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30 Aug, 2023 by Est future
dumb attorneys
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17 Aug, 2020 by Orlando palmer
30 Aug, 2023 by Est future
dumb attorneys
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17 Aug, 2020 by Orlando palmer
17 Sep, 2024 by Joshua herr
the best firm ever, W firm, W Lawyers, would recommend
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01 May, 2024 by Jennifer cronk
Still waiting on a call back. I have called 3x. Union Lawyer, I should have known better
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01 Mar, 2024 by Anthony johnson
This Legal Team Almost Made Me Get Evicted. They Never Got Back To Me. The Representative Seem Like She Had A Attitude When I Was Asking Questions. They Put The Wrong Amount On My Case When It Was Paid For. They Close The Case And Never Contacted Me About Doing So. I'm Not Sure If They Were There To Represent You Or Work With The Management Housing Team. So Now I'm Still Awaiting A Call. Lack Of Service is Terrible.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Lorraine
I can’t express how amazing Preston is as an Attorney. Prior to him I wasted my money on others. He’s confident and smart. He helped me in a few courts from LT to supreme. He was referred to me from a dear friend who used him as a litigation attorney in nyc. I’d highly recommend him to all. Feel free to reach out to me for reference.
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25 Aug, 2022 by Dora
He was hired to help me with my family court case but failed to do anything on it. he was paid $1,500 to come on to the case but never did any work on the case never even filed a notice of appearance to the court my experience with him was disgraceful
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16 Jun, 2021 by Anthony
I recently used The Postlethwaite Law Firm PLLC for my divorce. Preston was very informative and explained everything throughout the process. Due to the pandemic and the courts being closed, various parts of my stipulation changed. Despite that, Preston went above and beyond making the necessary changes and making sure that everything was squared away.
I've used a lawyer in the past, and if I had any questions or concerns they would charge me in blocks of time to answer or respond to my queries. Not so with Preston. In fact, he encouraged that I asked questions and voiced any and all concerns so I could be at ease throughout the process. I would highly recommend The Postlethwaite Law Firm PLLC and if need be, I would use them again
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21 Oct, 2023 by Tammy wood
Wouldn't help me at all,though listed as ssi practice.
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25 Jul, 2023 by Melissa bush
05 Feb, 2023 by Marcy adams
11 Sep, 2024 by Dimitrij g
This is the empire state building. I didnt see any Fidelity's office. Please update
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11 Jun, 2023 by Gustavo redondo
Empire State, hermosa vista desde la terraza
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27 Aug, 2022 by Ayodele akinkuolie
31 Jul, 2024 by S.m.
Went to court with them and got a signed document by the NYS Supreme Court agreeing to a smaller settlement with monthly payments. Was told I'd get contacted by mail, email, or phone in regards how to pay. Never received a thing. After multiple calls, mind you never a call back, finally got a website and control number. Logged on to pay the amount was the original full amount. Called and got transferred a voicemail. Sent an email as well with the documents from court. If I do not hear back I will be submitting all the documentation to the FTC for negligent practices. You as a company CANNOT supercede the judgement of a supreme court that you agreed to. This seems like a scam to get people to purposefully not pay the agreed terms, so you can come after them again for more money.
Update 7/31/24: I called again and spoke with a kind woman named Donna Green. She explained that the website will not reflect settlement amount, and that I only need to make my payments until the settlement amount is reached and not the full amount. I hope this bit of information is helpful for another person. Thank you for the explanation Donna Green.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Kevin
At first they refused to work with me until I called a week later and got a different rep and she agreed to take the payment arrangement I can afford. You can't get a confirmation number if you pay by phone so I started making my payments every month on time online until this month I go to make a payment and the website is totally different. I inputted all the correct info to make a payment on my account and made the payment as well as took a snapshot. This was on the 5th of this month and today the 21st I received a letter stating I defaulted on my stipulation agreement and need to make my payment or there taking me to court. So on the letter I got today they have a totally different website but the website doesn't exist or it says website is not secure and tried from multiple devices. The phone number is totally different from the original paperwork they sent me as well as the website is completely different. I pull up the screenshot of my payment I made this month and oddly the account number doesn't match my account but all my info is correct. If a payment was missed then why would you wait until the end of the month to say something first of all and secondly they immediately threaten you. Technically I don't owe them a thing being they bought my debt from the original creditor and that was there choice to buy it. I didn't borrow from them so I don't owe them anything but to avoid court I decided to just pay it monthly until it's done. The reviews are horrible for this company. I called the original number to speak with someone and the greeting is now for another company. Something doesn't add up with this company and whoever is running this place needs to get it together
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30 May, 2024 by Phil spencer
Don't pay these people. They make deals that you can pay this amount for a charge off that they bought for pennies. You had a contract with the original credit company not Forest and Garbage. They use illegal tactics to scare you. Just throw away any mail you receive from them cause it's junk mail. Use experion or another credit site and dispute all charge offs. You will get much further cause they have to prove you owe money which you did but not to these bozos. Also if they say they couldn't reach you it's a lie they even send out text messages trying to get a reply block them. Look up some youtube vids on this there's alot of info about the tactics they use.
