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19 Feb, 2023 by Jonathan reich
In 2013, I made the unfortunate mistake of hiring Pullman & Comley for legal services. I was immediately charged a $7500 retainer and attorney Alan J. Sobol began representing me defending a case. What I did not know was that another Pullman & Comley attorney, D. Robert Morris, was already representing the other side, the prosecuting authority, which had brought the false charges against me. Alan J. Sobol basically pretended to be actively fighting the case for me, when he was really working against me. Sobol provided false information to me and to the court on multiple occasions. Over the next 2-year period, I endured an excessive amount of over 20 court dates, which were mostly postponed due to Sobol making private agreements with the prosecutor behind closed doors. One of those unethical activities was when Alan J. Sobol and Pullman & Comley negotiated with the prosecutor to remove a legal defense fund. How and why would the prosecutor and defense attorney feel the need to negotiate the removal of a client’s legal defense fund? During the 2-year period I was slammed with approximately $40,000 in fees charged by Pullman & Comley and Alan J. Sobol. The $40,000 in funds were effectively scammed by Pullman & Comley, due to the conflict of interest that they failed to disclose. After being provided no evidence of the accusations and mounting legal fees I requested that Sobol provide me with a copy of the police report. Sobol refused to provide it, which is very suspicious because Sobol supposedly had no problem with that report being given to the press. I later found out that the police report was actually being withheld because the report would reveal that charges were being fabricated against me with the assistance of Alan J. Sobol and Pullman & Comley. Alan J. Sobol and Pullman & Comley engaged in fraud by hiding critical documents from their client's access, such as law enforcement reports. Alan J. Sobol only became involved in this case to invade my privacy and to prosecute me from within his position as the defense attorney.
Sobol’s lies and false information filed adversely affected me and effectively denied me the Constitutional right to due process. Judge Norko and subsequent Judges postponed the alleged misdemeanor case hearings approximately 15 times over the last 3 years. Sobol lied to his client and claimed that the judge was sick. During the course of these hearing absolutely no evidence of wrongdoing was obtained by Sobol or presented by the prosecution. These postponements caused unnecessary and unwanted travel to and from New York, causing loss of work and travel expenses. These unethical postponements based on a fabrication of illness of a single solitary Judge happened approximately 15 times. As you know, the excessive number of postponements resulted in many hours of unnecessary and excessive legal billing. This also prevented due process and justice. Sobol purposely provided false information and incorrect legal advice to his client, to illegally lure his client over state lines to a consultation meeting, which resulted in arrest, and has since developed into a catastrophe. Sobol did not appear in person to represent me properly in any way and he did not even appear or arrange for a substitute attorney to appear at a consultation meeting he scheduled and which resulted in my arrest. This facilitated attorney Sobol’s scheme to secure about $40,000 in fees while withholding crucial police reports from me for an extended period of time. In 2015 I fired Pullman & Comley, but I had already been scammed out of approximately $40,000 in unnecessary legal fees. Anyone considering hiring an attorney should take this as a warning and prevent Pullman & Comley and crooked attorneys like Alan J. Sobol from taking advantage of you.
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13 Sep, 2021 by Theresa salerno
Mike Tansley is an absolute gentleman& doesn't have that condescending edge that I have experienced in the past with another atty. He is easy&comfortable to talk to & has your best interests on the matter at hand. Would definitely recommend to others
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14 Feb, 2021 by Big al
Mike Tansley and his entire staff are an absolute pleasure to work with. They keep in constant contact with you throughout the entire process. Very thorough and highly professional. He ALWAYS has your best interest in mind. I will never use any other law firm. 10 star rating..
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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.
