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18 Sep, 2024 by Michael berg
Stuart was a great help handling my change of custody. He was professional and responsive to my questions. He handled all the paper work and filings and kept me informed when I needed to appear in court and let me know when it wasn't necessary for me to appear.
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14 Sep, 2024 by Alberto rocha
Competent, prompt, and easy to work with. It was a pleasure working with Stuart who is clear and friendly in his communication. I appreciate his proactivity in identifying and correcting errors in an important legal document helping to ensure on time delivery and walking me through in a way that I could clearly understand. I felt in great hands with him. Highly recommend Mellman & Mellman.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Jane h
I can't say enough to the professionalism of Mellman and Mellman. From the very beginning, they were considerate and understanding of our situation. We had open and honest conversations regarding our case, through prompt phone calls and emails, which we deeply appreciated.
We are also extremely grateful to Ms.Sarah Shankel, Associate Attorney, who worked tirelessly for our family. She helped us to resolve our case in a fair manner. We will always, always be indebted to her.
So if you are looking for a law firm with heart and the desire for justice, call Mellman and Mellman. You will not be disappointed.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Maria blanco
Finding myself in a situation I never imagined my family would be in was difficult to grasp. I was and still am grateful to have had the support and guidance from Ari. He was informative and communicated each step timely, always reassuring our family.
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25 Aug, 2024 by Nancy sussman
complete fraud
This attorney charged me $7500 to represent my interest if a R.O, against my son I wanted removed as I did not put it on. Instead she sold me out and had my son removed to a rehab facility , did not mention the removal of the order without even telling me. She did that to help the prosecutor. It lead to disastrous results to my son leading to his death and the destruction of my family. I hired her the next day in shock at her behavior so criminal. Do not be fooled she does not know who her client is and will she rip you off also OF Course.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Victor lopez
I am very grateful to Attorney Ari Lieberman for his effort and dedication in helping me with my father's case. It was definitely a difficult case for me because I never imagined being in a legal situation. I thank God that Attorney Ari crossed my path and showed empathy and professionalism in helping and educating me to understand the legal case, as I did not know anything about the law.
I definitely recommend Ari, and if you or someone you know is facing a legal situation, Ari can help!
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11 Sep, 2024 by Helen lennon
Easiest review I can give. They helped get my offer in compromise accepted by the IRS. I owed $35,000, but Ms. Delia was able to settle it for just $500. Honestly, that’s all you need to hear—give them a call!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Sam barrow
Dawn Delia is the best tax attorney you'll find! I'm so grateful for her help with my small tax issue. I just needed a payment plan and was too scared to call the IRS. She advised me to set up a payment plan on the IRS website to save money, but I still wanted to hire her. She agreed and quickly got it done. Even though my case was small, she treated me like an important client. She's a wonderful person!
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26 Aug, 2024 by Jack simon
Amazing, professional, courteous law firm. They know how to get it done. Talk to Dawn Delia, best tax attorney around!
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23 Sep, 2024 by Stephanno dhifernessi
Wow Estoy sorprendido por toda su atención. En especial a Mayra O. Por estar al pendiente de mi salud y tu ayuda a referencia de psicología! Su ayuda infinita con el médico del dolor. Uffff no se que más decir. Quiero agradecer a todo el staff de the low brothers por ser para mi los #1 y claro que los voy a recomendar en mis redes. Les agradezco desde el fondo de mi corazón su ayuda. Gracias mil.
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14 Sep, 2024 by 760. alan
I had the privilege of working with Ricson during a difficult time, and I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer. He is professional, friendly, and knowledgeable about the legal process. He helped me get the best outcome possible with my case. I highly recommend Ricson if you want a defense lawyer who genuinely cares.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Robert cowan
I had been in law enforcement for thirty-five years before retiring in 2014 and have owned a New Jersey Private investigation firm since 2016. Early this Spring, I needed to find a California Private Investigator in order to assist me in conducting a multi jurisdictional investigation.