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27 Sep, 2022 by Paul rory
We used James Walsh for our property purchase & he went way above and beyond throughout the entire process. James took all of our calls & answered questions making sure that we knew all the details. I recommend James to anyone needing any assistance with purchasing & property needs.
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06 Apr, 2022 by Toma dedaj
Great legal services performed by Mr. Walsh and his firm. I recommend him to all of my friends who are buying homes or for their estate planning needs.
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25 May, 2020 by Robert scarano
27 Sep, 2022 by Paul rory
We used James Walsh for our property purchase & he went way above and beyond throughout the entire process. James took all of our calls & answered questions making sure that we knew all the details. I recommend James to anyone needing any assistance with purchasing & property needs.
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06 Apr, 2022 by Toma dedaj
Great legal services performed by Mr. Walsh and his firm. I recommend him to all of my friends who are buying homes or for their estate planning needs.
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25 May, 2020 by Robert scarano
27 Sep, 2022 by Paul rory
We used James Walsh for our property purchase & he went way above and beyond throughout the entire process. James took all of our calls & answered questions making sure that we knew all the details. I recommend James to anyone needing any assistance with purchasing & property needs.
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06 Apr, 2022 by Toma dedaj
Great legal services performed by Mr. Walsh and his firm. I recommend him to all of my friends who are buying homes or for their estate planning needs.
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25 May, 2020 by Robert scarano
21 Aug, 2024 by Ryno pb
21 Jun, 2024 by Bree bree
THIS PLACE IS TERRIBLE NASTY AND DISGUSTING AND DISRESPECTFUL POOR HAD TOENAILS ON THE FLOOR AND THEY SUIED PEOPLE WHO DID NOTHING ONE EVEN CALLED ME THE. WORD AND HANGED UP WHOEVER SAYS THIS PLACE IS GOOD ARE FRICKING BOTS
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15 Jun, 2024 by Sally wu
23 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
She refuses to give money back on a transaction that was from a seller who lied about his property and then stated he did not want to sell to me. After months of not answering I am taking her to small claims court and to the Bar Association. Do not use this lawyer as she is not a good one
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22 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Would have closed on my dream house by now but this lawyer is unresponsive, lies and does not follow through on anything. She's not my lawyer but the seller's. My lawyer is awesome. Took this one over 4 weeks to get the contract for us to sign after much follow-up and threatening to search for other homes. She lied and said that the seller wouldn't do any of the fixes required by my lender. When we reached out to the seller he said everything was taken care of. Now we've been waiting for the fully executed contract for a week after sending my down-payment. My lawyer contacts her daily and still no response. Things that should take days take weeks and months with this office. AVOID LIKE A PLAGUE if you want something done.
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08 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
This attorney was hired to handle a closing. She did not know how to write a coop contract, did no research in timely manner to provide client with information needed to close, made no effort to find necessary documents, did not answer questions or follow-up on matters, was unavailable for timely meetings and consultation. In sum unqualified to handle anything relating to real estate.
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24 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
What can I say. Agree with last two reviews except the nice guy part. Before you send him money. He’ll send you cases he “won”.
After he gets his money. He’ll start telling you about all the ones he lost.
Recommend not recommending.
