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23 Jun, 2015 by Oliver
The Espinosa law firm handled my family law matters and would recommend to anybody looking for outstanding lawyers. Thank you to the law firm.
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05 Feb, 2015 by David
Debra is an outstanding attorney whom I would recommend to anyone. As a government attorney myself, Debra's experience and understanding of southern Texas local government law was a great help to me.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Catalina garcia
Today, I had an unfortunate experience in court with my daughter's father. At seven and a half months pregnant, it was already a hectic morning, struggling to find parking and finally arriving 17 minutes late. Upon entering the court, I saw my daughter's father and his attorney, Della Fay. I overheard Della Fay complaining that I wasn't in court. To make my presence known, I said, "Hey, I'm here." Her reaction was dismissive and condescending. She grabbed my daughter's father, continued walking, and mockingly said, "Yeah, well, we already called the case," while looking back at me. This was clearly intended to worry me, and it did. I rushed to the courtroom to check in and explain my situation. Fortunately, the court reheard my case, and the judge explained the ruling. It became clear that Della Fay's earlier complaint about my absence was because the decision was still in my favor. Throughout the process, I was anxious and distressed, fearing that my tardiness had negatively impacted my case. Thankfully, the judge was patient and understanding. This incident highlighted Della Fay's unprofessionalism. Her attitude seemed aimed at creating unnecessary stress and conflict, despite knowing I was pregnant and visibly distressed. This behavior is particularly disappointing given her involvement with a nonprofit organization that supports children and women victims of abuse. If she recalled, the last time she represented him, I signed off $1,000 to help him and ensured some of the support went towards his back pay. Previously, I signed off $5,000 to get him out of jail so he could get back on his feet. This demonstrates that we mothers aren't all money-hungry and bitter. Her approach did not reflect the empathy and professionalism one would expect from someone in her position. If she had approached the situation with understanding and respect, the outcome might have been more positive for her client. Instead, her condescending attitude and lack of compassion were counterproductive. If that's how she gets clients—by creating problems—that's on her, but next time, make sure it doesn't come at the expense of causing unnecessary stress to a seven-month-pregnant woman outside a courtroom. Shame on you, Della Fay, for treating a pregnant woman this way. Your behavior today was uncalled for and unprofessional.
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14 Jun, 2024 by Alejandro cardenas
Best attorney in town. They have helped me where other attorneys have failed. Mr. Eric is awesome provided the help that we, (me and my family) much needed when other attorneys failed. Perez law firm has gained my trust and business for life. Thank you Perez law firm and thank you Mr. Eric for your hard work 🙂
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31 Mar, 2023 by Omar saenz
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09 Sep, 2024 by Troy nguyen
I was initially a skeptic but the Omar Ochoa Law Firm's professionalism, ethical, and proactive approach for obtaining a favorable outcome for its clients is truly second to none. Rarely does a law firm or attorney dedicate as much time and resources to keep clients fully engaged with every step of the process. It was a breath of fresh air even before knowing the outcome but with the Ochoa Law Firm as your advocate, you can have your cake and eat it too. I will highly recommend the Omar Ochoa Law Firm to all of my friends and family members. Its reputation is well-deserved and impeccable.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Oncomingstorm
These folks were very friendly and professional every step of the way. I couldn't have asked for a better team or outcome. I would 10 out of 10 times recommend them!
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07 Sep, 2024 by Rosalinda morgado
If you need to go to a law firm, this is the one! Great customer service & very professional staff.
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20 Oct, 2021 by Gloria
This attorney had my case for 5 years never moved forward, very poor communication skills. And after having my case for five years he closed my case.”he probably got paid under the table.
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08 Jan, 2018 by William
William took my case and has since helped me financially and is doing very well with my case
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16 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I found out that she did malpractice on my mother's case. She told my mom that the case settled. My mom signed the release form to accept the settlement and the attorney gave my mom her "portion" of the settlement. In a nutshell, the statue of limitations of the case had expired. My mom could no longer proceed with her case with another attorney. Mom didn't do anything about all this, she is of she & continue with pain due to her fall. Don't waste your precious time with her. It's not worth it.
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11 Apr, 2013 by Dana
We used this attorney and she does not answer phone calls nor does she have the complete knowledge required to thoroughly represent someone. It was like pulling teeth to get a call back or email reply from her. Years later and the case is still open!
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

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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