Lawyers map
>222
experienced lawyers
Filter by
01 Nov, 2024 by Mayowa
Mr. Cody took my case when I thought all hope was lost, he stood by me, and his confidence in my case was a beacon of light in a dark tunnel. Your ability to navigate the complexities of the legal system, his strategic thinking, and his passion for justice are truly remarkable.
His commitment to mycase extended beyond the courtroom, as he took the time to understand my concerns, addressed my fears, and offered guidance and support throughout this challenging journey. His professionalism, empathy, and kindness have made a significant difference in my life.
Thank you for your exceptional legal expertise, tireless work ethic, strategic thinking, emotional support, unwavering belief in my innocence, ability to turn a seemingly hopeless situation into a triumph.
You are an outstanding attorney and an inspiration to your profession. I feel fortunate to have had you by my side throughout this ordeal.
Thank you sincerely.
Read more
31 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr. Harnish took on my case after a last minute request by myself and was able to meet within a day. After speaking with him, I immediately knew this was the right person to represent me. He was confident and his calm demeanor was exactly what I needed to tell him everything. After I retained him, he immediately went to work and informed my command I was being represented and we started the process of gathering our information. I did my best to go above and beyond because I knew he was going to advocate for me and bring the truth to light. I didn’t know where to start and with Mr. Harnish’s guidance I was able to collect myself and push forward. The whole ordeal was very traumatic and reliving everything for a second time was horrible. This was the first time I was able to have someone listen to me. It was the first time I was able to pick myself up after having my name and my character drug through the mud for so long. I never thought I would be in this position, but now I have regained my confidence due to amazing representation. Mr. Harnish often asked how I was doing and gave me optimistic, but realistic reassurance. He truly cares and is very passionate about the difference he makes in the world.
I successfully hired civilian attorneys who got my case ultimately dismissed on the civilian side and with nothing on my record. Afterwards, it was the Marine Corps turn to review the incident and upon speaking with my command’s legal advisor, I felt this was going to require another attorney. My command believed this was a cold cut case and wanted to have an answer to everything within a few days of the investigation. I did some homework, but wanted an attorney that was not in my local area and who obviously was knowledgeable with the UCMJ. I am very fortunate and grateful I found Mr. Harnish because after we submitted our side of the events leading up to and after the incident, my command found there was no misconduct on my part and were not recommending any punishment and/or separation. I still must go through the formal review and administrative process to make sure everything is official, however looking at my command’s recommendation – from a historical standpoint – it is looking very good that I will be ultimately retained.
Mr. Harnish worked very fast as we only had 14 days to submit everything, and he did it with a three hour time difference. He often worked late and had meetings with me after my workday ended, which was well past the workday for him.
Hands down, I would recommend Mr. Harnish for representation. It is worth it.
Read more
29 Jan, 2024 by Pablo
I am a 1SG (E8) in the Army. I was investigated from OCT 2022 - SEP 2023 for a crime the Army assumed I did in 2018. In SEP 2023, the Army decided that evidence for the crime did not exist and all legal actions were dropped so there was not a court martial or UCMJ action. My Brigade Commander decided to recommend me for a GOMOR for the alleged crime as Administrative actions don’t require solid evidence. In OCT 2023, a GOMOR was issued by the LTG not for the alleged crime, but instead for a Recruiter Misconduct that allegedly took place in 2018. Again, zero evidence to support this allegation existed and I honestly felt like they were trying to simply get me for something to justify having me flagged for such a long time with nothing to support it.
I consulted with TDS and the Legal office throughout this whole process, but I felt like my best interests were not going to be represented by either as they are understaffed, over worked, and some simply just don’t have enough interest in what they do. Never once did an Army Lawyer meet with me and the JBLM Main office even declined to support me, without explanation, after physically showing up to their office for a few consecutive days. They emailed me saying they couldn’t help me and referred me to the legal office on McChord, which only does telephonic as the time. My telephonic consultation with the McChord legal office lasted only about 5 minutes and the civilian lawyer kept saying “do not try to re-litigate this, just trying to ask the General for leniency in the filing of the GOMOR”. I’ve maintained my innocence in these matters the entire time and knew I had to seek legal help outside of the Military.