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02 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
During an Arbitration he failed to hear key points that I had to ask him did he hear, in short, no he did not. His one on one time was horrible (preparation didn't happen one on one face to face until the day before Arbitration) and he was very forgetful at times. To be honest I needed him to make statements on my behalf for the record because I knew the Arbitration was a wash from the time all lawyers walked out the room for a quick meet and the Arbitrator started making small talk with the Director, who knew from day one he was going to fire me regardless. In Hindsight I wish I never hired him. Very nice guy but way over-confident and he just didn't have the patience to do proper prep face to face and take some direction. A few thousand more I could have hired a specialist who won prior cases but it was too late. The money was gone and 9 years later I just now have enough money to sue the old job who pretty much conspired amongst a group to remove me. Can't really say more publicly do to an upcoming case to make this right, but please don't take what I say alone. Don't make the mistake I did. Do your homework first and look up case files with the right lawyers name attached. A took on Denis because a co-worker used him and this is not a good idea, especially if he is friends with the Jobs lawyer (who he under-estimated) that is coming after you. I don't say that with Malice but it is what it is. If Denis is all you can afford just remember, you get what you pay for, and once the bill is due, you to pay him win or lose regardless if he hypes you up and says he is going to save your job. Be careful. Life decisions when picking a lawyer have lasting affects financially and mentally.
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13 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
You get what you pay for. He is a nice guy but when you are trying to get an end result regardless of win or lose, he can get deer vision and stop hearing you. Before I knew it, the other side was having a friendly conversation with the Arbitraitor and while my team was out the room. The case was doomed but I needed two points of interest put into the case file. This guy just would not listen.
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13 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Very unprofessional and in retrospect, incompetent, vindictive and vile. She will waste your time. For her fees you can go to ANY other lawyer and not have to worry about whether they are deliberately messing things up to charge you. She is lucky I did not file a complaint against her with the bar, but I still might. Lesson learned, if it looks like a beast, then it is.
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26 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
We used Ms. Geronimo for a brief time, and ended up switching to a more competent, professional, responsive attorney. Ms. Geronimo will spend lots of time in conversation (and time is money!), and takes a very long time to get things done. There are much, much better attorneys in the area, whose practices are run in a much smoother, more professional manner.
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11 Oct, 2021 by Brian
Very pretentious and irresponsible, claims to study law but acts recklessly when it comes to legal actions.
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10 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
I gave my divorce case to be handled by his consultancy.
Not only the case has not be handled by him personnally, but by a junion lawyer but,
After the decition to go on a Judicially Hosted Conference mediation, Dominique was unable to ink a deal on this day. We left the conference with "bullet points".
Then it took three extra months to finalize the deal with the opposing party, while he's been charging fees!
The final divorce paper contains terms that I didn't agree with on that day,
incurring more than $15.000 extra expenses related to "who pays what in the end" but I was forced to sign, as the judge hosting the conference was turning impatient!
Dominique Lemoine persist to minimize what I consider his mistake- of not leaving the conference room with a definitive paper signed by the two parties.
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18 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Koh's ONLY interest is taking every dime you have with no regard for your interests or, apparently the law. He represents himself as the poster boy for moral rectitude, but in reality he the worst kind of con man and shiester. He is either TOTALLY incompetent, or more likely, actively undermined my interest in the service of his and his firms interests (financial and for future consideration for he and his law firm). I am intending on filing a complaint with the New York Bar Ass. for capturing fees, misrepresenting the law, and literally blackmailing me into accepting an unfavorable settlement. After 5 years and approximately $1,000,000 in legal fees Koh NEVER even obtain basic discovery, including my own account history! I was sued for eviction over $2,253 in unauthorized and fraudulent late fees (in fact late fees were only authorized by the Board 6 days prior to their filing the eviction proceedings), from a $1,350,000 co-op I owned OUTRIGHT. Yet it some how took 5 years and over $800,000 to get my one day trial, and after over $1,000,000 in legal fees Koh never even obtained a copy of my own account history!! He then strong armed me into take a terrible settlement ( threatening to quit every other day while cashing checks for tens of thousands of dollars a month), and pulled a bait and switch! In other words, after charging about $40,000 to negotiate a settlement, Koh, during allocation allowed the defense (I counter sued for damages) to change the terms. When I objected, he cut my off saying (on the record), "this is not the time. We can discuss this later". Her then delayed providing me a copy of the release, which bore NO resemblance to what I was told I was agreeing to, Koh LITERALLY refused to address my concerns or enforce the terms he was paid over $40,000 to negotiate, and threatened to resign, leaving me with no representation if I didn't sign.
