire process. He always responded to my questions and calls. He was amazing with his knowledge of the law and the at the trial leading to a positive outcome for me – Thank You Don” Krystal
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22 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Reliable,easy to get ahold of. Lots of knowledge that made me feel at ease. The location of the office was convenient and the office staff was great.
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11 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
I'll refer to the business for whom I once worked that hired this person as the 'company'. Incompetence doesn't begin to describe this 'attorney'. He once left a deposition during which he proffered an elaborate collection of evidence to the other side in a powerpoint presentation and complained that maybe he had given away too much. Yeah, maybe everything. Our position in the case had just been severely worsened by him. It was like it was his first time, and this wasn't that long ago. He's an amateur at best, but too old for that. That case and several others were NEVER concluded by him despite years of repeated direction to settle the cases: Each and every one got worse with his involvement. All cases were settled by the company shortly after he abandoned them. It wasn't difficult. There's a reason he's no longer with any his previous firms and working alone. He would end his work with the company by taking legal action against that company on behalf of a former employee. Yes, he not only violated attorney/client privilege but he then attacked his own client. To my knowledge, at no time did he ever resign or withdraw from working for the company with whom I worked: He simply went to work for the other side without notice. Is that a thing? His poker buddy was the one who got him hired by the company. When his poker buddy got fired, he immediately turned on the firm. He worked with his poker buddy to attack the company, even going so far as to provide a false affidavit with extraordinary claims of money owed. This was withdrawn almost immediately when it was pointed out the legal risk of this false claim and how obviously fake it indeed was. What kind of attorney does this? This should have gone to the Florida Bar, he should have been disbarred. No formal complaint was ever filed, this is the kind of 'person' you're best just getting as far away from as possible. No complaint of any kind was filed previously, it was assumed this 'attorney' would fabricate some legal premise to continue unwarranted attacks. To this day, he continues to work with his poker buddy, hooking him up on failed construction projects. I pity the client. They've no idea what they're getting into - one is as incompetent as the other. Avoid this man at all costs. He shouldn't even be allowed to practice. Know that rules do not apply him. If that works for you, here's your man.
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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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