I received multiple recommendations from my colleagues in New Jersey that John Munoz owner of Trusted Eye Investigations was the go to investigator in Southern California. Following the advice I was given I reached out to John and immediately could tell he was a cut above many investigators I had ever worked with
Over our three month investigation found John was professional, knowledgeable in investigations as well as being able to think outside the box. John is determined to do a good job and never seems to get tired.
I suggest if your in need of a private investigator, at minimum you should give John a look, you are gonna like what you see.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Jocelyn odijk
Shana Black is a tremendously talented litagator and wonderful human - if you need representation you should immediately reach out to her!
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15 Jul, 2024 by Jeneva
I retained Elizabeth to represent me in regards to a licensing issue. She has helped advise me and communicated on my behalf to the Board. Thanks to her no action was filed by the Board and my license remains free and clear. Elizabeth was available for all of my questions helping to ensure I did everything I could to protect my license. I am so grateful for her help. I would definitely recommend Elizabeth to anyone that have any issues with the board she is very good at what she does. She will explain everything to you in a way that you can understand, and she is also very patient. She was referred to me and I’m very grateful for that. Couldn’t have chose a better lawyer. Thank you very much I couldn’t have done it without you.
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09 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
Elizabeth is an exceptional attorney who went above and beyond for me as a physician. She presented a compelling defense and offense in my case with the Board and did not give up. She remained available for communications without delay and advocated for me at every step of the way. I am pleased to say she got the best possible result with NO PROBATION. Elizabeth has my full trust and confidence.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Luis ontiveros
HKM and Cecilia are top tier! They are not afraid to take on the big firms and are very knowledgeable. Great experience overall.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Michelle pandolfi
Cecilia Brennan went above and beyond my expectations!! I really enjoyed working with her because of how kind, professional and caring she is. I'm so grateful for all of her hard work and her help throughout this whole process. She's truly amazing and I would highly recommend her to anyone. Thank you again for everything Cecilia!!
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26 Sep, 2024 by Rence g
I cannot speak highly enough of HKM. From the moment I called for an initial consultation, Cecilia Brennan was incredibly kind and understanding, making me feel comfortable and supported from the start. Cecilia and Gloria were nothing short of amazing throughout my entire case—sharp, experienced, and always had my best interests at heart. HKM is a perfect combination of professionalism and compassion. I would highly recommend to anyone in need of top-notch legal services!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Robert cowan
I had been in law enforcement for thirty-five years before retiring in 2014 and have owned a New Jersey Private investigation firm since 2016. Early this Spring, I needed to find a California Private Investigator in order to assist me in conducting a multi jurisdictional investigation.
I received multiple recommendations from my colleagues in New Jersey that John Munoz owner of Trusted Eye Investigations was the go to investigator in Southern California. Following the advice I was given I reached out to John and immediately could tell he was a cut above many investigators I had ever worked with
Over our three month investigation found John was professional, knowledgeable in investigations as well as being able to think outside the box. John is determined to do a good job and never seems to get tired.
I suggest if your in need of a private investigator, at minimum you should give John a look, you are gonna like what you see.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Marcus pascall
Excellent service! And worth every cent. John went out of his way for me, when the defendant was doing his best to avoid service. John is the only one I use now.
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11 Aug, 2024 by David friedman
We hired John to search for a family member that is a beneficiary of a trust. Excellent work and provided an excellent executive summary of his findings. Will definitely come back to John for anything we need in the future! Highly recommend his services!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Robert cowan
I had been in law enforcement for thirty-five years before retiring in 2014 and have owned a New Jersey Private investigation firm since 2016. Early this Spring, I needed to find a California Private Investigator in order to assist me in conducting a multi jurisdictional investigation.
I received multiple recommendations from my colleagues in New Jersey that John Munoz owner of Trusted Eye Investigations was the go to investigator in Southern California. Following the advice I was given I reached out to John and immediately could tell he was a cut above many investigators I had ever worked with
Over our three month investigation found John was professional, knowledgeable in investigations as well as being able to think outside the box. John is determined to do a good job and never seems to get tired.