RUN AS FAR AND AS FAST AS YOU CAN!!!! How I wish I had!!!!!
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06 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Greedy-just took money, but frustrated with delays and lack of actual concern about case. He also seemed outdated about employment law and I did not trust his judgment-
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11 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
This attorney a Public Defender was assigned to me by Brooklyn Defenders to represent me at a Supreme Court.
My first encounter with Attorney Ms. Shaidad was very negative on her part, Ms. Shaidad was not prepared when in court she never met with me, introduce herself or attempted to contact me while I was inside the court, I only became of her presence when my case was called in front of the Magistrate.
During the hearing Ms. Shahidad distracted me from what magistrate was saying, she refuse to explain what was going on and refuse to refute the demands on the other parties attorney.
After the hearing Ms. Shahidad lied to me that she called out my name and falsely claimed that I was not at the hearing, I immediately met with her Supervisor,I was informed by said Supervisor Mr. Baum Esq. Any further incidents to bring it to his attention, During our second meeting Ms. Shahidad, did not send my case documents that my other Public Defender who did an excellent job representing transfer the case documents to her which she falsely claim she never recieved, Ms. Shahidad later stated she had sent it to my mailing address then later she sent it to my regular address that she knew I had no access to. Ms.Shahid was untruthful claim that she did not have my information of the mailing address, when her colleagues had confirmed to me that information Ms. Shahid already had it, When I enquired about my case as it was progressing thru the courts, Ms. Shahid, would dismiss me on everything refused to talk to me about the case instead complained to me that I reported to her Supervisor which she made it clear when we had a important meeting with the D.As Office when I informed Ms. Shahid that Its already been resolved over a month ago and of moving forward Ms. Shahid continued to complianed angrily by threathen me of walking away from my case and from the meeting with the D.A.
Our last encounter Ms. Shahid intentionally delay my case for 2 months When we last met, I had sent Email of concerns and questions about my case since Ms. Shahid was none responsive in our meeting she refused to discussed the case and wanted me to agree on an unrelated matter, when I enquired about the case and press to discuss of an important dismissal. Ms. Shadid falsly accused me of harassing her, since we where in a privated meeting room, I immediately walk out and I informed the receptionist, I requested to speak to the Supervisor Mr. Baum, when he was unavailable I informed Ms.Shahid that I would report her conduct and retribution. Supervisor Ms. Burke a direct suoerv. met with me, I had agreed to give Ms. Shahid a 2nd opportunity even thought I had requested for the 2X a replacement due to Ms. Shahid extreme bias, as per Ms. Burke she told me that we where going to work things out and asked me to give her another chance, there was no other attorney that specialises in my case.
Ms. Shahid direct Superv. Ms. Burke mislead me to believed that things where going to be fine with with Ms. Shahid by sending me a Email detailing information of the case also of sending me my court case documents. ( which I never recieved)
A month an a half later on my Court date Both Ms. Shahid and her Direct supervisor Ms. Burke showed up and Ms. Burke with out previous notification nor did she informed me, abrutly recused Ms. Shahid under the false pretence of alledge lack of communication, when I asked Ms. Burke why she did not notifying me of her recusal, Ms. Burke stated it was the Emails I had sent, the actions taken by Both Brooklyn Public Defenders Ms. Shekera Shahid and her Direct Superv. Ms. Burke whom mislead me to believed that I would have legal unbiased representation their actions created further delays and jeopardize the case.
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26 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Dissatisfied with performance and results. Do further research before you engage.
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09 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Is a thief takes advantage of the elderly you charged them 1500 for ten min never honored their wishes cut people out the will make them a power of attorney only to take their houses your mean and intimidating you prey on the weak . Threaten both of us
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20 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Attorney has staff that aparantly does everything. He is not prepped on any of his cases and is not very knowledgable when it comes to current laws as far as I can tell. He is attentive and give very vague and brief answers that is inconsistent and unsensible.