I contacted Mr. Harnish, a former Army JAG Officer, and looked up reviews for his service. I knew my best chance at showing the Army the truth was by hiring him to represent me. He immediately requested an extension and went over every detail in the investigation. He contacted several entities on post and “dug up” more information surrounding the case and even got evidence that I would’ve never been entitled to otherwise…. All of which pointed to the obvious answer: I was innocent the whole time. As new evidence was provided to him, he took meticulous time and effort to make sure no stone was left unturned and even asked for additional extensions so as not to rush through anything. My rebuttal was 112 pages long, packed with evidence and legal jargon that I honestly would’ve never been able to do with the on post legal help, let alone myself. Mr Harnish presented my case in an amazing fashion and the rebuttal was submitted well ahead of the deadline in NOV 2023.
In JAN 2024, the LTG that issued the GOMOR decided to withdrawal and destroy the document, effectively ending the entire ordeal. This would’ve been impossible if not for Mr. Harnish as I know that I would not have been able to construct a rebuttal, nor get the evidence to support it, if not for him. This lawyer is a good man and is worth every penny.
Read more
12 Sep, 2023 by Bonnie ashley
02 Apr, 2018 by Monica
John Christensen represented me, in a case I almost didn't file because I doubted an outcome in my favor. Unlike other attorneys I've worked with, John was genuinely empathetic & compassionate, extremely communicative & accessible throughout, and professional without being stuffy. I was pleasantly surprised that he got my case resolved so quickly, with an outcome that exceeded my expectations. Office staff are very pleasant & happy to assist at all times. I highly recommend John & his practice, to my family & friends!
Read more
14 Apr, 2016 by Amy
Mr. Christensen and his team represented me on two violent motor vehicle collisions with injuries. He and his team were compassionate and concerned with my care. They kept me updated and informed of every step. I highly recommend Mr. Christensen and anyone at the EPIC Law firm.
Read more
09 Oct, 2024 by D. coopa
They are beyond Great! My case has been going on and affecting my life for way too long. The Law office of Smith & White heard me and understood me as a person and handled my case fast and professionally. I HIGHLY recommend them, and hope if any one needs assistance in law would be blessed to find them!
Read more
27 Aug, 2024 by Kristen kallas
I reached for guidance and a direction of representation for a no contact order. The firm went way above and beyond representing me. Not only was the case dismissal completed, but James stood beside me through everything. Making sure everything was resolved and standing by your side. This is a firm that will go above and beyond to stand beside there client and do whatever is need to resolve and represents them.
Read more
18 Jul, 2024 by Aaron gazes
Attorney White and his team did an incredible job with my case. They are very kind, understanding, and a pleasure working with. I would highly recommend using them!
Read more
08 Dec, 2024 by Karolina seda
Blake and his team are amazing! Helped me so much and I seriously can’t thank them enough! They collaborated with me to make a great parenting plan and I definitely felt safer after the help they gave me with the services they provided!
Read more
23 Nov, 2024 by Sheila carrico
Mr. Harris helped my friend through a very difficult time. I would definitely recommend his services!
Read more
22 Nov, 2024 by Hector alcala
En mi experiencia muy buen servicio muy amables el abogado y sus secretarias todo muy bien 👍👍👍👍
Read more
08 Dec, 2024 by Karolina seda
Blake and his team are amazing! Helped me so much and I seriously can’t thank them enough! They collaborated with me to make a great parenting plan and I definitely felt safer after the help they gave me with the services they provided!
Read more
23 Nov, 2024 by Sheila carrico
Mr. Harris helped my friend through a very difficult time. I would definitely recommend his services!