I suggest if your in need of a private investigator, at minimum you should give John a look, you are gonna like what you see.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Marcus pascall
Excellent service! And worth every cent. John went out of his way for me, when the defendant was doing his best to avoid service. John is the only one I use now.
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11 Aug, 2024 by David friedman
We hired John to search for a family member that is a beneficiary of a trust. Excellent work and provided an excellent executive summary of his findings. Will definitely come back to John for anything we need in the future! Highly recommend his services!
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02 Aug, 2024 by Sergio payan
I would highly recommend David R. Silldorf law offices. They know what they’re doing. They’re always reliable on rushing situations and from the easiest to harder cases. They were very flexible with my payment method on such a hard time for me during my case.
And to Sydney Rusch, all my respect and appreciation towards her and her professionalism at what she does. She is very well prepared. She was always willing to make everything work based on my schedule. She helped me through all of it from our free first consultation to the end of the case. She will listen and get to work right after for you. I would give them 10 stars if I could. Very great job.
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20 Jul, 2024 by Patricia hernández villalba
I am extremely grateful to Mr. Reznik for all of the hard work and dedication both him and his team put into my case. His expertise, honest advice and integrity were crucial in negotiating various contracts for my business. One of the things that gets complicated with contracts and speaking to attorneys is understanding all the legalese. Mr. Reznik explained in a way that made it easy to understand and made perfect sense. If you have a contract, there is definitely no better attorney to hire. I highly recommend him, the absolute best!
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19 Jul, 2024 by Josh renner
I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service provided by Mauricio Reznik and his office throughout my legal proceedings. His expertise, professionalism, and dedication were evident from our first consultation to the successful dismissal of my case.
Mr. Reznik demonstrated a deep understanding of the intricacies of the law pertaining to my case. His strategic approach and attention to detail were instrumental in achieving a favorable outcome. I was particularly impressed by his ability to navigate complex legal matters with ease and provide me with clear guidance every step of the way.
Moreover, Mr. Reznik exhibited outstanding professionalism and genuine empathy towards my situation. He always took the time to address my concerns, keeping me informed and reassured throughout the process. His prompt responses and willingness to go above and beyond to assist me further underscore his commitment to client care.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Mauricio Reznik’s office to anyone seeking legal representation. His expertise, great service, and unwavering dedication were invaluable in securing a positive resolution to my case.
Thank you once again for your exceptional work.
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26 Aug, 2024 by John weiss
Troy Krich is a very knowledgeable and personable attorney. He is a good listener and is thorough in his responses. I recommend him for real estate and general legal questions and issues.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Infuse10
Tom was great to work with and provided timely status updates.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Sasha mashoud
I am deeply disappointed with the services provided by Hoffman & Forde in San Diego. Despite scheduling an appointment, NICK KRITIKOS was rude, never called me, and seemed disinterested in my case. To make matters worse, I was charged $485 for absolutely no communication or progress. I never spoke to anyone on the phone and they still charged me. Taking time off work for the appointment only added to the frustration. I strongly advise against using this firm.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Michelle lynn kittredge
Never be a victim of any business that causes you any harm. This law firm and their and advocates and attorneys are committed to get you the help that you need. They were so kind to me and provided me an advocate to get me through. Someone that I can talk to someone that became very dear to me. I can't say enough about this firm they were there for me and followed every step with me to get me the care and get me through the tragedy that I experienced. Thank you for everyone who worked hard to get me Justice. And thank you for the kindness that you showed through this tradgedy and the justice that I deserved. I can't say enough but thank you again for fighting for me.
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14 Apr, 2024 by Anothermundane acct
Lied on me and ignored me when I requested to file a grievance complaint. I will file a complaint with the State Bar Association. No one here is qualified to practice anything let alone law.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Joe meyer
05 Jan, 2024 by J&r 4 ever
Absolutely the "Best" Frank and his team went above and beyond in providing detailed information on a difficult situation. Very rare to find these days, took the time to listen and really understand what we needed. Follow-up was excellent and timley. Frank was compassionate to our situation and helped tremendously.