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22 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Goldstein has a large number of cases on the docket in Poughkeepsie at any given time. He churns his clients through with the least amount of work possible. He gives no attention to any given case,he just counts on volume for money. He was not responsive to any contact I attempted,in fact he kept important court dates from me. His work is sloppy at best,and I found him to be lacking in basic knowledge . Find another attorney to serve your needs.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
I have worked with many attorneys and I wouldn't hire this guy to wash my car let alone represent my legal interests. When you ask a question he makes up an answer instead of telling you he needs to research it. He says "uh" every other word and clearly needs a few classes in English, as well as 3 more years in law school.
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23 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
Pohl was the hearing Officer on a case involving a Police Officer with a clean work history. Pohl recommended termination over the miscalculation of 2 hours of comp time that was never received or used. The officer was never the subject of any prior discplinary action and had several commendations. The decision he issued was overturned in Supreme Court, where the Judge noted it was the worst case of injustice he has ever seen. The officer was re-instated and resigned from the department. In my opinion Pohl lacks integrity and I DO NOT recommend him for anything.
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23 May, 2017 by Anonymous
He could not have been more unpleasant and disappointing. He gained absolutely nothing for me and charged more than $48,000 @$1000/hour! A total waste of time and money!
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30 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Minimum effort, hour padding, waste of time. I regret ever dealing with this attorney. Easy payday for him as nothing was really accomplished.
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17 Oct, 2021 by Unknown
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20 Jul, 2021 by Donna lee
I hired Mr. Williams back in 2019. He made it clear that he would let me know when I would incur fees that were larger than the original retainer. He never did He never did any work. I found that out from the opposing side. I have every email to prove correspondence of everything that transpired. When I confronted him in emil, he claimed that I did not want to pay for more services. He made sure to use up my 2400 retainer looking up laws that he should already know. i showed him the email from the creditor showing that he never contacted them. The creditor thought that I was lying about having an attorney. Unethical and arrogant.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Spockstein adventures
My Employer went with this firm during 2020 For my immigration services to file the 485 Application, They charged 3X than any other competent law firms but they delayed my application delays and costed me 4 years and nothing helped. They were supposed to send on 10/22 but sent on 10/30/2022 because they sent along with other applicants but we paid more fee. we fed hefty fee for bad advices and we regret going with this law firm.Hope this helps to others(It was only one application from our firm and paid as good as 3 you can understand the pain)
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06 Jun, 2024 by Spockstein adventures
My Employer went with this firm during 2020 For my immigration services to file the 485 Application, They charged 3X than any other competent law firms but they delayed my application delays and costed me 4 years and nothing helped. They were supposed to send on 10/22 but sent on 10/30/2022 because they sent along with other applicants but we paid more fee. we fed hefty fee for bad advices and we regret going with this law firm.Hope this helps to others(It was only one application from our firm and paid as good as 3 you can understand the pain)
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Lawsuit / Dispute Lawyer Can Do for You
A lawsuit or dispute lawyer, often referred to as a litigation lawyer, specializes in handling legal conflicts between individuals, businesses, or organizations. These lawyers represent clients in civil lawsuits, helping to resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation in court. They can assist with a wide range of disputes, including contract disagreements, property disputes, business conflicts, personal injury claims, and more.
If you are involved in a legal conflict and need representation, a dispute lawyer can guide you through the litigation process - from filing or defending against a lawsuit to negotiating settlements or representing you at trial.
When Should I Hire a Lawsuit / Dispute Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a lawsuit or dispute lawyer when you're involved in a legal disagreement that cannot be resolved informally and may require legal action. Common reasons to hire a lawyer include:
- Breach of contract: If someone has failed to fulfill the terms of a contract, a lawyer can help you file a lawsuit to seek damages or enforce the agreement.
- Business disputes: Whether it's a partnership disagreement, shareholder conflict, or a dispute with a supplier or customer, a lawyer can help resolve business-related issues.
- Property disputes: If you're involved in a dispute over property ownership, boundary issues, or landlord-tenant conflicts, a lawyer can assist in resolving the matter.
- Personal injury claims: If you were injured due to someone else's negligence and are seeking compensation, a lawyer can represent you in a personal injury lawsuit.
- Debt collection or defense: If you're being sued for unpaid debts or need to collect a debt owed to you, a lawyer can represent you in court or negotiate settlements.
- Employment disputes: If you're involved in an employment-related dispute, such as wrongful termination or discrimination, a lawyer can help you file a claim and represent you in court.