Read more
22 Nov, 2024 by Hector alcala
En mi experiencia muy buen servicio muy amables el abogado y sus secretarias todo muy bien 👍👍👍👍
Read more
22 Jul, 2024 by Yura vasquez
30 Jun, 2024 by Oliver santiago
Bien
Read more
16 Jun, 2024 by Teré lynne
08 Mar, 2017 by Andrew
Interviewed a dozen lawyers, regarding 3 different situations we need assistance on and Kristal, was hands down the most qualified to handle what we needed, from research to follow up, to creating the appropriate documents in a timely manner.
Read more
07 Mar, 2017 by Paul
I hired Kristal to assist me is estate planning and a pre-nuptial agreement. She was very professional and timely. She assisted me in getting an agreement that met both mine and my wife's needs. She also assisted me in getting my will done that matches our agreement. I would highly recommend her to anyone else that needs these types of services again.
Read more
05 Mar, 2017 by Tim
Kristal represented our organization on matters relating to enforcement of commercial contracts. I am impressed with Kristal's productivity in preparing high quality legal briefs, motions filed with the court & oral presentations.
Kristal has the ability to find and clearly articulate the key legal issues from "small mountains" of information & misinformation and discover what is substantiated based upon evidence.
With Kristal at our side, I feel comfortable that we will be provided the best possible legal representation.
Read more
11 Jan, 2023 by Theresa
We hired Shane to help us with a divorce case for a father with one child. Shane is very professional and attentive. I’m so impressed with Shane and his ability to listen and put the pieces together.
Read more
14 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
TLDR: HIRE SHANE.
Shane Cridlebaugh is A-MAZING! First off, I called around to many different lawyers and Shane stood out because he instantly told me that I was paying my spouse BAH (military housing allowance/spousal support) when I didn’t have to since we had a prenuptial agreement. No other lawyers had pointed this out. Even the military lawyers had not noticed this. He was the first one to notice during the free consultation. He was right! I took my agreement to my chain of command and military lawyers and they confirmed that I didn’t have to pay based on the prenuptial agreement. Every other lawyer I called around to told me I would have to continue paying my spouse BAH until the divorce was final. Shane was also the only lawyer that was ready to start making moves. During our phone consultation he was already telling me the next steps that he would take. He’s an aggressive lawyer which is what you want. I sincerely felt like he was fighting for me. Shane moves quick. The other side would take days or weeks to respond whereas Shane would always respond promptly. You will want that because you want the divorce to finish quickly! I didn’t have to communicate with the other side at all which was one of my requests. Shane is very honest about money. When the other party agreed to a settlement, Shane was upfront and informed me that he had not used all of the initial retainer fee and would pay the other party from the remaining retainer fee I had already paid. Shane could have easily charged me extra and claimed he had already worked the equivalent of the entire retainer fee. Shane was always available by email even on holidays and weekends. In fact, my final papers were prepared and signed on New Year’s Eve because he was working! It’s a long review because Shane deserves it. He seriously made my divorce so easy. You won’t be disappointed when you hire him.
Read more
30 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Shane to handle my divorce. Unfortunately, I discovered Florida was taking jurisdiction of the divorce about a month after I hired him, so I was no longer able to use a WA attorney. Despite this, Shane was willing to help me look over the new documents I was served to better explain the verbiage in layman’s terms for my understanding, even though he made it very clear he couldn’t advise me on anything or provide services. When I was working with him in the beginning, he always took my calls, made time to see me and got things to me in a timely manner. He also refunded me the majority of my retainer fee since state laws didn’t allow him to work on my case. Most recently, he happily answered WA law questions that I called him with over the phone at no cost. I would highly recommend him! You can tell he is honest and genuine, not about screwing people out of money.