Would highly recommend
Thanks again
Jerry
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15 May, 2023 by Miguel machado
Mr Clowney was very helpful setting case. He is extremely knowledgeable and resourceful!! Stop looking elsewhere. This firm should be your top choice.
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09 May, 2023 by Claudia dubbe
Mr. Clowney answered my questions and explained the process thoroughly, which actually calmed me down quite a bit. I look forward to working on my car case with him.
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05 Oct, 2024 by Esmeralda cartagena
Excelente
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05 Oct, 2024 by Maria de los angeles morales
03 Oct, 2024 by Helmer lagos
Creo que son muy amables el personal y con la persona que hable es muy amable explica bien todos los detalles que debe saber buen servicio
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26 Jul, 2024 by Antonio chavez
18 Jul, 2024 by Latisa carson
Wana Bernales is an amazing attorney. She negotiated some aspects of my commercial lease agreement that I was unaware that was detrimental to me as a lessee. She saved me money during negotiations for my renewal. I have already recommended her to a colleague and she is highly recommended!!
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11 Jul, 2024 by National city
05 Mar, 2022 by Jr
Contacted him in 2019 . Filed my claim then it got pushed back for a signature which I thought it was mine . He said the “VA is full of crap” . This was my first go around so I let him handle it . Waited it out but then close to a year VA said it was never filed . VSO told me it was his lack of a simple signature signature . How lame is this? Plus the friend who referred me said Andrew did the same to them. Put me almost 2 years behind . Go to anyone else besides this guy!!!
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09 Oct, 2020 by Justin
Got through the basic steps of the process (which I could’ve done myself) and then once it came time for him to actually fight for me (seeing how he was supposed to be representing me like any good attorney does) he said “ok pay me what we agreed upon and oh if you want we have a year to appeal if you aren’t happy so I can do that” but wanted his money first. Then when I challenged them on it and claimed the put one over on me they said “I don’t think I would’ve told you one thing on the phone and then something different in the contract. Like yes, I understand I didn’t read the contract as much as I should’ve and that’s 100% on me but the issue is that they didn’t fight for me AT ALL. They just took the first VA decision and said “ok cool pay up”. They should’ve came to me with the results and said “do you want us to appeal this and do our jobs as your
Representation?”
Oh and to top it off they are SUPER unprofessional. I was told they would call me today at noon, so we can talk everything out and instead they chose to message me this morning and withdraw from representing me and claimed I obviously just have a history of not reading anything and I obviously just must’ve heard them wrong on the phone calls we had because it’s scripted and there’s no way they went off script (even though we had multiple conversations about families and told jokes and had some normal conversations not just filled with legal talks). They seemed like really cool dudes but their goal is to do the bare minimum and get paid before really doing their job and fighting for you. Unprofessional and lazy.
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04 Feb, 2020 by Tom
I filed my claim twice with the VA and my claim was lost twice. After that I contacted Andrew and told him my problems I was having navigating the VA claim process. At that point I didn't feel comfortable dealing with the VA without proper representation. Once I signed on with McKeown Law they took over my entire claim, the only thing I had to do was go to the appointments. I ended up with a much higher rating thanks to Andrew than I could have ever done on my own. It is worth the money to let McKeown Law fill out the paperwork correctly the first time for me. My back pay was way higher than the small fee they asked for. Now I getting compensated more monthly for the rest of my life. I was referral and I have referred several veterans since. My advice is this is not process you want to do yourself, you need somebody fighting for you.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Johnny garcia
18 Aug, 2023 by John h
Nick is the best attorney in San Diego in my opinion.
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09 Jul, 2022 by Elizabeth fogarty
22 Jul, 2024 by Johnny garcia
18 Aug, 2023 by John h
Nick is the best attorney in San Diego in my opinion.