- Defending against a lawsuit: If you've been sued, a lawyer can defend you against the claims, challenge the evidence, and negotiate a settlement or represent you at trial.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help ensure that your case is properly managed and that your rights are protected throughout the dispute resolution process.
What Does a Lawsuit / Dispute Lawyer Do?
A lawsuit or dispute lawyer provides a wide range of services to help clients navigate legal conflicts and seek resolution. Their tasks typically include:
- Evaluating your case: Reviewing the facts and evidence to determine the strength of your case or defense and advising you on the best course of action.
- Filing lawsuits or responding to lawsuits: If you're the plaintiff, the lawyer will file a lawsuit on your behalf. If you're the defendant, they will respond to the lawsuit and build a defense strategy.
- Gathering evidence: Collecting and reviewing evidence such as contracts, emails, financial records, and witness statements to support your case.
- Handling negotiations: Negotiating with the opposing party to reach a settlement before the case goes to trial, which can save time and money.
- Representing you in court: Presenting your case in court if a settlement cannot be reached, including presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and making legal arguments on your behalf.
- Exploring alternative dispute resolution (ADR): Suggesting mediation or arbitration as alternatives to a trial, which can be faster and less expensive.
- Drafting legal documents: Preparing and filing necessary legal documents such as complaints, motions, and responses, as well as drafting settlement agreements if a resolution is reached.
How Are Lawsuit / Dispute Lawyers Paid?
The fee structure for lawsuit or dispute lawyers varies depending on the complexity of the case, the type of dispute, and the lawyer's experience. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Many lawsuit lawyers charge by the hour, especially for cases that require extensive preparation, research, and trial work. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Contingency fee: In certain cases, such as personal injury or breach of contract claims, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win the case, usually taking a percentage (typically 25% to 40%) of the settlement or damages awarded.
- Flat fee: For specific services, such as filing a simple lawsuit or representing you in mediation, some lawyers may charge a flat fee.
- Retainer: In complex cases or long-term litigation, a lawyer may ask for a retainer, which is an upfront payment to secure their services. The lawyer will then bill against the retainer as they work on the case.
Discuss the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how fees will be handled throughout the case.
How Much Does a Lawsuit / Dispute Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a lawsuit or dispute lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer's experience, and the fee structure they use. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly rates: Lawyers may charge between $150 and $500 per hour, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or cases requiring extensive trial preparation.
- Contingency fees: If your lawyer works on a contingency basis, expect them to take 25% to 40% of any settlement or court award. For example, if you win $100,000 and the contingency fee is 33%, the lawyer would receive $33,000.
- Flat fees: For less complex disputes or tasks, such as drafting a settlement agreement or representing you in mediation, flat fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the scope of work.
- Retainers: Some lawyers require an upfront retainer fee, which can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the case complexity and expected litigation length.
Make sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of fees during your consultation so you know what to expect.
Top Questions to Ask a Lawsuit / Dispute Lawyer
Before hiring a lawsuit or dispute lawyer, consider asking the following questions:
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What experience do you have with cases like mine?
Ensure the lawyer has handled similar disputes and is familiar with the relevant area of law. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether they charge hourly, on a contingency fee basis, or offer flat fees, and ask for a detailed cost estimate. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case and potential challenges. -
Have you handled cases that went to trial?
If a trial is possible, confirm the lawyer has courtroom experience. -
How long will the process take?
Get an estimate of the timeline for resolving your dispute. -
Will you handle my case personally?
Understand who will manage your case and their level of involvement.
How to Check the Credibility of a Lawsuit / Dispute Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable lawyer, take the following steps:
- Check their bar status: Confirm with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and has no disciplinary actions.
- Look for relevant experience: Review their website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in litigation or dispute resolution.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for feedback on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should provide references from past clients.
- Check for professional affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Bar Association’s Section of Litigation can indicate expertise.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your initial meeting, bring the following:
- Contracts or agreements: Copies of any signed contracts or relevant agreements.
- Emails and communications: Any written communication between you and the other party.
- Evidence of the dispute: Receipts, financial records, photos, or witness statements related to the conflict.
- Timeline of events: A clear chronology of the dispute, including key dates and interactions.
- List of questions: Prepared questions about your case, the legal process, costs, and strategy.
Being well-prepared will help the lawyer assess your case effectively and provide you with the best legal advice on how to proceed.