Read more
28 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
I am a homeowner who was sued by a neighbor who filed a "spite" lawsuit against me. Joe successfully defended me against "over-the-top" allegations, by skillfully & methodically debunking the claims. He persistently unraveled the plaintiff's legal maneuvering to attempt to construct a case out of fabrications. To do that, Joe used thoughtful strategy in his presentation of the actual facts of the case, and continually maintained a low-key, articulate professionalism that was very effective. It was obvious in the courtroom that he was respected by the judges who heard various portions of the case. Joe has a high standard of principled ethics that enable him to provide excellent representation. This lawsuit dragged on for over 3 years, & yet my stress level was minimal because I was extremely confident of Joe's abilities to bring about a favorable resolution in my defense. He did not let me down. Another great thing about Joe, is that being the man of integrity he is, I KNOW he would have never chosen to represent the type of individual who sued me--no matter how much they would have been willing to pay him for the representation. Joe Diaz gets an A-plus in my review.
Read more
23 Nov, 2010 by Steve
He was very informative and easy to work with. He researched issues having to do with water and drainage that pertained to our case. Did a great job during the trial. The jury even liked him.
Read more
14 Aug, 2024 by Nadjanai
Vernon helped me get my kids back. It felt like such a difficult challenge and there were times I wasn't sure we could get it done. He was amazing in the court room and made all the key points need to get the judge to do the right thing. Thanks Vernon!
Read more
03 Aug, 2023 by Tisha
I highly recommend this law firm to someone in need. It has been our honor and privilege to be served by this office. Mr Hosanna is very experienced and very professional he handled my case with care. Also with the speedy and satisfied ending. I was very pleased and now me and my family are happy again thanks again . Vernon with Hosanna law group
Read more
5.0
21 Reviews
4.5
205 Reviews
29 Jan, 2025 by David castro
Muy agradecido con su ayuda Marissa fue muy atenta con su trabajo.
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by Stephanie n
Job well done, team! It's safe to say my case was far from ordinary. My insurance said I was at fault and I had no coverage for my medical. Marissa and crew fought back relentlessly! She was great at keeping me updated and almost predicted what moves insurance was going to take.
In the end, I am not liable, my bike and medical were covered and I got enough to get a new motorcycle....... once I'm healed. Thank you, Marissa and everybody behind the scenes, for all your hard work. You have exceeded my expectations and are much appreciated!
Read more
13 Dec, 2024 by R k
Majors law group was very knowledgeable and thorough. They knew exactly what needed to be done and made a very hard time in life more manageable. I was kept well informed throughout the entire process.
Read more
5.0
1 Reviews
4.3
37 Reviews
23 Jan, 2025 by Robert keen
A friend got a massive payout from these guys/gals for a car wreck. I highly recommend!
"They'll go to bat for you if you get a bat taken to ya!"
Read more
17 Jan, 2025 by Carolina vasquez
28 Oct, 2024 by Tom baltic (rich jobe)
Hire them them you will see justice
Read more
21 Jan, 2009 by Jennifer
MICHAEL MALAIER IS A VERY RELIABLE TRUSTWORTHY AND DEDICATED LAWYER, HE WORKED ON MY MOTHERS DUI CASE, HE DOES WONDERFUL WORK MY FAMILY HIGHLY RECOMENDS HIM AND HIS PRACTICE
Read more
06 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Mike was very professional and incredibly fast in resolving my issues. I would recommend him to anyone.
Read more
29 Jan, 2025 by David castro
Muy agradecido con su ayuda Marissa fue muy atenta con su trabajo.
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by Stephanie n
Job well done, team! It's safe to say my case was far from ordinary. My insurance said I was at fault and I had no coverage for my medical. Marissa and crew fought back relentlessly! She was great at keeping me updated and almost predicted what moves insurance was going to take.
In the end, I am not liable, my bike and medical were covered and I got enough to get a new motorcycle....... once I'm healed. Thank you, Marissa and everybody behind the scenes, for all your hard work. You have exceeded my expectations and are much appreciated!
Read more
13 Dec, 2024 by R k
Majors law group was very knowledgeable and thorough. They knew exactly what needed to be done and made a very hard time in life more manageable. I was kept well informed throughout the entire process.