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09 Jul, 2022 by Elizabeth fogarty
17 Sep, 2024 by Nicholas boragi
15 May, 2024 by Tom rocco
It is with profound respect and gratitude that I extend my heartfelt endorsement for Justin Walker, Jared Veliz, Lorrie Walker and the whole support team at Walker Law whose dedication, perseverance, and tireless advocacy have left an indelible mark on my life. Despite facing one of the largest corporations in the world, Justin and Jared stood resolute and fearless, embodying the very essence of bravery and commitment to justice.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Jared and Justin demonstrated not only their exceptional legal acumen but also a deep sense of empathy and friendship that has greatly endeared them to me. Their readiness to confront formidable challenges and navigate complex legal landscapes was nothing short of inspiring. These are unique and special individuals—the kind of individuals you want with you in your foxhole during the most intense battles and scariest of times.
Although the outcome was not entirely in our favor, the measure of their success is not merely found in the verdict, but in the relentless spirit and boundless energy they brought into advocating for me and my case. Their sacrifices, grit and devotion did not go unnoticed, and their steadfast dedication continues to resonate with me and all who have the privilege of knowing them.
Justin, Jared and the whole Walker Law team are not just my attorneys; they have become my honored allies, friends and trusted advisors. Their profound commitment to their clients and the cause of justice makes them truly commendable and deserving of the highest praise. Before, during and after trial, Justin Walker displayed the most genuine and heartfelt concern for my well-being and the well-being of my family. He did so even when it would have been understandable, reasonable and justified to instead only focus on his own well-being or that of his team members and family.
I love the individuals I’ve been privileged enough to spend time with during this journey. I thank God that Justin, Jared, Lorrie and their team have come into my life. I recommend Walker Law to anyone seeking the very highest level of legal expertise and advocacy. Their professionalism and integrity are exemplary, and they represent the best of what the legal profession has to offer.
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26 Apr, 2024 by J. v.
18 Nov, 2023 by Hunken ta
15 May, 2023 by Bruce sorenson
30 Nov, 2021 by Sebastian brown
21 Jul, 2024 by S.c.
My experience with attorney Terry S Allen was nothing short of a nightmare. He consistently misled me about critical aspects of my case, starting with falsely claiming the prosecution hadn't provided him with discovery. All he seemed to do was repeatedly waive time, allowing my situation to worsen. Shockingly, he even waived my rights without my knowledge, leading to my misdemeanor being needlessly elevated to a felony.
During my preliminary hearing, he shockingly refused to question officers' hearsay, claiming it was not allowed, which is patently false. His incompetence became glaringly apparent when he failed to inform me that he had accepted the prosecution's elevation of charges without a fight.
Even after I fired him over three weeks ago, he has yet to inform the court of his removal as my attorney, leaving me in legal limbo. His excuse of having murder trials to handle whenever he waived time was clearly a lie designed to cover up his lack of interest in my case.
Terry S Allen portrays himself as an experienced trial attorney, but my experience suggests otherwise. Despite knowing the prosecution's case was weak, he showed no intention of mounting a defense. He was paid $12,000 only to receive gross negligence in return.
In summary, steer clear of Terry S Allen if you value your rights and your money. He is a fraud who will gladly take your money without any intention of providing adequate legal representation. His incompetence and dishonesty make him unfit to practice law
effectively.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Sam
My experience with Terry S Allen was deeply disappointing and concerning due to his unethical practices that compromised my case and disregarded my rights as a client.
Additionally, Mr Allen displayed indifference to concerns about due process and fair treatment. Mr Allen allowed the prosecution to violate procedural rights without objection or challenge, which further weakened my legal position and undermined my confidence in Mr Allen’s advocacy.
I strongly caution others seeking legal representation to avoid Terry Scott Allen, he should be barred from practicing law.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
No seriously. Why would you allow a preliminary hearing to move forward if you haven’t received discovery? And how are you supposedly making deals with the prosecution if again, you haven’t gotten discovery? Why waive time if you’re not going to use that time to actually get discovery, interview witnesses, subpoena medical records, speak to supposed victims. Get police reports.
And if the district attorney doesn’t give you the discovery, wouldn’t you file a motion for it? Why just let it slide and move forward let alone let your client be held to answer. I thought you would be more aggressive as a defense attorney. But to be honest it’s almost like you didn’t show up at all.