Read more
08 Dec, 2024 by Karolina seda
Blake and his team are amazing! Helped me so much and I seriously can’t thank them enough! They collaborated with me to make a great parenting plan and I definitely felt safer after the help they gave me with the services they provided!
Read more
23 Nov, 2024 by Sheila carrico
Mr. Harris helped my friend through a very difficult time. I would definitely recommend his services!
Read more
22 Nov, 2024 by Hector alcala
En mi experiencia muy buen servicio muy amables el abogado y sus secretarias todo muy bien 👍👍👍👍
Read more
22 Nov, 2024 by Daniel zeru
Helpful and great service. I really appreciate it.
Read more
21 Nov, 2024 by Backey oromo
Thank you for all you do. I have received an excellent representation. The lawyer and the firm Ismael great. I have had an excellent customer experience and received amazing compensation.
Read more
09 Nov, 2024 by Bereket kefleyesus
Mr. Habtemariam, Joseph, Laura and all the staff at Habtemariam has been amazing at helping solve my case! I highly recommend this law firm. Their team is amazing at what they do. Thank you for all your hard work.
Read more
01 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
I used Tim Gosselin on an insurance matter where the company violated the law but wouldn't pay. The insurance commissioner's office gave me the usual "we can't do anything and you have to see an attorney" garbage. I went to his office at 4:00 on a Friday and found him to be very laid back. He looked at all my paperwork and recommended a letter. By Saturday I had a copy of the letter in the mail. It was very good--forceful but not threatening. By the next Friday the insurance company paid the claim in full! Tim only charged about $200 for everything--other attorneys wanted that just to talk to me.
Call the other insurance attorneys in the phonebook, and Tim is the cheapest. And from my experience, the best.
Read more
22 Apr, 2014 by Angela
Ms. Skrinar has been such an amazing attorney for me. I have been fighting for my disability for three years, and when I finally retained Ms. Skrinar to represent me, everything changed. I learned so much from her about the process. She is extremely knowledgeable and personable, comforting me in times when I was struggling. It's nice to see an attorney who truly cares about her clients AND knows her craft impeccably!
Read more
18 Nov, 2018 by Larry
Ms Matthews is the most professional attorney I have met!
She goes way above and beyond to ensure the desires of the estate are carried out in the best possible way.
She took extra effort in conducting the estate disposition. I was waiting for my car to be serviced and Ms Matthews drove to meet me where I was! She is amazing!
Read more
01 May, 2014 by S,j. & group of pierce co.
Carolyn leaves no stone unturned. She is excellent at gathering all of the details that support
her work on her clients behalf. I would hire her in the future for any business and land matters.
Read more
27 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
I've never seen a better later, she is like something out of a movie. Just magical. She settled my parents divorce and got equal treatment of us kids when we were younger.
Read more
31 Aug, 2016 by Amber dunn
She is amazing. She gave me hope when no one else did. She went above and beyond to assist me and I can't thank her enough for helping me.
Read more
08 Dec, 2023 by Alex othon
Jennifer is beyond amazing. She is wicked smart and always goes above and beyond to help her clients. If you are looking for an attorney that knows how to protect your HOA or COA, I would highly recommend Jennifer with Rosehill Law.
Read more
06 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
We retained Laura due to her extensive glowing reviews on avvo. Unfortunately, the service provided by her and her team did not meet the standards illustrated herein. Laura failed to make a presence in our case and retain any vital case details as well as failing to respond on our behalf. The documents she submitted us for review each listed minor and major oversights illustrating a lack of investment from her team. After utilizing over half of the retainer paid "reviewing case details" she failed to recall any information regarding our requests or specific details of our case. Each document we received had a different jurisdiction heading including Kitsap, Pierce and King counties while our case was taking place solely in Kitsap county. These details are important but clearly illustrated a "cut and paste" investment in preparing court documents. I have never received such poor efficiency in utilization of a legal retainer. After notifying client services of our concerns, they failed to address our concerns nor request for alternate legal representation nor respond as promised. The majority of our retainer was consumed at a rapid rate thereafter. It appears we were billed for a performance review and for clerical errors to be updated throughout the case. I have never seen such a high retainer be consumed before even appearing in court. After 8 years of practice, I would have expected a better performance from our representation.
Read more
02 Nov, 2015 by Jill
Laura Carlsen was our second attorney. Our case was a unique custody case involving same sex partners. After doing some research, we thankfully found Laura Carlsen. As soon as we hired Ms Carlsen, she immediately got right to the issues at stake and took action.
Ms. Carlsen is intelligent and professional. She does not mince words; she will tell you exactly where your case stands and then go to bat for you. She is not afraid to go to court and will do so when warranted. However, she did whatever she could to save us money and worked hard to keep our custody case from going to trial. At the end our case did go to trial and Laura Carlsen did a remarkable job and we were granted custody
Read more
22 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Laura represented me in a child support modification case. I couldn't have asked for better representation. Not only did Laura always look out for my best interests, but she was always very prompt in getting back to me if I had any questions. If you want an attorney that will fight for your interest's with understanding and compassion hire Laura!
Read more
29 Jan, 2025 by David castro
Muy agradecido con su ayuda Marissa fue muy atenta con su trabajo.
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by Stephanie n
Job well done, team! It's safe to say my case was far from ordinary. My insurance said I was at fault and I had no coverage for my medical. Marissa and crew fought back relentlessly! She was great at keeping me updated and almost predicted what moves insurance was going to take.
In the end, I am not liable, my bike and medical were covered and I got enough to get a new motorcycle....... once I'm healed. Thank you, Marissa and everybody behind the scenes, for all your hard work. You have exceeded my expectations and are much appreciated!
Read more
13 Dec, 2024 by R k
Majors law group was very knowledgeable and thorough. They knew exactly what needed to be done and made a very hard time in life more manageable. I was kept well informed throughout the entire process.
Read more
29 Jan, 2025 by David castro
Muy agradecido con su ayuda Marissa fue muy atenta con su trabajo.
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by Stephanie n
Job well done, team! It's safe to say my case was far from ordinary. My insurance said I was at fault and I had no coverage for my medical. Marissa and crew fought back relentlessly! She was great at keeping me updated and almost predicted what moves insurance was going to take.
In the end, I am not liable, my bike and medical were covered and I got enough to get a new motorcycle....... once I'm healed. Thank you, Marissa and everybody behind the scenes, for all your hard work. You have exceeded my expectations and are much appreciated!
Read more
13 Dec, 2024 by R k
Majors law group was very knowledgeable and thorough. They knew exactly what needed to be done and made a very hard time in life more manageable. I was kept well informed throughout the entire process.
Read more
29 Jan, 2025 by David castro
Muy agradecido con su ayuda Marissa fue muy atenta con su trabajo.
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by Stephanie n
Job well done, team! It's safe to say my case was far from ordinary. My insurance said I was at fault and I had no coverage for my medical. Marissa and crew fought back relentlessly! She was great at keeping me updated and almost predicted what moves insurance was going to take.
In the end, I am not liable, my bike and medical were covered and I got enough to get a new motorcycle....... once I'm healed. Thank you, Marissa and everybody behind the scenes, for all your hard work. You have exceeded my expectations and are much appreciated!
Read more
13 Dec, 2024 by R k
Majors law group was very knowledgeable and thorough. They knew exactly what needed to be done and made a very hard time in life more manageable. I was kept well informed throughout the entire process.
Read more
24 Jan, 2025 by Adam g
15 Jan, 2025 by Sylvain slaton
07 Jan, 2025 by Sylvain slaton
11 Oct, 2024 by Teresa addington
Joe Harper has been responsive, easy to work with and very knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for help with landlord/tenant issues.
Read more
17 Mar, 2024 by Terry perryman
Awesome lawer
Read more
02 Mar, 2024 by Devan lounmala
Best people ever highly recommend
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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:
-
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.