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30 Nov, 2023 by I am bbjnene
Scammers. They had me pay all of the money they were charging me for my case then claim that their business was closing because the owner had “cancer” and I couldn’t get my money back WOULD NOT RECOMMEND. THEY WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY.
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05 Jun, 2022 by Linda l. keating
June 5, 2022 GOLDEN STATE LAW GROUP is EXCELLENT & OFFERS SUPERIOR SERVICE. THANK YOU again for all your great help.
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25 Dec, 2019 by Flint lorraine
I was uncomfortable from the first time I walked into the office. I felt like I was in the middle where they just grind out bankruptcies. I was not happy about filing a bankruptcy but it needed to be done. In the meantime things went from bad to worse my son died and I was in the hospital for a month. When I told them I really wanted to go with a different firm one of their employees told me that they would keep me in court to use all the money. I was talking about small claims court. She was almost yelling at me. I’m thinking about making a complaint with the state attorney board. But I warn you right now stay away from them. I am shortly going to be 74 years old. And the way she yelled at me it was almost elder abuse. I believe their shysters. And due to my failing health. I’ve been delayed and filing a small claims court. To my knowledge you cannot be represented by an attorney in small claims court. But apparently their employee thought differently. Beware
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05 May, 2016 by James
Had a Exhibition of Speed ticket that was considered a "misdemeanor" and I did not take it seriously. I eventually came to conclusion that I needed to hire an attorney. Having Pablo being my first attorney was quite a good experience. He explained everything we had to do to accomplish what was best for me and how to get out of my ticket. He is good over phone and over email. The final outcome was that I got out of my ticket. I was so relieved and satisfied with my experience with Pablo. I would definitely recommend him in the future to others with common tickets such as mine. Thank you!
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28 Nov, 2015 by Kerrie
Attorney Fabian was so great I can't say enough to express our happiness. He and his office staff handled every aspect of our case with honest, personal, and professional service. We only had to meet with Attorney Fabian once and then everything else was handled over the phone or email. The price was very reasonable and he was able to get all charges dropped. The coolest thing is that they set up a private account that updates whenever anything changes. The whole experience was amazing!
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16 May, 2015 by Rebecca
I received a ticket while visiting in town due to my father having a stroke. My nephew told me to contact him as he has helped him before. I was impressed with the professionalism of the firm and the information that was given to me when I called. They made everything easy for me and I did not have to appear in court. Im happy to say that the ticket was dismissed and saved me a lot of money. I would recommend.
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09 Mar, 2020 by Alan banegas
13 Sep, 2018 by Alma
attorney does not listen to your needs and does not see your point.
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20 Feb, 2018 by Felicia hernandez
14 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
We have been working with this Attoney for over two and half year. And we felt we were misleading and he didn't pay much attention on our case, and even could not his client name right. Very disappointment.
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13 Jun, 2012 by Michaelruocco
There are times when I want to detest lawyers... but I can't. Know why? Because I know Michael McCloskey, that's why. In a world of ever decreasing respect for the legal profession, McCloskey defies the trend and shines a brilliant light on a tarnished trade. His sublime intelligence is never arrogant or aloof. His strength, conviction and intensity are as penetrating as an armor piercing shell.
Mike's ethics direct him to take the high road (which is usually the road less traveled in the legal business). With Michael McCloskey on your side, you not only have the best representation, you have a friend and confidant.
I had the good fortune to meet Michael and be represented by him some years ago. I came to admire him as both a person and an attorney. My only regret is that I haven't remained in closer contact with him as the years have passed. He has been an inspirational force and my life is enriched because of him.
Respectfully,
Michael [removed by Avvo staff]
Orange, MA
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19 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
A very unprofessional lawyer i will not recomend her to anyone . She doenst know the law in California
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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:
-
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. -
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. -
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. -
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). -
Have you handled cases like mine before?
Ask about their experience with similar cases and whether they have achieved favorable outcomes in the past. -
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.
